A hectic and dramatic week for the garden centre industry
What a week it has been for the garden centre industry! While delegates gathered for the 50th GCA Conference in Brighton, Wyevale Garden Centres were closing the deal on their 153rd store with the acquisition of Crowders in Lincolnshire...
What a week it has been for the garden centre industry! While delegates gathered for the 50th GCA Conference in Brighton, Wyevale Garden Centres were closing the deal on their 153rd store with the acquisition of Crowders in Lincolnshire.Here a quick look back at the main stories in the news.
Wyevale Garden Centres announced on Wednesday it had acquired Crowders Garden Centre, based in Horncastle, Lincolnshire. Following the acquisition, WGC’s estate will consist of 153 centres across England and Wales. Full story click here. Lolly Lee leaves Gardman to join Petface. Full story click here. Chris Ramsden is moving from Suttons to be National Accounts Manager at Hozelock. Full story click here. Sad news of the death of Brigitte Canale (Europlants UK). Full story click here. GCA Conference – 6th Annual Greenfingers Challenge Cup. Full details click here. GCA Conference – Day one. Full details click here. GCA Conference – Day two. Full details click here.
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Coolings' young talent wins Rising Stars title
Coolings have added another award to their cabinet. This month they are celebrating the crowning of their young employee Sophie Liebthal, as being voted the UK’s Best Young Garden Centre Employee in this year’s GCA’s Rising Stars competition...
Coolings have added another award to their cabinet. This month they are celebrating the crowning of their young employee Sophie Liebthal, as being voted the UK’s Best Young Garden Centre Employee in this year’s GCA’s Rising Stars competition.The Rising Stars Programme, run by Westland Horticulture and supported by the Garden Centre Association (GCA) has been running since 2009. Its aim is to develop the best new talent in the garden centre industry through a year-long training course facilitated by Ian Boardman, IBBIS Director. The course helps the Rising Stars understand the importance of merchandising and Ian works with each candidate to show what they could implement at their own garden centres and how to measure results. The training programme included three merchandising masterclasses. One of which demanded Sophie to undertake a project at Coolings. Sophie explains “I implemented the techniques I had learned on one of our masterclasses to completely overhaul our fencing and timber area and merchandise our products in a different way. The change created instant results to our sales and I am now completely responsible for the running, sales and purchasing of that area”. The six finalists out of the initial 31 Rising Stars were announced back in October. Their final challenge took place on Monday 25th January at the GCA Conference in Brighton. Each finalist made a presentation to an audience of over 300 in the ballroom of the Grand Hotel, covering their achievements over the past year and how they have worked to improve sales figures and customer experiences within their department. Conference delegates were given the casting vote for an overall winner which was announced at the prestigious Conference Gala dinner. Coolings Managing Director, Gary Carvosso said “The Rising Stars programme gives promising individuals in the industry a great opportunity to develop their merchandising and leadership skills. We are very proud of Sophie, it is a wonderful achievement. Sophie joined us in 2010 and resonates with me in that I also joined Coolings straight from school. Sophie is a credit to our company, and was in fact the youngest finalist. We look forward to supporting her on a long and successful career. We are very aware of the need to attract talented people into the industry which has so many varied opportunities. This initiative, if supported by even more businesses, will have a very positive effect on the industry in years to come. Sophie’s talent has been further recognised as she has now been invited to join the judging panel for the GIMA industry awards. We look forward to nominating more of our team in the future for the Rising Stars programme and would like to express our thanks to Westland Horticulture, the GCA and of course, her mentor Ian Boardman”. Sophie adds: “The past year on the programme has been fantastic. I’ve grown my product and sales knowledge considerably and have enjoyed setting goals to achieve. I love a challenge and the programme is a great opportunity for me to develop my skills. Most of all, I’ve grown in confidence and can’t wait for some new challenges in the year ahead!”
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Rising Stars make the most of bestselling lines
On Monday at the GCA Conference in Brighton, all six Rising Stars finalists gave delegates a great lesson in how to make the most of bestselling lines, and how not such high volume products can be brought to life and turned into valuable bestsellers too...
On Monday at the GCA Conference in Brighton, all six Rising Stars finalists gave delegates a great lesson in how to make the most of bestselling lines, and how not such high volume products can be brought to life and turned into valuable bestsellers too.
The winner of this year’s scheme, sponsored by Westland, Sophie Liebthal, from Coolings in Kent, took on projects that included re-generating their fencing and timber area as well as Autumn Lawn Care and Lawn Food, Bird Care and Growing Media.
In the fencing and timber area, Sophie added artificial grass, built up display models (which sold through faster than the flat packs), and added plenty of colour to make the area look bright and welcoming. As a result profits from that department were 27.7% higher in 2015. See picture gallery below.
Over the coming weeks we’ll bring you more bestselling ideas from the Rising Stars finalists.
For 2016 the Westland GCA Rising Stars scheme is being extended with initial Northern and Southern Rising Stars sessions to make it easier for more centres to send delegates. The closing date for applications is February 19th 2016.
Rising Stars is funded entirely by Westland and delivers tangible results to every GCA centre and every delegate involved. Get your applications in today!
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Barton Grange team celebrate fifth GCA title in a row
Barton Grange Garden Centre near Preston notched up their fifth consecutive Destination Garden Centre of the Year award in the Garden Centre Association’s annual inspection audits, and the whole team were able to celebrate this week...
See pictures
Barton Grange Garden Centre near Preston notched up their fifth consecutive Destination Garden Centre of the Year award in the Garden Centre Association’s annual inspection audits, and the whole team were able to celebrate this week...
The result was announced at the GCA’s 50th anniversary dinner in Brighton on Tuesday, in the presence of 17 past chairmen of the association. Barton Grange MD Guy Topping led 15 members of his team (including his father, Eddie Topping, who founded the original business) on to the stage and announced them individually after they had been presented with the trophy by actor and comedian Hal Cruttenden. Barton Grange topped the destination centre inspection scores by what was described as the smallest of margins, ahead of Bents Garden & Home of Glazebury and Burston Garden Centre of St Albans.
Above: Guy and Eddie Topping with the Destination Garden Centre of the Year trophy.
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Renato Canale, of Europlants UK, has notified industry colleagues of the passing of his wife Brigitte on 11th January.
Brigitte was a very supportive partner in Europlants Uk Ltd as well as its financial director, always a popular and welcoming presence.
A shining light in all that she did, Brigitte will be sorely missed by everyone.
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Last year, the Greenfingers Garden Re-Leaf Day walk raised over £9,000 - thanks to funds raised by participants from trade organisations, suppliers, journalists and others in the garden industry - including the walk’s founder, i2i’s Matthew Mein.This year, the walk covers approximately 20 miles, starting and finishing at the HTA’s offices in Theale, West Berkshire. Taking place on Garden Re-Leaf Day - March 18 - the walk is just one of many events occurring on Garden Re-Leaf Day in aid of Greenfingers. So far, Matthew Mein, along with colleagues from i2i, GIMA Director Vicky Nuttall, Kimberley Hornby and Robbie Cumming from Hornby Whitefoot PR have all signed up to take part in the challenge. Linda Petrons, Head of Fundraising at Greenfingers Charity said: “The walk is open to absolutely everyone working in or alongside the garden industry. Not only is it a great opportunity to raise funds for those not already involved in Garden Re-Leaf Day events, it’s fun, team building and a great way to spend time with colleagues and acquaintances away from the office.” If you would like to register to take part in the walk, contact Sarah in the Fundraising Team by email - sarah@greenfingerscharity.org.uk or call the Greenfingers office on 01494 674749. Garden Re-Leaf Day 2016 has already attracted top industry figures who will be staging 24 hour Plant-athons in garden centres right across the country from 2pm on Thursday 17th and finishing on Friday the 18th. Poplars, Adrian Hall, Old Railway Line and Sunshine garden centres have all recently confirmed they will put on Garden Re-Leaf events in store. All new quizzes have been put together, one general knowledge for all the family and one specifically aimed at the keen gardener. This year all of the money raised will go towards Greenfingers’ ‘A Million Moments Appeal’ – Greenfingers aims to raise £1 million under the banner of the A Million Moments appeal over three years to enable at least 5,000 children who spend time in hospices.
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Loose lbs and gain £'s for Garden Re-Leaf Day
Here's a great way to raise £'s for Greenfingers and get your self into shape for the rest of the year by loosing weight between now and Garden Re-Leaf Day. Join GTN Xtra's Trevor Pfeiffer and Greenfingers Linda Petrons and Debs Skillicorn in Pounds 4 Greenfingers...
Greenfingers Garden Re-Leaf Day is set to take place on Friday 18th March 2016 - but already the fundraising has begun! Twitter has already started buzzing with those looking to lose weight after the festive period, and Greenfingers is inviting them to feel even better about themselves by raising money to help create more children's hospice gardens. The idea is that for each pound participants lose between now and Garden Re-Leaf Day, they can collect a pound from their sponsors, to be donated to Greenfingers after the 18th March. Linda Petrons, Head of Fundraising at Greenfingers, Debs Skilicorn, Director of Greenfingers and GTN's very own Trevor Pfeiffer are all bravely taking part and want to encourage others to step up to the challenge.
You can sponsor Trevor on his target to loose 1 stone between the GCA Conference and Garden Re-Leaf Day by clicking: https://www.justgiving.com/Trevor-Pfeiffer. If you are interested in taking part, here are a few pointers to help you get started: - If you find it hard to lose weight then don't go overboard - aim for a realistic target
- On the other hand, don't aim too low - challenge yourself and encourage sponsorship!
