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LOFA announces 'LOFAssured' initiative to ensure all cushions sold by members comply with Trading Standard’s and FIRA’s fire safety regulations
The run up to SOLEX (https://www.lofa.co.uk/solex/home.html), the UK’s most prominent trade show for garden furniture and barbeques, sees LOFA (Leisure and Outdoor Furniture Association) focusing on raising awareness of fire safety standards/regulations for garden cushions in a new campaign – LOFAssured.
This new LOFAssured initiative will be launched at the SOLEX show which runs from 11-13 July 2017 at the NEC in Birmingham. One of the conditions of LOFA membership is that members must adhere to a code of conduct, part of which is compliance with all current legislation; it is this culture of propriety that the retailer and customer buy into when they source product from LOFA members.
LOFA has appointed FIRA (Furniture Industry Research Association) and entered into a Primary Authority Partnership with Hertfordshire Trading Standards to aid the members in their quest for full compliance.
It is a condition of membership that all LOFA members are fully compliant and authorised to display the new LOFAssured logo. The message “look for LOFAssured products and buy from a LOFA member. Take comfort in being fully covered by the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988 and 1993” will be promoted to retailers and consumers from January 2018 and throughout the 2018 season and beyond.
LOFAssured will prove a distinguishing factor setting LOFA products apart from other non-compliant suplliers.
SOLEX will host an information stand attended by representatives from FIRA and Hertfordshire Trading Standards officers. Members and buyers can check out the full compliance regulations so that, throughout the supply chain, all are fully informed about the issue and the benefits of purchasing products from LOFA members.
That is the job of LOFA as the industry’s trade association – to protect members and their customers.
For further information on the Leisure and Outdoor Furniture Association, call 02392 258844 or visit www.lofa.co.uk. (https://www.firesafe.org.uk/furniture-and-furnishings-fire-safety-regulations-19881989-and-1993.)
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Durham planners are recommending approval of a planning application from the British Garden Centres group that would see the number of staff at its Easington centre increase from 10 to 300. British Garden Centres (BGC), which runs nine other centres, bought the former ‘Plants ‘R’ Ross’ centre in March last year, re-naming it East Durham Garden Centre. The proposals, which Durham County Council regards as major and which will represent a significant investment for BGC, include an enlarged retail space, play barn, restaurant, orangery and new accommodation for the manager. A bigger car park with 448 spaces and electric re-charging points is alsop envisaged. BGC says the development could generate 250 more jobs and another 50 part-time jobs.
 Family-owned British Garden Centres, owned by brothers Charles and Robert Stubbs and Charles’s wife Phillipa says it has “very strong family and community values” and has told planners: “We purchase centres that are in a neglected, declining state and turn them around, in a very short space of time, into thriving garden centres in the heart of communities. “We always keep on any existing staff and then very quickly add to this, creating jobs within both our restaurants and in the garden centre for people in the local area, together with using local contractors and businesses to supply materials and labour during the redevelopments. “We always aim to provide a friendly community-based environment for people to come and enjoy with high quality food in the cafes and a good selection of product at fair prices in the garden centres. BCG’s other centre are at Brigg (Lincs,the flagship site), Middlesbrough, Chapel (Lincs), Brough (E.Yorks), Scarborough (N.Yorks), Roxton (Beds), Hornsea (E.Yorks), Burnley (Lancs) and Alford (Lincs). In recommending approval ahead of Tuesday’s council meeting at Spennymoor, Durham CC’s planners say the project would generate significant job creation” and would secure the future of the business.
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HTA aims to give National Plant Show visitors a VIP experience
It’s just three weeks until the HTA National Plant Show 2017 opens its doors – and the organisers are emphasising a number of enhancements designed to create a VIP experience for visitors, including an app to help you plan stand visits and seminar attendances.
It’s just three weeks until the HTA National Plant Show 2017 opens its doors – and the organisers are emphasising a number of enhancements designed to create a VIP experience for visitors, including an app to help you plan stand visits and seminar attendances. Rehydration stations around the halls will offer ice cold lemon and mint infused water, fruit stops, and food-on-the-go pods where you can pick up a bowl of soup and a bread roll, all free of charge.
