The latest Wyevale garden centres to change hands have been acquired by businesses new to the garden industry but with related interests...
Above: West Parley Garden Centre, one of four former Wyevales acquired by In-Excess Ltd.
The latest Wyevale garden centres to change hands have been acquired by businesses new to the garden industry but with related interests.
English Salvage Ltd, which has taken over the Hereford Wellington centre (pictured), is a leading reclamation yard with a global reputation and lists dozens of salvaged decorative garden and landscaping items on its website.
Based in Leominster, the family-run business was started by Rupert and Pru Woods, who travel extensively to source stock. It has a turnover of circa £1 million.
Site manager Chris Fish told GTN Xtra: “We’ve outgrown our current premises and have been searching for new ones for some time. When the Hereford Wellington garden centre came up for sale it seemed a great opportunity for our business – it is only six miles from our current building. We have some connection with the garden industry because some of the materials we salvage and reclaim is garden-related. We will continue to run Hereford Wellington as a garden centre alongside our current business.”
Rupert Woods has an MSc in Tropical Agriculture and spent his professional career in working in aid and development in Third World countries before turning his attention to salvage. His wife trained and worked as a journalist before joining him in Africa.
Salisbury-based In-Excess UK Ltd, which has taken on four former Wyevales in the south, is run by 58-year-old Carl Chambers, who has more than 30 years experience as a trader. The In-Excess chain, which has five outlets within a 30-mile radius of its head office, is a discount retailer specialising in selling surplus and liquidation stock direct to the public. Deeply-discounted lines from brands like Miracle-Gro, Erin, Vitax, Westland and Charles Bentley were being advertised on their website last week.
Turnover in the year to January 2018 was £10.63 million.
The Salisbury, West Parley (Ferndown), Fair Oak (Eastleigh) and Landford (Southampton) centres will retained as garden centres. The In-Excess stores are at Salisbury, Ringwood, Christchurch, Parkstone and West End.
Mr Chambers was unavailable for comment when GTN Xtra closed for press.
In response to multiple news reports concerning the welfare of live reindeers being used in Christmas experiences. Hamac would like to offer businesses an alternative...
In response to multiple news reports concerning the welfare of live reindeers being used in Christmas experiences. Hamac would like to offer businesses an alternative.
Hamac Displays have a full range of plush Hansa animatronic realistic Animals available for immediate dispatch, you can view a video of our Reindeers by clicking the following link Hansa Animated Reindeers
Our Animatronic Reindeers offer a life like experience for all ages and can even sing and talk to their audience.
Hansa Creation reproduces the world’s most realistic plush animals. Hamac Trading are the Exclusive distributor of Hansa Animatronics in the UK and Ireland. Included in our large range of animatronic plush animals we have a selection of Singing/ Talking products which will bring a bit of Christmas or all year round cheer to your business.
As well as our plush Hansa animatronic animals. Hamac Displays can also offer over 200 fibreglass props which will add those finishing touches to your Christmas Experience and Grotto. Display Creations specialise in photo opportunity and Fibreglass models which are suitable for both indoor and outdoor displays.
Hamac Trading have been suppliers to the Garden Trade since 1999 and offer our customers a wide range of products including Water Features, Resin Animals, Pots & Urns, Fibreglass Displays and Plush Animatronic Animals.
For more information please contact our sales office Tel : 028 25 831201. Email: sales@hamactrading.com
With only four weeks left until Christmas the industry is waiting with bated breath to see when the expected Christmas footfall and sales rush will begin...
With only four weeks left until Christmas the industry is waiting with bated breath to see when the expected Christmas footfall and sales rush will begin.
At present GTN Bestsellers Christmas sales index is sitting at 11% down year on year with the four potentially peak weeks still to come.
With a fair wind, and no snow, that could easily turn into 11% up by the time Santa starts his deliveries. That would make a great end to a challenging year.
Encouragingly while Christmas may be down gardening activity is up on the same time last year and that includes plant sales!
GTN Bestsellers Top 50 sales volumes compared to the same week last year: week 46
Europe’s leading wildlife product designer and manufacturer, Wildlife World is expanding its current range in the US with many exciting new products...
Europe’s leading wildlife product designer and manufacturer, Wildlife World is expanding its current range in the US with many exciting new products.
2018 has seen the company launch a number of new products in the UK including bird baths, feeders and its new The Pollinating Company Bee Nester which will be exhibited for the first time at the Atlanta International Gift & Home Market in January.
Wildlife World is also now supplying orders from its new fulfilment center in Bosmere Inc in Concord, North Carolina which offers a quick and efficient delivery service.
Norman Sellers, Managing Director at Wildlife World commented, “We are really excited to launch these new products in the US. We have learnt that the US consumer is interested in wildlife and protecting solitary bees. These products are beautifully made and bring new innovation to the market.”
The Pollinating Company Bee Nester has a built in moveable woodpecker and predator guard and comes ready to hang in your garden. The nester is designed so that the cardboard tubes can be replaced to extend nester life, and are the perfect size for mason, orchard and leafcutter bees.
The nester is hung in a sheltered spot near nectar plants and a water source and is the ideal place for the female bees to construct their egg cells, which develop into bee larvae and emerge in the spring. Once the nester is filled, the perforated lid can be used as a predator guard to protect the open ends of the cardboard nesting tubes during the winter months.
One of two new birdbaths being launched this year, the Shenstone Theatre bird bath and drinker was a finalist in this year’s GIMA awards and makes a perfect garden feature for birds, bees and wildlife.
The theatre step design provides safe drinking not just for birds but other pollinators and insects which like to sip from the shallow edges of pools. The Shenstone is designed to look like stone but is both lighter and stronger. Made from recycled plastic and clay and with 10-year guarantee, the bath comes with a short base section which raises it around four inches above ground level. It is embossed around the bird bath rim with the opening lines from the well known verse from the W H Davies poem 'Leisure' .
Visit Wildlife World in Building 2/ Floor 4 Booth 4-713 to find out more about its upcoming products, new ranges and ongoing conservation work.
Plants for winter decoration saw the main increases last week. Poinsettia and Helleborus sales climbed by 50% and many houseplant genus doubled their sales or more...
Plants for winter decoration saw the main increases last week. Poinsettia and Helleborus sales climbed by 50% and many houseplant genus doubled their sales or more.
Total plant sales volumes were up last week, year on year, by 4.2%, the first plants upside for 4 weeks.
Poinsettia and Helleborus each moved one place up the chart to No 6 and 7 respectively.
Early potted Christmas tree sales made Picea a re-entry at No 25
Planted Narcissus have also made their first appearance of the season, back in at No 32
The HTA Nursery Supply Show, sponsored by ICL, is moving to a bigger and more easily accessible home at Stoneleigh Park in Hall 1, directly connected to the HTA National Plant Show...
The HTA Nursery Supply Show, sponsored by ICL, is moving to a bigger and more easily accessible home at Stoneleigh Park in Hall 1, directly connected to the HTA National Plant Show.
