Visitors from retailers including Clintons, Oliver Bonas, Fenwick Ltd, Cardzone, Lakeland, M&S, Matalan, Pengethley Garden Centre, Aldi, Tesco, TJX Europe, Toys R Us, The Works, WHSMITH, Wm Morrisons Supermarkets, Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, and British Garden Centres attended Autumn Fair, the UK’s leading wholesale marketplace for home, gift and fashion taking place at NEC Birmingham, and were treated to a stimulating and informative day of trends and product inspiration.

In collaboration with its trend agency partner TrendBible, Autumn Fair hosted two trend presentations focusing on the key lifestyle trends for home, gifting and celebration delivering vital insights into the consumer behaviours and lifestyle choices set to underpin product and design trends over the next 12 months.

Naomi Pollard, Head of Publications at TrendBible opened the trends programme this morning with the much-anticipated Home and Interior Lifestyle Trends for 2024 and an overview of four key Macro Trends that carry throughout the year; The Great Renovation, Meta Discovery, Democratising Domesticity and Inherent in Nature. Pollard gave the audience an in-depth insight into The Great Renovation.

Embedded in social and cultural threads, The Great Renovation sees households undertaking a shift where the home becomes a sanctuary; blended families need more flexibility and continued focus moves towards a more carbon neutral future.  Textile is key in this trend, the psychological impact of colours take effect, with peachy apricots and deep dark browns injecting warmth. This is translated into product with consumers starting to future proof with quality items that can be adapted to weather specific elements.

Four SS24 trends were also introduced; Avatar Lounge, Natural Balance, Memory Collectors and Space to Heal. Noami took the audience through the latter, Space to Heal, which sits at the intersection of self-care and sustainability. The self-care movement is maturing, we’re entering an anti-hustle mindset where focus is on the sustainability of a lifestyle. Comfort is found in a heightened sense of what is around us and what we really need. This is a meaningful form of minimalism, softness sits alongside frugality with a pastel colour palette. Delicate dusky peach and mauve tones make up the base of this palette, combined with soft hazy greens; a discreet pop of acid lemon yellow is gently uplifting, making it feel brighter for spring/summer. This palette has been designed for mixing and matching providing opportunities for layering of décor.

Looking at Autumn/Winter 2024/25, Pollard introduced Soul Searching, The Last Forest, High Vibe and Rework. Rework touches on the new fundamentals in functional interiors; future proofing and playful utility. Products cover a wide scope with a focus on making and mending, a greater respect for makers, where workmanship replaces craftsmanship. Home accessories are functional and playful; elevating mundane items in the home to bring joy. Colour blocked cook and dine products give a chic canteen vibe, whilst dining experiences are low-key and casual. Stationery and greetings are bright and bold designs inspired by graphic design contrasting with colour block stripes.

The afternoon trend session, Trendbible’s AW24 Gifting and Celebration Trendsgave insight into two trends; Modern Love an celebration of hedonism, and 2024 festive trend Retracing Roots.

Modern Love followers the resurgence of Goth culture with a glamorous twist. The pursuit of pleasure defines this rebellious story for 2024; lavish dinners and extravagant parties offer the perfect outlet to indulge. Design is inspired by a melting pot of anti-establishment movements embracing goth and punk; gothic typefaces sit alongside Neo-traditional tattoo inspired illustrations, and ‘rock hand’ motifs. Messages and editorial are not for the faint of heart with a heavy dose of dark humour and profanity. This clashes with the sugary sweet and overtly feminine touches here, like bold pink and red stripes, lips and heart repeat patterns.

There's a desire to break away from tradition entirely for the occasions, that ‘do it your way’ mentality influences the rise of alternative weddings, where brides wear black and grooms wear pink - there are no rules. Food and drink is driven by pure indulgence from caviar and champagne to fast food. Pollard says, “Embrace the wild, hedonistic spirit of this trend which invites customers to let go of their emotional luggage for a moment. Celebration is found in freedom from social norms, indulging without guilt and embracing the basic human coping mechanism of humour in difficult times.”

Retracing Roots, TrendBible’s AW24 Festive Trend brings a sense of connection; a universal craving that will resonate across the globe the festive season. There's a Northeast European theme emerging here driven by socio political factors. Family and friends gather festive rituals old or new, from telling stories to unboxing decorative treasures. Traditional carved wooden ornaments are designed to be preserved and passed on through generations. The spotlight on Eastern Europe influences pattern and illustration with folk inspired florals painted and embroidered across accessories, baubles and gifts.

The palette here is rich, with florals for the winter season and a familiar festive palette of rich berry tones that feels comforting and nostalgic. Classic reds and greens sit alongside burgundy wine shades, delicate gold and pale pinks which add a bit of magic and luxury here. Dense florals showcasing the richness of the palette, alongside quilting inspired coordinates for luxurious, festive gift wrap.

On the show floor, reports continued to flow with positivity from retailers and exhibitors. The show also welcomed a host of new retailers who visited the show for the first time.

First timers Denise Gammer & Paula Roberts, from Chic Boutique xx in Pembrokesaid, “It is the first Autumn Fair for us, we are looking for clothing, footwear and accessories, I like to be able to feel and see the products so it was important for us to come. All the communications regarding Connect were really easy to follow with clear instructions and informative. We easily managed to create our profile and it was handy to find people, see their products and stand numbers then click through where they are on the map.  We planned our days this way, booking meetings hall by hall for each day. It was much easier than moving around between the halls all day. We have just had our Connect meeting with Goose Island and really like My Doris. The Connect lounge has been nice, we needed the rest!”

Deborah Waddle from The Pineapple Room, Whitley Bay adds, “This is our first visit to Autumn Fair, and we are on our second day at the show. We wanted to look for particular things and have found most of them. The stands have been really busy, we watched the fashion show which was really good. We used the app and made a couple of meetings but our train was delayed so had to cancel them, but would definitely use Connect to organise meetings again as it makes it easier to navigate around the show.”

Longstanding visitor Ann Dicken from At Home Furnishings in Stockton-on-Teessaid, “I've been coming to this show for about 20 years, this year is good, we've seen some new suppliers. This fair is great, it's big so you can walk around a few times and still find hidden gems. It's my favourite show, it's less stressful compared to the other shows I attend.”

Regular visitor, Robin Johnston from No 34 Boutique in Market Harborough said, “This is our first day at the show, we are old hands at Autumn Fair, we generally know who we need to see and have a focused day visiting stands we know, we don't wander around. We have existing relationships but we do like to identify new suppliers, and we found them via Connect. There are a couple of sock suppliers, one we have worked with consistently and they keep upping their game, and another, Socktopus, who we found through Connect and we had a meeting with them that was really good. The way the show is set out makes it very easy for us to do an efficient day.”

Another Connect advocate, Laura Wright from Flutter Home & Gift in Derby said, “There's loads here, such a variety. It's really great to be here. I have used the Connect app, it's amazing. The Connect buyers lounge is brilliant because it’s a really good calm space to come and gather your thoughts. I have used the app, it's great that there is a map and you can bookmark the places you want to go to and use the directions, just like google maps. It's such a big show I can easily get lost so this has really helped.”

Marianne Lindsay from Wilkies Trading Ltd, Scotland was also positive, “It is great to see everything under one roof. There is a good assortment of brands and categories, it works really well for us. It's good to pick up some newness and excitement. When you walk around the trends start to show, and you don't see that if you don't visit trade shows. I love the New Product Showcase, the theme looks wonderful. It's been full on today, but really good, I've gone mad buying and then I can relax a bit. I walk the show first, then walk back otherwise I'm like a child in a sweetshop! I have used the Connect app, it's so helpful as the show can feel like a rabbit warren, the map is so helpful. It's very user friendly. I have 2 Connect meetings tomorrow. I think next season with more understanding of the platform it will be really helpful.”

Mark Warr from Bumble Living in Monmouth benefited from the show’s feature areas, saying “The show is good, there are some interesting things here. There are some nice smaller brands exhibiting, rather than all the big brands, it's nice to see something a little bit unusual. We are out looking for something a little bit different to what we are currently doing. We found some nice greeting and note cards. We also found some cool umbrellas by Emily Smith. The New Product Showcase is handy and The Gift Of The Year helps direct us where to go.”

Upbeat feedback from exhibitors included Sally Thompson, Head of Sales from Half Moon Bay who is having a great show, saying “We have met our existing and new customers at Autumn Fair. Connect meetings have been good for us, including international connections and has given us an opportunity to show our By Design range, which we have had really good feedback on.”

Oliver Butts, Managing Director, The English Soap Company was also over the moon saying, “The show has gone fantastically well, we're delighted with the Autumn Fair. It is great to get the orders in and then you can plan for Christmas as well.  We have definitely seen the people we wanted to meet, a combination of new customers and new businesses as well as our key existing customers. We sell hand creams, hand soaps, washes and similar products and the show environment is essential for customers to come and try, feel and smell our products, the trade shows really do anchor our business.”

Adam Langley, Sales Director, Professor Puzzle commented, “We have had a great show, it has been really busy today and yesterday.  Yesterday we took a very good amount of orders and today we have seen a good amount of great customers from both independents and majors, we have had people from a real cross section of the market, WHSmith, Lakeland, we have had meetings with The Works. So far Sunday and Monday has been a great and solid show, with a good level of business.”

