In This Issue
GCA conference postponed
Blue Diamond buys Blackdown Garden Centre
Blue Diamond aiming for £300m turnover by 2023
Garden Centres thinking outside of the box
Haskins recognised nationally by Costa
The show goes on...Harrogate Christmas & Gift
Furniture and BBQs top GCA’s BoT for sixth month running
Strong Christmas sales for garden centre retailers
Spring Fair and Moda plan ahead for February show
Keukenhof looks forward to spring
That was the year that was... 2021
Get your copy of GTN Xtra
Jeff Carter Promoted to Associate Director at Azpects
HTA bolsters support to membership with new appointments for 2022
Ambiente and Christmas World are cancelled
Final call for horticulture scholarship applications
Instant access to the International Statistics – Flowers and Plants 2021
Bestsellers Top 50 charts every week
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GCA conference postponed

The Garden Centre Association’s 56th annual conference due to take place at the end of this month has been postponed as a result of the ongoing spread of Omicron. The organisation’s executive committee has taken the decision to defer the event based on safety concerns and made the announcement to members this morning...


The Garden Centre Association’s 56th annual conference due to take place at the end of this month has been postponed as a result of the ongoing spread of Omicron.

 

The organisation’s executive committee has taken the decision to defer the event based on safety concerns and made the announcement to members this morning.

 

Tammy Woodhouse, GCA Chairman Elect, who is due to take office as Chairman this month, explains: “I’m very disappointed to announce that we’ve decided to postpone the January 2022 GCA conference. 

 

“As an executive committee, we feel the risk to the industry from COVID is too great at this time and we need to act responsibly to ensure our teams and customers are kept safe and our businesses remain open through this latest wave of the virus. 

 

“We’re optimistic that we will be able to run a full conference later this year, as we feel it is important we’re able to celebrate and share our experiences of the last two years together, in person.

 

“We’re currently investigating how we can run the AGM virtually and present the 2021 inspection awards to ensure the winning teams are recognised and rewarded in a timely way. We’ll announce the details on all this and a new 2022 conference date as soon as we can.

 

“I am personally very sad that we have had to make this decision but hope everyone can understand the reasons. I look forward to seeing members in person later in the year and sharing the great line up of inspirational conference content that we had planned.”

 

The GCA’s annual conference was to be held at the Mercure Blackburn Dunkenhalgh Hotel and Spa in Blackburn, Lancashire from January 23 until 26, 2022. The body’s 2021 event was cancelled and the last time GCA members met for a conference was January 2020.

 

The GCA represents nearly 200 garden centres nationwide.

 

Through sharing information and its inspection programme the GCA helps members to achieve high standards in customer service, plant quality and reliability.

 

For further information, please call 01244 952170 or visit www.gca.org.uk.

 
Blue Diamond buys Blackdown Garden Centre

The Blue Diamond Group has increased its garden centre portfolio to 39 with the acquisition of Blackdown, near Taunton in Somerset. 


The Blue Diamond Group has increased its garden centre portfolio to 39 with the acquisition of Blackdown, near Taunton in Somerset. 

 

Blue Diamond Group, Managing Director, Alan Roper said: “This freehold 19-acre site just off the M5, south of Taunton, was one I could not resist.

 

“This site has the potential to become a sizeable destination garden centre and plugs a catchment gap between Sanders to the north and our Devon centres to the south. 

 

“The centre will receive a multi-million pound refurbishment in the summer.”

 

Blackdown Garden Centre has been a family-run business for many years and is set in the heart of the Blackdown Hills, an area of outstanding natural beauty.

 

Blackdown was taken over by Carnon Downs Garden Centre in Truro in late June 2009 after the centre went into administration on June 13th 2009.

Blue Diamond aiming for £300m turnover by 2023

Last month, following on from the acquisition of Mere Park, Alan Roper told GTN that he had two further acquisitions due to complete in January (one of them in Surrey) plus a scheduled refurb on an additional site in the Westcountry, which is now confirmed as Blackdown Garden Centre in Somerset.

 

Read the full story in the current issue of GTN below where Alan talks about his growth targets for Bue Diamond, the improvements in turnover of the centres purchased from Wyevale, his views on Little Dobbies and news of the Blue Diamond Awards for 2022...


Last month, following on from the acquisition of Mere Park, Alan Roper told GTN that he had two further acquisitions due to complete in January (one of them in Surrey) plus a scheduled refurb on an additional site in the Westcountry, which is now confirmed as Blackdown Garden Centre in Somerset.

 

Read the full story in the current issue of GTN below where Alan talks about his growth targets for Bue Diamond, the improvements in turnover of the centres purchased from Wyevale, his views on Little Dobbies and news of the Blue Diamond Awards for 2022.

 

 

Garden Centres thinking outside of the box

     

Not resting on their laurels after successfully trading through the pandemic, garden centres across the country are Thinking Outside of the Box to take advantage of new market opportunities and solve current trading issues.

