Colin Squire, chairman of Squire’s Garden Centres, received his OBE from HRH The Prince of Wales at Buckingham Palace on Friday 18 May. He was given the award in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours list in recognition of his services to the horticultural industry and to charity.

Colin Squire said: “It was a very special day, and lovely to share it with my two daughters Sarah and Elizabeth and their families. I felt immensely honoured. I have been very fortunate to work in this wonderful industry and to have enjoyed the support and friendship of so many inspirational people over the years.”

Squire’s, a family business with 15 garden centres across the South-East, was founded by Colin’s father D.J. Squire as a nursery and landscape business over 80 years ago. Colin (81) formally joined the business in the late 1950’s and developed the garden centres.

Colin’s daughter Sarah Squire, the group’s deputy chairman, said: “It was an absolute privilege to celebrate my father’s achievements, both in horticulture and in his charity and community work. It is my father’s character, values and judgment that permeate the business, and his enthusiasm, ready smile and commitment are reflected throughout the organisation. We are all so proud of him.”