Rob Franks, Managing Director of Nova Leathers, was buoyed by the new business opportunities, “We have had a really good show, it has been really positive. We have been able to meet with lots of our clients and also just as importantly picked up new stockists across boutiques and garden centres.”

The show reopens tomorrow at 9am with a content focus on sustainability with the Products of Change team. Visit www.autumnfair.com for more information.

Source Home & Gift welcomed visitors from Disney, Morrisons, M&S, Next, Costcutter, AIS, Alzheimers Society, Amazon, B&Q, Card Factory, Ridleys Games, and many more, keen to discover the best responsible manufacturers from key sourcing regions around the world.

Talking about his experience at the show, Mike Dickens, Senior Program Manager, Amazon said, “Source Home & Gift is a great chance to meet lots of potential domestic and international suppliers in one place. Early face-to-face interactions with suppliers give you a good opportunity to build trust and rapport before getting into business together.”

Claire Bagnall-Hunt, Senior Commercial Trading Executive, Alzheimers Society added, ‘’We’re looking for ethical and responsible suppliers that are based in the UK, particularly those with on-trend products, and so we were very interested in attending Source Home & Gift. We’ll definitely be coming again for February’s edition to find even more UK based suppliers.’’

The show opened with a celebration of porcelain from the Fujain region of China and the rich heritage of the Dehua ceramic industry – the birthplace of Chinese ceramic culture - and put the spotlight on 15 ceramic exhibitors from the region displaying more than 2,000 pieces of Dehua ceramics.

Hosting an opening ceremony, the show welcomed Huang Wenjie, Senior Consultant, Dehua County People's Government, Chen Guojin, Consultant, the People's Government of Longxun Town, Dehua County, Xu Yongsheng , Consultant, the People's Government of Xunzhong Town, Dehua County, Yan Ruchun, Consultant, Dehua County People's Government, Huang Penghui, Director, Dehua County Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, and Zeng Huawei, Deputy Director, Dehua County Merchants Service Center.

Nicola Meadows, Divisional Managing Director for Retail, Manufacturing and Engineering at Hyve Group said, “This signals the start of a renewed relationship with our Chinese partners, in particular Dehua County in the Fujain Province. China has always been a significant trading partner to the UK.  In the last year we have imported over £38billion worth of goods from China, making it one of our largest, and most important trading partners.

“The last few years has seen significant disruption to our global supply chains, and retail, as well as manufacturing, is in a transformation process. This is not just a transformation of supply chains but also reflects how retail and manufacturers are reacting to consumer changes, and our need to provide them with products that are on trend but made in a better way. Source Home & Gift, and indeed all Hyve retail events, create an important platform that facilitates trade in order to fuel UK retail. We see this as the beginning of our journey as we help connect UK buyers and sourcing professionals with products made responsibly from around the world.”

Mr Huang Wenjie, Senior Consultant, Dehua County People's Government added, “Located in Fujian Province on the southeast coast of China, Dehua is a beautiful city founded over 1,000 years ago. More than 3,700 years ago, the ancestors of Dehua began to make ceramics, which became an important birthplace of Chinese ceramic culture.

“During the Song and Yuan dynasties in China, Dehua ceramics were continuously sold to Europe and other places through maritime trade. The Italian traveller Marco Polo praised Dehua porcelain as "both plentiful and beautiful" in his travelogues, and the Dehua porcelain he brought back with him when he returned to China was treasured in St. Mark's Basilica in Venice, becoming the first recorded piece of Chinese porcelain to reach Europe. Since then, Dehua porcelain has become the object of pursuit by European aristocrats because of its unique characteristics, opening the history of imitation of Dehua white porcelain in Europe. The relationship between Britain and Dehua white porcelain is very far-reaching, in 1685 the British merchant ship "Chinese Merchant" began a large-scale transportation of Dehua porcelain back to Europe, and the British Museum has been collecting Dehua white porcelain since its establishment in 1753, and the collection has reached more than 2,000 pieces.

“Today's Dehua, ceramic output value of 50.2 billion yuan, is the leading industry in the county, with more than 4,000 ceramic enterprises, more than 100,000 employees, one in three permanent residents are engaged in ceramics-related occupations, more than 60% of the county's ceramic products are exported. Duhua exports to more than 190 countries and regions, in 2015 the United Nations World Handicraft Council awarded Dehua the world's only "world ceramic capital", in 2021 Dehua kiln site was included in the "World Heritage List". It is one of the first world cultural heritage sites of ceramic kilns.

“Standing at a new starting point, we are implementing the five-year action plan geared around building a high-quality development of the "China White Dehua Porcelain" industry, striving to build a 100 billion ceramic industrial cluster by 2027 and accelerating the construction of a happy and liveable world porcelain capital.”

This afternoon, the Responsible Sourcing Stage hosted ‘Business Talks: Building a household brand the right way’ session, with Cassandra Stavrou MBE, founder of PROPER Snacks and pioneer of the healthy snacking boom. Cassandra took the audience on her entrepreneurial journey whilst revealing her “rules for business”, tangible insights on marketing, sustainability, leadership and more, which have propelled her company to over £100m in sales.

“About 12 years ago, I spotted a gap in the market for healthier snacks. Our first customer was Google HQ and we went on to become the world’s first b-Corp snack company, and PROPER are now the fastest growing snack company in Europe” she said. “Retrospectively, one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is; ‘how does it make you feel?’ It’s the question I always come back to. What doesn’t move you, won’t move anyone else. We’re emotional creatures, we put feeling before truth, we put beauty before logic. The difference between emotion and reason, is reason leads to conclusions and emotions lead to actions. In 2011 we launched our first packaging, and after about 9 months I decided I wanted to change it, and a year later I changed it again. Almost every year for the last 12 years we’ve changed our packaging.

“Second on this list is, ‘What do you do?’ in our case, we sell snacks. You either create something the world wants, or you spend all your time convincing the world they want it. The thing I’ve learned time and time again is don’t lose focus on what you’re selling; quality beats any business plan. Without the best products, everything has less meaning.”

Discussing the core of PROPER’s success, Cassandra expanded, “I have zero tolerance in our business for those who don’t stand for our values. I’m looking for people to join our team and become builders not tenants; those who put on their metaphorical hard hat and problem solve. It boils down to three things; Creative Entrepreneurialism, Embracing Ambiguity – embrace contradiction, and creatively problem solve, and thirdly, Acting. Nothing is more energising in a business than taking action, an impatient business is a progressive business and restlessness drives risk taking that keeps you relevant.

“There is no such thing as a failed entrepreneur or innovator. You took the risk of making something for the world, it takes risk, sacrifice, guts. In recessionary times we need innovators, particularly in the face of climate change. If you do feel self-doubt, remember you’re doing something exceptional and that should continue to drive you forward.”

Taking place across four days at the NEC Birmingham and running parallel to Autumn Fair, Source Home & Gift offers a diverse showcase of homewares, furniture, gifts, toys, textiles, packaging, and stationery and greetings producers and manufacturers from over 350 exhibitors from over 15 countries including Bangladesh, China, Germany, Ghana, Hong Kong, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Palestine, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Uganda, UK, Uzbekistan, and Egypt.

Source Home & Gift is co-located with Autumn Fair, bringing the entire retail supply chain under one roof and creating the “must-attend” event for the UK buying community. The show is open until Wednesday. Visit www.source-homeandgift.com for more information.

One of the horticultural industry’s biggest movers and shakers, Jeffrey Bernhard, sadly passed away on August 24th 2023, following deterioration of his heart and lung functions due to old age.

Jeff lived a full life and was thinking and planning to the very end. Having achieved one final milestone in his remarkable time with us – his 100th birthday on August 7^th – he passed away quietly in his sleep and is resting peacefully at last.

Jeffrey leaves behind an extraordinary legacy in the wider horticultural industry. Many well-known industry bodies, including HTA, GCA, IGC, BALI, BGL and ELCA have been significantly influenced by his energetic contributions, his vision and determination. Other organisations have also benefited from his engagement, enthusiasm, and leadership. These include, Round Table, 41 Club, Rotary, Masonic Lodge and The Worshipful Company of Gardeners, a renowned City Livery Company. He was recognised for his significant influence in the Horticultural industry, being awarded an OBE by our late Queen Elizabeth II. Many other impressive awards have been steeped upon him. The world of horticulture owes Jeffrey a big thanks and happily, his legacy speaks volumes.

In a statement the Bernhard family said: “Jeffrey was an iconic individual as a father, family man and a grandfather, and latterly, as a great grandfather. Coming from a very troubled childhood in war-torn Europe, he began his adult life completely alone. He had only memories and aspirations to keep him going. Throughout his long life he was utterly determined and focused on success. While this may have created the man we know today, naturally it conflicted with family life and culture as we assume it normally should be. As he aged, success followed, and he was able to focus much more on his grandchildren. He was a terrific granddad, providing meticulously for their future in creative ways to benefit them. In recent years, Jeffrey has been devoted to building strong relationships with his wider family who are spread around the globe. He’s been a role model in that regard for many of today’s generation of family. We’re fortunate to have had such a generous and kind man in our lives. There’s a universal sense of appreciation of that love and we feel a huge loss throughout the whole family.