 

Read stories in the current issue of GTN about the rise of Little Dobbies, The Plnat Room by Camden Garden Centre and Hillmounts' expansion from Northern Ireland to Cheshire...


Reaching a different audience with Little Dobbies

 

For the first of our “Thinking outside the box” articles GTN caught up with Dobbies Horticultural Director, Marcus Eyles, in their Chiswick store in West London to find out more about what has driven the development of Little Dobbies.

 

 

Make way for the Plant Room

 

Our second “Thinking outside the box” article in the current issue of GTN is a photo tour of The Plant Room, a new urban plant emporium in Richmond created by Camden Garden Centre.

 

 

Cheshire is grand for Hillmount

 

The third of our “Thinking outside the box” articles features Hillmount who while running three garden centres in Northern Ireland have this year opened a new centre on the mainland in Cheshire.  That’s certainly outside the normal box for garden centre expansion…

 

 

 

Haskins recognised nationally by Costa

Haskins Garden Centres has been announced as Costa’s National Partner of the Year out of more than 80 partners across the UK...


 

Haskins Garden Centres has been announced as Costa’s National Partner of the Year out of more than 80 partners across the UK.

 

This is the first time that Haskins has won this accolade with Costa and was one of four shortlisted partners that were celebrated during an awards evening held at Proud Embankment in London last month.

 

Costa has over 150 partnerships across the UK and Ireland, with more than 80 partners operating five or more sites, similar to Haskins Garden Centres.

 

Ben Harrison, Operations Director of Haskins Garden Centres, commented: “Our teams have worked incredibly hard to recover from the events we’ve all faced over the last two years and I’m incredibly proud of them for consistently delivering great quality coffee day in, day out in the huge volumes we work through. Our fantastic partnership with Costa Coffee has really helped drive footfall into our restaurants during these times and it means a lot to be recognised in this way.”

 

The annual national awards are held to recognise and praise Costa’s partners for their committed partnership and excellent customer service.

 

Marian Fagbemiro, Corporate Partnerships & FMCG Director, Costa UK & Ireland said, “We were delighted to award Costa Coffee’s Partner of the Year 2021 to Haskins Garden Centre. As a long-standing partner, Haskins has been serving Costa Coffee for over 13 years and despite a challenging 18 months have demonstrated tremendous resilience, emerging stronger from the pandemic with the recent opening of Forest Lodge and Birdworld in Farnham.

 

“The team have kept the safety of their team members and customers at the forefront of all decision making, remaining committed to safely serving their local community and delivering exceptional customer service and, of course, serving deliciously crafted Costa coffees. Congratulations to everyone involved.”

 

Costa Coffee is served in all five Haskins Garden Centre restaurants where baristas are trained to meet Costa’s quality and taste standards.

 

Haskins has centres in Ferndown in Dorset, West End in Southampton and Roundstone and Snowhill in West Sussex. The family business also recently acquired Forest Lodge Garden Centre, Bird World and Garden Style in Farnham.

 

For more information on Haskins Garden Centres, please visit www.haskins.co.uk.

The show goes on...Harrogate Christmas & Gift

With Christmas 2021 behind us, the UK’s festive and gift industry can start planning for 2022 celebrations with the first port of call, Harrogate Christmas & Gift which takes place from 16th to 19th January 2022 at the Harrogate Convention Centre...


 

With Christmas 2021 behind us, the UK’s festive and gift industry can start planning for 2022 celebrations with the first port of call, Harrogate Christmas & Gift which takes place from 16th to 19th January 2022 at the Harrogate Convention Centre.

 


In line with current government Covid advice, the show organisers have put into place necessary precautions to ensure the safety and wellbeing of everyone participating. This includes everyone attending being required to have either: an NHS Covid Pass; or an approved international equivalent Covid pass; or a negative test result from a PCR or a lateral flow test taken within 48 hours. Hand sanitisers will be located throughout the show and the wearing of face masks will be mandatory.

 

Simon Anslow, show organiser, comments: “We are now in Harrogate preparing for show build up, with exhibitors already arriving on site with some fabulous new products to present. There is a real buzz of excitement as it is now two years since our last event and companies are looking forward to being able to meet their customers face-to-face once again. We look forward to welcoming everyone in two weeks’ time.”

 

All latest show information about the show and a full exhibitor list is available at www.harrogatefair.com

 
Furniture and BBQs top GCA’s BoT for sixth month running

Outdoor living items continued to come out top in the Garden Centre Association’s Barometer of Trade for November – beating Christmas for poll position. GCA Chief Executive, Iain Wylie. said: “There’s been a real buzz in 2021 around entertaining outdoors and a welcoming garden has become vital..."


Outdoor living items continued to come out top in the Garden Centre Association’s Barometer of Trade for November – beating Christmas for poll position.

 

It revealed furniture and barbecues were up 59.97%, boosted by the ongoing trend for alfresco entertainment, which has become an all-year-round event.

