The biggest topic of gossip and speculation amongst garden centre people at Chelsea last week was the impending decision from Tesco as to who they would be selling Dobbies to and which other centres Wyevale were in the process of buying at the moment.
Guy Hands was tight lipped at Chelsea, only saying he would not answer any questions, but shared the limelight with Naomie Harris - Miss Moneypenny in Spectre - on the Gold Medal winning Burncose Nurseries exhibit. An associate of Mr Hands did however confirm to GTN Xtra that the Dobbies deal was very much in progress. "Guy has told us that it will take a long time to integrate Dobbies into the Wyevalke group becasue of the geographical differences to products stocked and the different concessions in place."
Despite GTN Xtra learning of a categoric denial from a senior Notcutts executive that they were being purchased by Wyevale the talk at Chelsea was as though a deal had been done with an announcemnt imminent. It could be that there is confusion over the potential sale of two Notcutts stores to Wyevale last year that fell through so we will just have to wait and see for what happens here.
After winning a Gold Medal at Chelsea this week, Crocus.co.uk co-founder Peter Clay told listeners to BBC Radio 5 Live’s Wake Up to Money programme hat he thought UK garden centres had “significantly struggled over the past five years...”
After winning a Gold Medal at Chelsea this week, Crocus.co.uk co-founder Peter Clay told listeners to BBC Radio 5 Live’s Wake Up to Money programme on Wednesday last week, 25th May, that he thought UK garden centres had “significantly struggled over the past five years.”
He went on to say; “I don’t think it’s been a happy time to be in the garden industry. I think that the traditional garden sector is very dependent on key dates in the calendar so the majority of garden centres really rely on successful bank holiday weekends and all you’ve got to do is have a bit of a wash out of a weekend and that can seriously damage sales”
Well Peter, we’d like to know exactly who were you referring too? You certainly haven’t been reading GTN Bestsellers and tracking real sales data. The GTN Bestsellers All Products Index has risen year on year for four out of the past 5 years with 2015 being 7.1% up on 2011 totals. Only 2012 was a down year when the late spring and summer weather was really cold and wet.
And this year the weekend of 7th and 8th May – NOT a Bank Holiday – was the busiest on record!
Perhaps Peter was referring to purely web based garden centres? I wonder what the Top 20 Plants are sold by Crocus? I doubt they will be selling the huge numbers of looking great impulse buy plants that are clearly driving volumes as seen in the GTN Bestsellers Epos data.
If you’ve got a message we can get to the BBC to re-dress the balance please e-mail me: trevor.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk
Shaun Farrington, BBC 5 Live: How has the garden centre sector been lately? We’ve got 2,300 of them across the country. Is it a great time to be a garden centre in the UK?
Peter Clay, Co Founder of Crocus: I’d say not. I think they’ve struggled significantly over the last five years. I don’t think it’s been a happy time to be in the garden industry
Shaun Farrington: Why is that? If Chelsea was booming then surely you’d see people flocking in at the weekend?
Peter Clay: I think that the traditional garden sector is very dependent on key dates in the calendar so the majority of garden centres really rely on successful bank holiday weekends and all you’ve got to do is have a bit of a wash out of a weekend and that can seriously damage sales
Louise Cooper BBC 5 Live: You are an online gardening shop. How does online work? Because with so many areas online is growing – grocery, clothing are really beginning to dominate the industry. With gardening I don’t decide to do the garden until I wake up and the weather is warm by which time it’s too late for me to order anything online.
Peter Clay: Yes, except you will probably wake up on a Monday morning and decide that you ought to do something next weekend and that gives us plenty of time get an array of plants delivered.
Pelargoniums are the plant of the month for May, holding the No 1 spot for all of the past 5 weeks, sellling almost 3 times as many as the second ranked plants in the GTN Bestsellers chart for weeke ending May 22nd...
Pelargoniums are the plant of the month for May, holding the No 1 spot for all of the past 5 weeks, sellling almost 3 times as many as the second ranked plants in the GTN Bestsellers chart for weeke ending May 22nd.
GTN Bestsellers aggregates Epos data from UK garden centres to produce weekly charts of bestselling products and plants. Products are ranked individually but Garden Plants are grouped together by their genus to account for the 100's of varieties and pot sizes.
Notable changes in the Top 20 this week are:
Dahlias moving into the Top 20 with a 50% week on week sales increase.
Dianthus moves up 3 places to No 11 after a 28% increase.
Fuchsia's saw the biggest % sales increase of the Top 5, up 14%.
If you'd like to know more about the GTN Bestsellers Garden Plants chart please contact trevor.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk
Decorative garden structures and fencing company, Grange Fencing is going from strength to strength following the expansion of its marketing department. Consisting of a dedicated five-strong team, the department has been tasked with delivering continuous progression across the company and its product range...
Decorative garden structures and fencing company, Grange Fencing is going from strength to strength following the expansion of its marketing department. Consisting of a dedicated five-strong team, the department has been tasked with delivering continuous progression across the company and its product range.
Reporting to Sales and Marketing Director, Tony Fasey, the managerial team now comprises of Head of Marketing, Rob Giles, Trade Marketing Manager, Antony Barrett, Category Manager, Jaya Mehmie and Brand Manager, Anika Bahia with the most recent addition to the team- Commercial Manager, Rob McClelland.
Commenting on the present developments, Tony said, “ The strengthening of the marketing team has enabled Grange to embark on some really exciting projects over the past 18 months. Alongside the introduction of a number of first-to-the-market product developments, we have invested keenly in a consumer facing communications campaign in order to heighten awareness of Grange as the go-to company for on trend garden structures and high quality fencing.”
With the company’s new products, including the re-engineered Ultimate Panel, experiencing high demand amongst over 600 UK stockists, Grange has also introduced an improved range of Point of Sale (POS) support for retailers. The new offering includes a variety of product-specific merchandising units, as well as individual A4 Foamex product labels for items across the company’s entire range.
Tony continues, “The new POS support has been designed to provide informative and functional merchandising support, making it easier than ever for retailers to maximise consumer appeal.”
The expansion of the marketing department and subsequent company developments ensure that Grange stays ahead of the competition and continues to grow and prosper throughout 2016. With GLEE just around the corner, the company are confident that they are in the best position yet to offer retailers an all-encompassing product range, backed by superior customer service and excellent support for retailers.
Retailers interested in working with Grange should contact the company on 01952 588 088 or email sales@grangefen.co.uk
Hozelock's Cloud Controller won the RHS Chelsea Product of the Year accolade. Deborah Meaden was chair of the judging panel...