“We'll all have interesting, diverse and fond memories of Jeffrey. He was symbolic of that generation who lived between the 1900's and 1970's. He, his siblings and cousins experienced the chaos and misery left over from the second world war and they transitioned to the excitement of the sixties and seventies when a new generation was born. Jeff's generation looked back on fear, suffering, and loss, while looking forward with optimism, building a new world of growth and opportunity for us. We are the ones fortunate to have benefited from their vision drive and energy.

“Now our children have today's challenges to contend with. They can reflect with admiration on the life and times of Jeff's generation and be grateful for what they have inherited. 

“The Bernhard family send you all our kind regards and sincere good wishes for the future.”

The funeral will be announced in due course, likely to be around September 25th/26th at Bilton Church.

Southern Trident, a pioneering leader in sustainable charcoal production, has been awarded the prestigious Sustainability Impact Award at the Four Oaks Trade Show, making it three awards in three years. This recognition underscores the company's commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainability, as exemplified by its revolutionary Coco Burn coconut shell BBQ charcoal.

The Sustainability Impact Award, a highly esteemed accolade within the industry, acknowledges Southern Trident's dedication to addressing the critical issue of deforestation caused by traditional wood-based charcoal production. It highlights the company's remarkable efforts to reduce the environmental impact of barbecuing and grilling activities by utilizing coconut shells, a waste byproduct, to create an eco-friendly alternative.

Wood-based charcoal production is a major contributor to deforestation, with approximately 1.6 million trees being felled annually to meet the demand for charcoal. Southern Trident has recognized this problem and developed the Coco Burn charcoal, a sustainable and renewable solution that leaves a significantly smaller carbon footprint.

Key benefits of Coco Burn Coconut Shell BBQ Charcoal include:

• Environmental Conservation: Coco Burn is derived from discarded coconut shells, eliminating the need for tree felling and reducing waste in coconut-producing regions.
• High-Quality Performance: Coco Burn offers superb grilling performance, comparable to traditional charcoal, ensuring a delightful cooking experience for grill enthusiasts. It ignites in 15-20 minutes, has a 3-4 hour burn time and burns more consistently and with less smoke than wood-based charcoal.
• Eco-Friendly Packaging: Southern Trident uses eco-conscious packaging materials, further reducing the product's environmental impact.

"We are thrilled to receive the Sustainability Impact Award at the Four Oaks Trade Show," said Steve Harper, Southern Trident’s CEO. "This recognition affirms our dedication to sustainability and our mission to combat deforestation. By choosing Coco Burn, consumers can guilt free enjoy their favourite BBQ activities while making a positive contribution to our planet."

For further information, contact: Steve Harper on 07721 849677 or by email steve@southerntrident.com

www.southerntrident.com

https://www.facebook.com/cocoandcoir

Charles Taylor has launched a new bird table range – The Kielder Range – to complement its successful and easily recognisable UK manufactured outdoor seating and planting range.

Richard Ball, Director of Charles Taylor, said: “We have been approached by a number of our customers to design and supply a range of bird tables to complement our existing range. 

“Working closely with our customers we have come up with a starter range which we feel sits well in the market.

“As ever we have worked hard on providing realistic retail prices which, as we all know, is pivotal in sales.

“We recognised a gap in the market where providing an uncomplicated range with attractive prices is essential.”

KEY FEATURES

• All FSC sourced materials – sustainability and carbon footprint is really important to Charles Taylor
• Providing little and often deliveries
• 10-year Rot-free guarantee
• Stylish design in recognised Charles Taylor colours
• Attractive retail prices
• Stunning POS provided

Richard added: “We launched this range less than a week ago and have already received orders for circa 4,000 pieces. The feedback and appetite for The Kielder Range is absolutely superb, leaving us with a desire to expand the product range, which we are already working on.”

CONTACT

Telephone: 01538 361382

Email: info@charlestaylortrading.com

Hot on the heels of a hugely successful presence at Glee 2023, the AMES Companies is using the momentum created to kickstart its next chapter. With new product categories joining the line-up to sit alongside established heritage brands, and significant investment shaping things to come, the future looks bright and very busy for this industry leader. Here, Paul North, Managing Director at the AMES Companies, explains more.

A transformation

“Anyone who visited the AMES stand at Glee would have seen a very different company than we were just 12 months ago. The past year has been best characterised as a steep learning curve; one bolstered by significant investment and new product development, and this renewed sense of self was evident at the exhibition. For us, every season represents another chapter in our story, and 2023 has been an important period for our entire business.

“With 150 new products launching, including an entirely new innovative range of lawn and garden tools and the exclusive unveiling of Apta Lightweight, we had a lot on our plate, but the industry response demonstrated that we’d got it right. Not only was our team excited and energised about what we had to offer but so were our customers, new and old. Glee truly showcased what we’ve become and outlined our short- and long-term intentions, which we know will add value across the board for our customers.”

Investing in the future of garden retail

Glee may have been the launchpad for new brands and 150+ new products, but it was also the first look at how the company’s latest investment is starting to play out. 

“In order to become the brand we desire to be, we have had to invest significantly in our business. Our new product offering, coupled with existing ranges, requires extended warehousing, and this has been realised at our Pollington site through a multi-million-pound redevelopment programme. This increased warehouse footprint – topping out at 60,000sq ft – means that we can achieve near 100% stock availability ahead of season 24 and begin to offer consolidated deliveries from one central location. With improved manufacturing facilities also on the horizon, there are many reasons for our customers to feel confident in what we offer.”

The partner of choice

The AMES Companies has often discussed being the garden retail sector’s ‘partner of choice’. Whether through product, service or support, this mission remains unwavering for the team. 

“To be the partner of choice, we recognise that we have to work closely with our customers to ensure that we exceed their expectations. We consistently review and analyse our offering to identify areas of change or development. In 2023, we witnessed some fast-paced changes, and 2024 will see this accelerate even more. It’s imperative that we stay ahead of the curve and let our customers know that we are listening and responding accordingly. 

“The most obvious reflection of this is our product portfolio. Where gaps have been identified, we fill them. Where revised product hierarchies are needed, we respond. New product introductions are never ‘me too’ designs but are created in response to sales data and clear, defined, heavily-researched data. This was especially true of Apta Lightweight, first launched at Glee ahead of season 24. We know that Apta is a much-loved and respected brand, so any changes had to complement what existed, whilst also opening up new sales opportunities. For us and our customers, Apta Lightweight represents an invigorating new chapter for both the brand and the category as a whole.”

Playing to our strengths

“Through consistent self-reflection, the AMES Companies can better play to its strengths. AMES Tools is demonstrative of this. Having manufactured and supplied quality garden tools for over two centuries, AMES has become very good at providing consumers with the tools they need to transform and maintain their gardens, so it made sense to translate this ‘right to play’ into reality by bringing to market a dedicated tool brand, and one that sits perfectly within our overall portfolio.”

Setting the industry standard for stock availability

It would be easy to presume that stock availability could suffer with hundreds of SKUs across six brands but, with the AMES Companies, this is not the case. Far from it, in fact, with near 100% stock availability earmarked for season 24.

“In simple terms, we’ve worked with customers to build a rolling 12-month forecast, and we’ve shared this insight with all our core suppliers to ensure we all work together to avoid surprises. Additionally, we are ensuring we have adequate safety stock cover in place for all products at our locations across the UK and Ireland. In support of this, we also have a team reviewing progress monthly to ensure we can respond to any unplanned or unforeseen circumstances. 

“We’re leaving nothing to chance. Season 24 is firmly in our sights, and we’re ready for it!”

People matter

Paul believes that AMES’ commitment to its people sets the company apart from many others. Customers are seen and heard, supply partners are celebrated, and team members are valued beyond reproach.

“AMES is nothing without the people around it. We pride ourselves on fostering relationships with everyone, from our onsite team members to our supply partners, right through to the key decision-makers at garden centres across the country. Without these people, their feedback and encouragement, we would not exist. The passion they all bring to the party is why we continue to innovate and why we believe that ‘partner of choice’ is wholly achievable. We pride ourselves on our passion. We are driven to innovate. We value and nurture our partnerships and we always promise to deliver quality products backed by unrivalled customer support.”

Find out more

Further details about AMES UK can be found at https://ames-uk.com/

BETA International, the only equestrian trade show in the UK, is coming to Stoneleigh on 10-11 September. But don’t be fooled by the name, there’s a huge range of products available to support those in the garden centre trade too.

BETA International has been sponsored by Neue Schule for the past 10 years and has been a firm favourite in many a retailer’s calendar for a long time.

It attracts manufacturers and wholesalers from all over the UK and beyond as exhibitor, with thousands of visitors coming to enjoy everything available. It’s the place to see new products (thanks to the Horse & Rider Magazine New Product Gallery), meet new suppliers, look at best-selling lines, try new things, get show only offers, network (the LeMieux Coffee Shop is a great place for this) and also take advantage of the talks held on the seminar stage that take in many aspects of business including the challenges and opportunities faced by many at the moment, social media, upcoming trends and equestrian subjects too.

“The great thing about BETA International is that there really is something for everyone,” said Claire Williams, Executive Director of the British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) that owns BETA International.

 “Although we have many equestrian retailers come and see us, with the range of products on display from the exhibitors, we also have an increasing number of pet shops, garden centres, country stores as well as those involved with the associated trades.

"With lots of shops looking to diversify, it’s a brilliant opportunity to see what’s available beyond normal buying habits, but the exhibitors we have also cater well to many different types of shop. We have manufacturers of yard equipment, buckets and rubberised items, bird feed, animal bedding, pet accessories, footwear and clothing – the list goes on and on!