 

GCA Chief Executive, Iain Wylie explains: “Although during the cooler winter months it may seem unusual for us Brits to purchase outdoor living items, garden centres have seen customers keen to purchase ahead; gearing up for summer 2022 and also so they can continue socialising outdoors, as the weather allows, throughout the winter months too.

 

“There’s been a real buzz in 2021 around entertaining outdoors and a welcoming garden has become vital, not just as a fashion accessory but also to enhance wellbeing. Making spaces look festive, bright and inviting is also crucial at this time of year and many are creating a cosy space to recharge in.

 

“The understandable caution around Covid-19 this winter, with the increased opportunity for transmission via Omicron, has also meant there’s been a prolonged preference for spending time outdoors too.”

 

Again, the report revealed good sales in November overall with a year-to-date increase across all 13 categories.

 

Iain continues: “Christmas sales were pipped to the post by barbecues and furniture; however, sales were still up 1.08% year-to-date. Many member garden centres hosted late-night shopping evenings and other seasonal events throughout the month too.

 

“The figure for outdoor plants has also stayed consistent with sales up 36.88% year-to-date. Winter planting for 2022 and seasonal plants offer much-needed pops of colour, perfect for when people are entertaining outdoors and have lit up their gardens with twinkling Christmas lights.

 

“Inside homes, a welcome dose of Vitamin G as a splash of colour, or even as a gift, was also evident in November, as houseplants sales were up at 32.44%. Seeds and bulbs have also risen slightly, up 15.5%.”

 

Catering saw a large increase with the year-to-date figure up 27.67%, although this still needs to be tempered with last year’s events where various lockdowns, firebreaks and tiers were put into effect across the UK.

 

The remaining categories that performed well, year-to-date, in November were clothing sales up 39.73%, gifts up 32.08%, food hall/farm shop up 27.01%, hard landscaping up 22.84%, garden sundries up 23.8%, as well as pets and aquatics up 21.53%.

 

Overall sales in November were up for the month by 29.34% when comparing 2020 with 2021.

 

The GCA BoT reports are compiled using actual sales figures and provide an up-to-date trading position statement. They are made available mid-month following the end of the prior month after all member garden centres have submitted their results.

 

The BoT reports allow members to compare their trading positions with other centres.

Strong Christmas sales for garden centre retailers

The Horticultural Trades Association reported strong Christmas sales for garden centres. The organisation’s Garden Retail Monitor shows overall sales figures in the last four weeks leading up to Christmas Eve up on 2020 by between 10% and 20%...


 

The Horticultural Trades Association reported strong Christmas sales for garden centres. The organisation’s Garden Retail Monitor shows overall sales figures in the last four weeks leading up to Christmas Eve up on 2020 by between 10% and 20%.

 

Christmas ranges were up 15% on 2020 and 23% on 2019. Gift ranges were up 7% and 12% on 2020 and 2019 respectively. Catering showed a strong recovery on 2020 where much of the country was affected by tier 3 restrictions which closed their cafes and restaurants.

 

Garden centre catering sales were up 52% for the period compared with 2020, however this is down 41% on 2019, which reflects the ongoing impact of the pandemic on hospitality.

 

While gardening sales were down by 3% on 2020 these categories were up 38% on 2019, reflecting a sustained interest in gardening as a leisure pursuit in the UK.

 
Spring Fair and Moda plan ahead for February show

Spring Fair, the UK's most diverse, vibrant, and exciting wholesale marketplace for home, gift, sourcing and Moda as the fourth fashion destination incorporating footwear and the Jewellery & Watch Edit, confirms it will take place from 6-9 February 2022 in Halls 1-8 at NEC Birmingham, as planned...


Spring Fair, the UK's most diverse, vibrant, and exciting wholesale marketplace for home, gift, sourcing and Moda as the fourth fashion destination incorporating footwear and the Jewellery & Watch Edit, confirms it will take place from 6-9 February 2022 in Halls 1-8 at NEC Birmingham, as planned. 

 

Registration is live and visitors can visit www.springfair.com and www.moda-uk.co.uk for the latest news, information on over 1,000 exhibitors, inspiring content, and up to date Safe & Secure guidelines.

 

Julie Driscoll, Divisional Managing Director for Retail, Engineering and Manufacturing at Hyve Group plc says: “We are confidently planning for the show and are very much looking forward to seeing all of you there. As we always have done, we take our responsibilities around Health & Safety at our events incredibly seriously. 

 

“Anyone entering into the NEC venue at Spring Fair (including those during build-up and breakdown) will need to show their valid Covid-19 Pass, or a negative result to a Lateral Flow Test taken within 48hours. In addition, aligned to Government guidelines, all attendees will wear a face covering during the show.  

 

“As well as our responsibility to Health & Safety, we also have a huge responsibility to the many thousands of businesses that rely on us as a key part of their buying and selling calendar. We saw a renewed energy and excitement at both Autumn Fair and Glee amongst the thousands of exhibitors and attendees. 

 

“Everybody who attended the event came to do business. We also successfully launched Curated Meetings, delivering over 300, 15-minute face-to-face meetings, generating hundreds of thousands of pounds of business and an incredible return on time investment for participants. 

