A group of leading garden retail executives has launched Rosebourne Limited to develop what they describe as “a fresh approach to garden centres”.

Rosebourne aims to use the collective skills of some of the best operators in the garden centre industry to develop freehold garden centres in affluent locations, initially in the south of England. It will focus on the high
growth segments of the garden centre industry and local fresh produce together with a table service restaurant operation serving home cooked food.

The management team is made up of former directors of Blooms of Bressingham, Garden & Leisure and the founders of Beckworth Emporium. Charles Good (Blooms) is chairman, Neville Prest (Garden & Leisure) is managing director. Jon Kitching (Blooms and co-founder of Beckworth ) and David Brown (co-founder of Beckworth) are directors. Salim Sajid (Blooms) has joined as operations director, with Hugh Jackson as finance director. The team are being advised by John Moseley (Garden & Leisure) on their marketing and buying strategy.

The group will use the retail model developed by their combined breadth of experience combining local sourcing , a seasonal plants offer, a quality garden sundries offer eclectic gifts and a very strong traditional Christmas presentation. Exceptional customer service is a key element.

“We believe a business model focused on quality and service offers greater potential than the traditional garden centre model, which we see as flawed because of its exposure to the uncertainties of the weather and in most cases is largely commoditised” said Charles Good.

Neville Prest said he was delighted to be working with a very experienced team who had vast experience of the industry. “We look forward to building a company with an innovative approach to garden centres,” he added.

Moseley told GTN Xtra that Rosebourne was close to a deal to build its first centre on a green field site and was considering options on a second site.

The group will be targeting sites of around 5 acres offering potential for 3,500 sq.m of purpose-built retail space, either green field sites or existing independent garden centres looking for a fresh approach.