After listening to members and requirements from the industry, the show has moved halls to give more space for development, and ease access and flow of visitors between the National Plant Show and the Nursery Supply Show. The shows take place on 18 and 19 June 2019.
Hall 1 will offer a real opportunity to solidify the Nursery Supply Show as a must attend event in the industry showcasing UK horticulture and a wide range of products designed to help grow and sell plants through both wholesale and retail sectors.
Together with the National Plant Show, this enhancement aims to make the Nursery Supply Show the premier buying event for garden retailers, retail nurseries and growers.
The extensive range of companies that exhibit will show latest trends and innovations in growing media, polytunnels, labelling, irrigation, potting sundries and all you need to help you sell more plants. The exhibition will continue to follow the back to basics formula to allow the product to do the talking with the same low-cost stand options for exhibitors to ensure the event is affordable for all.
“This move is great news for the Nursery Supply Show and great news for Melcourt,” says Neil Gray, Senior Technical Sales Manager of leading peat-free growing media company Melcourt Industries.
“Having supported the show from the outset we’re delighted that the two shows are moving closer to each other. It’s certain to mean that both growers and suppliers get the most benefit for the time and money invested in the shows.”
David Mason, Technical Manager for BHGS, comments: “I am particularly delighted these two highly influential shows will now be conveniently be held together in the BHGS heartland at Stoneleigh Park.
"The combined show will give an unmissable opportunity for all sectors of the UK horticultural industry to connect whilst promoting new products ideas and opportunities.”
The HTA National Plant Show will also be celebrating its 10th year in 2019, so keep an eye out for the announcement of many exciting things to take place throughout the show.
The Royal Horticultural Society has announced that Shruti Designs, which creates gift products and fashion accessories, is to create a new collection of RHS gift and fashion items....
The Royal Horticultural Society has announced that Shruti Designs, which creates gift products and fashion accessories, is to create a new collection of RHS gift and fashion items.
Shruti, which is a standalone division of licensed giftware company Half Moon Bay, is planning a spring launch for its RHS Irises & Hellebores range. The collection will bring together fashion products, including scarves, bags and umbrellas, with stationery and gift items, such as travel cups and water flasks.
The design style is inspired by imagery of popular plants – hellebores and irises – sourced from the RHS Lindley Library, the world’s finest collection of botanical art. The Shruti design team took trend influences to give the collection a soft, oriental feel using dark backgrounds and pops of coral with gold foil highlights.
The RHS Irises & Hellebores collection will be available at retail from Easter 2019. Stockists are expected to include independent gift shops and RHS retail outlets. The collection has a wide consumer appeal, but its main markets are expected to be adult women and gift givers.
The RHS name is highlighted on all products and will also be included on the packaging.
This collection is the second to result from the Shruti-RHS partnership, which began at the start of 2018 with a stylish and elegant range of scarves using floral designs – again inspired by artwork from the RHS Lindley Library.
Matt Green, Design Manager, Shruti, says: “The RHS brand – along with its associations and superb library of images – is ideally suited to both Shruti’s product range and its target market. We are delighted to be continuing an association that has served both partners so well with this delightful new collection.”
Shereen Llewellin, Licensing Executive, RHS, says: “Apparel and accessories are strongly performing categories for the RHS licensing campaign and Shruti’s beautiful gift and fashion items have been a proven success. This collection again brings together Shruti design skill and beautiful RHS Lindley Library botanical art to glorious effect.”
The 132-strong team at family-owned Highfield Garden World in Gloucestershire joined more than 500 retailers across the nation to proudly mark Purple Tuesday – the UK’s first accessible shopping day...
The 132-strong team at family-owned Highfield Garden World in Gloucestershire joined more than 500 retailers across the nation to proudly mark Purple Tuesday – the UK’s first accessible shopping day.
Staff wore purple ribbons on the day and set up a special Purple Tuesday station encouraging shoppers to make comments and suggestions for change, whilst in the restaurant there were muffins and cake delicately decorated with piped purple toppings.
The business even had a visit from BBC Radio Gloucestershire for a live interview about the event and to spread the word about the awareness day.
Joan Greenway, co-founder and MD of Highfield Garden World, commented: “We are delighted to have got involved in Purple Tuesday right from the start.
"It’s a fantastic initiative which, backed as it is by government and household names like Asda and Marks & Spencer, looks set to gain pace every year.
"We want shopping, browsing, eating and drinking to be as enjoyable and relaxing as possible for every single one of our customers.
"Accessible measures so far include a completely flat site, lots of disabled toilets, plenty of natural light in our glass-walled restaurant, disabled parking, wheelchairs to borrow and plenty of friendly staff, but we’re all ears when it comes to what more we can do.”
Around 1 in 5 people in the UK has a disability, and Purple Tuesday was created by disability organisation Purple to shine a light on some of the difficulties faced by people with disabilities right across the UK, and what retailers can do to help make their businesses more inclusive and accessible.
Thetford Garden Centre is hoping to track down a customer who may unwittingly have got caught up in a banknote scam that has cost the business £130...
Thetford Garden Centre is hoping to track down a customer who may unwittingly have got caught up in a banknote scam that has cost the business £130.
Fraudsters paid for goods with counterfeit notes and tricked staff into handing over more cash. They may then palmed off two fake £20 notes on a customer who agreed to give them £40 in smaller notes in exchange, after a till operator at the centre was unable to change them.
The store’s business development manager Shane Hinkley (pictured) told GTN Xtra: “We’re not absolutely sure the customer was involved but there is CCTV footage and the police are involved. The local paper will be giving it publicity, which will help.”
Two men both bought goods with forged notes and got staff to swap the change for more fake notes. In all, the centre has lost £130.
Shane told an Eastern Daily Press reporter: “We employ a lot of people from around the area as well, around 70 or 80 staff, and it is hard when you are just trying to make a living and when something like this happens it is a bit of a knock and upsets the staff as well.”
He said he felt sorry for the customer who may have been duped. “He has been really kind to give this guy £40 and he may have been given two fake £20 notes in return.
“As a family business it is one thing to hit a business but to hit someone who has just come in from the street, I find that more upsetting than them coming to us.”
Norfolk Police said they believed the two men left the area in a dark blue BMW and appealed for anyone with information to contact police using 101 or by contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
A survey by BBC Gardeners' World magazine has revealed the overwhelming majority of gardeners think the amount of plastic used in gardening is a problem and believe it is the responsibility of manufacturers and retailers to address the issue...
Above: Paul Lamb of Johnsons of Whixley, who is the latest grower to announce a switch from black plastic pots (not widely recycled) to taupe coloured plastic, which is easily identified for recycling by scanners.
A survey by BBC Gardeners' World magazine has revealed the overwhelming majority of gardeners think the amount of plastic used in gardening is a problem and believe it is the responsibility of manufacturers and retailers to address the issue.
The poll, conducted amongst 1,100 of the magazine’s readers, revealed that 75% of those responding think the amount of plastic used in gardening is a problem, with plastic plant pots identified by 55% as the worst offender .