 

“We have grown Curated Meetings exponentially for Spring Fair, incorporating all sectors of the show. Averaging £330k in buying power, leading retailers signed up include Denby Retail, John Lewis & Partners, Midcounties Coop Food, Paper Tiger, Yorkshire Willow, Whirligig Toys, Riley's Garden Centre, Evie&me Interiors, Staines & Brights, D Cutler International, and Four Sisters.

 

“What 2021 has highlighted is the importance of reliability and retailers being able to see and touch what they are buying; one thing is clear they cannot afford another year of virtual buying. Spring Fair has been a vital cog in the retail supply chain for sourcing products and reinforcing those face-to-face relationships for many years and in 2022 it is vitally important for our industry that Spring Fair opens its doors to allow retailers to restock and buy for the year ahead.” 

 

Sarah Ward, CEO, Giftware Association, agrees that the UK retail industry should continue to trade safely at Spring Fair, saying: “The entire retail industry has learned so much from the pandemic, particularly the need and desire for in-person business and buying. Spring Fair is crucial for the future of the giftware industry, not just to source products but also to facilitate and build relationships, to forge new partnerships, and to discover and drive innovation and inspiration. 

 

“I have complete confidence in Hyve Group and the Spring Fair team to continue to create brilliant and safe shows and communicate best practice to everyone involved and attending them.”

Keukenhof looks forward to spring

For many people a visit to Keukenhof is on their 2022 wish list. The flower exhibition’s staff have done their utmost to create the most beautiful spring garden in the world. We are looking forward to being able to welcome visitors again...


 

For many people a visit to Keukenhof is on their 2022 wish list. The flower exhibition’s staff have done their utmost to create the most beautiful spring garden in the world. We are looking forward to being able to welcome visitors again.

 

Keukenhof bloomed wonderfully for eight weeks, yet remained closed in 2021 as a result of the lockdown. The park was only allowed to open as a test for six days: 27,000 visitors had a colourful day. Keukenhof was also open virtually and beautiful videos brought the flowers into people’s homes. Luckily, almost 20 million people enjoyed the flowering park online. This way, Keukenhof was able to be the worldwide showcase for floriculture in a different way.

 

Preparations for the 2022 opening are in full swing. The seven million flower bulbs have been planted and we are looking forward to once more welcoming visitors to the most beautiful spring garden in the world with all its tulips in full bloom!

 

View here how Keukenhof experienced 2021.

That was the year that was... 2021

 

Happy New Year to you all.  We hope you all had a good and safe festive period and are now looking forward to an exciting 2022.

 

Since New Year the GTN gnomes have been beavering away to compile the Top 100 stories read in GTN Xtra last year as our review of 2021.

 

During 2021 we published in excess of 2,500 stories in GTN Xtra which was opened 390,397 times by 34,334 unique readers who viewed 856,595 pages.  Added to that are the pages of GTN magazines published through the year which have been read on line almost 33,000 times (you can catch up with any you may have missed using the links on the bottom right hand side of this GTN Xtra edition) as well as the many thousands of readers of the printed copies.

 

We've thoroughly enjoyed bringing you all the news, views and ideas during 2021 and we hope you found them useful and informative.  Here's to an even greater 2022!


     

 

For links to the Top 100 stories click here...

 

The top 100 most read stories in GTN Xtra during 2021 were:

 

1.  Large Fire at Longacres Shepperton - UPDATED - GTN Xtra – Issue 15 2021

2.  Tributes for Eddie Topping MBE, Founder, Pioneer, Dad - GTN Xtra – Issue 36 2021

3.  An Open Letter on the use of peat - GTN Xtra - Issue 51 2021

4.  We're Here For You - GTN Xtra - Issue 1 2021

5.  Blue Diamond to open the largest Home and Garden Centre in the UK  - GTN Xtra - Issue 3 2021

6.  Altons BBQ World, Aylett Nurseries, Barton Grange, Baytree, Busy Bee, Groves, Pengelly, Pughs, The Old Railway Line and Squires Badshot Lea are the winners of GTN's Greatest Christmas Awards - GTN Xtra - Issue 3 2021

7.  Barton Grange Christmas 2020 - Exclusive GTN Xtra Photo Tour - GTN Xtra – Issue 19 2021

8.  £31m loss reported by Dobbies Garden Centre Group - GTN Xtra - Issue 49 2021

9.  Garden centre owners share their thoughts on being open during Lockdown 3 - GTN Xtra - Issue 2 2021

10.  British Garden Centres announce 58th centre, in Harrogate, will open in April - GTN Xtra - Issue 11 2021

11.  Antony Harker to launch Altico at Glee - Read GTN's August issue on-line now - GTN Xtra – Issue 33 2021

12.  Nicholas Marshall returns... again - GTN Xtra – Issue 15 2021

13.  Four Oaks trade show director Pat Coutts sadly dies - GTN Xtra - Issue 35 2021

14.  Garden centres report busiest ever day as gardens are the focus for family re-unions this week - More comments added - GTN Xtra - Issue 13 2021