With this year’s partnership between the Salon du Végétal fair, HTA National Plant Show and HTA Nursery Supply Show, more European visitors are expected this year, with direct and indirect flights between Nantes and Birmingham and welcome lounges for overseas buyers. The FOC show app is available for downloading (search for ‘HTA Plant Show’ in the App Store for Apple devices and Google PlayStore for Android devices). It features seminar listings in which you can set reminders, a full exhibitor listing with contact details and links to websites (plus the ability to highlight any you have visited as a post-show reminder) as well as speaker and sponsor profiles, notes capacity and more. Visitors can register for a visitor badge in advance on the show website
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On RHS Chelsea Flower Show press day last week, garden designer and TV presenter David Domoney met a number of members of the Royal Family and discovered their keen interest in and knowledge of horticulture as they toured his show garden... David created an artisan show garden for the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, who’s mission is to commemorate in perpetuity the lives of the 1.7 million servicemen and women who died in the two World Wars. The CWGC Centenary Garden celebrates 100 years of incredible work by the CWGC at 23,000 locations across 154 countries. Having been involved with the RHS Chelsea Flower Show for more than 30 years, David has met many members of the Royal Family there, but this year was struck by their particularly keen interest due to the association of the garden with the CWGC and David’s connection with Sir Tim Laurence, (husband of Princess Anne), who is vice-chairman of the commission. David was greeted last Monday afternoon by Prince Phillip, the Duke of Edinburgh; Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge; Prince Edward and Sophie, the Earl and Countess of Wessex; and Princesses Eugenie and Beatrice. He was able to talk to the royal family about gardening and was delighted to see how passionate all were about horticulture. Prince Phillip said he believed a dramatic entrance was key to a great garden, and thought that the huge wreath entrance to David’s display was a powerful feature. He also appreciated the depth of meaning that the wreath holds for the CWGC and how that had been carried through into the garden. David was impressed with Princess Kate’s enthusiasm for plants and colours in the garden design. She particularly noted the alliums and foxgloves, and was enthusiastic about combinations like aquilegias growing through grasses, and the ferns mixed with alchemillas, which she thought added great depth to the borders. Eugenie and Beatrice both loved the way the garden took you right into its heart, with the patio allowing you to be immersed, surrounded by plants – “a marvellous place to escape”. They also enjoyed the sense of enclosure created by the canopy of the trees, while the reflective mirror at the rear still made the area feel spacious. Prince Edward was fascinated by the statues David borrowed from the CWGC Portsmouth Naval Memorial. “You didn’t nick them did you?”, he quipped. Edward, a former Master of the Worshipful Company of Gardeners, is a keen horticulturalist with a passion for community gardens. Prince Edward’s wife, Sophie, was touched by the thought that went into the 145 hand-wrought leaves hung along the balustrade, each stamped and numbered, to represent each of the countries in which the CWGC works. David was accompanied by David Richardson, director of horticulture at the CWGC, and Sir Tim Lawrence as he showed the visitors around.
Browse more Royal pictures in the gallery below.
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Briers at Chelsea: Celebrity Gluvie Special
On Briers’ RHS Chelsea Flower Show stand this year, celebrities, including Chris Evans, were throwing their gloved hands in the air and continuing the trend for ‘gluvies’, the social media campaign to raise awareness for Greenfingers charity.
On Briers’ RHS Chelsea Flower Show stand this year, celebrities were throwing their gloved hands in the air and continuing the trend for ‘gluvies’, the social media campaign to raise awareness for Greenfingers charity.
Managing Director Jackie Eades and friends welcomed celebrities, the media and consumers to the stand, as #gluvies were shared on Twitter and the gardening lifestyle brand made the most of the crowds brought by the sunny weather and inspirational show gardens.
Jackie said: “It was such hard work, hanging out with all the celebs, drinking bubbly, posing for photos..! But seriously, we were really glad to get some famous faces to help build awareness for Greenfingers, who we continue to support through sales of our All Seasons Gardener gloves. Also, from a retail perspective, it was also really interesting to see how popular our new designs were – especially the Julie Dodsworth range, with the lightweight seed and weed gloves being visitors’ glove style of choice.”
As the sun shone down, the celebrities came out to play! The following stars took time out to pose for gluvies with Briers’ Jackie Eades and
Chelsea regular Cassie King: Chris Evans, Jeremy Vine, Matt Baker, Anton du Beke and Brendan Cole from Strictly, Joanna Lumley, Gemma Arterton, Susan George, Sara Cox, Ben Shephard, and Carol Kirkwood.
  
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Good sales for furniture and BBQs, reports the GCA BoT
Customers at garden centres across the country prepared themselves for the good weather by buying furniture and barbecues for their outside spaces according to the Garden Centre Association’s Barometer of Trade results...
Customers at garden centres across the country prepared themselves for the good weather by buying furniture and barbecues for their outside spaces according to the Garden Centre Association’s Barometer of Trade results.
Furniture and barbecue sales in April were up 37.46% compared to the same month last year (2016) with outdoor plant sales close behind at 33.22%.
Iain Wylie, GCA Chief Executive, explained: “We love nothing better than when the sun is shining. Lots of householders have been busy getting their gardens ready in order to enjoy the sunshine. They’ve been purchasing garden furniture and barbecues, so they can make the most of their outside spaces as possible and this has been reflected in the figures recorded by our members.