Whilst 41% of those surveyed acknowledged they had a personal responsibility to reduce the amount of plastic used, they primarily see it as the responsibility of manufacturers and retailers to tackle the problem.
Whose responsibility is it to reduce the use of plastic in gardening?
More than eight out of 10 of those surveyed said they were trying to use less plastic in the garden and 73% said they would be willing to pay more to reduce the use of plastic in gardening products.
And when it comes to recycling the unwanted plastic, respondents felt local authorities and retailers should take the lead:
Who should provide recycling facilities?
* Local councils 77% * Retailers 53% * National government 23%
Pictured: stock in taupe pots at Johnsons of Whixley.
Lucy Hall, Editor of BBC Gardeners' World magazine, says most gardeners are hugely aware of - and proud of º the environmental good that gardening can deliver, but realise that some gardening activities we take for granted come at a cost. “Most plants are sold in plastic and, so far, the alternative options have proven too expensive or impractical on a large scale. But the willingness of nearly three-quarters of respondents to pay more in future to cut plastic waste is a sign of how serious this issue has become to the nation's millions of gardeners."
In the latest issue of BBC Gardeners' World magazine, Monty Don also highlights as black plastic plant pots as the biggest plastic issue facing gardeners; as while they are made of 80% recyclable materials, due to their colour they cannot be recycled and "the plastic mountain has become an Everest".
The November issue of BBC Gardeners' World Magazine features an update from Monty Don on how he is reducing his use of plastics.
Full results:
When using plastic in the garden, what is the biggest problem?
* Plant pots 55% * Mail Order packaging 16% * Seed trays 16% * Furniture 1% * Containers/window boxes 1% How much would you be prepared to pay per year to reduce your plastic waste?
* Nothing 27% * Up to £1 29% * £11-20 22% * £21-50 17% * £51-100 3% * More than £100 2%
North Yorkshire nursery, Johnsons of Whixley, has been crowned as one of the region’s best businesses for the second year running...
North Yorkshire nursery, Johnsons of Whixley, has been crowned as one of the region’s best businesses for the second year running.
Compiled by York Business School, York St John University, Make it York and The Press publication, the ‘York Top 100 Businesses’ report has nominated Johnsons as 34th place in the ‘Top 100 Businesses’ awards for 2018.
The Top 100 shortlist is calculated using an algorithm devised by York Business School and considers key performance factors such as turnover, profit, growth and staff numbers – with Johnsons placed at number 55 in 2017 – the report’s inaugural year.
First established in 1921 by World War One veteran, Eric Johnson, the firm’s current chairman, John Richardson, took over the business in 1964 and established it as Johnsons of Whixley Ltd in 1993.
Based between York and Harrogate, Johnsons employs over 90 staff – which rises to nearly 200 during seasonal peaks – and covers around 150 acres of land.
Johnsons, whose turnover was £12 million in 2017, is one of the largest commercial nurseries in the UK and a trusted supplier of plants and trees across the amenity sector – having worked on high profile projects such as Forth Road Bridge and the Athlete’s Village for the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games.
John joined Johnsons marketing co-ordinator, Ellie Richardson, at the Top 100 Businesses breakfast held on 14th November at York St John University to find out their company’s official placing.
He said: “It’s fantastic to be featured alongside so many first-class businesses in the Top 100 list. The company continues to work hard to ensure that the right decisions are made to keep the business pushing forward during uncertain times. The Top 100 accolade is testament to the staff who, as always, are extremely supportive of the company’s objectives and ambitions and we look forward to continuing to be a significant contributor to the ‘green’ environment.”
Pictured: Top 100 Businesses in York – Ellie Richardson and John Richardson.
Staff at Mr Fothergill’s Seeds dressed up for the occasion last week to help raise money for BBC Children in Need. Tim Jeffries, Mr Fothergill’s Commercial Director donated £1 for each person who came to work wearing a tie, an idea which came about as he is normally the only person to wear one in the office!
Staff at Mr Fothergill’s Seeds dressed up for the occasion last week to help raise money for BBC Children in Need. Tim Jeffries, Mr Fothergill’s Commercial Director donated £1 for each person who came to work wearing a tie, an idea which came about as he is normally the only person to wear one in the office!
Tim said “I thought it would be a great challenge for my colleagues to take a leaf out of my book and come to work wearing a tie! I am delighted with how many people took part and that we could do our bit to help raise money for such a great cause.”
‘Ties for Tim’ was part of a week of fundraising activity at the Suffolk seed specialist, with staff also taking part in a cake bake, the Children in Need annual duck race and coming dressed up in their finest yellow or spotty outfits, with all proceeds going to BBC Children in Need.
The money raised during the week totalled over £400 and has been boosted by a further £15,800 from sales to date of Mr Fothergill’s Sunflower Pudsey and Pumpkin Pudsey seed packets into retailers.
The two packets for children were launched earlier this year as part of Mr. Fothergill’s partnership with BBC Children in Need, with 30p from each packet going to the charity. David Carey, Mr Fothergill’s joint Managing Director commented “We are so pleased with the positive reaction we have had from our trade customers about our Children in Need seed packets. We are already receiving top up orders from our initial sell in, so are looking forward to being able to add to an already tremendous donation total over the coming season.”
Hundreds of people came to Squire’s Garden Centres to see Santa arrive in style. Instead of coming on his traditional sleigh he arrived at Squire’s in Milford and Woking on a Horse Drawn Carriage, and at Squire’s in Twickenham he came on a Routemaster Bus...
Hundreds of people came to Squire’s Garden Centres to see Santa arrive in style. Instead of coming on his traditional sleigh he arrived at Squire’s in Milford and Woking on a Horse Drawn Carriage, and at Squire’s in Twickenham he came on a Routemaster Bus!
Santa came to Squire’s to open his magical Christmas Grotto, which customers can visit on Saturdays and Sundays, plus the week before Christmas at selected centres.
As well as seeing a child’s face light when they see Santa and receive a beautiful wrapped gift, visitors also get a warm glow, as they'll be benefitting a local charity.
Tickets cost £6 per child, with £1 from every ticket being donated to Squire’s local charities:
Sales in outdoor plant areas at garden centres across the country performed better than other categories in October according to the Garden Centre Association’s Barometer of Trade report...
Sales in outdoor plant areas at garden centres across the country performed better than other categories in October according to the Garden Centre Association’s Barometer of Trade report.
Compared to last year (2017) sales of outdoor plants were up 11.93%. Houseplants sales followed close behind at 11.21% up.
Iain Wylie, GCA Chief Executive, said: “For the past two months sales in houseplants departments have been coming out on top, but during October outdoor plants have just pipped them to the post. The milder autumn weather was the catalyst to allow people to keep gardening.
“Autumn/winter is most often associated with trees turning to soft coppers and burnished golds, yet there are flowering autumnal plants that take their colour into winter long after the trees have been laid bare – winter pansies, hebes, outdoor cyclamen and primulas give splashes of many hues. There are also several compact container shrubs that give added value with their bright berries and heathers, evergreens and ivy are also very popular at this time of year.”