- Let others know you’re trimming down so you can rely on them to hold you to account. Post on social media, using the hashtag #Pounds4Greenfingers what you plan to do and why you are doing it. Why not post before and after photos too? You'll be surprised at just how much motivation it will give you knowing others are keeping an eye on your progress!
- Take up a short term gym membership, -. or join a local sports or slimming club - there are tonnes of support group options at this time of year so you needn't be alone!
How many pounds of lost weight can the UK gardening industry convert into £'s cash for Greenfingers by Garden Re-Leaf Day?
Garden Re-Leaf 2016 has already attracted eight top industry figures who will be staging 24 hour Plant-athons in garden centres beginning their Plant-athons on Thursday 17th and finishing on Friday the 18th. Poplars, Adrian Hall and Sunshine Garden Centres have all recently confirmed they will put on Garden Re-Leaf events in store.
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Nurseries to support Turn Old into Gold fundraiser
Wyevale Nurseries in Hereford is continue its support for Greenfingers by backing its ‘Turn Old into Gold’ fundraiser. Last year the Nurseries raised £286 from the initiative, which sees discontinued or unwanted stock auctioned off in aid of the charity, and sales and marketing direct Adam Dunnett says: "This year our aim is to really get behind the campaign and raise at least £1,000."
One of the UK’s leading commercial nurseries in Hereford has this month (January, 2016) announced it will be continuing to support Greenfingers by backing its ‘Turn Old into Gold’ fundraiser. Wyevale Nurseries raised £286 last year from the initiative, which sees discontinued or unwanted stock auctioned off in aid of the charity, which creates gardens at children’s hospices nationwide. Adam Dunnett (pictured), Sales and Marketing Director at Wyevale Nurseries, said: “This year our aim is to really get behind the Greenfingers’ Turn Old into Gold campaign and raise at least £1,000 for the charity. “We donated a selection of plants to the fundraiser last year and will continue to do so throughout 2016. It’s great that we can dispose of unwanted stock and know that it will be going to a good home while also raising money for a great charity. “Greenfingers do a fantastic job building magical gardens for children with life-limiting illnesses in children’s hospices across the UK. “The money raised by Turn Old into Gold will go towards the ‘A Million Moments Appeal’, which aims to raise £1million during the next three years to enable Greenfingers to bring the precious gift of a garden to at least 5,000 more children and families who spend time in a hospice.” The fundraiser is supported by wholesale logistics company Decco. Greenfingers will arrange for plants/products to be taken to W & H Peacock Auctions in Bedford who will auction the goods and donate all the money it raises to Greenfingers. Goods can be collected as Greenfingers will contact Decco who will then be in touch to arrange the collection and delivery to W & H Peacock Auctions. All deliveries collected by Decco will need to be on shrink wrapped pallets or boxed. Deborah Skillicorn, Charity Director at Greenfingers, said: “We would like to thank Wyevale Nurseries for its continued support and also helping us spread the word about our Turn Old into Gold campaign. We hope many other horticultural businesses get involved with the fundraiser this year.” Since Greenfingers was established in 1999 it has completed 49 garden and outdoor spaces at children’s hospices across the UK. Wyevale Nurseries is one of the largest family-run wholesale nurseries in the UK. It was established in 1930 by Harry Williamson, a horticulturist and entrepreneur. It became the company it is today under the leadership of his son, Peter, who sadly passed away in 2011. The Williamsons’ saw the opportunity to sell their product to an undeveloped retail market, creating one of the first garden centres, followed by a chain. In 1987, the retail side needed to expand and the 19 garden centres were sold as a PLC. The family then turned its focus to Wyevale Nurseries Ltd. It continues to be a family-run business with ownership and joint chairmanship currently being held by the third generation, Heather and Simeon Williamson, with plans for the fourth generation to takeover in the future. Wyevale Nurseries has a significant product range and is regularly introducing new plants. It offers a large variety of trees, shrubs, hedging, herbaceous and specimen plants to garden centres, landscape contractors, local authorities, foresters and landowners.
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A 15-hole pirate adventure golf course could be built at Cadbury, a Wyevale Garden Centre in Somerset, if an application for outline planning permission is approved.Planning agent Weller Designs has sought permission to build the adventure golf course at the garden cewntre in Congresbury. If the company’s bid is successful, the proposed course would include features such as waterfalls, ponds, a ship and a bridge. The company said in its design and access statement that the course would provide a family-friendly activity, which would also prove an ideal ‘introduction’ into golfing for young players. The statement said: “The proposed adventure golf facility is very much a family-orientated leisure pursuit and will appeal to every age. “As a socially-enjoyable leisure pursuit, it is relaxed and fun and has none of the perhaps ‘intimidating’ aspects of normal golf, but does provide an introduction to the sport of golf itself with the health benefits which accompany it. “Adventure golf is proven to be a very popular leisure pastime. It is a place to relax, have fun and spend quality time with the family.” The proposed adventure golf course site is used by the garden centre, in Smallway, to store materials and display landscaping equipment. Weller Designs also said the course would result in the creation of jobs at the centre and would improve Cadbury’s long-term prospects. It said: “The adventure golf course will represent an additional customer facility that will complement the established garden centre, which is located in a rural countryside location on the edge of Congresbury. “It is envisaged that the proposed facility could attract between 20,000 and 30,000 participants each year – some will be coming to the nursery anyway, while others will be coming to specifically play adventure golf. “This estimated footfall requires additional staff to run and maintain the facility, with at least two additional full-time employees needed to undertake this work. “Whilst short-term, the actual construction of the facility will require the employment of between four and six construction workers during a period of around two months, with local labouring jobs also available during the construction period. “Furthermore, the adventure golf facility will improve the long-term competitiveness of the garden centre, which will in turn contribute to the provision of jobs and also the centre’s long-term growth.”
Pictured: crazy golf with a pirate theme is popular in Florida. Could these attractions catch on in UK garden centres?
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GIMA Awards return to Celtic Manor Resort
Organisers of the prestigious GIMA Awards have confirmed that this year’s event will take place on Thursday, July 14, and will once again return to the luxurious surroundings of the Celtic Manor Resort in South Wales.
Organisers of the prestigious GIMA Awards have confirmed that this year’s event will take place on Thursday, July 14, and will once again return to the luxurious surroundings of the Celtic Manor Resort in South Wales.This highly anticipated event is the pinnacle of the gardening calendar for the trade where winners of the coveted awards will be revealed at a glittering gala dinner. More details will be revealed next month, when the GIMA website will be open for entries. For further information call the GIMA office on 01959 564947.
Lawn Academy graduates get ready to help consumers
Graduates of the latest Westland Lawn Academy are now ready to help address consumer concerns about how to improve their lawns...
The latest of a series of five Lawn Academy sessions took place this week at Barton Grange Garden Centre.
Graduates of the latest Westland Lawn Academy are now ready to help address consumer concerns about how to improve their lawns.Westland Horticulture is training up an army of Lawn Academy graduates who will be ready to help this coming spring. The latest of a series of five Lawn Academy sessions took place yesterday at Barton Grange Garden Centre in Preston. Daniela Constantine, Brand Manager for Lawncare said: “It’s been warm this winter so many consumers will be confused about when to mow or feed. Aside from flooding, there’s been a lot of rain elsewhere in the UK and Ireland which will wash away the nutrients in the soil, so lawns will be in need of a good feed this spring.” In a lively and interactive session, garden centre staff were introduced to lawn gardener types with different attitudes to lawns in a fun and interactive way. They learnt everything there is to know about lawns, including differences in seed, how to create and maintain lawns and how best to advise customers. They also spent time looking at real-life lawns in order to identify exactly what good and poor lawns looks like. Daniela added: “We now have our very first Lawn Academy graduates who are ready to head back into store and reinvigorate their lawn category!” Further sessions will be now be held at Perth and Dublin in February. To book up to the 2017 Lawn Academy, log onto the Westland Lawn Academy website http://www.gardenhealth.com/lawn-academy
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RHS licensees out in force for Spring Fair
Royal Horticultural Society licensees will be out in force at this year’s Spring Fair from 7-11 February at Birmingham’s NEC. Nine companies, including Burgon & Ball, will be displaying RHS products...
Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) licensees will be out in force at this year’s Spring Fair from 7-11 February at Birmingham’s NEC. Nine companies, in categories that range from candles and ceramics to calendars and cookware, will be displaying RHS products at the home and gift industry’s biggest UK show. Their presence underlines not only the strength of the RHS brand but the continuing expansion of the RHS Licensing programme.Burgon and Ball (6H220), a multi-award winning manufacturer of agricultural and garden tools, and Ulster Weavers (9C28-D29), a kitchen textiles company specialising in homeware, giftware and tableware, will be jointly promoting new ranges of RHS products. Their ranges use shared artwork featuring illustrations of chrysanthemums, passion flowers and roses. Both companies will also feature established RHS products on their stands, including the extended Burgon & Ball Gifts for Gardeners range. The new products were launched at Glee 2015, where they were received with great acclaim. Carousel Calendars (3R31), the UK's largest general calendar publisher and distributor, has combined selections from the RHS Lindley Library, the world’s finest collection of botanic art, and some gorgeous RHS horticultural photography to great effect. The company will showcase both in its range of 2017 RHS calendars and pocket diaries.
Noteworthy among the cookware and ceramics companies at the show are two RHS licensees. Churchill China(9D30-E31), which has a long history of providing ceramics to hospitality and retail markets, will launch a new range of RHS vintage garden mugs in gift boxes. Another market leader in high-quality tableware, cookware, giftware and tabletop accessories, Portmeirion Group (9E30-F31), will promote its established, and very successful RHS ranges. Wax Lyrical, the UK’s largest privately owned home-fragrancing company and a major licensing partner of RHS for many years, will be launching new products on stand 4D40-E41.