In addition, on the Sunday evening, the ETN New Product Awards will be presented, alongside the best stand awards that will be judged by a representative of Here4Horses, BETA International’s selected charity, and Magnolia Cup winner Ashleigh Wicheard.

For people who visit, there’s the opportunity to win great prizes too with a Tech Hamper made up of tech products to help support businesses, and a Product Hamper made up of thousands of pounds worth of products from exhibitors up for grabs each day. All visitors are entered automatically when they scan into the show.

The event is happening on 10th and 11th September at the NAEC Stoneleigh. What’s more, tickets are free for members of the trade, and parking is free too. Get your free ticket through this link https://beta-international-2023.reg.buzz/

The Grange Garden Centre near Melton Mowbray is opening a second store this weekend – The Grange at Belvoir Castle

The new centre will be officially opened on Sunday in the Engine Yard, the castle’s retail village.

Belvoir Castle, near Grantham, is throwing a big celebration to welcome The Grange, and telling locals that they won’t want to miss it.

Live music filling the air, colourful flowers all around, and a cheerful atmosphere – that’s what’s promised on the day, which opens at 10am.

Fresh plans to redevelop the site of a garden centre near Blackpool, turning it into a development of 62 affordable homes, have been submitted to the local authority.

The planning application for the land on Cropper Road, currently occupied by The Garden Place, is currently being considered by Fylde Council.

According to the application 42 homes would be available for affordable rent and 20 as shared ownership. There would be 12 apartments, 32 two-bedroomed homes and 18 three bedroomed homes.

The developers – Breck Homes and Eden Land and Development – are also seeking approval to build a neighbourhood centre on part of the overall site.

A previous application has been submitted to the council in September 2021.

Staff from the Upton Magna-based business, CJ Wildlife, will be lacing up their walking boots as they prepare to climb Mount Snowdon to raise vital funds for two Shropshire charities, Severn Hospice and Hillbrae Rescue Kennels.

The team of 22 colleagues will be taking on the epic 3,560ft challenge to reach the summit on Saturday 21 October, which can take up to ten hours, with the aim of raising £1,000 for the organisations.

Kirsty Windley, Head of Customer Service for the popular wildlife brand, said: “We're really looking forward to getting out there to raise funds for these worthy local causes. 

“This will be some of the group’s first significant hike, but we’re determined to get everyone to the top with some morale support and motivation! It's going to be tough, but knowing that two amazing charities will benefit from our efforts will keep us going on the mountain. 

“CJ Wildlife’s roots have been in Shropshire for 36 years, so being able to give back to the local community is a great feeling. I know that many of our customers are already supporting us, and I hope members of the community will donate whatever they can, too!”

Severn Hospice has been providing free care and comfort to Shropshire, Telford, and Mid Wales families for nearly 35 years. It works tirelessly to ensure those living with incurable illnesses and their loved ones are supported and cared for. Since opening, the hospice has cared for over 34,000 service users, but as an independent charity, two-thirds of their running costs must be fundraised or donated to keep the hospice going. 

Hillbrae Rescue Kennels cares for stray dogs and other unwanted pets which have been surrendered or abandoned. The Telford-based rescue provides food, shelter and love before seeking to rehome the animals to new, loving families. If required, dogs are also provided with necessary veterinary care, all of which is paid for by the kennel. 

Sponsorships like the Snowdon Challenge by CJ Wildlife help contribute to these charities running costs so that they can continue their excellent work in the local community.  

Marty Burrel, from Hillbrae Rescue Kennels commented: "The challenge set by the team at CJ Wildlife is amazing! The money raised will help us to continue our work to provide shelter, love, and care to dozens of unwanted dogs and other animals while we actively seek new, permanent homes for them.”

“Donations enable us to get the dogs neutered so that we don't add to the unwanted and stray population, we chip all dogs to save them from being lost and all rehomed dogs are vaccinated before they leave.”

To donate to CJ Wildlife’s Snowdon Climb Challenge or to keep updated on their progress, head to their Give Wheel page: https://www.givewheel.com/fundraising/684/snowdon-climb/?fbclid=IwAR1rsl-NCuOiSuqZYO3np2QynrBWSiCg0e-vC_H26_0l2KB-Etq7YTjXT48

When it comes to setting up and using garden machinery, it really does pay to follow the instructions. But now quality British garden machinery brand Webb has made that process much quicker and easier for customers with its new series of ‘out of the box’ product videos, which also has several benefits for retailers.

Presented by multi award winning garden designer Adam Woolcott, filmed within a specially built shed-style studio and on location in a beautiful garden, Adam shows how to assemble and use Webb gardening kit straight from the box. 

For retailers, these ‘out of the box’ Webb videos provide an extra layer of support, reducing customer calls about the product and its assembly, and even reducing product returns. They are also a useful sales and marketing tool for retailers to demonstrate the quality and ease of use of the Webb products.

The new videos cover some of the best-selling Webb petrol, battery and manual lawnmowers, plus the Webb 51cm (20″) hedge trimmer, with further videos now in production for release in 2024. Key product features are highlighted to ensure users get the most out of their new purchase and Adam offers some extra additional insight and advice; always good to receive from a multiple RHS Chelsea Flower Show winner!

The ‘out of the box’ product videos can be viewed from https://www.youtube.com/@webbgardenpower

The UK Government has finally published its long-awaited Border Target Operating Model (BTOM) after a delay of some weeks. The BTOM details the Governments proposals for a new approach to importing goods into Great Britain, and it will be introduced in stages from the end of January 2024.

Since January 2021 the plant trade has followed all the import and export requirements outlined in the Trade & Co-operation Agreement (TCA), and due to the absence of a Sanitary Phytosanitary (SPS) or plant health agreement with the EU has faced strict controls on imports since then, costing millions of pounds.

The Government promises that the BTOM will smooth trade and make importing easier with reduced requirements, however, it does not remove any of the requirements for importing plants, so pre-notification will still be required, as will Phytosanitary Certificates (PCs) plus plant health import inspections will still take place.

The main changes to the final BTOM from the draft TOM issued earlier this year in April are two short, 3-month delays to the October 2023 and January 2024 milestones requiring health certification requirements for more products and the introduction of Border Control Posts (BCPs) respectively.

• 31 January 2024, a further set of products (such as ‘medium-risk’ products like parts of plants with foliage, some cut flowers, some seeds, animal products and ‘high-risk’ food and feed not of animal origin) will now require health certification (e.g. Phytosanitary Certificate – PCs) and pre-notification.
• 31 January 2024 is when some fresh produce products will be re-categorised a ‘low-risk’ & will have their pre-notification, PC and physical check requirements removed.
• 30 April 2024 The Place of Destination (POD) scheme, where plants are inspected at the first place of arrival, will now end on the 30 April 2024. Plant health import inspections will then be conducted at BCPs (or Control Points -CP - if a business has been successfully designated as one).
• 30 April 2024 Identity and physical checks will also start on the 'medium-risk’ products like parts of plants with foliage, some cut flowers, some seeds, animal products and ‘high-risk’ food and feed not of animal origin.
• 31 October 2024 The requirement for Safety and Security declarations for imports into Great Britain from the EU or from other territories where the waiver applies will come into force from 31 October 2024

The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) has responded to the final publication of the Border Target Operating Model (BTOM), welcoming certain aspects of the model, such as commitments to digitise phytosanitary certificates and for the government to create a consultative business readiness group.

However, it also expresses disappointment in other areas that could have critical implications for the horticultural sector and says that the BTOM is potentially a missed opportunity for UK horticulture. 

Fran Barnes, Chief Executive at the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA), said, “Our unwavering focus has consistently centred on ensuring the seamless, swift and secure movement of plants and plant products, whilst protecting the UK against biosecurity threats.  While we acknowledge the positive strides made with the formal release of the Border Target Operating Model, the model doesn’t go far enough in adequately addressing the legitimate needs of the horticultural sector. 

“One major concern lies in the readiness of Border Control Posts (BCPs) to handle the diverse range of imports received by the horticultural sector from the EU. We welcome the proposed delay to the introduction of checks at BCPs until 30 April 2024. However, we are disappointed that this date is inconveniently placed in the middle of the high season for the plant trade and that the delay is not long enough to complete the proposed pilot of the Authorised Operator Status model.  

“Since January 2021, the industry has followed import and export requirements outlined in the Trade & Co-operation Agreement (TCA) due to the absence of a Sanitary Phytosanitary (SPS) or plant health agreement with the EU. However, it is clear there needs to be better dialogue between the EU and the UK regarding plant imports. Given that the value of imported plant material surpassed £753 million in 2022, constituting half of the cumulative value of the UK's trees, plants, seeds, and bulbs production sector, it is imperative that we impress upon the government the need for ongoing refinement of the BTOM. 

“Furthermore, this issue will impact garden centre customers: the expected costs of full border controls to the supply chain are estimated to top £42m per annum (at existing pre-notified consignment numbers). Therefore, beyond 2024, this would equate to a 4.5% cost increase for no material gain. And there is also potential that plant ranges will be restricted or delayed, meaning a reduced choice for garden enthusiasts.” 

The HTA emphasises the importance of meticulous planning, thorough testing, and effective communication to ensure a smooth transition to any new trade system, recognising the significance of the horticulture industry.  