Seed and bulb sales were up 9.57% and garden sundries were also up 6.65%.
Sales were also up in furniture and barbecue departments at 4.82% and gift sales were up 1.45%.
Iain added: “Hard landscaping sales were up 17.21%, pets and aquatic sales were down -0.13%, food hall and farm shop sales were up 5.24%. Clothing was up 3.26% and catering was up 6.88%.
“The increase in plant sales was at the expense of early Christmas sales, which should come as no surprise. Nonetheless, sales in Christmas departments were down only marginally by -0.59%, however there is still the opportunity to catch up and forge ahead when it turns colder as we approach late November and December.”
Overall sales for the month were up 5.31% with a year to date change of 2.18%.
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 assumption that gardeners and wildlife lovers go hand in hand looks to be a safe one, according to the latest HTA Market Information special report...
The assumption that gardeners and wildlife lovers go hand in hand looks to be a safe one, according to the latest HTA Market Information special report...
The feature explores the crossover in demographics and interests between keen gardeners and those who love wildlife and looks at how the industry can tap into this. It also highlights some garden businesses who are already working with their local Wildlife Trust.
People who regularly do gardening as a hobby or get a good deal of pleasure from their gardens are more likely to enjoy learning about nature and wildlife than the general population.
* 24% of keen gardeners usually watch environmental/wildlife programmes on TV
* 47% of keen gardeners bought wild bird food in the last year (versus 24% of the general population)
* Gardeners are twice as likely to be a member of a wildlife or animal trust
* 46% of garden lovers agree they would never buy toiletries or cosmetics that were tested on animals.
The hedgehog design on the HTA’s National Garden Gift Card continues to sell more than all the other designs put together.
People with an interest in wildlife are more likely than average to get a good deal of pleasure from their gardens or regularly do gardening as a hobby. The report finds that the average British adult spends £87 per year on the garden, but the average garden spend amongst Wildlife Trust members is more than twice as high.
While only 17% of HTA members are currently working with their local Wildlife Trust, 55% are interested in doing so.
Key benefits of such collaboration include:
Showing customers that you are supporting a cause that is important to them
PR and brand awareness – helping to reach larger new audiences
Education for business and staff alike which can be passed onto customers
The report includes case studies with: Black Birches Garden Centre and Shropshire Wildlife Trust, Squires Garden Centres and Surrey Wildlife Trust, Bosworth’s Garden Centre and the Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire & Northamptonshire.
A market leading gift product company which has been operating successfully for over 20 years is seeking two well organised and professional field sales representatives with great interpersonal skills and the drive required to grow sales in their territory. The company itself is renowned for quality service, a high performing impulse purchase range and product innovation. We have a great team of friendly staff, both internal and externally based.
The Field Sales Representatives are responsible for maintaining relationships with an extensive existing client base, introducing new lines to them and ensuring sales from existing ranges are optimised. In addition, they will be responsible for pioneering new clients within the territory with the support of sales management and our customer service department. Travelling to clients is a daily function with the role and there is an element of overnight travel and trade fair attendance.
Reporting to the Sales Director this is an ideal position for a sales person looking to truly manage a territory and play a critical role in business development. The company is projecting strong growth and opportunities for career progression will exist.
Experience of selling into the gift /garden centre/tourist attraction sectors is a distinct advantage but not essential. Most important is a proven track record of business development and a positive can-do attitude.
Salary Circa £26k plus commission plus company car and the standard business tools.
Interested parties should send a CV and covering letter explaining why they are the right candidate for the role to: tony@tjpmarketingservices.com
The Leisure and Outdoor Furniture Association (LOFA) is looking for an experienced and talented Marketing Manager seeking the next step to advance their career.
Working as part of the core team, the role of Marketing Manager is, primarily, to create and implement a marketing plan, developing tactical campaigns to support sales, strategic and operational goals using an omnichannel approach across websites, social media, email marketing, third-party partners, online advertising and analytics platforms.
Working as part of a core team, reporting directly to the Chairman and co-directors.
Experience with Garden and Outdoor or related market preferred.
Key Responsibilities
First point of contact for all LOFA office duties including:
Daily administration of the association.
Preparation of budget/annual audit.
Maintenance and management of the company’s web and social media activity; following trends and posting content of interest to followers, customers and prospects, with the objective of generating new leads and engagement; monitoring and reporting on activity to identify changes and new opportunities.
Manage the maintenance of the company website and Customer Support Hub, ensuring all content is accurate, up to date and in line with the company brand guidelines.
Manage the implementation of SEO strategies across multiple channels, monitoring digital activity using Google Analytics etc, making recommendations where necessary.
Research topics and write content for the company’s website and other publications, including customer case studies and topical blogs.
Market, promote and manage LOFA projects.
Assist member companies with marketing campaigns as designated
Organise events run or attended by LOFA, e.g. annual user conference, exhibitions, seminars etc.
Promote Solex exhibition, including full control of P&L.
Monitor the annual round of small business/marketing/SaaS/IT business awards, looking for opportunities to promote LOFA and provide support in the application process.
Assist with the collation and evaluation of customer and market research, analysing market conditions and competitor data and ensuring brand reputation, quality and integrity is maintained, reporting on changes.
Keep up to date with international current affairs, marketing and business trends, identifying new technologies and opportunities to keep the company at the forefront of developments in marketing, especially those affecting data security environment, e.g. GDPR.
Skills, Attributes & Experience
An excellent communicator, with the ability to write, edit and repurpose engaging content for digital publication (in English)
Analytical mindset to assess internal and external data and conditions, making recommendations where necessary
An eye for detail to ensure a high standard of accuracy across all communications
Proactive, confident and self-motivated with a positive team ethic
Well organised with a real commitment to quality customer service
A solid understanding and experience of managing web and social media channels
Experience of implementing SEO strategies across multiple channels and monitoring digital activity using the Google suite
Educated to a high standard, ideally with a degree in business management or marketing
IT literate, with experience in using Microsoft Office and other business systems, including a good working knowledge of Excel to create spreadsheets for data analysis
A minimum of 1 years’ experience in a marketing position, preferably in the Garden Market (ideally B2B) with use of digital marketing competences on a regular basis
Benefits
Competitive salary, company provided communications, company bonus scheme, workplace pension scheme.
About LOFA
Leaders in the outdoor furniture and barbecue industry
Representing the best in design and innovation in outdoor and garden furniture, our members offer products made from hardwood, softwood, woven materials, aluminium, cast iron, tubular metal and resin. Members who show the LOFA symbol will provide quality products and service, in accordance with the LOFA Code of Practice. Membership is open to companies who manufacture or distribute garden furniture, barbecues, outdoor play equipment and outdoor living products.
Despite its market presence, LOFA is very small association. The company style is relaxed and empowering and this, combined with a first-class reputation for customer service and an ambitious growth programme, provides a great working environment with opportunities for personal development.