15.  Nicholas Marshalls Country House Group pulls out of Windlesham - GTN Xtra - Issue 49 2021

16.  Suez Canal blockage causes further delays for garden furniture - GTN Xtra - Issue 13 2021

17.  Joules acquires digitally led retailer Garden Trading - GTN Xtra – Issue 6 2021

18.  Easter thank you to growers, manufacturers & distributors from British Garden Centres - GTN Xtra - Issue 14 2021

19.  Elho takes top prize as GIMA Award winners announced - GTN Xtra – Issue 46 2021

20.  Sustainable decking brand invests in technology to aid its stockist partners - GTN Xtra - Issue 26 2021

21.  Bill Bickerdike, one of "the gang", has died - GTN Xtra – Issue 33 2021

22.  Westland call for reality to be brought to the peat debate - GTN Xtra - Issue 12 2021

23.  Picture Special of the glitzy GIMA Awards evening - GTN Xtra – Issue 46 2021

24.  Dobbies buy Johnsons of Boston - GTN Xtra – Issue 15 2021

25.  Government publishes plan to ban peat sales by 2024 - GTN Xtra - Issue 20 2021

26.  Signs of growth for after lockdown - GTN Xtra - Issue 4 2021

27.  Has the sales volume bubble burst? - GTN Xtra – Issue 16 2021

28.  Dobbies No 71 opens in Boston, Lincolnshire - GTN Xtra - Issue 18 2021

29.  Nicholas Marshall interview and Solex On-Line Preview in GTN July 2021 Issue, live on-line now - GTN Xtra – Issue 27 2021

30.  £1.8m reward for Choice Marketing members - GTN Xtra - Issue 26 2021

31.  Smart, Kaemingk and Allensmore are Choice Marketing Suppliers of the Year - GTN Xtra – Issue 41 2021

32.  Alton's praised for tough stance on facemasks - GTN Xtra - Issue 2 2021

33.  Former LOFA secretary Phil Gibbs receives prison sentence for fraud - GTN Xtra – Issue 42 2021

34.  Blue Diamond acquires Mere Park Garden Centre - GTN Xtra - Issue 43 2021

35.  UK’s largest garden centre should get green light, say planning officers - GTN Xtra - Issue 26 2021

36.  GIMA Golf Day Photo Exclusive - GTN Xtra – Issue 24 2021

37.  Cherry Lane acquires Langford Garden Centre - GTN Xtra - Issue 13 2021

38.  Who have been the best buyers of the past eighteen months? - GTN Xtra – Issue 28 2021

39.  Industry prepares for a peat-less future - GTN Xtra - Issue 20 2021

40.  Derek Bunker adds his thanks to suppliers for "their efforts throughout this amazing period in garden centre history" - GTN Xtra - Issue 14 2021

41.  Shed prices set to soar - GTN Xtra – Issue 23 2021

42.  David Isaac says farewell to Johnsons of Boston - GTN Xtra – Issue 16 2021

43.  Europlants founder Renato Canale dies, aged 78 - GTN Xtra – Issue 21 2021

44.  East Yorkshire garden centre sells for £1.5m  - GTN Xtra - Issue 14 2021

45.  Petition to get Garden Centres in Scotland and Wales open again as soon as possible gains momentum, but they still need our help - GTN Xtra – Issue 6 2021

46.  BGC's Harrogate centre opens - Exclusive photo tour - GTN Xtra - Issue 22 2021

47.  Tong gets go-ahead to build £14m garden centre - GTN Xtra – Issue 23 2021

48.  57 garden centres vie for Christmas Greatness in GTN's Greatest Christmas Awards - GTN Xtra – Issue 48 2021

49.  Garden Re-Leaf Day 2021 FUNdraising goes past £35k and is still growing... - GTN Xtra - Issue 12 2021

50.  With eight weeks to go until Glee 2021, show organisers unveil a new date for next year’s event - GTN Xtra – Issue 28 2021

51.  Online petition launched to get Welsh garden centres re-opened – sign it NOW! - GTN Xtra – Issue 5 2021

52.  Farewell to the Eddie Topping, the Preston pioneer - UPDATED - GTN Xtra - Issue 37 2021

53.  GCA Christmas competition winners announced - GTN Xtra - Issue 49 2021

54.  Martin Stewart leads industry tributes at Memorial Service for Eddie Topping - GTN Xtra – Issue 40 2021

55.  Joe Swift opens The Plant Room by Camden Garden Centre in Richmond - GTN Xtra – Issue 45 2021

56.  GIMA Charity Golf Day welcomes the industry back with a day of sunshine and friendly competition - GTN Xtra – Issue 24 2021

57.  Christmas Future Trends and GTN's Greatest Christmas Awards Winners to be announced during Glee's on-line Festive Focus Day - GTN Xtra - Issue 2 2021