The following concerns still need to be addressed: 

• Systems, processes and equipment must be thoroughly tested, preferably using a soft launch approach. The seamless integration of technology is key to a successful border, and clear timelines on business-critical upgrades to current systems, such as IPAFFS, e-phyto and CITES, need to be set out with some urgency. 

• Control Points as an alternative to BCPs for businesses. While the 3-month delay gives more time for businesses to complete Control Point designation, the government should allocate sufficient resources to assist businesses through the process in a timely and cost-effective manner. There is also still no surety of costs, and the ability to compare BCP costs with CP costs is still not evident. 

• The detail of the Authorised Operator Model status (AOS) and its accessibility for horticulture businesses – The HTA continue to be concerned about the AOS model, its pilot and subsequent launch. The proposed timings do not afford a seamless transition for businesses from the point of designation system to Control Points status and achieving AOS. The process for attaining AOS is still unclear, with costs and processes unpublished. 

The HTA, representing over 1,500 members across the UK environmental horticulture sector, plays a crucial role in the industry. The association is committed to working collaboratively with the Government to ensure that the plant trade remains a top priority. 

Sally Cullimore, Technical Policy Manager at the Horticultural Trades Association, added: "We want to work with the Government to deliver a border model that is efficient, cost-effective, accessible to all businesses and recognises the EU's unique role in supplying the UK gardening and landscape market. The horticultural sector faces an unprecedented regulatory burden, and we need the Government to understand our industry's importance and impact. While we welcome some changes in this final publication, we are disappointed that the final model has not fully addressed our red line asks. We urge the government to keep the door open on the BTOM to enable us to continue to collaboratively engage with Defra and other stakeholders in our shared pursuit of enhancements that will notably benefit UK horticulture.”

Following extensive customer demand, Cobra has introduced a new model to its ever-popular 24-volt range of battery-powered equipment.  

The cordless range, which currently consists of a GT3024V  Grass Trimmer, LB45024V Leaf Blower, CS1024V Chainsaw, and H5024V  Hedgetrimmer with a range of 50cm, has been expanded with the introduction of the new HT50LRH24V Long Reach Hedgetrimmer (RRP £134.99). 

Cobra’s current cordless hand tool ranges are powered by both 24-volt or 40-volt models, with the 24v collection proving to be incredibly popular with gardeners. Compact, reasonably priced yet powerful, the range is ideal for gardeners with typical sized gardens and those looking for a tool that’s simple and easy to use.  

The brand’s new Long Reach Hedgetrimmer is designed to tackle the most awkward jobs, with the versatility to change from a standard 50cm cutting length to the longreach option. The extension pole simply clicks into the main body of the tool before attaching the standard hedgetrimmer blade, granting an additional metre to help reach taller hedges. To further aid this, it also has an articulating head that moves through 90 degrees, with a dual handle switch, and is light and easy to use weighing just 3.34kg. 

It has a double-sided reciprocating precision cutting blade with a tooth spacing of 20mm, along two-speed modes (eco and turbo), making hedge shaping and tidying even easier. Not only that, but all the tools in the 24v range operate off the same interchangeable battery, meaning buyers no longer need to worry about finding a plug socket or tripping over wires, all while powering one tool from one battery. 

Peter Chaloner, managing director of Cobra, said: “We are continuously looking for ways to expand the 24v range, creating more commercial opportunities for dealers and providing gardeners with useful, compact tools that stand the test of time. Our standard 50cm hedgetrimmer has proven to be very popular with buyers, but we noticed that many gardeners required a model with a longer reach – so we knew we wanted to create a product to fill that gap in the market. The demand for cordless tools continues to grow, as people seek convenient, hassle-free options.” 

Cobra is the leading name in garden machinery and has the UK’s largest range of powered lawnmowers. For further information about Cobra, visit www.cobragarden.co.uk. 

To add the new Long Reach Hedgetrimmer to your existing Cobra stock, contact your Cobra sales representative, or to become a Cobra stockist please contact Andy Marvin on 07771 581296 or am@hentonandchattell.co.uk.

Awards were presented to talented garden designers today on the opening day of the BBC Gardeners’ World Autumn Fair, in association with English Heritage, at Audley End House and Gardens, Saffron Walden.

The winner of Best Beautiful Border and a Platinum award was Hertfordshire-based Rachel Sporborg from Rachel Sporborg Design. Her Border design, Free Thinking, was inspired by artist David Tremlett’s wall drawing, Drawing for Free Thinking, installed at Tate Britain’s Manton Stairwell. The Border contrasts rigid hard landscaping with soft, relaxing movement in the planting and offers a vision of the garden as a way to escape and relax from the constraints of modern life. Drawing the eye in, an expansive steel arch frames the planting and a central circulating water feature designed for physical and contemplative reflection. The autumnal planting includes grasses and perennials with a Viburnum Plicatum ‘Watanabe’ as the signature shrub.

The Autumn Fair’s Beautiful Borders are compact 9m2  show gardens packed with creative design features and planting, offering inspiration and achievable ideas for visitors with small garden spaces and challenging places. This year’s Beautiful Border theme is ‘My Garden Escape’.

Assessors for the Beautiful Borders were gardening editor, horticulturalist and journalist, Ian Hodgson, and award-winning designers Shaun Beale from Aura Landscapes and formerly from the Leckford Estate, and Pip Probert from Your Garden Made Perfect and Outer Spaces Landscaping & Design.

Ian Hodgson, Head assessor, said: “Rachel’s design has great presence and visual appeal, complemented by a restricted planting palette that carried off the vision with great panache.”

Winner Rachel Sporborg said: “I’m absolutely thrilled and humbled to have won as there are some really high standard designs and amazing plants on show. It’s always nerve-racking being assessed but it’s so valuable to get the assessors’ wisdom.”

Winner of the BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Subscriber Border Award was Consuelo Franco, Assistant Head Gardener at Ballynatray House Estate in Waterford, for On Cloud 9, a Border design inspired by country walks, open skies and the ever-changing cloudscape.

Ian Hodgson, Head assessor, said: “We loved the artistry in Consuelo’s Border which was underpinned by a diverse range of interesting plants.”

Visitors can vote for their own favourite Beautiful Border, with People’s Choice award winners being announced on the Autumn Fair’s final afternoon.

Rachel Poletti-Gadd, Portfolio Director - Gardening Division at Immediate Live, organisers of the BBC Gardeners’ World Autumn Fair, said: “Following the Autumn Fair’s successful launch last year, we are absolutely delighted that so many talented designers applied to enter this year’s Beautiful Borders competition. The Beautiful Borders offer show visitors a huge range of ideas to take home and try in their own gardens. A lot of hard work, dedication and commitment goes into designing and building Beautiful Borders and we wish Rachel and Consuela our hearty congratulations.”

The BBC Gardeners’ World Autumn Fair, in association with English Heritage, at Audley End House and Gardens runs until Sunday 4 September and features seasonal garden inspiration, expert tips, advice and tours, hands-on workshops, and plants to browse and buy. Highlights include talks and conversations with BBC Two Gardeners’ Worldpresenters Frances Tophill (Friday), Arit Anderson (Saturday) and Adam Frost (Sunday), the Gardeners’ World Magazine team, David Hurrion and Chris Bavin, grow-your-own advice from leading experts at the Let’s Grow Talks area, Plant Expert Tours of Audley End’s organic Kitchen Garden and historical tours of its Capability Brown landscape. There’s plant and garden shopping galore from specialist growers, nurseries and retailers, a Plant Creche for bag-free shopping, and tasty eats, drinks, street food and live entertainment at the BBC Good Food Market.

Autumn Fair tickets include access to Audley End’s grand mansion with its great hall, state rooms, dressing rooms, servants’ wing, stables and chapel, and the organic walled Kitchen Garden, grounds, gardens, parklands and children’s play area. Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome in the grounds.

Tickets available on the day. Find out more and book tickets at www.bbcgardenersworldfair.com.

Sipcam Home & Garden are once again raising money for Greenfingers charity, this time by auctioning off the last remaining Sipcam Floral Thursday shirt. The shirt itself is special, not just because it’s a limited edition but also because it won an industry recognised award. Wearing the shirt at Glee 2023, Sipcam were awarded the Greatest Floral Team Award in association with Greenfingers charity, which capped off a fantastic show in June.

Now a Floral Thursday fan could be a proud owner of an award-winning floral t-shirt! The bright floral design will make you stand out in the crowd, whilst the short sleeves and soft material provide optimal comfort. The t-shirt is particularly good for ecofective® fans as it sports a ‘Happy Plant, Happy Planet’ message on the back, one of the brands straplines.

The t-shirt has never been worn and is the perfect attire for a warm summer’s day, ideal for gardening or even floral camouflage and fancy dress. Due to its comfort, it could also be used as sleeping attire. Retailing at £21.30 the XXL shirt features a trendy purple, pink, green and white flower design. 

Whether you use it or not, purchasing the Sipcam Floral Thursday shirt will give money to a worthy cause. 

Greenfingers is a national charity that creates beautiful, well-designed outdoor spaces for children to enjoy with their family, friends, and siblings, whether through play and fun, or therapeutic rest and relaxation. The charity is driven by the belief that time spent outdoors, away from the bedside, can offer children and families under considerable stress a vital opportunity to embrace the benefits of being in the fresh air and engaging with the natural environment.