If you feel you’re suitable for this new role, please send or email your CV and a full covering letter detailing your experience and suitability for the position
Garden decorations and garden lighting from Fountasia and Smart Garden provided a welcome boost to garden product sales, according to GTN Bestsellers...
Garden decorations and garden lighting from Fountasia and Smart Garden provided a welcome boost to garden product sales.
GTN’s Top 50 sales index climbed over 30% on the previous week to be 15% up on the same week last year.
Smart Gardens Solar Bottle It! Lights moved up to No 1 and their Solar Poppy Stake Light moved up to No 3.
Fountasia garden decorations stormed the chart with new entries at No’s 2,5 and 21.
The Woodlodge Wall Mounted Butterfly was the highest re-entry at No 15.
With only 4 weeks left until Christmas garden centres now need to be getting very busy?
Christmas may be on hold until after Black Friday. That stating as the reason for the slower than last year first half of Christmas sales weeks. With only 4 weeks left until Christmas garden centres now need to be getting very busy, are you and your team ready for the rush?
The Top 5 Bestselling Christmas lines have now been the same for two weeks:
History & Heraldry Angel/Snowman Hanging Decoration
Suki Personalised Angel Ornament
Lindt Teddy Bear 10g
Hometown World Santas Secret Elf Personalised Books
A new PR and communications agency has been launched by Holly Daulby, who has a wealth of experience in the horticultural, gardening and lifestyle sectors...
A new PR and communications agency has been launched by Holly Daulby, who has a wealth of experience in the horticultural, gardening and lifestyle sectors.
Honest Communications offers integrated public relations, social media and communications plans to help businesses generate coverage, increase reach and put brands in front of the right people.
Having worked in the PR industry for almost 10 years, Holly has a strong communications background and most recently spent five years at a specialist gardening PR agency in Derby where she was account director and supported leading industry names such as Hillier Nurseries, E.P. Barrus, Cobra Garden, and The Posh Shed Company whilst also working alongside the NGS and the HTA.
She was also responsible for Briggs & Stratton’s “4 Men Went To Mow” lawnmower race and the Memory Tree campaign at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show which was launched by Alan Titchmarsh and caught the eye of Joanna Lumley, Dame Judi Dench and Piers Morgan to name a few of the participants.
Discussing the new agency, Holly commented: “I’m really excited to see what the future holds for Honest Communications! It’s been an incredibly exciting time since launching the agency and I’ve had some great responses already. Honest Communications focuses on three core services of PR, social media and copywriting, either as stand-alone services of combined to offer one point of call for all integrated activity.”
Most recently Holly’s work has won recognition within the industry for Best PR Campaign at the UK Agency Awards, Best Consumer Relations Campaign at the Chartered Institute of PR Awards, and The East Midlands Chamber Derbyshire Business Awards for Marketing Campaign of the Year.
SBM Life Science and E. P. Barrus have announced a new joint merchandising partnership for the UK garden centre sector...
SBM Life Science and E. P. Barrus have announced a new joint merchandising partnership for the UK garden centre sector.
The SBM portfolio of brands, which include Baby Bio, Phostrogen, Toprose, Provanto, Job Done, Solabiol and Maxicrop, will be merchandised in key Garden Centres by the recently expanded Barrus Merchandising Team.
Barrus’s well-established and experienced Merchandising Team offer merchandising solutions and support to Garden Centres nationwide for their extensive line-up of garden tool and accessory brands including WOLF-Garten, Wilkinson Sword and Town & Country.
“The Barrus Merchandising Team are highly respected in the industry for the level of service they provide to Garden Centres across their premium quality gardening brands. We feel the blending of our two well-regarded gardening portfolios will create a powerful merchandising resource for Garden Centres to utilise,” commented Darren Brown, Head of SBM LifeScience Ltd.
“This new partnership enables us to service the needs of garden centre’s by providing a consistent, and reliable merchandising proposition for both our brands and those of SBM,” commented Tim Hart, Director of Sales & Marketing at Barrus. “Our professional, highly-trained team has developed trusted relationships with our customers delivering a professional and flexible merchandising service.”
This new merchandising service will commence January 2019. For more information on this initiative, please contact your local Barrus or SBM sales representatives.
Smiemans Projecten, which develops and builds high-profile projects for commercial garden centres, has strengthen its team with the appointment of Ferry Breugem...
For almost half a century Smiemans Projecten has been a modern and internationally operating family business, which develops and builds many high-profile projects for commercial garden centres and other parties.
Distinctive glass constructions for profit and non-profit purposes, from garden centre to exhibition centre, from retail to botanical glasshouses ...
In order to ensure that these projects continue keep their characteristic and innovative way, the Smiemans Projecten team has recently been reinforced with Ferry Breugem.
Ferry has been working in the same industry for over 30 years and has built many large garden centres under his supervision both at home and abroad.
Jeroen Smiemans said: "With Ferry's knowledge and all his years of experience within the garden centre industry we can give every project more attention and can be of even better service to our current and future clients. A positive development within our company."
Ferry Breugem commented: "I am very pleased to be able to make an extra contribution to the further development of this beautiful family business. With which I hope to realize beautiful and interesting projects together with my existing and future relationships."
In addition to Ferry, three work planners have also been appointed, all of whom specialize in this sector. Through this reinforcement Smiemans Projecten can serve the markets in which they operate even better.
Darlac have announced the arrival of two more agents – Peter Balacki (pictured) to cover the South West and Chris Gage for Wales and the border counties.
Darlac, the cutting tools experts, have announced the arrival of two more agents to cover the South West and also Wales and the border counties.
Peter Balacki covers the South West region for Darlac. He has 20 years industry experience, 15 years of which were as a buyer and then management of Backdown Garden Centre. More recently he has been a sales agent representing Briers and Doff.
In his spare time Peter likes watching sports, used to play football but now is content with gym visits. He also claims to study “a bit about physics and space”.
Chris Gage is the Darlac agent for Wales and the border counties – an area which has never previously had on-the-ground representation from the company. He has over 20 years of sales roles in the industry including spells at Woodlodge and La Hacienda. Chris is a rugby man in his spare time with 29 years playing experience at Ross on Wye RFC but is now retired from playing but very good in the clubhouse.
Commenting on the appointments, Darlac MD Tim Jeffries, said: “This continues a process aiming to give Darlac national sales coverage and follows the appointment of the Denholm Agencies last year to cover Scotland, Ireland and the north of England and more recently Richard Bedingfield in Central England. Peter and Chris bring fantastic experience to the company having been in the horticultural trade for 20 years. Our sales network continues to expand at a real pace and these appointments will help us ensure that we give the best possible service to our stockists.”
Dutch exporters were among those who got burnt by the hot summer of 2018, says a survey conducted by the organisers of the IPM Essen trade show (22-25 January 2019)..
Dutch exporters were among those who got burnt by the hot summer of 2018, says a survey conducted by the organisers of the IPM Essen trade show (22-25 January 2019)
Cut flower exports were the worst hit, but sales of house and plants held up to compensate, although not to Great Britain. Sales to GB and five other countries have fallen this year.