Twelve finalists competed for the title of RHS Chelsea Garden Product of the Year 2016. The products were shortlisted from a number of entrants, all of whom exhibited at this year’s show. Entries were judged on a number of criteria, including innovation, functionality, visual appeal, quality, value for money and environmental sustainability.
And the winner was
Hozelock - Cloud Controller
Other finalists were
Burgon & Ball – Poc-kit
Gardeners can keep everything to hand with the Poc-kit, designed to hold all items you would normally put in your trouser/jacket pockets, letting you garden in comfort.
Haddonstone – Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown
To celebrate Mark Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown’s tercentenary in 2016, Haddonstone has commissioned this bust based on Nathaniel Dance’s 1773 portrait.
MKM Creations – Feature Wall Planter
This wall feature planter is designed to fit in any garden. It creates a focal point, with lights included under a hidden edge.
Mr Fothergill’s – Garden Time GroTray
This self-contained germination system requires no re-watering until the seedlings have appeared.
Sitting Spiritually – The Floating Bench
This outdoor bench in textured, scorched and natural solid oak plays an optical trick – the back rest and arms appear to float.
Squareroot Planters – Rootator
The Rootator enables large trees and plants in containers to be manually turned through 360 degrees for consistent sunlight exposure and maintenance, and promoting all-round healthy growth.
Solus Décor – Firecube 16in
A contemporary concrete fire pit with eco-friendly ethanol burner, it can double as a stylish table when not in use.
The Firepit Company – Tree of Life Fire Ellipse
Artist Andy Gage has expanded his range of hand-crafted Fireballs with the stunning Ellipse. Either fire or LED lit, this will create a focal point in any garden.
Agriframes – Big Ben Plant Frame
This plant frame lets gardeners be creativity with their climbers and create an iconic feature in the vegetable garden.
Oxford Planters – The Stud Planter
This eye-catching planter has been designed and developed with consideration for the environment to offer sustainability as a core function.
Sneeboer – Royal Hand Hoe - hand model
The curved head of the hoe allows you to weed and aerate the soil in between plants with ease.
This mobile app, hub and remote tap unit allows gardeners to remotely set, pause and adjust garden watering schedules. It also keeps you informed about current conditions and changes of weather.
The garden industry collaborative exhibit in the Great Pavilion at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show has been awarded a Silver-Gilt Medal. The project spearheaded by The Sun’s Gardening Correspondent Peter Seabrook and co-ordinated by the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA). Working in association with the Garden Centre Association (GCA) the exhibit brought together over 120 suppliers, growers and garden retailers and featured over 40 new plants...
The garden industry collaborative exhibit in the Great Pavilion at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show has been awarded a Silver-Gilt Medal. The project spearheaded by The Sun’s Gardening Correspondent Peter Seabrook and co-ordinated by the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA). Working in association with the Garden Centre Association (GCA) the exhibit has brought together over 120 suppliers, growers and garden retailers and features over 40 new plants.
The Sun Flower Square in the Great Pavilion features four model garden displays, each 4m x 4m square, the same size as the average front garden in Britain. The four elements of the exhibit are:
Love the Plot You’ve Got – Room Outside – designed by Lovania Nurseries demonstrates how a hard landscaped front garden can be greened and decorated with woody plants and hardy perennials to form an inspiring outdoor space. It is packed full of inspiring ideas to capture the imagination from plant cupcakes, fairy gardens to insect hotels and planted coconuts.
GCA Golden Jubilee Hanging Basket Garden - members of the GCA, who are celebrating their Golden Jubilee this year, have presented a massed display of containers hanging from pergolas above ground filling patio pots. Garden centres that are contributing include Squire’s, Coolings, Perrywood, Cowell’s, Van Hage, Gordale, Old Railway Line, Ruxley Manor, Brookhouse and Meadow Croft. Pots have been kindly been provided by Apta.
The Seed Garden - major seed brands have come together to present a living catalogue of the flowers, fruits and vegetables they offer as both seeds and young plants. Companies contributing include Suttons, Dobies, Marshalls, Unwins, Robinsons, Mr Fothergill’s, DT Brown, Woolmans and Johnsons.
The Rising Stars Grow your Own Exhibit - supported by Westland Horticulture and their Rising Stars scheme, home grown is the theme of this garden. Assisted by schools and colleges, this garden demonstrates the wide range of crops which can be produced where there is no available soil. It features an InstaPlant Living Wall from Kernock Park Plants which commemorates the Queen’s 90th Birthday.
The exhibit attracted much interest on press day at Chelsea – visitors included Head of News UK Rupert Murdoch and his wife Jerry Hall and actors Jim Carter and Imelda Staunton, along with plenty from photographers, TV and radio crews. George Eustice MP, Minister for Defra spent half an hour visiting the stand and finding out more about collaboration across the industry.
An All Parliamentary Horticulture and Gardening Group visit attracted 22 MP’s who also spent time discovering the various elements of the exhibit with further tours plans over the coming days.
HTA Chief Executive Carol Paris comments,
“This is a real industry first for so many companies to come together to showcase horticulture. We are extremely grateful to Peter Seabrook who planted the initial seed for this and who has worked tirelessly to ensure that this came to fruition. A Silver-Gilt Medal is great and congratulations to all those who have contributed to make this a success. We look forward to seeing what the public reaction to the exhibit is over the coming days of the show.”
Peter Seabrook added thanks to Cassie King of the HTA for all her efforts in making the exhibit happen: "In case I forget, every possible sincere thank you for all you have done over the past months for Love the Plot you have Got exhibit. It would never have happened without you, I have not meet anyone more committed, so quick to help and a real pleasure to work alongside. You will probably never want to see another cabbage , but when you see Cabice in the catalogues in years to come it will be in no small part to your efforts. With renewed thanks, Peter."
See more pictures of the exhibit in the GTN Xtra picture gallery here
The Lincolnshire daffodil man with the midas touch has struck gold again with his display of daffodil flowers at the Chelsea Flower Show...
The Lincolnshire daffodil man with the midas touch has struck gold again with his display of daffodil flowers at the Chelsea Flower Show. Johnny and his team representing the specialist daffodil mail-order collection of Taylors Bulbs, have worked their way through yet another nerve racking and tense build-up to display daffodils later than nature would normally allow.