Meldhome (6G50-H51), which designs and produces stylish and functional homeware, will display an RHS gifting selection that is available to all retailers. Another RHS licensee in the gifting area is Kimm and Miller (6P45), a company that designs, manufactures and supplies unique, high-quality gift products.
Padblocks (4A20), which offers decorative stationery both for retail and custom-made for museums, galleries and stately homes, is promoting an extension of its RHS line that uses the RHS White Rose design on such products as a wire-bound notebook, a recipe scrap book and an attractive new chalkboard.
Now in its third decade, the RHS Licensing programme boasts more than 50 licensees in the gardening, gifting and homeware categories.RHS Licensing is growing in 2016 to include educational toys, apparel and accessories, and an expanded garden category. This is supported by a new RHS Licensing Style Guide based on 500 wonderful images specially selected from more than 25,000 housed in the RHS Lindley Library. Cathy Snow, Licensing Manager, RHS, says: “We’re delighted to be able to announce the appearance of so many valued partners at such an important home and gift industry show. It’s a credit to the strength of the RHS brand and the quality of our licensees that so many exciting new product ranges are being developed and existing ranges extended or enhanced.”
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Kelkay exclusive RHS Gardeners Collection is a royal success
Kelkay’s exclusive RHS Gardeners Collection of horticultural grits and sands has been delighting customers and consumers alike. The range, endorsed by the world-renowned Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), is quickly becoming the jewel in Kelkay’s crown...
Kelkay’s exclusive RHS Gardeners Collection of horticultural grits and sands has been delighting customers and consumers alike. The range, endorsed by the world-renowned Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), is quickly becoming the jewel in Kelkay’s crown. In order to meet the unprecedented demand, Kelkay has implemented 24 hour production of the RHS Gardeners Collection, which comprises Sliver Sand, Grit Sand, Sharp Sand, Potting Grit and Washed Gravel. All are available to retailers in large packs and handy packs. The striking packaging offers practical advice, uses and benefits, all explained in easy to read and stunning display panels. The success of the range was a highlight of 2015 for RHS licensing manager Cathy Snow. She commented: “We are delighted to be working with Kelkay to produce the RHS Gardeners Collection of horticultural grit and sand products. Kelkay’s values sit comfortably with our own vision to enrich everyone's life through plants and make the UK a greener, more beautiful place. The RHS only work with partners who deliver consistently high quality products. Kelkay demonstrated they were the right partner for us to produce the RHS Gardeners Collection.” Antony Harker, managing director at Kelkay, said: “It has long been an ambition to partner with the RHS and demonstrate the quality and reputation of Kelkay. Everyone has been going above and beyond to meet the demand, as the enthusiasm about the collection is evident throughout the plant. We’re incredibly proud about the feedback we have received so far and look forward to continuing this relationship with the RHS. The collection is the only horticultural grits and sands that are endorsed by the RHS and we are proud to be aligned with such a prestigious name.” This versatile collection offers countless options for the garden, from improving drainage, aeration, aquatic planting, creating rockery and Alpine gardens to mixing with composts for seed planting. Included with each product are expert tips from the RHS on how to get the very best from the range. Eye-catching point of sale materials produced by Kelkay to promote the RHS Gardeners Collection is available. The RHS is the world's leading gardening charity. It works with carefully selected companies to develop products that set the highest standards of quality and design. Kelkay’s brand portfolio includes Borderstone®, Build Mate, easyfountain® and Henri®, providing retailers with a single source of supply for a wide range of garden products. These include aggregates, stone, water and garden features, paving, edging and walling, building materials, horticulture, growing media and winter garden products. By promoting aggregates, paving and fountains with eye-catching point of sale, merchandising units and display stands, garden retailers have seen sales grow in these categories. For more information, visit www.kelkay.co.uk
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Three Wyevale Garden Centres have announced the winners of their inaugural Garden Centre Makeover competitions, as voted by thousands of members from local communities. The winner of Pennine Wyevale Garden Centre’s competition was Kirkwood Hospice, a hospice providing palliative care to the terminally ill, while Birchencliffe Wyevale Garden Centre’s top prize went to Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice, a charity that supports children with life shortening conditions and their families in West Yorkshire. Raglan Wyevale Garden Centre’s competition was won by Raglan Primary School, a local school in the centre of Bromley that has been operating for more than 120 years. All three competitions were launched in October 2015 with a view to giving something back to the community through transforming garden spaces that mean something to locals. The competitions ran until mid-December 2015, with visitors to each garden centre casting votes for their favourite group to win. The winning community groups will each receive a beautiful new garden just in time for summer. A team of volunteers from each Wyevale Garden Centre will work respectively with a local landscape designer to transform the winners’ green spaces into beautiful outdoor havens – to be enjoyed by residents, students and visitors alike. Lorraine Walters, Garden Centre Manager at Raglan, says: “It’s great to be doing a project that gives something back to the community – on behalf of the community. We look forward to using our expertise to transform Ragland VC Primary School’s garden space into an area that the kids and teachers can feel comfortable in and be proud of.” Head Teacher of Raglan VC Primary School, Jeremy Piper, says: “We, along with the children, are extremely excited to see what the landscape designer envisions for our garden space and can’t wait to see the plans come to life in time for summer. We’re grateful to the local community for their votes and look forward to making the most of the space once the makeover is complete.” Andrew Harper, Garden Centre Manager at Pennine, says: ‘We are delighted to announce Kirkwood Hospice as the winner of our Garden Makeover Competition. We are very excited to work with the hospice and local landscape gardener to create an outdoor green space where residents can relax and enjoy their time at Kirkwood.” Jim Coward, Kirkwood Hospice Media and Marketing Manager, says: “We were delighted to find out that the local community had nominated in the Garden Makeover Competition and were thrilled to hear the news that we had won. We are constantly humbled by the support which we receive from the general public. We can’t wait to get started on plans and look forward to working alongside Pennine Wyevale Garden Centre to create a beautiful new space at the Hospice.” Sharon Burton, Director of Care at Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice says: “We are extremely excited to work with the landscape designer to develop some of our garden space. I'm really looking forward to seeing the plans come to life so our families and children can benefit from it in time for summer. A huge thanks to the local community for their votes in making this happen; I'm absolutely blown away by their response to this competition held at Birchencliffe.” Each Wyevale Garden Centre will announce plans for the design of the garden makeovers in the coming month.
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Lucy Adams, the BBC’s former HR director, introduced GCA delegates to the so-called “VUCA World” VUCA is used an acronym, coined by the US military during the Vietnam conflict, for a world order that is : Volatile, Uncertain Complex and Ambiguous “Think about your role as leaders of people,” she said. “It is really tough now and getting tougher.” The way to manage a VUCA world more effectively involved resilience, insight, curiosity and humility. “See employees as adults, not children,” she urged. “Modern business are moving to strong adult-to-adult relationships. When people are trusted, their creativity increases.” Progressive businesses were more likely to know their employees, tailoring their businesses according to their needs. “Get rid of annual appraisals,” she advised. “They do not work and can even make things go backwards.” Employers who listened and showed interest were the best leaders, she added. “If we remember to keep it human, we can’t go far wrong.”
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Business commentator Martin Vander Weyer told GCA conference delegates he would came down on the side of cautious optimism despite the economic and political challenges the UK faces. Vander Weyer, who is business editor of The Spectator, said that, although the banks were behaving better while they re-built their balance sheets, their cautious approach to lending was creating opportunities for alternatives like peer to peer lenders and crowd funding. Interest rates, he felt would not be rising any time soon and when they did might reach only 2.5% at most. He urged businesses to join the campaign to reform business rates to create a system that would reduce the burden on businesses and as a result increase tax revenues. The UK, he said, was still not building enough houses, partly due to a skills shortage. He believed Britain could have done without an EU in-or-out referendum at this moment. The “out” campaign had created a “hard-core vituperative argument”. “Brexit is a distraction and we don’t need it,” he said. The Euro would survive, although it would continue to have a negative, deadening effect on the European economy.
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GardenTags presents the revolutionary blogging platform and a live streamed debate series to tackle the big question posed above. An increasingly urban and ageing population, one that is not necessarily that interested in gardening, poses a significant risk to the future of gardening. So, how do we spark the next growing revolution? GardenTags believes it has the answer. The company has launched a new blogging platform and is running a live streamed debate, to enable the gardening industry to collectively solve the problem. This exciting new series looks at how we can engage future generations of gardeners through disruptive technology, community activism and a wholesale rebranding of ‘gardening’. The company’s mission is to spark ideas to start a gardening revolution. Why care? Getting young people into the garden and excited about nature could have a dramatic impact on their physical health, mental wellbeing and lead to a greater appreciation of their environment. As well as secure the future of our favourite pastime. It’s our collective responsibility to address these issues, and the blog and debate series are aimed as a “call to arms” – or a “call to spades!” – to catalyse action from everyone interested in the issues. GardenTags has already gathered together a potting shed full of great Head Gardeners – a host of top industry influencers to take part. These include the Skinny Jean Gardeners (Lee and Dale Connelly, regular guests on CBBC's Blue Peter), Jane Perrone (Gardening Editor of The Guardian and co-presenter of Sow, Grow, Repeat), Christine Walkden (of BBC’s The One Show), Sean James Cameron (The Horticulture Channel), Adam Frost (RHS Chelsea Flower Show medal winner), Sara Venn (Incredible Edible Bristol & The Physic Garden) and Michael Perry (plant hunter for Thompson & Morgan and guest presenter on QVC). They and many more will be putting their views forward on how we can collectively start the growing revolution. As part of the series we will be presenting a live streamed debate, moderated by Jane Perrone and with panellists, Skinny Jean Gardeners, Emma Worrollo – MD The Pineapple Lounge – Aga Otero – CEO Repower London (The Energy Garden) – and Adam Frost. The debate will be live streamed from the Barbican Conservatory at The Garden Press Event Dinner on 17 February. The live stream will start at 6.30pm and can be viewed at www.gardentags.com/revolution.