The decline in sales to three of the five most important export countries (Germany, Great Britain and Italy) is “unaccustomed and alarming”, the report says, with Brexit uncertainties and the low Sterling exchange rate implicated.
IPM Essen 2019 will feature a Discovery Centre in Hall 8a. Focusing on sales concepts for garden centres, it will be staged under the creative direction of stylist Romeo Summers, who wowed audiences at Glee with his Retail Lab presentation in September.
Young horticulturists are being encouraged to enter the 2019 Young Horticulturist of the Year Competition launched last week by the Chartered Institute of Horticulture...
Young horticulturists are being encouraged to enter the 2019 Young Horticulturist of the Year Competition launched last week by the Chartered Institute of Horticulture.
Any horticulturists under the age of 30 on 31 July 2019 are entitled to sign up. Eight regional organisers will hold the first round of heats will be held at various locations or via a Skype call. The top eight competitors go through to a regional final. Prizes and prize money are awarded at both stages. The grand final will be at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew on 11 May 11.
Martin Staniforth, training manager at the school of horticulture, learning and operations at Kew, said: “The Young Horticulturist of the Year is a fantastic competition allowing the future generation of horticulturists to demonstrate the extent of their study and prowess of knowledge enhancing the profession’s reputation. For many youngsters the taking part will increase their networks and experience as well as giving valuable exposure to their talent and the possibility of prizes and publicity along the journey.”
If you run a business or are responsible for employees, customers or visitors to a place of work, then you have a duty of care to keep sites safe during winter weather. Even if no injury has occurred as a result of slips or trips in icy conditions, bosses are still at risk of prosecution under the new stricter enforcement of Health & Safety Executive (HSE) regulations.
If you run a business or are responsible for employees, customers or visitors to a place of work, then you have a duty of care to keep sites safe during winter weather. Even if no injury has occurred as a result of slips or trips in icy conditions, bosses are still at risk of prosecution under the new stricter enforcement of Health & Safety Executive (HSE) regulations.
Despite this, it’s likely that many people in this position may still not be fully aware of the extent of their responsibilities relating to clearing snow and ice: Research by the British Institute for Facilities Management found that almost a quarter of organisations do not have a winter maintenance plan in place – and of those that do, 26 per cent fail to review it annually.
Let’s look at how the HSE would consider this state of affairs: “Companies and individuals should be aware that HSE will not hesitate to take appropriate enforcement action against those that fall below the required standards.” Reported by the Manchester Evening News, this blunt statement from the HSE, reflects an increasingly tough new reality facing businesses today: In other words, when it comes to safety, it’s your neck on the line.
That Health and Safety Executive quote came from a story about a roofer charged with criminal negligence for failing to ensure safe working practices. When a photo from a concerned passer-by showed him and a colleague working without scaffolding or edge protection, a successful case was brought. As the director of the roofing firm, the individual in question found himself with a six month suspended sentence and ordered to undertake 240 hours of unpaid work.
And although that case didn’t relate to winter weather, it shares the exact same legal context. The severity and nature of the sentencing is an important reminder that breaches of the Health and Safety at Work Act fall under criminal rather than civil law. As such individuals can still be liable even – as in the case of the roofing firm - when no harm has actually occurred.
According to the Health and Safety at Work Act, “an employee may commit an offence if he contravenes the general duties imposed [by relevant laws]… by failing to take reasonable care for the health and safety of himself and other persons who may be affected by their acts or omissions at work”. That bears repeating – it is the failure to take reasonable care that can result in a criminal charge – not just when something goes terribly wrong.
Businesses face a tougher climate
Although the legislation has been in place from 1974, this issue has become even more critical for businesses to consider in recent years due to two significant developments – a change in the guidelines for enforcing the law and a change at the HSE itself.
The first of these relates to the recent removal of limits to fines imposed by magistrates courts. Section 85 of the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 (effective as of March 2015) has increased the level of most fines available for magistrates’ courts. Where the maximum fine for most health and safety offences was previously set at £20,000, there is no limit.
The second key factor contributing to this newly hostile environment is the more commercial orientation of the HSE. Facing swingeing austerity era cuts to government funding, the HSE is now driven by aggressive commercial targets. Combined with the tougher legal framework, this shift in orientation has made a stark difference: According to consultants Willis Towers Watson, during 2014/15 – the last full year prior to the introduction of the new sentencing guidelines – the HSE “secured fines totally £16.5m, an average of £25,384.61 per case”. Yet figures for the last year reveal how things have changed. For example, in April 2017 alone fines of £8,369,333.00 were secured with an average fine per case of £398,539.66, which Willis Towers Watson notes is an increase of 1,570%.
With fines of this size, it is clear that the consequences of “failing to take reasonable care” could have a catastrophic impact on both the individuals deemed responsible and on the bottom line of the business. Remember too, that it is not possible to insure against criminal prosecution.
The importance of a proper plan and process
Given all this, it is important to understand what constitutes “reasonable care” when it comes to clearing snow and ice. There’s no simple answer to this as every business and every site presents different challenges. Ultimately, however, it comes down to putting in place adequate processes for risk assessment and developing and implementing an appropriate plan, the execution of which has to be meticulously recorded.
It is also vital to ensure that you keep any plans and processes under review to ensure they’re actually working. Like any aspect health and safety, best practice in winter maintenance involves a cultural step change and a continuous iterative process of improvement. So while purchasing top of the line equipment or vehicles for gritting is laudable, failing to maintain machinery year round – particularly when corrosive salt is involved – would leave you wanting when the bad weather arrives. Major incidents may have significant impacts, and it can often be very simple component failures that can instigate this. For example, a warning beacon failure may result in someone being hit by a reversing vehicle.
Similarly, it may be prove effective to deploy your existing staff to also take on gritting tasks, but those employees have to be adequately trained and employers have a duty of care to assess the risks they will face when doing so. Any effective plan also needs to take into account what happens when the staff trained for clearing snow and ice happen to be off sick – is there an alternative option available?
Let’s consider a hypothetical example: Suppose you have directed an employee to carry out gritting but they wear inadequate footwear, slip and bang their head. In this case, the culpability could be greatest for you as the person managing the salt spreading if all the systems for correct footwear and PPE were documented but had been left sitting in a folder and not communicated to the employee. It’s not only planning and training – monitoring too is crucial. The HSE would also look for evidence of directives from senior management or the board on safety policies and how rigorously these were followed through and checked. As these parties would be expected to be aware of these policies, they too could be seen to be in neglect of duties.
Naturally, many of these practical matters can be addressed by outsourcing winter maintenance to a third party contractor, but this still will not remove the ultimate responsibility of the business to ensure this provider is undertaking work in a responsible fashion.
This could involve taking steps to confirm that the contractor has reporting processes in place to effectively evidence their activity (which is key to demonstrating that reasonable care has been taken). And, just as in the case of a sick employee, if a contractor apparently fails to show up on site, you are still responsible for providing a safe working environment. That would involve checking the safety of the site and then making a call to close off areas as needed until it is made safe. This checking and monitoring is made easier when using a contractor you can trust, supported by instant access to tracking and live reporting on portals and apps.