The display of 86 varieties and 2500 flowers covers 12 weeks of flowering and is the result of 15,000 flowers grown in controlled conditions every year especially for the show. Varieties from February Gold which, as the name suggests, normally flowers in the garden in February, through to Pheasant’s Eye, the genuine old fashioned favourite that flowers in early May.
Sallyanne Foreman explains; “The bulbs are planted after Christmas and kept temperature controlled until they go into the greenhouse 4 weeks before Chelsea. In the first week we see leaf growth develop and then flowers beginning to form. This year we had a particularly trying period over the weekend of 7th/8th May when outside temperatures soared to 25°C which brought the flowers on faster than we would have liked with some flowers even blooming straight up in the air! Thankfully the temperature dropped just in time giving the bulbs a chance to develop their stems before the buds burst into flower.”
The flowers are cropped fully open and kept in cold store for up to 10 days before the show but only have an average life of a few days in the floral pavilion so the display is re-staged twice to keep the standard high until the end of Saturday.
Johnny says “The weeks running up to the show are exhausting and stressful but we all support each other and hope nature allows us to put on a grand display. I’m particularly proud to show such a spread of flowering time this year as visitors are always amazed when we explain the difference between the varieties. Daffodils from February to May in one day!”
For any further information, please contact Walkers Bulbs on 01406 426216 or Johnny Walkers on 07718 625890.
David Knott (RBGE), Roseanna Cunningham MSP (Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform) and Neil Cummings (HTA Business Development Manager for Scotland) at the Edinburgh reception...
The Horticultural Trades Association and the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh hosted a reception outside the Temperate Palm House of the beautiful botanic gardens in Edinburgh. Featuring key note speaker Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform Roseanna Cunningham MSP, the reception brought together the horticulture industry to celebrate the important contributions horticulture has for health, education and communities in Scotland.
As well as key industry speakers, the reception included representatives from throughout the industry who hosted interactive stands throughout the event. Attendees also had the exclusive opportunity to tour the beautiful gardens and experience the Botanic Garden’s edible garden after hours.
Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform, Roseanna Cunningham MSP, the reception’s keynote speaker said: “I was delighted to speak at such an important event. The horticulture industry has important benefits for the environment, the economy and beyond in Scotland. Horticulture also plays a key role in health, education, tourism and communities throughout our country and I feel very proud to be able to celebrate its contribution in such beautiful surroundings.”
Over 3 million adults in Scotland (72%) have a garden or allotment. Horticulture delivers quality of life for people through the design, development and maintenance of green spaces, both public and private, that make up the green infrastructure of our towns and cities. In short horticulture makes an enormous contribution to Scotland’s environmental, economic and social well-being.
The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) is the voice of gardening and horticultural industry representing growers, landscapers, landscape designers, garden centres and horticultural suppliers and manufacturers across the UK.
Neil Cummings, Scotland Regional Business Manager at the Horticultural Trades Association added: “The benefits of horticulture are clear and we are delighted that so many people joined us to celebrate the role horticulture plays in Scottish society. To ensure future generations continue to reap these benefits, the HTA have organised a panel of industry leaders from the Scottish horticulture sector, to develop policy recommendations that we hope will work alongside the Scottish Government to ensure the horticulture industry continues to thrive in Scotland.”
David Knott, Curator of Living Collections at Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh said: “The Royal Botanic Garden is delighted to work with the HTA to host such an important event that celebrates horticulture and further promotes the benefits the industry brings to Scotland.”
The HTA has announced that the association will be relocating to Chilton, Oxfordshire in October 2016...
Following an extensive search, the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) has announced that suitable new premises have been found and the association will be relocating to Chilton, Oxfordshire in October 2016.
Commenting on the announcement HTA Chief Executive Carol Paris said:
“This is a really exciting development for the HTA, helping to keep it moving forward as a modern trade body. The Association has long outgrown its current premises in Theale and the new premises will provide a better working environment and greater opportunities which members will be able to benefit from. Theale is currently home to the HTA, APL, BOPP, International Association of International Producers (AIPH), Chartered Institute of Horticulture, HTA Benevolent Fund and the Garden Centre Association (GCA). The extra space and parking strengthens the opportunities for the HTA as a ‘horticultural hub’ where members can work, meet and collaborate in the interests of the wider industry. There will be opportunities for immediate efficiencies that the previous building did not allow.
I am grateful to the Board for their unanimous support for this significant project that will be key to achieving the strategic aims for the HTA. “
The new office facilities offer good access to the A34, M4 and M40 and mainline rail networks through Didcot Station. The building offers a more efficient office environment which will include a lounge where members can work and a series of meeting rooms, event and showroom space which will be available for members to use at preferential rates.
Adam Wigglesworth, HTA President, commented “The HTA Board made the decision in April 2015 that as custodians of NGGV investments a higher proportion of the portfolio should be invested in providing a more secure future for the organisation. The opportunity to invest in the Chilton office is consistent with the prudent management of the funds and will bring tangible benefits to the membership and organisation. I am confident that the Executive will seize the opportunities created.”
HTA Council member Neil Grant added, “All businesses should operate with the right ‘equipment’. Having seen the over worked offices in Theale and being privileged as council member for Yorkshire, to know what has been worked on behind the scenes this is a really important part of our HTA’s future development. This piece of equipment is much needed.”
“The profile of horticulture is starting to impact at a much higher level than ever before in our nation and the new facilities will allow this to continue and grow. We will all benefit from the results of this and current developments the HTA are undergoing. “
Flopro have released details of their in-store display module incorporating an upbeat video of the innovative and stylish Flopro+ Cube hose reel...
As part of their hard hitting summer promotions and media campaign, Flopro have released details of their in-store display module incorporating an upbeat video of the innovative and stylish Flopro+ Cube hose reel.
The display module is being supplied to Garden Centres free of charge as part of a promotional deal which comprises 6 x 20m and 6 x 30m hose reels complete with fittings. The video may be viewed at https://vimeo.com/159674681
The complete deal comprises the Flopro+ Cube in-store video, the display unit and sufficient stock to merchandise the stand.
The practical and stylish hose reel comes complete with fittings for wall fitment or free standing. The set includes either the 20m or 35m hose, dual fit tap connector, water stop hose connector and watering nozzle. To ensure ultra smooth glide retraction, the Cube is fitted with a stainless steel internal coil for strength and longevity and for added convenience, locks at any length. The full flexibility of the reel is demonstrated on the in-store video.
Commenting on the promotion, Natalie Searle, Marketing Manager said “The Flopro+ Cube hose is twist resistant, kink resistant and is compatible with all brands with an easy snap fit. You get no leaks and the security of a full 5 years guarantee. The Flopro heavyweight promotional campaign is scheduled throughout the peak selling spring and summer months.”