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With last December officially reported as the warmest month on record, and the wettest in more than a hundred years, the success of the lawn care category in 2016 will no doubt be affected as consumers return to their gardens with a degree of uncertainty. Guy Jenkins, Consumer Manager for DLF/Johnsons Lawn Seed, says that these conditions could still provide the perfect opportunity to demonstrate product knowledge and engender increased customer loyalty."We need to reassure garden centre customers that they can carry on investing in lawn care as normal. There is bound to be more than a small amount of trepidation - especially in the north, in flood affected areas, and where there has been snow on the ground. Other scare stories regarding cold weather yet to come may also have an effect, causing many customers to think much more carefully about when or even if they can start sowing. During periods of consumer uncertainty like this, it's essential that problem solving products are pushed to the front of the shelf. Formulated to establish in minimum temperatures of 3˚C and still the fastest establishing ryegrass and red fescue mix on the market, Johnsons Lawn Seed's Any Time is an ideal grass seed mixture to base your spring lawn care offering around. The 1 is the perfect product to put a consumer’s mind at ease – the quickest, fastest and hardest wearing seed on the market, whilst also requiring less maintenance. A great premium product to recommend if a customer needs quality results fast. Our research and development team has lead to a complete reformulation of bestsellers General Purpose, Tuffgrass, Quick Lawn and Quick Fix – which all now feature improved germination rates, establishment speed, drought resistance, wear tolerance and overall appearance - all designed to increase consumer’s confidence at the point of purchase. On the other hand of course, we could see a marked surge in demand for lawn care as owners replace and repair their damaged lawns, so either way 2016 has the potential to be an excellent year for grass seed and related products. There are many basic do's and don'ts considering the merchandising of your lawn care range. Do make it easy for customers to tell the difference between similar products, for example, by highlighting a product using visual recommendation, double facing products, and price promotions. Don't assume customers know how to care for their lawn, but don't condescend either – shop floor staff on hand with reliable product knowledge is ideal, and when they aren’t around, POS showing relevant advice can also be invaluable. The Johnsons Lawn Seed catalogue is a wealth of product information so feel free to reproduce relevant facts, hints and tips in order to stimulate sales. Johnsons Lawn Seed's products and tips can be found on its new website, www.johnsonslawnseed.com. Orders can be placed by calling 01386 791113 or emailing orders@johnsonslawnseed.com. Find out more To find out more about Johnsons Lawn Seed, visit www.johnsonslawnseed.com, email consumer@dlf.co.uk, or telephone 01386 791113.
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On Thursday 28 January, at the IPM 2016 trade fair in Essen, Germany, Hydrangea macrophylla hybride (Hochzeits-Hortensie®) by Helmers Baumschulen GmbH, Westerstede (D) was presented with the Show Your Colours Award IPM 2016. The visitors and the professional jury selected the winner because of the beautiful white flowers and the association with a green wedding. The award was presented to Eike Helmers by jury chairman Oliver P. Kuhrt and Dessi Malakov on the BIZZ Holland stand.
Buxus sempervirens BUXUS JEANS OF GARDEN sent in by Boomkwekerij Notkamp, De Lutte (NL) on behalf of the FloraHolland buxus growers was in second place, and third place went to Gaultheria procumbens GAULTIER PEARL (‘SPECGP11’) by Special Plant Zundert, Zundert (NL) and Skimmia japonica DWARF Series by Van Vliet New Plants, Stroe (NL). The other nominated plants were as follows: Chamaecyparis pisifera 'Blue Moon', Fascicularia bicolor GARDEN BROMELIA, Hebe GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY ('Lowag'), Hibiscus syriacus in varieties, Hydrangea macrophylla MAGICAL in varieties, Loropetalum chinense EVER RED (‘Chang Nian Hong’), Paeonia RICH AND SPARKLING (Itoh Group) in varieties, Ribes/Rubus/Vaccinium in 100% organic cardboard pot, Viburnum plicatum KILIMANDJARO SUNRISE (‘JWW5’). The nominated plants and concepts were exhibited in two different locations. In both locations, the visitors could use special tokens to vote for their favourite plant/concept until the end of Thursday morning. In addition, they could vote online via the IPM Essen and BIZZ Communications websites. On Thursday afternoon, the entries were judged by an expert jury consisting of Oliver P. Kuhrt (Messe Essen, jury chairman), Sytse Berends (Blunt Communicatieadvies/Peak Retail), Michel Verbeek (Royal FloraHolland), Werner Oschek (journalist for various German trade journals), Susanne Blom and Dessi Malokov. The verdict of the jury, together with the votes received via the poll and the tokens, led to Hydrangea macrophylla hybride (Hochzeits-Hortensie®) being crowned the winner of the Show Your Colours Award IPM 2016. The Show Your Colours Award IPM 2016 is a collaboration between the organisers of IPM and BIZZ Communications.
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The Greatest Awards go back on tour in 2016
After the resounding success of The Greatest Awards ON TOUR in 2015, we are pleased to announce that in 2016 The Greatest Awards ON TOUR will be bigger and better than ever...
After the resounding success of The Greatest Awards ON TOUR in 2015, we are pleased to announce that in 2016 The Greatest Awards ON TOUR will be as follows: GTN’s The Greatest Catering Awards At The HTA Catering Conference – The Belfry, 7-8 June
GTN’s The Greatest Plant Retailing Awards At The HTA National Plant Show – Stoneleigh, 21-22 June
GTN’s The Greatest Garden Relief Day Fundraising Team Awards At the GIMA Awards – 14 July GTN’s The Greatest Outdoor Living Awards At spoga+gafa – Cologne, Germany, 5 September GTN’s The Greatest Garden Centre Awards At HTA Futures – Heythrop Park, 12 October New for 2016 GTN’s The Greatest Marketing Awards At The HTA Marketing Forum – 8 November Watch out for nomination and entry details in Garden Trade News and GTN Xtra. To book places at HTA events please e-mail: events@the-hta.org.uk
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Magnus Lindkvist from Sweden, who describes himself as a trendspotter and futurologist, painted a world in which “vertical thinking” created the opportunities”
He offered a host of epithets to illustrate how how the future might pan out: - “Ignore technology for a few decades,” he said. “Be agile, flexible and open-minded.”
- “Knowledge is dead information. Let go of it.”
- “Happiness is a rubbish measurement of well-being”
- “Be careful what you put in your head because you may never get it out.”
- “I hope you came here to become a creator. A trend is a sign that others are already doing it.”
- “Look for secrets. Look beyond the obvious.”
- “Experiment – the new way of thinking about risk is if we do the same thing for too long.”
- “You need a vision. Nokia stayed 25 years too long in the same thing and became vulnerable to a Californian fruit company….”
- The future can come from the past – by recycling good ideas.”
- “Make enemies. If people think it’s a stupid idea, you are on to a good thing.”
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Olympic medallist Roger Black, who was also part of the GB 400m relay team that beat the Americans to win gold in the World Championships in Tokyo, thrilled his audience with tales and video clips from his sporting career. As it happens, he also brought his two Olympic silver medals with him… and allowed a delighted queue of GCA delegates to pose with them for commemorative photos.
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GCA members have voted Taylors Bulbs as their Associate of the Year.
Described as “a popular choice”, they beat off competition from Cedar Associates (last year’s winners) and Decco, also shortlisted last year. Taylors have won the title on a number of previous occasion, the most recent being a hat-trick of successes in 2008, 2009 and 2010. At the associates trade show earlier in the evening, Taylors announced details of an expanded range of wax-dipped and decorated amaryllis bulbs in gift packaging at prices from £12.99 to £14.99 depending on design.
The Old Railway Line Garden Centre were presented with the GCA’s Worrall Cup for best marketing campaign or initiative.
See pictures
Seventeen past chairmen of the GCA turned out for the association’s 50th anniversary dinner at the Grand Hotel, Brighton last night.
One of them, Warren Haskins (1982-3) paid tribute to their contributions to the GCA’s development during the past half century. For 40 of those years, he said, the GCA had been in a “rather nasty conflict” with the HTA during which the two associations had not got on all that well before patching up their differences in the past two years. “That is now good for all of us,” he said. The HTA now hosts the GCA’s headquarters at Theale. The other 16 past chairmen present were:
Jeffrey Bernhard (1964) Waynman Strike (1973, Strikes Garden Centres) Richard Evans (1978, Ruxley Manor GC) F.A.B. Newenham (1979, Millets Farm GC) Roger Harvey (1988, Roger Harvey Garden World) Kenn Lloyd (1992-3, Cadbury GC) Chris Roberts (1994, Van Hage Garden Co) Martin Stewart (1995 and 2010) Beryl Stafford (1991, All in One GC) Guy Topping (2000-01, Barton Grange Garden Centres) Sue Allen (2002-3, Millbrook Garden Co) Steve Myatt (2004-5, Warbreck GC) David Danning (2006-07, Trelawney Garden Leisure) Martin Davies (2008-9, Raglan GC) Dennis Espley (2011, Squires Garden Centres) William Armitage (2014-15, Armitages Garden Centres)
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Garden Centres of Excellence
Current GCA Chairman Julian Winfield and comedian Hal Cruttenden started the GCA Awards presentations with the GCA Garden Centres of Excellence...