58.  Alan Roper wins Director of the Year Award - GTN Xtra – Issue 42 2021

59.  After a fantastic three days at the NEC, the return to Glee "has been really special" - GTN Xtra – Issue 38 2021

60.  Boyd's 100km in a day and AMES Amble add to the Garden Re-Leaf Day FUNdraising for Greenfingers - GTN Xtra - Issue 11 2021

61.  Online garden products retailer sold to private equity firm - GTN Xtra – Issue 7 2021

62.  little dobbies opens its doors in Bristol - GTN Xtra - Issue 13 2021

63.  AMES UK invest more than £1m in infrastructure and people in response to increasing market demand - GTN Xtra – Issue 6 2021

64.  Garden Centres re-open in Scotland... and it snows! - GTN Xtra - Issue 14 2021

65.  Sue Allen and Tammy Woodhouse to Brave the Shave on Garden Re-Leaf Day - GTN Xtra – Issue 8 2021

66.  Little Dobbies brings Garden Centre Christmas and houseplants to Richmond High Street - GTN Xtra – Issue 45 2021

67.  Eddie Topping retires - GTN Xtra - Issue 12 2021

68.  LOFA reports increased freight rates and container crisis - GTN Xtra - Issue 25 2021

69.  Excited to be back at Glee - GTN September, Glee Preview Issue, on-line here - GTN Xtra – Issue 36 2021

70.  Private equity group acquires leading garden product firm - GTN Xtra – Issue 23 2021

71.  Pearson Memorial medal awarded to Adam Wigglesworth of Aylett Nurseries - GTN Xtra – Issue 6 2021

72.  Turbo charged gardening as February breaks all records - GTN Xtra - Issue 10 2021

73.  Record end to a record year, up 28% on 2020, up 17% on 2019 - GTN Xtra – Issue 50 2021

74.  Industry taskforce to produce roadmap for a peat-free future - GTN Xtra - Issue 4 2021

75.  AMES UK reports record revenues in 2020 - GTN Xtra - Issue 4 2021

76.  Wildlife Trusts call for immediate end to peat sales - GTN Xtra - Issue 14 2021

77.  Hillmount boss warns of disarray for gardeners in Northern Ireland as spring approaches - GTN Xtra - Issue 4 2021

78.  Christmas Future Trends at Glee's Festive Focus Day - GTN Xtra - Issue 3 2021

79.  Future proofing your garden centre for maximum flexibility and profitability - GTN Xtra - Issue 3 2021

80.  No bubble burst yet for garden centre sales volumes - GTN Xtra - Issue 17 2021

81.  Garden Kitchen by Pugh's is a unique concept - GTN Xtra – Issue 36 2021

82.  Dobbies strengthens leadership team - GTN Xtra – Issue 46 2021

83.  Hetland Garden Centre sold to Caulders - GTN Xtra – Issue 38 2021

84.  Immediate ban on peat use unrealistic, says HTA - GTN Xtra - Issue 14 2021

85.  The COVID year in numbers - GTN Xtra - Issue 1 2021

86.  Fordingbridge undertakes major work at Norfolk centre - GTN Xtra - Issue 4 2021

87.  Lull in sales before mid-Summer - GTN Xtra - Issue 20 2021

88.  New brands confirmed for Glee 2021 - GTN Xtra - Issue 30 2021

89.  The new revolutionary smokeless fire pit - GTN Xtra – Issue 42 2021

90.  Pershore School Horticultural Unit, Pershore High School, Worcestershire has unwanted visitors. - GTN Xtra - Issue 11 2021

91.  Choice Marketing readies ‘Meet the Furniture Buyer’ event - GTN Xtra - Issue 25 2021

92.  The BBQ game changer! - GTN Xtra - Issue 12 2021

93.  Sales up by 49% compared to previous nine years, despite being closed for Easter Sunday - GTN Xtra - Issue 14 2021

94.  Monkton Elm and Old Railway Line scoop top Wales & West honours in GCA Awards - GTN Xtra - Issue 35 2021

95.  Expansion for family-owned garden lifestyle business - GTN Xtra - Issue 35 2021

96.  Moving on up… slowly - GTN Xtra – Issue 5 2021

97.  One good week and gardening sales get going - GTN Xtra – Issue 7 2021

98.  Glee to return in September 2021 - GTN Xtra – Issue 16 2021

99.  Ho, Ho, Ho! GTN’s Greatest Christmas Awards are back…for real! - GTN Xtra – Issue 44 2021

100.  Dobbies reports 51% increase in sales - GTN Xtra - Issue 9 2021

 
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Jeff Carter Promoted to Associate Director at Azpects

Azpects Ltd is pleased to announce the promotion of Jeff Carter from Technical Manager to Associate Director. Jeff remains the lead for products and technical support at Azpects, and his promotion reflects his experience and expertise...


Azpects Ltd is pleased to announce the promotion of Jeff Carter from Technical Manager to Associate Director. Jeff remains the lead for products and technical support at Azpects, and his promotion reflects his experience and expertise.