To place an order see your local Crest Garden contact or phone the Flopro Hotline on 01480 443753
Miracle-Gro has moved to new state of the art offices in Frimley, Surrey. Jim Hagedorn, CEO of Miracle-Gro worldwide, officially opened the new offices on May 23rd 2016, and then paid a visit to the Miracle-Gro garden at the Chelsea Flower Show...
Miracle-Gro has moved to new state of the art offices in Frimley, Surrey, following a detailed consultation with its sixty two staff. The offices herald a new era for the company, which will better connect offices globally with video conferencing calling available in every room and every member of staff now working from a laptop. Jim Hagedorn, CEO of Miracle-Gro worldwide, officially opened the new offices on May 23rd 2016, and then paid a visit to the Miracle-Gro garden at the Chelsea Flower Show.
To mark the move to the new offices and to reinforce its philanthropic presence in the local community, Miracle-Gro has sponsored the prizes for Run Frimley 2016, helping to raise funds for a new unit and 3D mammography machine that will transform the lives of thousands of local breast cancer patients every year.
CEO of Miracle-Gro UK, Sheila Hill, said:
“2016 marks a significant new chapter in the history of Miracle-Gro’s presence in the UK. Our office move to Frimley demonstrates two things: firstly, we want technology and innovation to lead the way in everything we do. Secondly, supporting grassroots charities is, and always has been, at the heart of everything we do.
“We will always beat the drum for horticultural therapy, which has a valid and important contribution to make to society. We have already started working with local charity Frimley Health to provide greener and brighter spaces at Frimley Park Hospital, giving patients and staff the benefits of relaxing gardens can create a healing atmosphere.
“This isn’t just an office move for us – this is the start of something very exciting.”
The new office was chosen on the basis of being in a great catchment area for recruitment, having excellent transport links and an array of good amenities locally. Each team will have its own team orchid and all the units internally have Walnut topped desks and green in-boards – to bring the outside in.
Steve Fuller, International Head of Planning for Scotts Miracle-Gro said:
“We wanted an office with the ‘wow’ factor, and the open plan space we started with was the perfect blank canvas. Technology was central to our approach, and now every member of staff has a laptop, we have state of the art video conferencing facilities in every meeting room and we have opted for the highest spec possible to future proof the office.”
The building conversion was designed and installed by CBS Office Interiors. Alan Stevens, Senior Sales Consultant said:
“We delivered a design which gave the Scott’s employees a workspace to be proud of, that portrayed their character and the identities of their brands. We provided them with a space which excites and inspires as we wanted them to feel great about coming to work every day.”
Vicky Page, Consumer Relations Manager said:
“Godalming is a beautiful place to be and we made many connections with some of the fantastic local community groups and charities. We will continue to support our existing connections but look forward to meeting with some new groups in and around Frimley, we already have plans to help Frimley Hospital improve their 10 ward gardens through our newly formed relationship with Frimley Health Charity.”
Thompson & Morgan, one of the UK’s leading suppliers of products to the garden centre market, is looking for an experienced, energetic and enthusiastic high-calibre Area Sales Manager. Ideally based in Surrey/Berkshire (but not essential) the successful candidate will be responsible for one of our most important sales areas.
Responsible for not only maintaining and developing our current relationships, you will also be expected to win new business through effective communication, negotiation and selling skills.
If you are:
Excited and energised by selling and developing profitable business relationships
An experienced negotiator with excellent interpersonal skills
Someone with excellent written and spoken communication skills
Passionate and enthusiastic with the ability to learn and adapt quickly
Able to build good relationships and develop a rapport with all kinds of people
Driven and motivated to hit and exceed targets
Someone with flexibility regarding working hours and travel
Someone who is prepared to go the extra-mile in delivering excellent service
Ambitious with the potential for career progression
Previous experience in managing people would be an advantage
Then you could be just who we are looking for!
Reporting to the company’s Sales & Marketing Manager (UK), your responsibilities will include:
Capturing orders & merchandising
Proactively researching new business opportunities and generating leads
Calling, visiting and closing deals with new leads and existing clients
Hitting and exceeding set KPI targets
Travelling to client sites, meetings and events including team meetings held twice a year
Proactively and positively seeking solutions/ideas to improve on processes and product ranges
Positively contribute to sales meetings
In addition the ideal candidate will have demonstrable experience in a similar role with a track record of success in developing business and hitting targets.
If you are interested, please send your CV and salary expectations to mwood@thompson-morgan.com quoting reference MW100516-ASM. Closing date for applications is Friday 3rd June 2016.
To be responsible for the management of the Garden Centre and to direct and lead a team of Department Managers, Team Leaders and Sales Assistants in delivering very high levels of customer experience to maximise sales and profits whilst minimising losses especially with stock.
The Role
Key Responsibilities: Ensure excellence of customer experience is continually delivered throughout the Garden Centre at all times. Ensure very high standards of store presentation and merchandising are maintained at all times. Achievement KPI targets for turnover, stock and losses are achieved throughout the store. Control of budgets by planning and managing resources effectively. Improve gross margins by reductions in waste and stock losses. Reduce overheads by keeping control of all costs and expenditure. To produce business reports and presentations to senior managers as required. To optimize stock availability by ensuring effective systems for replenishment are achieved. Seasonal and product promotions are planned and delivered. To recruit, motivate and develop an effective retail team complying with company procedures and ensuring individual performance is regularly reviewed through assessment and appraisal. To create an effective communication strategy, including team meetings and briefings to ensure accuracy of information across all employees. All Company Health & Safety procedures are adhered to and compliance with all statutory requirements.
The Candidate
For this role they are seeking: An experienced Retail Manager from either the garden centre, supermarket to high street retail sector. Be capable of giving the customer the best possible customer experience and be able to demonstrate this through past experience Candidates must have experience of working and managing large multi million pound centres. Be capable of managing a team of over 100 staff. Must have great commercial acumen, be an insightful and an instinctive retailer who does not need to be driven by head office instructions. Great communications skills and a target orientated, driven personality.
Salary: To attract the best! Mid £50's basic plus 10% Bonus, pension and health care.
We are currently seeking an outstanding Garden Sundries Retail Manager to manage the Shop Area of this Cornwall based garden centre that are part of a Nationwide group that are continually growing and developing their leading garden centres across England and Wales.