As a final point, always keep in mind that in the case of a prosecution, the search for culpability won’t be limited to the operatives on the ground. If your staff have been let down by poor planning, resourcing or training then it really could be your neck on the line.
For further advice contact GRITIT, who provide award winning winter gritting, snow clearance and grounds maintenance to a wide range of public and private companies across the UK.
The best of last week's
If you missed last week's GTN Xtra, below are the most-read stories...
Wyevale Garden Centres has today announced the sale of five more centres. A portfolio of four garden centres – Salisbury (above), West Parley, Fair Oak and Landford – have been sold to In-Excess UK Limited. Hereford Wellington centre has been sold to English Salvage Limited. Both buyers say they will continue to operate these sites as garden centres.
Wyevale Garden Centres has today announced the sale of five more centres.
A portfolio of four garden centres – Salisbury (pictured above), West Parley, Fair Oak and Landford – have been sold to In-Excess UK Limited. Hereford Wellington centre has been sold to English Salvage Limited.
Both buyers are delighted by the opportunity to expand their existing businesses and will continue to operate these sites as garden centres.
Roger Mclaughlan, Chief Executive of WGC, said: “We are pleased to have agreed the sale of a further five centres. We would like to thank our great colleagues at these centres, who have been central to our turnaround in the past few years, and wish them well for the next stage of their growth and development under new ownership.”
The sales are expected to complete by end November.
Anthony Jones, Chief Financial Officer of WGC, said: “Since the launch of the sale process in May we have now sold 35 ‘non-core’ centres and are currently evaluating a wide range of competitive offers from the group buyers, regional operators and local entrepreneurs. We look forward to further positive discussions with all potential buyers.”
Christie & Co, the specialist business property advisor managing the sale process on behalf of WGC, have run a two phase process that has achieved considerable interest from a wide variety of buyers.
The sale of four garden centres to In-Excess marks the third completed multiple site deal. The opportunity to run one, a small group or a portfolio of garden centres has ignited interest within the sector and beyond, and Christie & Co continue to liaise with phase 2 bidders as the process continues.
Notcutts group and Thurrock Garden Centre are among eight businesses who have cancelled plans for Christmas reindeer following video footage released by the Animal Aid charity...
Notcutts group and Thurrock Garden Centre are among eight businesses who have cancelled plans for Christmas reindeer following video footage released by the Animal Aid charity.
Film shot on hidden cameras at three reindeer centres during the past year raised concerns over the welfare of the animals, with the worst findings at The Reindeer Centre in Kent. A worker was seen to kick a reindeer on two different occasions as well as shouting abuse at the animals.
The Reindeer Centre told the BBC all their animals were much-loved and well cared for and blamed the incidents above on a new employee who had since left the business after proving unsuitable. “We understand people's concerns and distress and I can only confirm we as a family care passionately about our animals,” said a spokeswoman.
Animal Aid's campaign manager, Tor Bailey, said: “Our investigations have revealed the shocking suffering of these gentle animals. Reindeer are sensitive wild animals, not props to be paraded around and used for human entertainment.
“I would urge the general public not to support events which feature live captive animals and find other more animal-friendly ways to enjoy the festive period.”
A Facebook post from Thurrock Garden Centre said the decision to support Animal Aid by not having real reindeer in their Grotto was due to the publicity.
Once again, the weather is causing sales anomalies for garden centres in 2018. While centres are all set for Christmas, customers have been basking in early November sunshine and the mild temperatures have been sending them into centres to buy more growing media and other gardening products than last year...
Once again, the weather is causing sales anomalies for garden centres in 2018. While centres are all set for Christmas, customers have been basking in early November sunshine and the mild temperatures have been sending them into centres to buy more growing media and other gardening products than last year.
Of course, we all know that as soon as the weather changes Christmas sales will start to flood through the tills, just as plants and furniture did earlier this year when the summer eventually arrived. The key then is to have the most enticing displays and the wide range of products to ensure maximum sales.
The weather forecast predicts colder weather, frosts and even snow on hills towards the end of next week, so stand by for the rush!
GTN Bestsellers Top 50 sales volumes compared to the same week last year (week 45) Garden Products - up 3% Growing Media - up 4% Christmas - down 21% All Plants Index - down 10% All Items Index - down 5%
Personalisation is today’s key retail strategy in a time of disruptive change, consumer shopper behaviouralist Ken Hughes told an audience of growers, retailers and suppliers at the new Cultivating Retail conference hosted by the HTA and GIMA...
Personalisation is today’s key retail strategy, consumer shopper behaviouralist Ken Hughes told an audience of growers, retailers and suppliers at the new Cultivating Retail conference hosted by the HTA and GIMA.
Staged at the East Midlands Conference Centre in Nottingham, the event was chaired by Channel 4 news presenter Cathy Newman, and set out to look at the issues and opportunities that lie ahead for the garden industry.
Hughes explained how personalisation is more important than ever, and how businesses now need to be targeting an ‘Instant Generation’.
In a discussion titled ‘Is your Supply Chain Millennial ready?’ he said the current pace of change at the moment was disruptive, with six generations of consumers walking through the doors at any one time. Highlighting the differences between Babyboomers, Generation X, Millennials and Generation Z, he suggested that the way the music industry had changed for each of them was an example of how retail strategies should be approached.
Ken concluded his talk with racing driver Mario Andretti’s famous quote: “If everything seems under control, it just means you aren’t going fast enough.”
Will Seymour talked about how people now wish-list for pleasure as well as for purchases, and Trewin Restorick showed the many ways in which environmental charity Hubbub has made recycling a fun activity that people want to take part in. Paul Pegg from Reynolds Catering Supplies provided supply chain insight from the food service industry showing how collaboration is the key to success.
The programme included two insightful panel sessions covering plastics in horticulture and supply-chain issues.
Expert sessions from Claire Harper and Alan Roper (MD, Blue Diamond Group, above) offered their experiences of how to ‘delight the customer’.
Summarising, Cathy Newman highlighted how agility was the watch word of the day with businesses needing to be prepared for the next changes – whatever they may be.
The day was then topped off with a dinner, where the inspirational speaker was record-breaking cyclist James Golding, who gave a compelling, honest and uplifting talk of his life experiences and motivations. James concluded by declaring that he was going to win the Race Across America in 2020.
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 2016 as well as 2017 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 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.
A Castleford catering supervisor who was awarded a place on a new training programme for garden centre catering staff earlier in the year has reached the final stage...
A Castleford catering supervisor who was awarded a place on a new training programme for garden centre catering staff earlier in the year has reached the final stage.
Following the success of the Garden Centre Association's (GCA) Rising Stars initiative, a new programme aimed specifically at garden centre catering staff was launched at its conference in January and catering staff from all over the UK were invited to apply.
Susie Jarrett from Tong Garden Centre was awarded one of the ten coveted places on the programme that comprised masterclasses to help staff to improve their knowledge and experience, as well as giving them exposure and insight in the wider market place.