Garden Centres of Excellence (top 10 in alphabetical order not order of inspection scores), presented by GCA Chairman Julian Winfield and comedian Hal Cruttenden: Barton Grange Garden Centre
Bents Garden & Home
Burston Garden Centre
Cowell’s Garden Centre
Garden Wise Plant & Garden Centre
The Old Railway Line
Perrywood Garden Centre
Planters at Bretby
Poplars Nursery Garden Centre
Raemoir Garden Centre
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The full list of GCA winners announced on Monday are: Christmas Competition (Garden Centre category) sponsored by Gisela Graham – Castle Gardens
Christmas Competition (Destination Garden Centre category) sponsored by Gisela Graham – Barton Grange Garden Centre
Environment and Community Award – Planters, Tamworth
Ruxley Rose (Garden Centre category) – Cowell’s Garden Centre
Ruxley Rose (Destination Garden Centre category) – Squires Garden Centre, Twickenham
Barton Grange Trophy for Creativity and Innovation – Webbs of Wychbold
Customer Service Award – Best Customer Service – Burston Garden Centre
The Indoor Lifestyle Award – Best Indoor Lifestyle Retailer (Garden Centre category) – Squires Garden Centre, Shepperton
The Indoor Lifestyle Award – Best Indoor Lifestyle Retailer (Destination Garden Centre category) – Raemoir Garden Centre
The GIMA Award for Best Garden Products Retailer (Garden Centre category) – Garden Wise Plant & Garden Centre
The GIMA Award for Best Garden Products Retailer (Destination Garden Centre category) – Barton Grange Garden Centre
Overall GIMA Award for Best Garden Products Retailer – Barton Grange Garden Centre
Dick Allen Award (Most Improved Garden Centre) – Hilltop Garden Centre
The IFSE Award for Catering Excellence – Best Garden Centre Restaurant (Garden Centre Category) – Creative Gardens Donaghadee in Northern Ireland
The IFSE Award for Catering Excellence – Best Garden Centre Restaurant (Destination Garden Centre Category) – Frosts, Woburn Sands
Weber Outdoor Living Award – Best Outdoor Living Retailer (Garden Centre Category) – Sunshine Garden Centre
Weber Outdoor Living Award – Best Outdoor Living Retailer (Destination Garden Centre Category) Van Hage Great Amwell
Julian Winfield, the new Chairman of the GCA for 2016 and 2017 and Chief Executive at Haskins Garden Centres Ltd, said: “We’re a diligent, committed, enthusiastic and hardworking industry and these awards recognise the very best garden centres in the country. Well done and congratulations to all our winners.”
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See GTN Xtra's exclusive picture gallery
The Black Eyed Peas from Cowells
Barton Grange's One Direction
Guns 'n' Roses from Millbrook
Consumer and shopper behviouralist Ken Hughes warned the garden industry yesterday not to ignore the digital revolution.
He urged retailers to embrace the ‘blue spot consumer’ – the modern shoppers who increasingly demand that goods comes to them. The ‘blue spot’ alluded to the GPS location point on Google Maps. Digital ‘natives’ – the under 35s – were seeking experiences, not products, he said, and this would increasingly become the role of bricks and mortar retail outlets. “Physical retailers are still going to be important in the digital world but how you use the space to make money from it will change.” Modern consumer looked for solutions and inspiration. “You guys should own summer,” he said. “And your plant areas have to deliver an experience.”
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For those attending the GCA conference 2016 in Brighton, please come and support Liam and Mike from Briers who are going to be manning the #GLUVIE Photo Booth from 7-11:30pm tonight during the evenings entertainment. This is to raise awareness and funds for the children's charity Greenfingers. Donations for a fun #GLUVIE photo keepsake start from only £5!! See you then
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Writer and broadcaster David Domoney made a passionate appeal to garden centres to appoint ambassadors to promote community gardening through his Cultivation Street initiative, now in its fourth year.
The Garden Centre Ambassador Scheme is designed to nurture stronger and more supportive relationships that will help to give novice gafrdeners the confidence to seek help and advice from their local garden centres. Domoney said many less knowledgable consumers were scared to visit garden centres in case they made fools of themselves. He urged centres nominate a member of staff to be their community ambassador, as the point of contact, to build a dialogue with the community. You can register your interest at: www.daviddomoney.com/cultivation-street/gcambassador/
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Experienced international retail executive John Herbert, who now runs a global DIY trade association, addressed delegates yesterday, interspersing the ‘rags to riches’ story of his professional life with snippets of his favourite retail philosophy. It was his second appearance on the platform of a GCA conference – the first was more than 30 years ago.
See Zubaball picture gallery
The GCA Pansies (retailers) beat the GCA Cabbages (suppliers) with a golden Zubaball goal during extra time played in Brighton for the 6th Annual Greenfingers Challenge Cup.
Guy Topping received the cup from the new leader of the GCA Cabbages, Ian Flounders of Woodlodge, after the "retirement" of Danny Adamson after 4 victorious years for the Cabbages.
Zubaball is football played with huge airfilled orbs around the players. You'll get the idea from the picture gallery below - you may not be able to identify many of the players though as the orbs come up to head hight.
There were plenty of spills, hits and sweat as the three "games" reached a conclusion. At that stage the Cabbages were leading 10-4, but had only won one of the best of three games. So a Golden Goal extra time session was played with the GCA Pansies coming out the winner. Goodness only knows who scored the winning goal.
The Zubaball was just the start of an afternoon and evening of fundraising activities for Greenfingers that raised over £11,000. If you'd like to add to this amazing effort, please see Guy Topping or Ian Flounders at Conference of donat via the Greenfingers Just Giving page: https://www.justgiving.com/greenfingers/donate/
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See picture gallery from the Greenfingers Team Challenge
... for the Pledell Smithyman and Millbrook After Eight Team Challenge of course. To take part each team had to bid for a mint in one of many entertaining Guy Topping auction moments that lead to the raising of ober £11,000 for Greenfingers on the eve of the 50th Anniversary GCA Conference in Brighton.
Current GCA Chairman (until Mondays' AGM) Will Armitage won the challenge, deftly moving the mint from his forehead to his mouth without the use of hands... or anything else.
The Challenge, a mix of quiz and activity rounds was won by the "Team with the Table" (below) with "Good Evans" as runners up just behind "Upton Park", "Rising Stars" and "Cocks & Hens"
Thanks go to all of the sponsors and special thanks to Guy Topping, Carol Topping, Emma Connelly and Danny Adamson for organsing the event and keeping everyone in order to acheive the amazing amount raised for Greenfingers.
If you'd like to add to the monies raised, that will enable the building of more gardens at Childrens hospices, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/greenfingers/donate/
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In the lower turnover band of the GCA's inspection audits , Garden Wise at Dumfries (below) took their first Garden Centre of the Year title, beating Cowells of Newcastle, winners in four of the past six years, and The Old Railway Line Garden Centre at Brecon The remaining Centres of Excellence, all scoring 70% or more, were Perrywood, Planters at Bretby, Poplars and Raemoir (their first Top 10 placing).
See pictures
Barton Grange Garden Centre near Preston have notched up their fifth consecutive Destination Garden Centre of the Year award in the Garden Centre Association’s annual inspection audits. The result was announced at the GCA’s 50th anniversary dinner in Brighton last night, in the presence of 17 past chairmen of the association. Barton Grange MD Guy Topping led 15 members of his team (including his father, Eddie Topping, who founded the original business) on to the stage and announced them individually after they had been presented with the trophy by actor and comedian Hal Cruttenden. Barton Grange topped the destination centre inspection scores by what was described as the smallest of margins, ahead of Bents Garden & Home of Glazebury and Burston Garden Centre of St Albans.
Above: Guy and Eddie Topping with the Destination Garden Centre of the Year trophy.
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Join GTN Xtra on the HTA Netherlands Retail Study Tour 17-19 February 2016
Limited availability, book now...
Following our visit to the Tuinzaken Garden Retail Experience event last year the Horticultural Trades Association has arranged an inspirational Study Tour to the Netherlands in February 2016 to take in the 2016 event and there is still some limited availability for for you to join us on the trip...
Book you place on the trip here
Following our visit to the Tuinzaken Garden Retail Experience event last year the Horticultural Trades Association has arranged an inspirational Study Tour to the Netherlands in February 2016 to take in the 2016 event and there is still some limited availability for for you to join us on the trip.
As well as attending the Garden Retail Experience in Boskoop for its 5th edition, including the event’s gala dinner we will also be visiting some Dutch garden centres and a have a tour of the inspirational Edelman showrooms. The full tour itinerary is as follows: - Wednesday 17 Feb 2016 –Fly out in the morning to Amsterdam –from airport begin tour of Garden Centers in the Netherlands throughout the day. Tuincentrum Osdorp and a second De Bosrand in Alphen a/d Rijn. In the evening attend the exclusive Retail Experience Gala in Boskoop including speakers and entertainment.
- Thursday 18 Feb –Attend Retail Experience with full expert guided tours. www.gardenretailexperience.com
- In the evening attend a locally based meal for additional networking opportunities.
- Friday 19 Feb -Visit to Intratuin Zuidplas followed by a Tour to Edelman, lunch and in the afternoon fly home to the UK.