The Role
This is an exciting opportunity to join a cutting edge Garden Sundries Department. The ideal candidate will have a background in seasonal products or garden centre retail with excellent garden sundries product knowledge from seeds to clothing. They will manage seasonal changes and have the ability to present and merchandise their department to the highest standard.
The Candidate
Team leadership skills are essential as is the ability to communicate well with customers delivering excellent standards of customer care. Working in a busy retail team environment means you will have to have a hands-on approach to all duties within this department. Candidates must have a background in retail, be able to merchandise and manage rapidly changing stock. Knowledge of garden products and garden chemicals etc. would also be an advantage but additional training can be given. If you are passionate about Garden Sundries and would enjoy sharing this enthusiasm with our client's customers, we would love to hear from you.
Thompson & Morgan, one of the UK’s leading suppliers of gardening products to the home gardener, is looking for a Trials Manager to join their team in Ipswich.
The ideal candidate will be someone with grower experience and expertise, who has meticulous attention to detail and organisational skills. Being able to plan ahead, quickly adapting to changing demands as well as communicating and recording key messages clearly are also essential.
Primary Duties:
To coordinate the container and seed trials including the ordering of samples, booking in of samples, planting and maintaining containers and keeping all records up to date.
Prepare plant material for Customer trials and trials with gardening magazines.
Ensure all customer trials entries are grown and the results recorded.
Organise and record technical trials applying different culture or treatments to plant material and recording the results.
Where required provide supplier feedback on completion of the trials.
Ensure all trials material is presented to a high standard on both the our site and public facing sites and is maintained until such a time it is no longer required.
Conduct seed crop quality grow out trials.
Liaise with the key personnel to plan and carry out the growing of plants for the flower trials Holland, Chelsea Show and other UK exhibitions and to record this information ensuring varieties are sown on time, produced to a high standard and flowering times recorded. Assist with the set up off these events when required.
Undertake new variety photography where applicable and advise relevant colleagues of varieties ready for photography
Assist with customers visiting the trials sites, including members of the press.
To communicate regularly with relevant colleagues giving regular progress reports and highlighting an key messages
To participate in inter-departmental projects, as and when required.
To participate in the watering rota (includes some weekend requirements)
Person Profile:
Essential Criteria:
Horticultural / Grower experience
Sound background in growing a range of ornamental plants
Ability to communicate information accurately and effectively both verbally and in writing both with colleagues and external suppliers
Good organisational skills. Ability to manage multiple tasks and fast changing priorities
Eye for detail and quality
Desirable Criteria
Horticultural Qualifications
NVQ Level 3 or Diploma
PA1 & PA6 Spraying Cert
Previous experience in a trials environment or growing for exhibitions or putting together show displays
Working as a grower or trials manager
Interested? Contact Mel Wood via mwood@thompson-morgan.com quoting MW050516-TMHK sending your CV and salary expectations. Closing date 3rd June 2016.
Location: England Salary: To attract the best Date: 13 May Job Type: Full-Time Duration: Permanent
This well established client is a respected plant supplier to the Amenity, Local Authority and Landscape sectors who is now looking to expand their business within these sectors and is currently looking for a driven Area Sales Manager who is currently within a similar role as Sales Representative / Territory Sales Manager and is looking for a new challenge within the industry.
The Role
Tasks: Sales to the existing customer base and potential clients. Expansion of market position of the company. Expansion of the range of products in the sales areas. Support of the customer base in the culture and technical business area as a reliable partner.
Area: Midlands and South UK (homebased) You will report to the Amenity Sales Director.
The Candidate
Affinity with the Amenity, Local Authority and Landscaping sectors, ideally with a proven track-record of selling into these sectors. Good knowledge of trees, shrubs and nursery stock is desirable. Commercially strong, performance driven. Good communication skills and the ability to develop lasting relationships. Present sales objectives and meet targets. Willing to travel The successful candidate can be based from home and this can be anywhere within the South of England from Birmingham down.
Salary: To attract the best, plus bonus, including car, laptop, mobile, etc.
We are seeking an Assistant Gardening Services Manager for a small, privately owned team of gardeners offering a service to clients across the south west of Lincoln, Scunthorpe, Grimsby, Skegness and Boston. They work within the domestic gardens and commercial sectors.
Their service is underpinned by garden design and the business experience brought by the owner. They work to high standards and aim to charge a premium for their service though this is a competitive market sector. They are looking to recruit someone who will help to take the business forward while understanding what it has taken to get to this point.
The Role
Undertake garden work,which may include some regular clients, covering absences, project work and taking on work while they build a meaningful portfolio that will allow further recruitment. Plan diaries and workload and liaise with staff members. Oversee others work and agree programmes of work with staff and clients. Identify opportunities for additional work within exiting gardens and elsewhere. Undertake regular client visits and client liaison Develop our social media presence and keeping this up to date - with MD and outside suppliers. Agreeing plans for digital marketing - with MD and outside suppliers. An individual with a feel for garden design would be a bonus, particularly if the skill set included plant good knowledge - both in terms of care and compatibility/suitability as well as for overall looks. Someone who understands that Lincolnshire is a big county and that a lot of travelling may be involved which will inevitably extend the day.
The Candidate
Experience: The successful candidate should have direct experience of the following key components of our work: Lawn cutting & strimming. Working with a range of machinery including mowers (pedestrian and ride-on) hedge cutters and brush cutters/strimmers. Hedge trimming and Border maintenance. Chainsaw training and certification (small projects only) Planting and seeding skills. Consultancy and advice Design and development expertise. Equipment hire requirements Maintenance of capital items - equipment and vehicles. Experience of working with contacts within the supply sector. Lawns and lawn care including, seeding, fertilizing, pest, weed & disease control.
Personal Attributes: Personable, pleasant and polite, demonstrating high standards - personally and professionally. Superb interpersonal skills A 'can do' attitude and approach. Able to demonstrate excellent literacy and communication skills. A willingness to do what it takes to see the job through. Ambitious Able to understand people and people management - these skills are extremely important.
Qualifications: Essential - Minimum Level 2 or 3 Horticulture. A level 3 would mean some form of management study and working practices had been undertaken and would be distinctly preferable. GCSE/GCE 'O' Level minimum grade C in English and Mathematics PA1 and PA6 NPTC pesticide application certificates however, training can be arranged for this. Desirable Advanced National Certificate Horticulture, National Diploma Horticulture or above.
Package: Salary, van, mobile phone, work place pension 20 days holiday plus Bank Holidays
Down by 16.4% on the previous week, the GTN Bestsellers Growing Media volumes are still above the past two years. Scotts Miracle Gro Fruit & Veg Planter was the highest re-entry at No 33...