 

Jeff is the longest serving employee at Azpects, and his conscientious work has been critical in growing the company from its humble beginnings to the successful enterprise that it is now. Azpects is the market leader in developing and manufacturing products for creating and maintaining outdoor hard landscaping.

 

Paul Taylor, Managing Director of Azpects, commented. “The directors wish to congratulate Jeff on his well-deserved promotion. His loyalty and service have long been assets to the company and we look forward to seeing what he can achieve in his new role.”

 

About Azpects

 

At Azpects Ltd, we specialise in developing and manufacturing products for the creation and maintenance of outdoor hard landscaping.

 

Our mission is simple - to deliver products which make common hardscaping and care challenges EASY and less frequent.

 

Our comprehensive range includes products to help create patios, paths and driveways, and products to help clean and protect surfaces - including paving, decking and ornaments.

 

Established 2009

 

Azpects began in 2009 in Ipswich, Suffolk, England. Our two founding directors discovered an innovative product which they knew could benefit landscapers across Britain. They launched EASYJoint in January 2010 and it has fast become the UK’s leading product for joining patios, paths, and paving.

 

The Azpects range has grown to include over 40 products aimed at both professional landscapers and consumers. Our products are available through builders’ merchants, trade outlets, garden centres and leading DIY retailers alike.

 

We’ve developed unrivalled experience within our sector by listening to customers and answering their needs. Our team employs extensive skills developed within the chemicals industry to formulate solutions which solve our customers’ challenges quickly and effectively.

 
HTA bolsters support to membership with new appointments for 2022

The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) is to offer its members an even greater level of support thanks to investment in the technical and professional skillset of its staff...


The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) is to offer its members an even greater level of support thanks to investment in the technical and professional skillset of its staff.

 

The HTA’s team will increase by two this month when new hires to the newly created roles of Technical Horticulture Manager and Public Affairs and Policy Manager, come on board, bringing with them a wealth of skills and experience that will see the organisation increase its value to members.

 

Wayne Brough joins on 18 January as Technical Horticulture Manager, bringing with him considerable experience in ornamental horticulture built up over 11 years at the Agriculture & Horticulture Development Board and previously at the Agricultural Development Advisory Service.

 

In the new role, Wayne will take over responsibility for managing OHAS and a range of other technical services, allowing Horticulture Manager Pippa Greenwood to focus on member engagement. Wayne will join on 18 January and report to Membership Director, Martin Simmons.

 

We intend to re-establish the HTA’s technical committee and believe this will make a major contribution towards assisting our grower members and the wider industry for sustainability and plant health issues.

 

David Lydiat, who has a background in parliament and political campaigning, will start on 31 January as the new Public Affairs and Policy Manager. He will help increase the HTA’s voice into government and develop the organisation’s policy campaigns. David will report to Policy & Communications Director, James Clark.

 

With an increased focus by the HTA on policy advice to members, Sally Cullimore will become the new Technical Policy Manager.

 

The new recruits represent the HTA’s continued commitment to providing the best quality practical advice and representation of members interests to government, both across the UK and at a devolved national level.

 

James Barnes, Chairman of the HTA, said: “As we continue to develop and enhance the value members gain from HTA membership, increasing our capabilities and expertise is key. We are committed to delivering the best offer possible to our entire membership and the recruitment of Wayne and David brings essential skills and experience to the HTA team that is central to fulfilling that commitment.”

 

Wayne Brough said: “Joining the HTA as the new Technical Manager is a logical and exciting step for me. It enables me to bring my broad technical experience of the ornamentals industry to a role that promises to make a real difference to members.”

 

David Lydiat said: “This is an exciting and challenging time for horticulture and I am enthused to be joining the HTA team. I will be combining my experience of UK politics and commerce with my passion for gardening. I look forward to meeting and working with members to make the case for the industry.”

 
Ambiente and Christmas World are cancelled

Messe Frankfurt, organisers of Ambiente, Christmasworld, Paperworld and Creativeworld, have confirmed that due to the exponential worsening of the pandemic situation worldwide, and tightened travel and contact regulations, the shows, due to take place in January and February, have been cancelled...


Messe Frankfurt, organisers of Ambiente, Christmasworld, Paperworld and Creativeworld, have confirmed that due to the exponential worsening of the pandemic situation worldwide, and tightened travel and contact regulations, the shows, due to take place in January and February, have been cancelled.

 

“This decision was anything but easy for us,” confirmed Detlef Braun (pictured), Member of the Executive Board of Messe Frankfurt.  “However, in agreement with large parts of the industries represented at the fairs, it is now our responsibility to take this difficult step. The last few months have been characterised by optimism, energy and ideas to give Ambiente, Christmasworld, Paperworld and Creativeworld a successful new start after the compulsory break in 2021.”

 

Continued Detlef: “Since the trend-oriented order cycles of the international consumer goods industry require an annual event at the beginning of the year, a shift to the second half of the year would not meet the needs of the exhibiting companies and visitors.”

 

Plans for 2023 will be announced at the beginning of February 2022. 