The cost for the entire trip is £380 per person, this covers accommodation and travel once in the Netherlands as well as lunch and Dinner on Wednesday and Thursday evening but the HTA request those attending the tour to make their own way to Amsterdam Schiphol airport as travelling from all over the UK and attendees can then organize as best suited to their location. The tours intended start time is 11am from Schiphol airport and once in the Netherlands GTN Xtras’ Trevor Pfeiffer will host alongside Martin Simmons of the HTA. If you would like to book on to the event or need any more information please don’t hesitate to contact the HTA – events@the-hta.org.uk
The Garden Retail Experience is a truly inspirational event, see the GTN Xtra picture gallery from last year to give you a flavour of the ideas that will stretch your thinking and give you a head start as you prepare to meet the demands of the garden centre customer of the future. Or speak to Trevor at the GCA Conference this week and he will give you more information about the experience...
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Plant Area Manager (Full time, including alternate weekends) West Horsley KT24 6AR Squire’s is a family owned group of 15 garden centre’s based in Surrey, Sussex, Middlesex and Berkshire. We are committed to growing our business and to promoting the highest standards in horticultural retailing. We want our staff to enjoy working with us in a friendly, energetic customer focused environment. West Horsley, a traditional GCA garden centre and nursery with a strong horticultural background set deep in the beautiful Surrey countryside between Guildford and Leatherhead. An enthusiastic team who know their customers as well as their subject and who strive to make the centre a hub of the local community. An exciting opportunity has arisen to join our garden centre at West Horsley.
- You will be responsible for managing the outdoor plant department which has an extensive and well stocked plant area.
- You must have experience and/or horticultural qualifications and garden centre retail experience.
- You will be able to manage your department to achieve sales and profit targets whilst motivating your team to maximise all sales opportunities and inspiring them to offer the highest standards of customer service.
- You must have the ability to thrive in a fast paced environment, have a passion for plants, be highly motivated, commercially aware and able to create dynamic, inspirational displays.
Free parking on site.
To apply, please visit our website www.squiresgardencentres.co.uk
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Garden Sundries Retail Manager \ Berkshire (ref:DS8009)
Location: Berkshire Salary: £20,000 - £22,000 Date: 25 Jan Job Type: Full-Time Duration: Permanent
Our client is a Nationwide group that are continually growing and developing their leading garden centres across England and Wales. They are proud of their heritage in the gardening industry and each and every one of their garden centres has its own identity and for this reason each of the garden centres is separately branded and the staff and customers are loyal to their centre.
Currently they are seeking an outstanding Garden Sundries Retail Manager to manage their shop area.
The role
This is an exciting opportunity to join a cutting edge Garden Sundries Department. The ideal candidate will have a background in garden centre retail with excellent garden sundries product knowledge from seeds to clothing. They will manage seasonal changes and have the ability to present and merchandise their department to the highest standard.
The candidate
Team leadership skills are essential as is the ability to communicate well with customers delivering excellent standards of customer care. Working in a busy retail team environment means you will have to have a hands-on approach to all duties within this department.
Candidates must have a background in retail, be able to merchandise and manage rapidly changing stock.
Knowledge of garden products and garden chemicals etc. would also be an advantage
If you are passionate about Garden Sundries and would enjoy sharing this enthusiasm with our client's customers, we would love to hear from you.
To apply for this role click here
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Bedding Department Head (Full time, including alternate weekends) West Horsley KT24 6AR Squire’s is a family owned group of 15 garden centre’s based in Surrey, Sussex, Middlesex and Berkshire. We are committed to growing our business and to promoting the highest standards in horticultural retailing. We want our staff to enjoy working with us in a friendly, energetic customer focused environment. West Horsley, a traditional GCA garden centre and nursery with a strong horticultural background set deep in the beautiful Surrey countryside between Guildford and Leatherhead. An enthusiastic team who know their customers as well as their subject and who strive to make the centre a hub of the local community. An exciting opportunity has arisen to join our forward-thinking family-owned company, which is committed to our staff, growing our business and setting high standards.
- You will be responsible for the bedding plant department at our West Horsley Garden Centre which has an extensive and well stocked plant area.
- You will have extensive knowledge and experience of working in a retail bedding department and/or a horticultural qualification.
- A passion for customer service and the ability to thrive in a fast paced environment are essential.
- You will be flexible, enthusiastic and highly motivated, commercially aware and have the ability to create dynamic displays.
Free parking on site.
To apply, please visit our website www.squiresgardencentres.co.uk
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Garden Centre General Manager / Dorset (ref:DS7997)
Location: Dorset Salary: £30,000 - £35,000 Date: 21 Jan Job Type: Full-Time Duration: Permanent
The successful Garden Centre Manager / candidate will have a real eye for customer service and take huge pride for their work, with a real 'can do' enthusiastic attitude. We are looking for a real leader, some who is not afraid to get involved and lead by example. This is a great opportunity for the right person, if you feel this might be you, please feel free to get in contact. This is a great chance for someone looking for the next step in their career.
The role
- Support the Garden Centre Store Manager and team in all aspects of your store's day-to-day operations
- Manage the daily running of your department, enabling everyone to inspire, educate and equip customers.
- Be responsible for managing cash and other daily administrative task.
- Constantly find ways of improving your department and motivating your staff to achieve agreed company objectives.
- To drive performance maximising commercial potential.
- To promote staff ownership & accountability to create a positive & enjoyable working environment.
- To ensure that your department operates within current Health & Safety legislation.
- To contribute to the success of the business as a whole.
- Ensure the store is clean, both on the shop floor and behind the scenes
- To undertake other duties as required
The candidate
- A practical, hands-on approach to Garden Centre retailing
- Natural leadership skills and the ability to motivate and support the development of the whole store team
- The willingness to go the extra mile for our customers
- Excellent people skills
- A high degree of professionalism, especially when handling difficult situations
- A proactive approach to solving problems, and the ability to deal with issues as they arise
- Preferably, previous retail management experience
This is a great store with a great potential just looking for an excellent garden retailing to put their stamp on it!
Full time permanent position including alternate weekends and additional weekends during key sales times.
Salary £30-£35k + Bonus scheme, Staff Discount.
To apply for this role click here
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Horticulture Manager / Somerset (ref:DS7972)
Location: Somerset Salary: To attract the best Date: 25 Jan Job Type: Full-Time Duration: Permanent
This large plant focused garden centre is looking for a "the best of the best" in Plant Manager's to take on the running of their Plant Department turning over in excess of £1 million in plants per year.
They are looking for a superb retailer who can demonstrate excellent staff management skills, someone who is a skilled retailer, extremely customer focused and above all has a fantastic knowledge of plants and is not shy about offering plant advise to their customers.
If you think you have the skills and experience in horticultural retailing please send us through your CV as an excellent package is on offer for the right person to take on this challenge.
To apply for this role click here
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Plant Area Sales Assistant (Full time, including alternate weekends) Twickenham TW2 5PA Squire’s is a family owned group of 15 garden centre’s based in Surrey, Sussex, Middlesex and Berkshire. We are committed to growing our business and to promoting the highest standards in horticultural retailing. We want our staff to enjoy working with us in a friendly, energetic customer focused environment. Squire’s oldest site with a new centre built in 1993, and is about to undergo a significant facelift. A garden centre that takes a very high turnover for its size, with a strong horticultural focus in plants and sundries, often winning GCA category awards, with the recent addition of new Pets & Aquatics and Craft areas. We are looking for an enthusiastic, motivated individual who is quick and willing to learn and who sees customer service as their main priority. - The ideal candidate will be self-motivated and energetic, have a passion for plants and an eye for creating exciting detailed displays.
- Horticultural experience or equivalent qualifications desirable.
- The role will involve bending and lifting some heavy items therefore applicants must be physically fit.
Free parking on site.
To apply, please visit our website www.squiresgardencentres.co.uk
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Garden Centre | Horticulture Manager | Plantarea Manager (ref:DS7820)
Location: Surrey Salary: £18,000 - £24,000 Date: 21 Jan Job Type: Full-Time Duration: Permanent
Our client is a Nationwide group that are continually growing and developing their leading garden centres across England and Wales. They are proud of their heritage in the gardening industry and each and every one of their garden centres has its own identity and for this reason each of the garden centres is separately branded and the staff and customers are loyal to their centre.
They currently employ more than 5,000 people and some of their longest serving employees have been with the Group for more than 40 years. They offer their employees great opportunities to progress and are keen to meet great retailers and plants people who are looking for the next step in their career.
Customer service is of prime importance to everyone who works for them and they believe that better customer service is achieved by education. They have one of the best staff training scheme in the industry. It is based on practical training with experienced staff together with their own in-house E-Learning system which covers every part of the business.
Currently they are seeking an outstanding plants person / horticultural manager to manage their Plantarea
The role
As Horticultural / Plantarea Manager based Surrey the role will be to take responsibility for one of the largest departments within the centre. As Horticulture / Plantarea Manager you will look after the day to day merchandising and maintenance of the plant stock as well as motivating the team to provide the highest standard of customer service. The role will also have duty management responsibility across the entire centre.
The candidate
For this role we are seeking a leader with superb retail experience to head this busy department. The plantarea is the focus point of any garden centre and your standards for customer service, merchandising and the little details that make a department special will make you stand out. Plant knowledge is essential but we are open minded about the level of academic qualification. Experience within a garden centre is desirable as is supervisory skills.
To apply for this role click here
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The exciting line-up continues to grow for the HTA Technology Conference on 24 February at Cranmore Park, Solihull. Added to the speaking mix is Jo Hailey from Striking Places who will show you how you can create an experience before visitors arrive with a virtual tour of your centre or showroom online with Google Street View technology. Jo’s talk will also look at the future of technology and how you can use this to showcase your business, provide uninterrupted access to your premises online, and increase customer engagement.
Jo is an accomplished photographer with over 30 years’ experience, shooting in both traditional film and digital formats and specializes in PR photography and working closely with clients to produce quality marketing imagery. She loves to experiment with different cameras and lenses and is always first to try out new digital photographic techniques. This keen entrepreneurial drive and an instinctive creative flare have combined to build a successful business and an impeccable reputation and we look forward to her inspiring talk.