Top 50 Bestselling Growing Media sales volumes are running at 17% up year on during the first three weeks of May.
Traditional composts, planters and John Innes mixes lead the way.
This week there is only 1 overtly peat alternative line in the Top 50.
Scotts Levington John Innes No3 25 litres is the highest chart climber, up 21 places to No 15.
Durstons Manor Farm Multi-Purpose Compost 60 litres re-enters the chart at No 22.
The Westland 60 litre Tomato Planter moves up 3 places to No 6.
Choice Marketing members have raised £130k for local charities by donating £2.00 from every Gardman Poppy and Daffodil Bird Feeder sold through their 36 Garden Centres...
Choice Marketing members have raised £130k for local charities by donating £2.00 from every Gardman Poppy and Daffodil Bird Feeder sold through their 36 Garden Centres. This huge amount of money was generated through the sale of 65,000 cast iron bird feeders. The funds have been distributed to various local charities including branches of the Royal British Legion and Cancer Support Charities. . Alistair Bertram of Garden Wise, Dumfries said “There has been a huge demand for the feeders. It’s been crazy. They’ve sold so fast that we had to order extra stock. We’ve had enquiries from as far afield as Canada. Every poppy sold represents a cash boost for the town’s branch of the Royal British Legion Scotland. So far, we raised £7,000 from poppies and £3,000 from daffodils.”
Goulds Garden Centre in Weymouth have raised almost £3,600 for the Royal British Legion and are now using the daffodil to raise money for CLIC Sargent, a cancer charity supporting children and young people. Anthony Gould said he was delighted to have raised such a fantastic amount for local charities and thanked all his customers who have purchased a poppy or daffodil.
Michelle de Lavis-Trafford of Choice Marketing said “There had been a superb response from members in raising £130k. Choice is all about working together for the common good and this activity shows just how much can be achieved when like minded people have a common goal. This also applies to our purchasing and marketing activities which help our independent centres maintain their highly professional and competitive market position.”
Garden Centres who would like to know more about the benefits of membership of Choice Marketing should contact Michelle de Lavis-Trafford at info@choice-marketing.co.uk
Golden Wonder! RHS Chelsea Flower Show Gold two years in a row for amateur potato growers
A Great Pavilion exhibit, sponsored by Thompson & Morgan, without a single decorative bloom on show has again charmed judges into awarding a Chelsea Gold Medal to Scots potato aficionados Morrice and Ann Innes...
A Great Pavilion exhibit without a single decorative bloom on show has again charmed judges into awarding a Chelsea Gold Medal to Scots potato aficionados Morrice and Ann Innes.
The exhibit, sponsored by Thompson & Morgan, acts as a simple showcase, highlighting more than 140 varieties, and traces the origins of the potato while drawing attention to its diversity and versatility in the garden and kitchen. Morrice of Old Town, Aberdeen, claims to have the largest private collection of potato varieties, built up over 20 years, and has long championed his favourite vegetable.
In 2015 Morrice and Ann took the first ever Gold Medal for a potato-only display in the show’s 150 year history. Having followed judges recommendations for 2016 by giving the tubers more breathing space on a bigger stand, they have done it again.
Many of the potatoes on display this year come from Morrice’s unofficial national collection of over 300 varieties, and include original South American species as well as historical European heritage varieties such as Karaparea, which was taken to New Zealand by Captain James Cook in the 1770s. The exhibit is completed with some 50 modern varieties grown from Thompson & Morgan seed potatoes including blight resistant main crop Sarpo Axona and high-yielding salad potato Jazzy, currently the mail order supplier’s best seller.
The modest, yet impactful display also includes several plants of wild potato species which were the starting point of many of today’s cultivated varieties. Seeds of these species varieties were supplied by The James Hutton Institute and grown in containers by Thompson & Morgan’s horticultural team in Ipswich. Visitors to the show have commented on the surprisingly pretty flowers of these wild forms.
Morrice said: “We’ve tried to tell the tale of the potato by highlighting a vast array of skin colours, shapes and sizes, while suggesting the best uses of each variety and the places where they come from. You won’t find many of the varieties for sale at the supermarket. Hopefully we’ll help inspire more people to grow potatoes and to try some of the more unusual forms while they are at it.”
Thompson & Morgan has worked with Morrice and Ann in the past, scooping silver and bronze medals at previous RHS shows, and is delighted to see a second Gold Medal awarded to the nation’s favourite vegetable. Thompson & Morgan Vegetable Product Manager, Colin Randel, worked with Morrice to set a world record for the largest display of potato varieties at the 2004 Shrewsbury Flower Show. He said: “Amongst all the glitz, glamour and colour of the world’s most prestigious flower show, it’s great to see a homage to the humble potato stand out from the crowd to scoop another Gold Medal. Morrice and Ann have put on a fantastic display again this year. There’s pretty much every potato colour under the sun on show, from very old varieties right up to our latest hot potato, Jazzy.”
Bell Plantation is expanding from 9,000 sq ft to 19,000 sq ft...
Bell Plantation Garden Centre in Towcester have announced that expansion works start on July 11th with an expected completion date of 1st November; just in time for Christmas shopping.
The aim is to give customers more choice and more space to relax and enjoy a good catch up with friends or family over a leisurely lunch or afternoon tea in the café.
The expansion will take the centre from 9,000 sq ft to 19,000 sq ft - just over twice as big as now.
There will be an extra 6000 sq ft of Glass House bringing a much wider variety of plants.
There will be an extra 4000 sq ft of Retail space with a larger range of gifts and garden related products.
There will be space for an extra 40 diners in the café, bringing the total number of covers to 115.
Arriving bright and early on Tuesday morning at Chelsea, the Briers team had a pleasant shock to be greeted by three gold stars glinting back at the team through the dappled sunshine on their stand...
As if the ample compliments were not enough… Now all the team's hard work has been formally recognised with the Briers stand receiving one of the coveted RHS Tradestand Awards. What an accolade! What a surprise!
Arriving bright and early on Tuesday morning, it was a rather pleasant shock to be greeted by three gold stars glinting back at the team through the dappled sunshine on their stand.
After gasps of "What's this?", "Oh wow!", "I can't believe it!" and "YES!!!", it was hugs and high fives all round!