 

Meanwhile, Messe Frankfurt has been actively helping retailers with Nextrade and Conzoom Solutions, an information platform for the global consumer goods sector.

 

“A second year without appropriate ordering, inspiration and networking formats poses considerable and, in some cases, existentially threatening challenges for retailers worldwide,” Detlef explained.

 

“With our digital offers, we are specifically supporting our partners in industry and trade in this volatile situation. In addition, we will continue to put all our energy and optimism into safe and promising trade fairs. Because there is no substitute for meeting in real life.”

 
Final call for horticulture scholarship applications

With just three weeks left to apply for a scholarship, the David Colegrave Foundation is urging students to take advantage of available horticulture funding. 


With just three weeks left to apply for a scholarship, the David Colegrave Foundation (DCF) is urging students to take advantage of available horticulture funding. 

 

DCF has awarded almost £100,000 over the last ten years towards study tours, work placements, college tuition, accommodation fees, books, equipment, and extra training courses. 

 

Lesley Jane, 28 from Fakenham in North Norfolk, and a previous winner of the Ball Colegrave scholarship, explains how the funding helped her both professionally and personally: “Using the bursary, I was able to undertake work experience at Floranova in their labs, as well as working in the potting and seed shed, which allowed me to understand how to harvest seed. One of the most important things was being able to see the whole operation in motion. I would never have been able to do that without the scholarship.” 

 

This year there are nine fantastic scholarships to apply for, including a new Brian Crosby scholarship worth £1,500 for horticulture students from the north west or for those who are studying horticulture in this area. 

It is hoped colleges will get on board and encourage their horticulture students to apply.  

 

Applications close at midnight on Monday 31 January 2022.  

 

To apply visit www.davidcolegravefoundation.org.uk  

 
Instant access to the International Statistics – Flowers and Plants 2021

The International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH) in association with Union Fleurs, the International Flower Trade Association, announces the 69th version of the International Statistics – Flowers and Plants 2021...


The International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH) in association with Union Fleurs, the International Flower Trade Association, announces the 69th version of the International Statistics – Flowers and Plants 2021.

 

The International Statistics Flowers and Plants Yearbook has the most comprehensive collection of production and trade data for the ornamental plants and flower industry. It is now available to purchase and instantly download from www.aiph.org

 

This annual publication is invaluable to trade organisations, policymakers, marketeers, producers, traders, libraries, and universities. In its 69th year, the contents are the result of extensive research and data compiled by the Centre for Business Management in Horticulture and Applied Research, Leibniz University Hanover, Germany.
 

The Statistics Yearbook provides production data for over 40 countries, detailed country breakdowns, product comparisons, market data and prices and global import and export data. This edition also features additional survey responses about the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.

 

The 2021 Yearbook is published as a pdf document and features 226 pages of illustrations, tables, diagrams and maps of key production data.

 

New data contained in the 2021 Statistics Yearbook includes:

  • Online survey with results from 12 countries and the effects on production and trade of Covid-19 pandemic.
  • New figures for per capita consumption for Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Spain, UK, Japan, and the USA.
  • New figures on area and production and additional updated summary information for 38 countries
  • Overview trade tables for import and export of cut flowers, live plants etc., cuttings and slips, bulbs and tubers and cut foliage
  • Summary of sales and marketing of top-selling cut flowers and pot plants for wholesale markets.
  • New trade tables with figures for the following countries: Kenya, Ecuador, Colombia, Ethiopia, Israel, Uganda, Thailand, Zambia, South Africa, Turkey, Tanzania.
  • New external trade maps show the most important producing countries of cut flowers and the most important exporters and importers of cut flowers.
  •  

AIPH Secretary General, Mr Tim Briercliffe, says, “The 69th edition contains even more analytical information on the production and trade of ornamentals and provides critical statistics to the industry globally”.
 

Union Fleurs Secretary General, Ms Sylvie Mamias, adds: “The Statistics Yearbook offers an invaluable and detailed picture of the latest available data on the global production and trade of flowers and plants. It is a unique set of reference for anyone – trade, production, policy-makers, researchers – who wishes to gain an in-depth understanding of the latest state and trends of the flower and plants industry.”

 

Instant, secure purchasing

The 2021 Yearbook can be purchased online from AIPH for €195 (+ VAT if applicable).

For more information and to view sample pages, including the contents pages, visit www.aiph.org/giic/international-statistical-yearbook/.

 
Bestsellers Top 50 charts every week

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 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.

Highlights of the GTN Garden Products Bestsellers chart for last week are here

 

Highlights of the GTN Plants Bestsellers chart for last week are here

 

Highlights of the GTN Growing Media Bestsellers chart for last week are here

 

Highlights of the GTN Christmas Bestsellers chart for last week are here

 

Highlights of the GTN Wild Birdcare and Wildlife Bestsellers chart for last week are here

 

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 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 £100m.

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.

For further information contact karen@pottingshedpress.co.uk or call 07973504214.

Buy your subscription today and start receiving the GTN Bestsellers charts this week.