Our headline partner, CSY Retail Systems, are also looking forward to the exciting talks and getting more centres to embrace technology, Deanna Vine, Account Manager commented…
"CSY are keen that garden centres make the most of the technology available to them. This will enable them to compete with other retailers in an increasingly challenging market. We strongly support the HTA’s approach to helping garden centres achieve this through the Technology Conference."
Alongside our headline partner CSY Retail Systems, the conference will also be supported by a number of exhibitors including conference partner, Swan Retail, and exhibitor partners YourCash, Citation, HTA Insurance, NedFox and B to B links, who will all be on hand to offer advice and various business solutions.
The line-up also includes Naomi Langford-Wood, independent business specialist, Phill Blundell, CEO of Eagle Eye, HTA Market Information Manager, Dave Denny, Terri Jones, Joy of Plants and Retailer panellists from Willowbrook, Ben Reid and Ruskington and Belton Garden Centres.
A full programme showing all sessions and speakers can be found on the HTA website:
Book now at hta.org.uk/TechnologyConference
HTA Member rate—£99 + VAT
Non HTA Member rate—£115 + VAT
To find out more information about this event and how to book, visit www.hta.org.uk/planthealth or email events@the-hta.org.uk
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Veg seed growing looks to be high on gardeners’ minds, according to sales in the GTN Bestsellers Veg-2-Gro Top 50, although onion sets continue to dominate the top of the chart.
Some of the star performers this week include:
- Thompson & Morgan Runner Bean Polestar is the highest re-entry at No 11.
- Mr Fothergills Tomato Gardeners Delight is the highest climber at No 14, jumping 35 places.
- The highest new entry is Mr Fothergills Lettuce Salad Bowl Red & Green Mixed at No 18.
- Suttons Beetroot Boltardy is the highest placed seed variety at No 7.
To subscribe to GTN Bestsellers email karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk
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Experienced sales executive James Brindle has re-joined Gardman as the company’s Business Development Director. Announcing the appointment today, CEO Pete Utting said: “James will be responsible for managing our buying groups, and also supporting our sales agents and the business with all aspects relating to garden centre independent retail channels. Utting continued “James brings with him a wealth of experience in managing customers and teams, and his previous time here, as Deputy International Sales Director, will enable him to hit the ground running.” James joins from STV, where he was Senior National Account Manager for the UK and international markets. James said: “Gardman has been making huge strides in the market-place and it is an honour for me to return to the company to help them to create an even more successful future.”
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Growing Media sales are continuing their good start to the year, and there’s no sign of things slowing down.
Star performers this week include:
- Westland Top Soil (Value Bag – 35 litres) is the highest climber, jumping 25 places to No 8.
- The highest re-entry is Scotts Levington Seed & Cutting Compost (20 litres) at No 11.
- Westland Gro-Sure Ericaceous Compost (10 litres) is the highest new entry at No 45.
- Westland Jack’s Magic All Purpose Compost (60 litres)returns to the top spot.
To subscribe to GTN Bestsellers email karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk
New Area Sales Manager for Town & Country
Town & Country, has appointed a new area sales manager for the South East region. Vicky Shine has traded in a career in the city with some of the UK’s biggest investment banks, to pursue her life-long passion for gardening and a role with one of the industry’s best known brands...
Town & Country, has appointed a new area sales manager for the South East region. Vicky Shine has traded in a career in the city with some of the UK’s biggest investment banks, to pursue her life-long passion for gardening and a role with one of the industry’s best known brands. Barry Page, chief executive at Town & Country says: “Vicky joins Town & Country at a very exciting time in the company’s development.
"The recent revitalisation of the brand, which has seen a refreshed look, new products, packaging and merchandising solutions making their way into the marketplace, is helping to create a vibrant new presence in garden centres and is already delivering tangible results for our retail partners.” Vicky’s interest in the world of horticulture began when, as a teenager, she worked at Ruxley Manor Garden Centre in Kent and also led to her volunteering for many years at Wildlife Aid, a wildlife sanctuary in Surrey. For further information contact Town & Country on 01530 830990 or email info@townandco.com. See the full range of products at www.townandco.com.
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Chris Ramsden is moving from Suttons to be National Accounts Manager at Hozelock.
Chris was Retail Sales and Marketing Director at Suttons, a company he'd been at for near 10 years.
Before joing Suttons he was Sales Director at Stewarts Plastics.
The GTN Bestsellers Garden Products Top 50 chart continues to reveal slow sales of items in garden centres although gardeners appear to stocking up on pots and saucers.
Some of the star performers this week include:
- Stewart Clear Saucer 11-18.5cm is the highest re-entry at No 18.
- Stewart Flower Pot Multi-Packs in 3’s, 15cm Terracotta, are a new entry at No 32.
- Another new entry - the highest this week in fact – is Gardman Gard Stakes 16mm x 210cm at No 14.
- Gardman also had the highest climber with their tap cover, moving up 22 places to No 25.
To subscribe to GTN Bestsellers email karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk
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Bolsius International has appointed Richard Wood, as Sales Director UK & Ireland, Bolsius UK Ltd. He will head the sales activity from March 1.Most recently as Sales & Marketing Director at Wax Lyrical Ltd, Richard was part of the team that led the transition of Colony Candles to Wax Lyrical, which today is a well-known player in the Home Fragrance category. An honorary graduate in Product Design and with over 20 years experience in the giftware, homeware and home fragrance markets, Richard brings with him vast experience and a wealth of personal relationships made from conducting business across a broad array of retailers. Using his vast experience, Bolsius envisages that Richard will be well positioned to contribute to accelerating the growth of the company’s activities in the UK and Ireland. Bolsius UK Ltd is part of the Bolsius International Group, the European market-leader in the candle category. The Bolsius brand holds strong positions within the mass-market, retail and catering channels.
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Lolly Lee leaves Gardman to join Petface
Due to huge interest in their new range of Wild Bird Care, Petface are expanding their sales team and have appointed Lolly Lee as their Business Development Director looking after their Garden Centre channel. Lolly joins the company after working for Gardman.
Due to huge interest in their new range of Wild Bird Care, Petface are expanding their sales team and have appointed Lolly Lee as their Business Development Director looking after their Garden Centre channel. Lolly joins the company after working for Gardman.
Lolly has many years of experience in this channel with previous roles working for Sutton Seeds and more recently Gardman.
Chris Keightley also joins as Senior National Account Manager and will be looking after and developing the companies National Accounts. Chris has many year’s experience in Pet and Gardening having held previous roles with Trixie and Gardman.
Spokesman for Petface says: “As a business that is expanding rapidly, particularly with our new range of Wild Bird Care, it is important for us to be able to service our customers’ needs and with the appointments of both Lolly and Chris gives us the ability to do this.
"Both Lolly and Chris come with some great credentials and will no doubt be a great asset to our already established team.”
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Budding bee-keepers can learn more about the hobby in taster courses at Webbs garden centre in Wychbold, home to a buzzing honey business.
Professional bee keeper Chris Broad established eight hives in the Riverside gardens three years ago which provided hundreds of jars of exclusive Webbs’ honey to sell in the Webbs Food Hall.
Chris, who runs Saltway Honey with his wife Susan from Bromsgrove, will answer all the questions a prospective bee-keeper might have from costs, time commitments and suitable hive locations to potential problems. The taster sessions have proved very popular when they have previously run at Webbs last with spaces selling out very quickly.
The three hour course includes two hours with the Webbs bee hives in the garden with protective bee suits provided. The third hour will be an indoor session outlining the next steps including equipment, local training courses, recommended reading and answering questions.
The Bee-Keeping Taster Course will run on a choice of dates: Sundays – 17 April, 15 May, 12 June, 10 July, 7 August and 18 September from 10am-1pm. The 3 hour course costs £25 per person including refreshments.
Chairman Ed Webb said: “The popularity of these short courses just keep growing as the number of people interested in keeping bees expands. Chris Broad is an expert in the field and will pass on his enthusiasm and love for bee-keeping as well as his knowledge. It will give people a great insight into whether this is a hobby for them.”
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Poundbury Gardens, which is part of The Gardens Group, is searching for a local charity or not-for-profit organisation to donate 10% of its takings to during its 10th anniversary celebrations, which take place between Tuesday 1 and Thursday 10 March. The garden centre based near Queen Mother Square in Poundbury, is calling on customers, charities and organisations alike to nominate the charity or not-for-profit organisation that they believe deserves to receive 10% of the garden centre and restaurant takings on Friday 4 March 2016. Lucy Simpson, manager of Poundbury Gardens, explains; “With so many wonderful causes in the local area, we wanted as many as possible to have a moment in the spotlight as we celebrate our 10th anniversary. I know that it will be a really difficult decision to choose just one to receive the donation, but we’ll be sure to give all of the organisations that are entered a mention on our blog and social media. We’re urging anyone that knows of a really worthy cause that deserves a boost, to get in touch.” Nominations can be sent to Lucy Simpson at lucy@thegardensgroup.co.uk and the chosen charity will be announced on Friday 4 March 2016. For more information about the 10 days of celebrations at Poundbury Gardens, please visit www.thegardeneronline.co.uk.
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Pictures from The Greatest Christmas Gold-winning Teams
Garden centre teams excelled with their Christmas displays in 2015. Below we reveal galleries from the gold-winning teams. The galleries are sponsored by Kaemingk...
See full result and gallery
Brookside Garden Centre were winners of both The Greatest Christmas Garden Team and The Greatest Grotto Team...