This surprise certainly put added bounce into steps and huge smiles onto faces, as well as an extra sense of pride and achievement in a job well done. It's certainly not easy to "just do" to Chelsea and present yourself to the gardening great and good, without a lot of planning and prep work, plus constant juggling through potential set-backs (such as stands delayed in the US for instance!), and for some luck that it will actually be alright on the day. So after all that, what a way to start the day at Chelsea byproudly showing off an award from the doyennes of British gardening themselves - the Royal Horticultural Society.
After a fashionably long absence of almost a decade away from this, the crowning glory of the gardening calendar, receiving this award, also a first for the company, has marked a well-deserved welcome back for Briers to this world-famous event - "the greatest flower show on earth".
Recognition by the RHS Chelsea judging panel in awarding a Three Star Tradestand Award confirms the high standards achieved by the Briers team. Their aim was simple yet passionate - to literally bring the products to life through uncomplicated creativity, artistic planting and stylish product positioning. Well... it's all so beautifully Briers, isn't it!
Having overheard a few snippets from yesterday's judging panel, the novel aesthetics achieved with Buxus planted mugs, string tins, bags and wellies from the William Morris Collection, balanced by traditional pots, certainly appeared to be appreciated. Once again, our thanks to Whitehall Garden Centre Lacock for their help and support in lending us the plants and pots.
Jackie Eades, Briers managing director, could not be more pleased with the result: "Wow, I am over the moon! I could not be more proud of Mike and the team in their amazing efforts to get us to Chelsea and get Briers this award. A great team, great products and a great stand too! My thanks to them all".
Finally, a huge, huge thank you goes to the RHS for recognising the Briers passion for artistic display and a dream to delight at this year's Chelsea. A job very well done indeed!
See more Chelsea pitures in the GTN Xtra gallery - link here
Taylors Bulbs presented a new variety of tulip to Her Majesty The Queen at the Chelsea Flower Show on Monday 23rd May...
Taylors Bulbs presented a new variety of tulip to Her Majesty The Queen at the Chelsea Flower Show on Monday 23rd May. The family business are by Royal Appointment as Bulb Growers to H.M. The Queen and were approached to find a variety that could be named in honour of the Queen’s 90th birthday.
Roger Taylor, Director of the family firm, said “We were asked to trial a number of new varieties in Autumn 2014 with a view to a selection being made the following Spring. We wanted to find something unique and so had to try many different types and colours. After assessing the trials, a variety was selected and a suitable name required. Royal Celebration was chosen and we are greatly honoured to have presented this to Her Majesty today at the Chelsea Flower Show.”
The variety is classified as a Lily-Flowering type of tulip which feature tall, slender flowers with a narrow waist. Bred from seedlings, the flowers of Royal Celebration start cream in colour with an increasing pink blush to the cheeks of the petal. Flowering to approximately 50cm tall and quite late in the flowering season, the dark stems complement the colour in the petal.
Taylors Bulbs of Holbeach, Lincolnshire, exhibit daffodils at the show and have now won 23 consecutive Gold Medals at Chelsea. The display of over 80 varieties and 2500 flowers is the result of 15,000 flowers grown in controlled conditions every year especially for the show.
Every week GTN receives and analyses epos data from a number of UK garden centres to produce the GTN Bestsellers charts...
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 printed newsletter.
As the year goes on we give sales volume comparisons with 2014 as well as 2015 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 01733 775700, e-mail karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.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.
Get the GTN Bestsellers charts in full every week in the GTN Bestsellers newsletters delivered via the post for only £145.00.
GTN Bestsellers is the only industry source of weekly garden centre sales information, collating Epos data from centres with an aggregate turnover in excess of £120m.
Use the weekly Garden Products and Growing Media Top 50 sales volumes charts to plan your hotspot and other promotions and ensure you have the right products in stock to satisfy the needs of your customers.
With only 8 days to go, now is the time to sign up for the HTA Catering Conference, exhibition and dinner, which takes place on Tuesday 7th and Wednesday 8th June at The Belfry Hotel and Resort, near Sutton Coldfield...
It’s not too late to sign up for the HTA Catering Conference, exhibition and dinner, which takes place on Tuesday 7 and Wednesday 8 June at The Belfry Hotel and Resort, near Sutton Coldfield.
Sponsored by Vision Commercial Kitchens, this two day event provides garden centre caterers with inspiration and ideas to take their outlet forward. ‘Strategy and Operations’ is the theme for day one and a ‘Focus on Food’ on day two, the programme covers many topics impacting on garden centre catering operations.
Keynote speakers, Fred Sirieix and Henry Dimbleby, will talk about the ‘art of service’ and sourcing suppliers and ingredients respectively.
Workshop sessions include:
Dining in the Digital Age: The role of social media and psychology in food marketing
A recent study found that 95% of all human decisions are subconsciously made. This statistic almost certainly applies to our food purchasing and consumption decisions. In fact, we make on average around 200 decisions about food each day, the majority of which are subconscious. What does this mean for you? It demonstrates a clear need to your reach customers on an emotional level. Join Karen Fewell, Founder of Digital Blonde and the Food Marketing School, as she explores how social media can help you make that all important emotional connection and get more people eating at your garden centre. In this workshop, Karen’s thought-provoking talk will draw on new findings from the world of psychology and marketing, with ideas and learnings for a range of catering businesses to take away.
Consumer dynamics in coffee: What’s driving the market and how to unlock commercial growth
Coffee is big business. Really, really big business. With a market valued at nearly £8bn in value and in continual growth, coffee is becoming ever more competitive on a weekly basis. Consumer coffee consumption was unabated through the recession but consumer behaviour is changing - and understanding this is key to unlocking commercial benefits. Andrew Jack, Head of Marketing at Matthew Algie, will take you through the macro dynamics in the market and some of the key trends within coffee – and importantly how to activate and commercialise these opportunities!
Having an allergy policy, will this increase your customer base?
Are you serving the allergen customer safely? It’s not just about creating a gluten free menu, it’s looking at all aspects around preparing, serving and communicating to the FreeFrom diner, whether it’s an allergy or intolerance!
Are you promoting your FreeFrom offerings on your website, and how you could be portrayed on social media if your staff are bad communicators! In this workshop, Caroline Benjamin MIH, Director, Food Allergy Training Consultancy, will help uncover the myths around the FreeFrom diner; delegates will have the opportunity to share their ideas and best practice.
How to ensure you have nutritional and balanced choices on your menu
In this workshop Rob Owen, Executive Development Chef at Creed Foodservice , will explore how you can adapt your menu to different potential customers, the benefits of using nutritional software to help develop menus and will discuss what is ‘superfood’ and what are the values of it.