Do your bit for charity today and place a bid on the Sipcam Floral Thursday shirt. Head over to our eBay page and get involved in the auction now by clicking here !

Every week GTN receives and analyses epos data from a number of UK garden centres to produce the GTN Bestsellers charts and weekly bestsellers sales tips.

The full charts which provide useful insight into product sales peaks, new trends and new link sales opportunities are published in the weekly GTN Xtra newsletter.

As the year goes on we give sales volume comparisons with 2018 as well as 2019 to allow your teams to see variations over a three year period.

Access is by subscription only.  For £145.00 per year you and your team can have access to the most up-to-date gardening sales analysis that has already helped many UK garden centres increase their sales.  To subscribe call 07973 504214, e-mail karen@pottingshedpress.co.uk or buy on-line using this link.

WARNING the GTN Bestsellers Charts seriously improve the business of our subscribers.  Invest 15 minutes each week in improving your sales using the GTN Bestsellers charts and your turnover and customer satisfaction will improve too.

with all the news direct to your e-mail inbox.  The best news service every weekend and all the breaking news as it happens.

Subscribe for free using this link

MorePeople is hosting a conference in September this year on ‘Non-Executive Directors…what they do, and how they add value’.

The conference is on Tuesday, 19th September 2023 at the KingsGate Conference Centre in Peterborough, starting at 3 pm with the conference concluding at 5pm and a networking buffet until 7pm.

Executive Chairman Guy Moreton said: “We are delighted that Adam White, Head of Agriculture for Barclays Bank, will be chairing the conference and pleased to confirm that Barclays PLC are supporting the event. Adam is a big advocate of Non-Executive Directors and the value they bring. To have a senior leader from within that organisation waving the NED flag is excellent and confirmation of the need for more NED's within the Agric, Food and Horticulture space.

“We intend to have two or three Non-Execs talking about what they do in a business and how they add value. I'm delighted to say that Neil Sanderson and Jacqui Green have both agreed to speak on the day, they are both very experienced Non-Exec's but also have superb food, ag and hort credentials having spent most of their respective careers in the sectors.

“We also intend to have two or three business owners speaking about why they appointed a NED in the first place and what they gain from engaging the services of a NED, we're really pleased to confirm that William Burgess will be speaking about why he has Non-Exec's on his board at Burgess Farms/Produce World Group and the value they bring to his company.

“We have been involved in the appointment of Non-Exec Directors for some time but intend to significantly grow this part of our business and as such we intend to be experts in our field. To help us achieve this and add more value to our clients and NED candidates we have joined forces with the Non-Exec Director Association (NEDA) and will be promoting membership of the association and their various courses and training initiatives. I'm pleased to report that Barry Gamble, a very experienced NED in his own right but a Special Adviser to NEDA has agreed to represent the Association at our conference and say a few words about what the association does. In addition to lots of involvement in Agriculture Barry has also been a NED on the board of a number of PLC's and actually floated his own company in 1996 and so can add huge value to our discussions on governance and the role of the NED.

“In addition, we are delighted that Phil Cookson, a partner of Roythornes Solicitors, has agreed to come along and talk about the legal considerations of appointing a NED.

“After each speaker has had some time to share their thoughts Adam will chair a ‘Question Time’ Panel session including all the speakers, so members of the conference audience can ask anything they like. To conclude, there will be time for informal networking and buffet.”

The event is FREE to attend, to register and for more information go to https://www.morepeople.co.uk/non-exec-directors-conference

Lifestyle Mugs and Coasters – super bright white mugs, with matching ceramic coasters – are the latest lifestyle range from Global Journey Gifts. 

With full colour glaze and intricate designs inside the mugs that complement the outside wording beautifully, this specialised range of Mugs and Coasters is as unique and innovative as it is colourful and attractive. 

Not to mention surprisingly affordable and competitively priced. 

With high temperature decals inside and out, they are also fully microwave and dishwasher safe. 

Lifestyle Mugs and Coasters are available to order now with delivery in January 2024. 

The suggested retail price is £9.99 for the mugs and £2.99 for matching coasters. 

Free of charge display stands are available.

Global Journey will be exhibiting at Autumn Fair, in Hall 6, stand H29.

www.global-journey.com

The Garden Media Guild has agreed to sponsor the Young People in Horticultural Association.

The GMG joins other major names supporting the YPHA and the drive to bring young people in horticulture together to help future the staff force of the industry.

Established in 2020, the YHPA aims to unite the under 35’s working in horticulture to better facilitate collaboration, education and innovation.

Through sponsorship of this important association, the GMG will be able to attend YHPA events, network with its 500-plus members, and will also play a part in assisting the YHPA in its mission to help the industry evolve to appeal to a younger demographic – both in terms of future horticultural employees and future garden centre customers.

Mike Palmer, Garden Media Guild Chair, said: “I am passionate about looking towards the younger generation to future proof horticulture and gardening. I’m delighted that the Garden Media Guild is able to support the YHA and I look forward to developing our partnership.”

Find out more

The Garden Media Guild offers a wealth of member benefits, including garden tours, networking and relationship building, exclusive discounts and Zoom knowledge / awareness sessions.

An incredible awards programme supports the ‘gardening Oscars’, where each year the good and great from the world of garden media are celebrated at a prestigious ceremony at London’s famous Savoy Hotel.

To find out more about any of the member benefits available to Garden Media Guild members, please visit www.gardenmediaguild.co.uk

Members are also invited to reach out to the GMG Committee to share their feedback, thoughts and desires for the future of the Guild. Please direct all queries and ideas to admin@gardenmediaguild.co.uk

The Commercial Horticultural Association (CHA) will be presenting a diverse, quality group of UK companies for its pavilion at Fruit Attraction, in Hall 8 stand B15.

Showcasing the best of UK commercial horticulture, the CHA pavilion will include innovation, new technology and ingenuity, for which the UK sector is renowned.

“We have worked closely with the organisers of Fruit Attraction for a number of years to bring UK companies to this market. It’s an excellent event, giving our members great exposure to potential customers and collaborators from around the world. With the UK commercial horticulture sector’s global reputation for excellence, the CHA pavilion is an unmissable destination for operators and retailers looking for the best of commercial horticulture products and services” commented Lydia Stubbs, CHA Event Manager.

The CHA team will be there to welcome retailers, wholesalers and suppliers from around the world, alongside the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) from the British Embassy in Madrid, who will be on hand to answer questions about importing into and exporting out of the UK market.

UK companies exhibiting at the show are:

AgriCoat NatureSeal - products to extend shelf-life in fresh produce

AgriCoat offers solutions for maintaining quality and extending shelf-life in fruits and vegetables. This includes produce washes, based on organic acids, for cleaning and decontaminating of fresh produce and the NatureSeal range for preventing browning and drying out of prepared produce (IV-Gamma). 

NatureSeal solutions, based on vitamin and mineral blends, are available for a wide range of prepared fruits and vegetables as well as for leafy salads, guacamole, and pesto. The company also offers plant-based fruit coatings providing post-harvest protection to whole head produce, delaying ripening, and reducing spoilage.

www.agricoat.co.uk

Fresh4U Produce - elevate dishes with a premium fresh harvest

Fresh4U Produce grow luscious, sun-kissed fruits and crisp, vibrant vegetables. Grown with care and precision, each bite is a burst of flavour and nutrition. From succulent berries to tender greens, their fresh produce embodies quality and sustainability.

www.fresh4u.co.uk

Martin Lishman - agritech solutions to reduce waste in fruit production

Martin Lishman Ltd is exhibiting the ImpacTrack family of synthetic food shapes which replicate the size and density of fruit and vegetables damaged and bruised during handling and transport. Shocks received are transmitted via Bluetooth to the ML Sensing App. This locates damage sources and improves quality control. 

Martin Lishman has created over 40 different ImpacTrack shapes, including 9 different apple versions, 3 avocado sizes, clementine, mango and even a full-size pineapple.

Also on display will be the TuberLog potato bruising and damage logger, which identifies damage and bruise causes in potato handling machinery.

www.martinlishman.com

Coventry Chemicals - horticultural biosecurity products

OMNICIDE H and HORTICIDE disinfectant, registered for use in Spain under Registro de Plaguicidas no: 23-230-11832 for the horticultural sector. 

The products have been independently tested by global institutes, including the prevention of diseases, such as Pepino Mosaic in growers. Manufactured in the UK, Coventry Chemicals are producers of a versatile range of cleaners and disinfectants formulated to address the challenge of disease causing microbes in the horticultural and growing sectors.  

www.coventrychemicals.com

GPS Capital Markets - risk and treasury solutions for importing/exporting

In today’s competitive world, it takes unparalleled service, advanced technology, and financial expertise to become and remain the leader in corporate foreign exchange. 

GPS Capital Markets combine past years of experience with the present needs of clients to provide solutions through competitive exchange rates and a host of tailored international financial solutions.

www.gpsfx.com

Fresh4cast - planning and forecasting software

Fresh4cast provides specialised planning and forecasting software for perishable goods. These provide a significant reduction in workload on mechanical tasks, releasing team’s time to be spent on higher value judgement calls and collaboration.

Different teams plan for different indicators: demand, procurement, production and at different time horizons. 

The Fresh4cast solution keeps these plans connected with each other and with the company’s ERP and master files. Machine forecasts support key planning processes. Each plan’s update gets automatically propagated to the right teams, and users get automated Excel outputs as well. 