The Greatest Garden Centre Team 2015Finalists: - Dunbar Garden Centre
- Keelham Farm Shop Thornton
- Langlands Leeds
- Langlands Sheffield
- Perrywood Garden Centre
- Pughs Radyr
- The Old Railway Line Garden Centre
Bronze: Waresley Park Garden Centre Silver: Fresh @ Burcot Garden Centre Silver: Perrywood Garden Centre Gold: Brookside Garden Centre
The Greatest Grotto Team 2015 Finalists: - Arcadia Garden Centre
- Baytree Garden Centre
- Brigg Garden Centre
- Cherry Hill Garden & Landscape Centre
- Gouldings Garden Centre
- Keelham Farm Shop Thornton
- Millbrook Gravesend
- Newbank Radcliffe
- Silica Lodge Garden Centre
- Whitehall Lacock
- Wyevale Worlds End
Regional Winners: - South West: Chaplins Superstore
- North West: Gordale Garden & Home Centre
- North East: Woodbank Garden Centre
- Wales: Pughs Radyr
- Northern Ireland: Hillside Garden Centre
- Scotland: Hetland Garden Centre
Bronze: Chessington Garden Centre Silver: Ruxley Manor Garden Centre Gold: Brookside Garden Centre, Kent
Gallery of pictures below sponsored by Kaemingk...
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Haskins West End
Haskins West End picked up the gold award in The Greatest Festive Plants Team category...
See full result and gallery
Haskins West End picked up the gold award in The Greatest Festive Plants Team category.
The Greatest Festive Plants Team 2015
Finalists: - Burston Garden Centre
- Cowells Garden Centre
- Gordale Garden & Home Centre
- Langlands Shiptonthorpe
- Millbrook Gravesend
- Munros Nurseries
- Newbank Halifax
- Pughs Radyr
- Snowdonia Nurseries & Garden Centre
- Van Hage Great Amwell
- Wyevale Gosforth
- Wyevale Swansea
Regional Winners: - London: Aylett Nurseries
- East: Perrywood Garden Centre
- Northern Ireland: Creative Gardens Donaghadee
- Midlands: St Peters Worcester
- Scotland: Simpsons Garden Centre
Bronze: Bents Garden & Home Silver: Barton Grange Garden Centre Gold: Haskins West End
A gallery of pictures (below) from the gold award winners is sponsored by Kaemingk...
See full result and gallery
The Greatest Christmas Sizzle, awarded to acknowledge the efforts of garden centres selling barbecues to customers for cooking their Christmas turkey, was won by Hillmount Garden Centre.
The Greatest Christmas Sizzle Team 2015
Finalists: - Langlands Shiptonthorpe
- Mere Park Garden Centre
- Sunshine Garden Centre
- Van Hage Great Amwell
- Van Hage Peterborough
Bronze: The Old Railway Line Garden Centre Bronze: Langlands Shiptonthorpe Silver: Fairways Garden Centre Gold: Hillmount Garden Centre
A gallery of pictures (below) from the gold award winners is sponsored by Kaemingk...
Mains of Drum
Mains of Drum were winners of The Greatest Festive Catering Team...
See full result and gallery
Mains of Drum were winners of The Greatest Festive Catering Team with Bents Garden & Home picking up the silver award.
The Greatest Festive Catering Team 2014 Finalists: - Burford Garden Company
- Frosts Woburn Sands
- Haskins Snowhill
- Haskins West End
- Hilltop Garden Store
- Perrywood Garden Centre
- Scotsdales Fordham
- Simpsons Garden Centre
- Torwood Garden Centre
- Wyevale Fairoak
- Wyevale Swansea
Regional Winners: - Midlands: Jacksons Nurseries & Tea Rooms
- South: Squires Badshot Lea
- North: Woodbank Garden Centre
- South West: Whitehall Lacock
- Northern Ireland: Hillmount Garden Centre
Bronze: Fron Goch Garden Centre Bronze: Haskins Roundstone Silver: Bents Garden & Home Gold: Mains of Drum Garden Centre
A gallery of pictures (below) from the gold award winners is sponsored by Kaemingk...
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It was a hotly contested affair in The Greatest Christmas Supplier category - voted for by retailers – and the final outcome was very close but Premier Decorations just pipped Kaemingk to the gold award.
The Greatest Christmas Supplier 2015 Finalists: - Allensmore
- Ascalon
- Florasilk
- SnowTime
- Konstsmide
- Swift Imports
- Wax Lyrical
Bronze: Festive Decorations Silver: Kaemingk Gold: Premier Decorations
Bents and Le Friquet
Golds in The Greatest Pet Christmas Team category have been won by Bents Garden & Home and Le Friquet Garden Centre...
See full result and gallery
Golds in The Greatest Pet Christmas Team category have been won by Bents Garden & Home and Le Friquet Garden Centre. The Greatest Pet Christmas Team 2015
Finalists: - Baytree Garden Centre
- Cherry Hill Garden & Landscape Centre
- The Old Railway Line
Bronze: Raemoir Garden Centre Silver: Planters Tamworth Silver: Torwood Garden Centre Gold: Bents Garden & Home Gold: Le Friquet Garden Centre
A gallery of pictures (below) from the gold award winners is sponsored by Kaemingk...
The Greatest Christmas Display winners
The Greatest Christmas Display award was strongly contested again this year with four garden centres picking up main awards – Silverbirch (small garden centre), The Old Railway Line (mid-sized), Barton Grange (large) and Le Friquet Plant Centre (group)...
The Greatest Christmas Display award was strongly contested again this year with four garden centres picking up main awards – Silverbirch (small garden centre), The Old Railway Line (mid-sized), Barton Grange (large) and Le Friquet Plant Centre (group).
The Greatest Christmas Display Team 2015 – Small and Mid Sized Garden Centres Small Centre Finalists: - Blackbrooks Garden Centre
- Caerphilly Garden Centre
- Keelham Farm Shop Thornton
- Pughs Radyr
Mid-sized Centre Finalists: - Almondsbury Garden Centre
- Birkacre Garden Centre
- Busy Bee Garden Centre
- Cherry Hill Garden and Landscape Centre
- Frosts Brampton
- Mere Park Garden Centre
- Millbrook Gravesend
- Newbank Halifax
- Sunshine Garden Centre
Bronze Small Centre: Munro's Nurseries Silver Small Centre: Jacksons Boutique Garden Centre Gold Small Centre: Silverbirch Garden Centre Bronze Mid-sized Centre: Perrywood Garden Centre Silver Mid-sized Centre: Burleydam Garden Centre Silver Mid-sized Centre: Castle Gardens Gold Mid-sized Centre: The Old Railway Line Garden Centre
The Greatest Christmas Display Team 2015 – Large and Group Garden Centres Large Garden Centre Finalists: - Aylett Nurseries
- Burford Garden Company
- Burston Garden Centre
- Frosts Woburn Sands
- Gordale Garden & Home Centre
- Hillside Garden Centre
- Newbank Radcliffe
- Pennells Lincoln
- Planters Tamworth
- Scotsdales Cambridge
- St Peters Worcester
- Van Hage Gt Amwell
- Whitehall Lacock
- Woodbank Garden Centre
Group Garden Centre Finalists: - Brigg - British Garden Centres
- Grosvenor - Blue Diamond
- Houghton Hall - Klondyke
- Squires Badshot Lea
- Wyevale Swansea
Bronze Large Centre: Raemoir Garden Centre Silver Large Centre: Bents Garden & Home Gold Large Centre: Barton Grange Garden Centre Bronze Group Garden Centre: Littleheath Garden Store - Hillview Silver Group Garden Centre: Haskins Snowhill Silver Group Garden Centre: Spring - British Garden Centres Gold Group Garden Centre: Le Friquet - Blue Diamond
To see a gallery of pictures, sponsored by Kaemingk, click on the following links
Silverbirch
Old Railway Line
Barton Grange
Le Friquet
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See gallery of pictures
Silverbirch won gold in small garden centre category of The Greatest Christmas Display Team...
The gallery of pictures (below) is sponsored by Kaemingk...
See gallery of pictures
Old Railway Line Garden Centre won gold in mid-sized garden centre category of The Greatest Christmas Display Team...
The gallery of pictures (below) is sponsored by Kaemingk...
See gallery of pictures
Barton Grange Garden Centre won gold in large garden centre category of The Greatest Christmas Display Team...
The gallery of pictures (below) is sponsored by Kaemingk...
See gallery of pictures
Le Friquet won gold in group garden centre category of The Greatest Christmas Display Team...
The gallery of pictures (below) is sponsored by Kaemingk...
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Every week GTN receives and analyses epos data from a number of UK garden centres to produce the GTN Bestsellers charts and weekly bestsellers sales tips. The full charts which provide useful insight into product sales peaks, new trends and new link sales opportunities are published in the weekly GTN Xtra printed newsletter.
As the year goes on we give sales volume comparisons with 2013 as well as 2014 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.
Highlights of the GTN Garden Products Bestsellers chart for this week are here
Highlights of the GTN Veg-2-Gro Products Bestsellers chart for this week are here
Highlights of the GTN Growing Media Bestsellers chart for this 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.
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Get the GTN Bestsellers charts in full every week in the GTN Bestsellers newsletters delivered via the post for only £145.00.
GTN Bestsellers is the only industry source of weekly garden centre sales information, collating Epos data from centres with an aggregate turnover in excess of £120m.
Use the weekly Garden Products and Growing Media Top 50 sales volumes charts to plan your hotspot and other promotions and ensure you have the right products in stock to satisfy the needs of your customers.
For further information contact karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk or call 01733 775700.
Buy your subscription today and start receiveing the GTN Bestsellers charts this week.
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