Having completed masterclasses in Preston in April, Tamworth in June and London in September, Susie learnt that she is one of five finalists who will present to delegates at the GCA annual conference in Luton on 21st January.
Susie, who is responsible for rotas and promotions at Tong Garden Centre's busy 400 seater restaurant said: "I have learnt so much from the Catering Rising Stars programme and am so grateful for all the support I have had along the way. I'm delighted to have reached the final and, although it will be nerve-wracking to present to so many people, I am looking forward to sharing Tong's catering successes with the audience."
Susie's line manager, Catharine Westmoreland, is very proud of her team member: "Susie is a valued member of our team and her commitment and passion are unquestionable.
"She has worked hard to make the most of this amazing opportunity and has done us all proud to reach the final."
Iain Wylie, Chief Executive of the GCA, said: "Between masterclasses, the Rising Stars had to complete exercises on what they have learnt within their own garden centres and assess the performance of their centre's catering unit, try out new ideas and evaluate the results."
The award for ‘GCA Catering Rising Star 2018' will be voted on by conference delegates and will be announced during the conference gala dinner on 22nd January.
Sponsored by Creed Foodservice and facilitated by Chris Brown from Turpin Smale Catering Consultants, the programme has been developed to highlight and develop the talented individuals in garden centre restaurants and cafés and to recognise the important role that catering plays in the industry.
Big speaker announcements are coming in fast for next February’s Casual Dining show, as it adds industry leaders and influencers from Mowgli Street Food, Pizza Hut Restaurants UK, The Alchemist Bars & Restaurants, Bill’s Restaurant, and the Soil Association to its high-profile Keynote line-up...
Big speaker announcements are coming in fast for next February’s Casual Dining show, as it adds industry leaders and influencers from Mowgli Street Food, Pizza Hut Restaurants UK, The Alchemist Bars & Restaurants, Bill’s Restaurant, and the Soil Association to its high-profile Keynote line-up.
Recently confirmed additions include Jens Hofma, CEO of Pizza Hut Restaurants UK, who makes a welcome return to the show for its first edition at London ExCeL (taking place over 27-28 February 2019).
Having previously headlined Casual Dining’s launch event in 2014, Mr Hofma, who has headed-up Pizza Hut’s UK-based business since 2009, will be back to share his thoughts on the vibrant casual dining scene.
Founded decades before the term ‘casual dining’ had been coined, Pizza Hut has been a favourite on the UK’s high street for over 40 years. Under Hofma’s leadership, it’s embraced new opportunities, re-imaged its brand and menus, undergone a significant estate refurbishment programme, and (earlier this year) completed a management buyout (MBO). It currently employs over 10,000 staff in over 260 restaurants across the country and serves 3 million guests a month. Hofma will be discussing all that and more in an exclusive Keynote interview, hosted by Peter Martin, director at CM&Co and VP of CGA, at 2.45pm on 28 February.
With around 50 speakers set to appear at the show across two Keynote Theatres (sponsored by Yumpingo), there will be plenty of new names among them. The latest to be announced are Nisha Katona, founder and CEO of Mowgli Street Food, and Simon Potts, managing director of The Alchemist Bars & Restaurants.
Barrister-turned-restaurateur, executive chef and TV presenter, Ms Katona’s inspirational (and fast-growing) business is known for championing authentic and healthy Indian recipes in a home-from-home setting. Founded just four years ago, the brand now operates six sites in Liverpool, Manchester, Oxford, Nottingham and Birmingham – with new openings also planned for Cardiff, Leicester and Leeds. A self-proclaimed ‘curry evangelist’, she’ll be sharing insights into her career so far – and future plans for Mowgli – in a highly-anticipated opening day Keynote interview (12.45pm, 27 February).
Another brand enjoying further expansion is The Alchemist Bars & Restaurants, with restaurant sales now accounting for 50% of turnover across the estate (up from 35% prior to the MBO in 2015). Just this month it opened its second London site, in Covent Garden, taking its total to 14 outlets. In his opening day Keynote ‘From cocktails to covers’, MD Simon Potts will be discussing how they’ve evolved from a late-night bar to all day dining serving around 25,000 covers a week.
Other show firsts include a Soil Association-hosted panel session taking an in-depth look at ‘The growth of organic in casual dining’. Plus, Mark McCulloch, founder & CEO of WE ARE Spectacular, will host a live recording of his hugely-popular Spectacular Marketing Podcast featuring a quartet of leading casual dining marketers. Among them will be Lesley Mcllroy, who recently joined Bill’s Restaurants as senior marketing manager (having previously worked at Comptoir Group, Peach Pub Company, and Greene King).
Five further panel sessions are soon to be unveiled, covering everything from launching overseas to coping with a crisis, plus tips for success from leading pub and restaurant executive chefs.
Previously confirmed speakers for Casual Dining 2019 include Jon Knight, head of Jamie Oliver Restaurant Group, Brewdog’s David MacDowell (CEO of Retail), and Kate Nicholls, chief executive of UKHospitality. Plus, there will also be headline Keynote interviews featuring Mark Jones, CEO of Carluccio’s, and Steve Richards, CEO of Casual Dining Group (both talking to CGA’s Peter Martin).
Free advance trade registration
Casual Dining will take place at the new venue of ExCeL London on 27-28 February 2019.
“I always find Casual Dining a hugely enjoyable show. Innovative, interesting and populated by exciting and relevant products. I am sure that the move to ExCeL next year will prove to be the best yet!” says Jeremy Roberts, CEO of Living Ventures.
“Casual Dining is the definitive show in our sector and always a hub of new and innovative products. I look forward to seeing the show grow when it is in its new home in 2019,” says Steve Packer, head of supply chain at Pizza Hut Restaurants.
Based in Leominster, the family-run business was started by Rupert and Pru Woods, who travel extensively to source stock. It has a turnover of circa £1 million.
Europe’s leading wildlife product designer and manufacturer, Wildlife World is expanding its current range in the US with many exciting new products.
One of two new birdbaths being launched this year, the Shenstone Theatre bird bath and drinker was a finalist in this year’s GIMA awards and makes a perfect garden feature for birds, bees and wildlife.
The store’s business development manager Shane Hinkley (pictured) told GTN Xtra: “We’re not absolutely sure the customer was involved but there is CCTV footage and the police are involved. The local paper will be giving it publicity, which will help.”
Hundreds of people came to Squire’s Garden Centres to see Santa arrive in style. Instead of coming on his traditional sleigh he arrived at Squire’s in Milford and Woking on a Horse Drawn Carriage, and at Squire’s in Twickenham he came on a Routemaster Bus!
Sales 
Martin Staniforth, training manager at the school of horticulture, learning and operations at Kew, said: “The Young Horticulturist of the Year is a fantastic competition allowing the future generation of horticulturists to demonstrate the extent of their study and prowess of knowledge enhancing the profession’s reputation. For many youngsters the taking part will increase their networks and experience as well as giving valuable exposure to their talent and the possibility of prizes and publicity along the journey.”