This translates into demonstrable commercial value for the company.

www.fresh4cast.com

The CHA promotes its members’ products and services, plus UK horticulture as a whole, throughout the world at shows and via embassies and consulates, working closely with the British Government Department for Business and Trade (DBT).

Visitors are welcome to the stand in Hall 8 Stand 8B15 to discover more about the UK horticultural sector as a whole, as well as find out more from the contingent of progressive companies exhibiting.

BHETA’s retailer networking webinar with Amazon on Thursday 28 September is to take the form of a business update plus a supplier Q&A across all home and home improvement categories. The event is open to members and potential members.

The online event kicks off at 10.30 am and Dhawal Vora and Catherine Moses from Amazon’s home category team will be presenting.  The three BHETA Committees representing Housewares, Small Electrical and DIY/Gardening members have compiled a series of questions for the Amazon team relating to common business issues and these have been shared with the Amazon team and will be discussed on the day.

BHETA is also welcoming questions from registered delegates ahead of the event, so it is vital for any supplier dealing with or hoping to deal with Amazon that they register soon and then submit their questions for discussion.

Commenting on the event, BHETA sector manager, Seema Grantham said, “Anyone who works with Amazon will be aware that the trading relationship has challenges as well as immense potential.  So, the chance to hear directly 

2

from the Amazon team on the key issues is not to be missed.   Not surprisingly we are expecting a big turn out, so please book in as soon as you can.”

BHETA non-members who are interested in joining can register on the BHETA website. You will then have a membership chat with Seema Grantham, BHETA’s sector manager for housewares and small domestic appliances, or Keeley Vernon, BHETA’s sector manager for DIY and garden, ahead of the session.

More details of BHETA’s events programme, which includes webinars, Meet The Buyer events and networking forums with leading retailers can also be found on the BHETA website.  For further information, contact the BHETA Member Services Team on 0121 237 1130.

The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) has just released its August Market Update report showing a prevailing narrative for 2023 that despite erratic weather patterns and economic fluctuation, the garden retail sector continues to demonstrate unwavering strength to perform well with a variety of consumer offerings.

Fran Barnes, Chief Executive of the HTA, commented:

"Sales in July have shown resilience amidst the unpredictable weather and economic changes of 2023. Overall, garden centre sales held steady, maintaining parity with the same period in 2022. A strong footfall of customers resulted in a notable uptick in transactions, up by +10% compared to July 2022 and +5% versus July 2021. However, it's worth noting that the contents of baskets reflected lower-value items, leading to an average transaction value decline of -8%. The decline in demand for garden furniture, from 15% of total sales in July 2022 to 10% this July, wasn't unexpected. This shift can be attributed to adverse weather impacts on outdoor leisure sales and the increased discounting strategies aimed at clearing excess stock. But we can also see that the palpable financial strain experienced by consumers is evident. The escalating cost-of-living crisis continues to prompt individuals to tighten their belts and actively seek savings amidst escalating expenses. July's Consumer Confidence Index published by GfK witnessed a significant dip of -6 points to settle at -30.

"Responding to these challenges, garden centres are maximising their consumer offerings, which has played a pivotal role in our members’ success this month. Non-garden/gardening categories surged by +18% year-on-year, fuelled by the vibrant activity of cafes and restaurants. This is reflected in the average transaction values, with catering sales soaring by +9% to £10.76. Additionally, the pet category demonstrated strong performance, surging by +21% as customers added toys and treats to their baskets. Meanwhile, the food & farm shop category grew by +13%, and wild bird care experienced a +10% increase compared to last July. I am also encouraged by the robust performance of plant sales, even in the face of a -9% dip in garden/gardening sales compared to July 2022.  I’m certain that this variety within garden centres, as well as the belated gardening season, has contributed to maintaining a +1% year-to-date sales footing from June."

The monthly Market Updates also report on inflation rates. Over the 12 months leading up to July 2023, notable inflation rates were observed in the prices garden centre customers paid for weedkillers, plastic pots, and BBQs & heating, driven by escalating input and ingredient costs. Growing media experienced a 6% price hike, responding to heightened manufacturing expenses and the potential 2024 retail peat ban.

The HTA Market Updates are an indispensable tool for members, offering insights into their positioning amidst the membership and identifying areas of resilience, challenges, and opportunities.

The full report is available to HTA members on the association's website.

A tougher economic environment with inflation rising above 10% and energy costs escalating significantly during the year led to a more challenging trading year at Notcutts.

The well documented increase in energy costs and wider cost of living crisis impacted consumer confidence and this, coupled with adverse weather conditions across the spring and summer gardening seasons, inevitably impacted sales and profit in the year.

Notcutts acquired the freehold of Brampton Garden Centre (formerly Frosts) on 1st August 2022 to bring the number of garden centres in the group to 19.

Nick Burrows, Chief Executive said: “The integration of Brampton into Notcutts has gone smoothly and we are very pleased with this acquisition.”

Notcutts like-for-like turnover (excluding the Brampton Garden Centre) at £73.5m was 7.7% down on the previous year. Total turnover was £75.6m. Lower sales, a reduction in margin levels in some categories and significant external cost pressures meant that operating profits fell to £0.5m in the year.

Commenting on these results, Nick Burrows, Chief Executive said: “Following several years of robust trading we believe we are well placed to withstand the current economic challenges. Our horticultural heritage and foundations are strong and we continue to provide an expanding, attractive gardening and leisure proposition that our customers rate highly – as seen with our highest ever customer satisfaction (NPS) scores in the year. We expect trading to rebound well as economic conditions improve.”

Nick Burrows added: “We plan to maintain our focus on developing our garden centre portfolio to support the ongoing profitability of the business. This will include the completion of a project to restore the beautiful Messenger glasshouses at our Dukeries garden centre near Worksop, and the next phases of redevelopment projects in Oxford and Woodbridge. New investments are also planned in renewable energy including solar and EV charging installations, where we have collaborations with Push Energy and Osprey, as part of our extensive programme of initiatives to deliver carbon reduction goals.”

Caroline Notcutt, Vice Chairman talked of the importance that Notcutts places on a positive company culture, particularly at a time of tougher trading conditions. “We see engagement with colleagues at all levels within the business as a high priority, and we achieve this through a variety of means. These include surveys, listening groups, meetings and conferences, newsletters and regular visits by senior leaders to garden centres.”

Caroline Notcutt added: “A programme of monthly and annual awards allow us to recognise and celebrate the achievements of colleagues and these are featured in our regular internal newsletter. An increasing range of online training and development resources now supplement in person training and are at the heart of our approach to leadership and personal development for colleagues. I am particularly pleased with our comprehensive new programme of training and development in horticultural skills and leadership.”

Bridget McIntyre, Chairman, Notcutts, explained: “Our garden centres and support office work closely with our local communities supporting various charities and schools. We are into the second year of our collaboration with an innovative charity organisation, The Green Light Trust, whose mission is to ensure everyone has equitable access to the power of nature. They support people of all ages, who are often the most vulnerable in our communities, through organised outdoor activities in woodlands and green spaces. Alongside this we have forged strong partnerships with a number of external organisations to ensure a range of wellbeing services are in place for our colleagues should they need to draw on such support.”

Turning to Notcutts environmental strategy, Nick Burrows commented: “We have a clear policy and set of goals on biodiversity, sustainability and the environment which detail the steps we are taking to make progress in these areas. We are aligned to both the HTA and BRC roadmaps. Carbon reduction targets have been established across a range of areas within the business.”

Burrows added: “We have introduced additional programmes to reduce waste, mains water usage and energy consumption. We are now achieving an average monthly reduction in our electricity and gas usage of 15% which will help us save 388 tonnes of CO2 emissions in the coming year. Last year, working with Veolia, we achieved a 15% reduction in mixed waste (non-recyclable) which will help save 16.5 tonnes of CO2 emissions in the coming year. These are just two examples of the types of carbon reduction initiatives we have across many areas of our business where, in collaboration with Planet Mark, we have identified specific targets for carbon reductions. Our focus on biodiversity is also continuing and we are introducing new green spaces in all our garden centres for customers and colleagues to enjoy and where animals, birds and insects can thrive.”

For more information visit www.notcutts.co.uk

Data released by the Horticultural Trades Association shows clear consequences that accelerating a ban from 2030 to 2026 on UK tree and plant growers using peat will have significant environmental and economic impacts. 

The reduced timescale will more than halve the number of growing seasons to complete extensive trialling to changes in crop production techniques leading to counterproductive outcomes contrary to the Government's Environmental Improvement Plan.

HTA members' insights already show that a fast-tracked peat ban could lead to a shortage of 100 million plants and trees immediately following the ban's enforcement. This scarcity will have knock-on effects on green spaces, gardens, and streets across the UK, impacting the country's natural landscapes. Furthermore, one in three suppliers to amenity customers, including public green spaces, expect disruptions or withdrawals from supply agreements and contracts. Garden centres also anticipate gaps in product availability by 2027.

Now, an economic study commissioned by the HTA from independent economists at Oxford Economics indicates that expediting the ban to 2026 would lead to a staggering £541 million reduction in Gross Value Added (GVA) and a £124 million decline in tax revenues. Moreover, it could potentially result in the loss of 12,000 jobs.

This news comes as we approach the one-year mark since the Government published the response to the consultation on peat sales for horticultural use.