Other speakers include:
Pippa McKean, Director of McKean Consulting. Mark Harris, Proprietor of Harris Restaurant Consultants Melanie Sewell, Catering Director at Fron Goch Garden Centre Anthony Hester, Head of Restaurants , Dobbies Co-owner Mark Farnsworth & Commercial Manager Sharon McNair from Tong Garden Centre Emma Read, Director of Marketing and Business Development at Horizons Mike Lind, Managing Director and Denis Guileman, Catering Operations Manager from Monkton Elm Garden Centre There will be panel sessions on both days chaired by Boyd Douglas-Davies, Hillview Garden Centres. Panellists include Mike Burks, The Gardens Group and Malcolm Scott from Malcolm Scott Consultants.
This year’s conference and exhibition features a formal dinner, which allows delegates plenty of time and opportunities to meet with a range of key catering suppliers.
The dinner, held on the evening of Tuesday 7 June, will feature Garden Trade News ‘Greatest Catering Awards.
The cost to HTA members is £325.00, plus VAT, which includes the two day conference, dinner and accommodation for single occupancy at The Belfry (£445.00, plus VAT for non-members). Single day only rates are also available for those who cannot attend the full conference.
Fred Sirieix, General Manager of Michelin-starred restaurant Galvin at Windows on the 28th floor of the London Hilton on Park Lane, and Maitre d'H in the Channel 4 series "First Dates" will discuss the principles of customer service...
Fred Sirieix, General Manager of Michelin-starred restaurant Galvin at Windows on the 28th floor of the London Hilton on Park Lane, will discuss the principles of customer service and why excellent customer service is absolutely critical in catering-based operations.
As well as being a General Manager, Fred co-hosted with Michel Roux Jr. in the BBC2 series about service and hospitality, "Michel Roux's Service".
Since 2015 Fred is also recognized for his role as the host and charismatic Maitre d'H in the much loved BAFTA winning "First Dates" series on Channel 4.
In this keynote session, Fred will use the hospitality industry to demonstrate how to deliver great service in any industry, sector and business.
Book now
The cost to HTA members is £325.00, plus VAT, which includes the two day conference, dinner and accommodation for single occupancy at The Belfry (£445.00, plus VAT for non-members). Single day only rates are also available for those who cannot attend the full conference.
Henry Dimbleby, Co-Founder of the popular, award-winning, high-street chain of Leon Restaurants, explains the concept behind Leon...
Henry Dimblebyis co-founder of the award-winning Leon Restaurants. Henry started his career as a commis chef with Michelin-starred chef, Bruno Loubet, before joining The Daily Telegraph.
From there he moved to Bain & Company, a management consultancy firm, where he met John Vincent. They spent a lot of time together on the road, travelling for work, where all they found to eat was delicious but life-destroying fried chicken or cold, neon-lit sandwiches.
Infuriated by the difficulty of finding tasty, nutritious food on the run, they resolved to do something about it. And so, in 2004, Leon was born.
With 33 very busy restaurants across the country and a number of cook books under their belt, Leon Restaurants has a strict food sourcing and sustainability policy and keeps food and packaging waste to a minimum.
Henry will explain the concept behind Leon. How they source their ingredients and manage their suppliers, how they develop their menus and how they engage with their customers.
Book now
The cost to HTA members is £325.00, plus VAT, which includes the two day conference, dinner and accommodation for single occupancy at The Belfry (£445.00, plus VAT for non-members). Single day only rates are also available for those who cannot attend the full conference.
The cost to HTA members is £325.00, plus VAT, which includes the two day conference, dinner and accommodation for single occupancy at The Belfry (£445.00, plus VAT for non-members). Single day only rates are also available for those who cannot attend the full conference.
Guy Hands was tight lipped at Chelsea, only saying he would not answer any questions, but shared the limelight with Naomie Harris - Miss Moneypenny in Spectre - on the Gold Medal winning Burncose Nurseries exhibit. An associate of Mr Hands did however confirm to GTN Xtra that the Dobbies deal was very much in progress. "Guy has told us that it will take a long time to integrate Dobbies into the Wyevalke group becasue of the geographical differences to products stocked and the different concessions in place."
The exhibit attracted much interest on press day at Chelsea – visitors included Head of News UK Rupert Murdoch and his wife Jerry Hall and actors Jim Carter and Imelda Staunton, along with plenty from photographers, TV and radio crews. George Eustice MP, Minister for Defra spent half an hour visiting the stand and finding out more about collaboration across the industry.
Johnny says “The weeks running up to the show are exhausting and stressful but we all support each other and hope nature allows us to put on a grand display. I’m particularly proud to show such a spread of flowering time this year as visitors are always amazed when we explain the difference between the varieties. Daffodils from February to May in one day!” 
Miracle-Gro has moved to new state of the art offices in Frimley, Surrey, following a detailed consultation with its sixty two staff. The offices herald a new era for the company, which will better connect offices globally with video conferencing calling available in every room and every member of staff now working from a laptop. Jim Hagedorn, CEO of Miracle-Gro worldwide, officially opened the new offices on May 23rd 2016, and then paid a visit to the Miracle-Gro garden at the Chelsea Flower Show.
To be responsible for the management of the Garden Centre and to direct and lead a team of Department Managers, Team Leaders and Sales Assistants in delivering very high levels of customer experience to maximise sales and profits whilst minimising losses especially with stock.
Michelle de Lavis-Trafford of Choice Marketing said “There had been a superb response from members in raising £130k. Choice is all about working together for the common good and this activity shows just how much can be achieved when like minded people have a common goal. This also applies to our purchasing and marketing activities which help our independent centres maintain their highly professional and competitive market position.”
A recent study found that 95% of all human decisions are subconsciously made. This statistic almost certainly applies to our food purchasing and consumption decisions. In fact, we make on average around 200 decisions about food each day, the majority of which are subconscious. What does this mean for you? It demonstrates a clear need to your reach customers on an emotional level. Join Karen Fewell, Founder of Digital Blonde and the Food Marketing School, as she explores how social media can help you make that all important emotional connection and get more people eating at your garden centre. In this workshop, Karen’s thought-provoking talk will draw on new findings from the world of psychology and marketing, with ideas and learnings for a range of catering businesses to take away.
Are you serving the allergen customer safely? It’s not just about creating a gluten free menu, it’s looking at all aspects around preparing, serving and communicating to the FreeFrom diner, whether it’s an allergy or intolerance! 