James Barnes, Chairman of the HTA, representing garden centres, nurseries, landscapers and manufacturers, explains the key findings: “The HTA is advocating for a rational and balanced course rather than a delay. This fresh economic analysis, coupled with our impact assessment, reinstates what we have already been saying: a rushed timetable for a ban on the UK's professional tree and plant growers will result in a worse economic and environmental outcome than maintaining the original proposed date of 2030.

“It is clear that the environmental loss far outweighs the carbon savings benefit of advancing the peat removal timeline to 2026. The study underscores the need for a balanced and measured approach to ensure optimal environmental outcomes without penalising an industry already committed to transitioning from peat.

“While peat use in bagged compost for individual gardens has significantly decreased to 16.8% and is on course to be completely phased out by the end of 2024, the transition for professional nurseries producing a wide array of trees and plants is more intricate. An exemption for all UK tree and plant growers from the peat ban until 2030 would allow sufficient time for necessary trials, seamless transitions to peat-free alternatives, and proper consideration of imports without compromising plant and tree health. Our members are already well on the journey, successfully reducing the professional use of peat to below 50% volume of previous levels and on a clear steep downward trajectory.  

“The complexities of finding suitable peat-free alternatives for different plants and crops, with varying irrigation methods and nutrient strategies required, is not to be underestimated. Quality and consistency also remain barriers, further exacerbated by incentives for energy companies for biomass energy generation, which puts pressure on supplies of wood-based materials available for growing media.”

TV and radio broadcaster, Gethin Jones has been confirmed as the host of the 2023 GIMA Awards.

Taking place on Thursday 19th October at the prestigious Celtic Manor Resort in Newport, South Wales, it will be Gethin that will help to reveal the winners of this year’s highly coveted GIMA awards.

Gethin will be highly recognisable to delegates of the 2023 GIMA awards, having enjoyed a varied TV and radio career. Starting on S4C, Gethin then climbed aboard the Blue Peter ship, where he broke four world records, completed three life threatening task, visited 32 countries and fulfilled a lifetime ambition of flying with the Red Arrows and completing the UK Royal Marine Commando 30 mile Yomp. He has also presented four series of BBC1’s Remembrance, filmed in the Green Zone of Afghanistan.

More recently, Gethin has gone on to dance his way to the semi-finals of BBC1’s Strictly Come Dancing, presented Dancing With The Stars All Access in America and is a familiar face on It Takes Two. Weekdays mornings on BBC1 see Gethin host the hugely popular Morning Live programme on BBC.

GIMA Director Vicky Nuttall said: “We are sure that the confirmation of Gethin as our awards host this year will be pleasing news for many! He is a true gent that I am sure will bring a certain something to proceedings. We cannot wait to welcome him to the stage later this year.”

Book your place now!

In addition to confirming its 2023 awards host, GIMA has also confirmed that seats are quickly filling up with only a handful of places remaining for the 2023 event.  Interested parties are urged to secure their tickets now.

Prices for GIMA members: £339 + VAT per person, or £3,199 + VAT for a table of 10, whilst non-member costs are: Non-Members:  £409 + VAT per person, or £3,899 + VAT for a table of 10 (all costs include dinner and accommodation).

There are also the last few sponsorship opportunities still available. To find out more, please contact the GIMA team directly for more information.

Find out more

For further information about GIMA and its wide range of member benefits, please contact the GIMA Press Office on (01959) 564947 or info@gima.org.uk

The National Trust and Blue Diamond Garden Centres are giving 10 lucky people the chance to be a custodian of one of the most significant trees in scientific history.

Ten saplings propagated from the apple tree that inspired Sir Isaac Newton’s theory of gravity are being auctioned off to raise money for the future care of Sir Isaac’s birthplace, and the location of the tree where he saw the apple fall; Woolsthorpe Manor in Lincolnshire.

Now cared for by the National Trust, this country cottage is visited by thousands of people a year, wishing to see the spot where one of the greatest scientific discoveries took place.

To mark their collaboration with the National Trust, Blue Diamond are offering ten saplings from the tree to the public for the first time. Those interested in caring for a piece of living history, will be able to enter a public auction opening on the 4 September 2023.

The auction will be run via the Blue Diamond website and will be open until the 29 September 2023. The ten highest individual bidders will become custodians responsible for supporting the future survival of the Newton tree.  

The auction format is as follows:

• Auction will be live from 9am Monday 4 September 2023 until 8pm 29 September 2023, via bluediamond.gg/newtons-apple-tree
• The reserve for each tree is set at £500. 
• The auction site will show the ten current highest bids, so to enable bidders to decide if they want to increase their original bid or to bid to ensure that their bid is one of the top ten highest bids.
• One tree per individual, therefore the ten individuals with the ten highest bids will secure one of the ten saplings. 
• Blue Diamond have pledged that they will donate up to 50% of proceeds raised from the auction, to the National Trust and Woolsthorpe Manor, dependent on the final sums raised.
• The ten winners will be presented with their sapling at a special event on 21 October 2023 at Woolsthorpe Manor.
• The winners with be presented with their sapling and a commemorative photograph of this presentation.
• In addition to the tree, winners will also be presented with a commemorative stake, planting kit, plaque and framed certificate of authenticity.

Andy Jasper, Director of Gardens and Parkland for the National Trust commented “This really is a tree with gravitas and we’re delighted that 10 lucky people / or organisations will be able join us in looking after this unique piece of living horticultural heritage that continues to inspire new thought. 

Whether someone is a passionate horticulturist, a science lover, or they’ve joined together with their local community to buy something truly special for the benefit of their neighbourhood, we hope these saplings will grow to still be around in 400 years’ time.”

Alan Roper, Managing Director for Blue Diamond Garden Centres, adds “This is a unique and rare opportunity to become a custodian of such an important and historical piece of our heritage. Blue Diamond Garden Centres want to be able to donate a substantial sum to the National Trust from the total amount raised through the auction and I hope that we can succeed in achieving this.”

This really is a once in a 350-year opportunity to secure the legacy Sir Isaac Newton created, for future generations. 

The team at a garden centre in Otley is broadening its family appeal by introducing its popular Santa experience for the first time.

Otley Garden Centre, formerly Stephen H Smith's, was acquired by Yorkshire Garden Centres in July last year and the team is looking forward to bringing its popular interactive grotto experience to Otley.

"We're excited to bring our interactive Santa experience to our new centre at Otley. We always sell out at Tong, with visitors saying how much they love our unique grotto concept with professional performers who take them on a magical journey" said Andy Bradley, Centre Manager.

"Storytelling as they go, the performers lead visitors through the festive forest as the Christmas elves share how Santa's robins make sure all the letters are sorted in time to make wishes come true! Then it's on to Santa's grotto to meet Father Christmas and choose a gift from his toyshop."

Santa's Grotto at Otley opens on 25th November. Tickets go on sale on 30th August and cost £20.95 per child and free for up to two accompanying adults.

Otley Garden Centre is part of the Yorkshire Garden Centres family with Tong, Tingley and Bingley Garden Centres.

As a business, the Working At Height Regulations dictate that it is a legal requirement for garden centre managers to protect the safety of their staff and the general public by supplying ladders that are suitable for the work to be performed.

In fact, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and The Ladder Association recommend that employers only use ladders that are independently certified to the current UK and European ladder safety standard, EN131, by a recognised and accredited certification organisation, such as BSI or TUV.

For employees working in a bustling garden centre, there are all manner of tasks to be carried out that may require working at height, whether it is keeping the grounds tidy, tending to plants, organising stockrooms or replenishing shelves. 

Often, though, the quality of the ladders provided can be overlooked by garden centre owners, assuming that any standard ladder will be sufficient and sturdy enough to keep their team safe.

Luckily, leading ladder specialist, Henchman, is proud to be leading the way in workplace ladder safety and has proven popular with garden centre retails for many years. Its Fully Adjustable Tripod Ladders are the only EN131-certified and BSI kitemarked tripod ladders on the market. 

Ranging from 5ft through to 16ft, each leg is independently adjustable to accommodate substantial sloping, uneven earth, and steps, and they offer a generous platform surface, so that working hands-free is no problem. This means staff can complete the task at hand in a safe, comfortable and enjoyable working environment. 

Prices start from £299 for the Fully Adjustable Tripod Ladder and from £399 for the Fully Adjustable Tripod Ladder PRO.

For more information visit www.henchman.co.uk

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In this issue:

• Short memories – GTN comment about the timing of trade shows.
• Reflections from Glee 2023 – GTN’s review.
• Germie, a new dawn for growing seeds – GIMA Seed Corn Funding.
• Shaping the Future of Cutting - Glee’s Best New Product 2023.
• Buyers Power List Awards at Glee.
• Glee New Product Award Winners for 2023. 
• Peckish back on TV after winning awards at Glee.
• Flying high for Greenfingers.
• Record breaking Flower Power at Glee.
• AMES are branching out – GTN Interview with Nick Jones and Caroline Elliot.
• Tramontina get in the mood winning at SOLEX.
• Outdoor Living at its best - SOLEX 2023 Review.
• Woodlodge unveil W Garden Living at SOLEX.
• LifestyleGarden stack up awards at SOLEX.
• Selling Smiles at Floral Fountasia – GTN Planteria Column.
• Keep on gardening all summer long - HTA Column.
• Innovation matters – GIMA Column