“Garden sundries sales were up 27.65% and hard landscaping up 20.88%. Smaller garden centres showed a greater increase in plants as they make up a greater percentage of their sales.”
Clothing was another good seller with sales up 17.36%.
Iain added: “All that shopping must have made customers hungry, as they spent time in our members’ food halls and farm shops too, where sales were up 13.74%. Catering sales were also up 7.40%.
“The results are reasonably consistent across the country, but we expect it will be a completely different story with May’s results.”
Pets and aquatics sales were up 6.68%, seeds and bulbs were up 3.27% and houseplants were up 9.70%.
Sales showed an average overall for the month of 21.86% and an average overall Year to Date increase of 11.07%.
The GCA BoT reports are compiled using actual sales figures and provide an up-to-date trading position statement. They are made available mid-month following the end of the prior month after all member garden centres have submitted their results.
The BoT reports allow members to compare their trading positions with other centres.
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Catering equipment buyers, specifiers, distributors, and consultants from across the UK will be out in force at the NEC Birmingham next week, on 6-7 June – checking out the latest new products and services on offer at Commercial Kitchen.
The UK’s only dedicated trade show for the catering equipment industry is expected to welcome over 2,000 attendees for 2017.
Many of the country’s biggest foodservice operators, contract caterers, and equipment distributors will be among them; with over a quarter of all pre-registered visitors, to date, representing companies whose annual corporate spend is in excess of £500,000 (11% report over £1m, and a further 9% over £5 million).
“It’s great to have a show dedicated for the commercial kitchen, it’s the most relevant UK show in my calendar. I continuously look at equipment development, so I’m looking forward to meeting suppliers and seeing the latest innovative equipment in the market,” says Adele Hing, kitchen & equipment development manager – food operations at Nando’s.
Free Keynote Theatre
Leading chefs and high-profile brands – including Claire Clark MBE, Vivek Singh, Nando’s, Punch Taverns, MEATliquor, Red’s True Barbecue, and Young’s – will be sharing their expertise in the show’s Keynote Theatre. Full timings and summaries are available at www.commercialkitchenshow.co.uk/education.
Tuesday 6 June
• How to make your kitchen more sustainable: Henry Unwin, sustainability manager at Nando’s; Dr Christian Reynolds, knowledge exchange research fellow (N8 AgriFood project) at University of Sheffield; & Andrew Stephen, CEO of The Sustainable Restaurant Association (chair)
• Exclusive interview and Q&A with Vivek Singh, executive chef & founder of The Cinnamon Collection (hosted by Jay Morjaria, chef and restaurant consultant)
• Speed, quality & consistency – the pub kitchen panel: Chris Knights, group executive chef at Young’s & Co; Kumour Uddin, group executive chef at Anglian Country Inns; Chris Webb, catering operations manager at Punch Taverns; & Steve Dann, director of Fleet Street Communications (chair)
• Connecting our industry – the CEDA panel: Mark Drazen, MD of Caterware; Nick Howe, MD of Court Catering Equipment; Peter Kitchin, MD of C&C Catering Equipment; Iain Munro, MD of ScoMac Catering Equipment; Jack Sharkey MSc, MD of Vision Commercial Kitchens; & Clare Nicholls, editor of Catering Insight (chair)
• Improving care home kitchens – exclusive interview with Robert Quehan, head chef at The Redwood Bistro, Bishopstoke Park (hosted by Andrew Seymour, editorial director at Foodservice Equipment Journal)
• The foodservice kitchen design panel: Clive Groom, MD of CNG Foodservice Equipment; Nick Howe, MD of Court Catering Equipment; Paul Gilhooly, head of sales at Gratte Brothers Catering Equipment; & Clare Nicholls, editor of Catering Insight (chair)
• Exclusive interview and Q&A with Claire Clark MBE MGOB, owner/director of Pretty Sweet & The Claire Clark Academy for Patisserie Excellence (hosted by Andrew Seymour, editorial director at Foodservice Equipment Journal)
• How operators are adapting their offer to meet a changing market: Graeme Loudon, commercial director at CGA Strategy
Wednesday 7 June
• Partners in health – the hospital kitchen panel: Philip Shelley, immediate past national chair at The Hospital Caterers Association; Iain Robertson, hotel services manager – catering, Dorset Healthcare; & Andy Jones, MD of AJAssociates
• Rolling out innovation – the multi-site restaurant kitchen panel: Scott Collins, co-founder & MD of MEATliquor; James Douglas, co-founder and director of Red’s True Barbecue; Adele Hing, kitchen & equipment development manager food operations at Nando’s; & Peter Martin, vice chairman of CGA Peach (chair)
• The Commercial Kitchen Innovation Challenge Live 2017 – the pitches: Judges include Scott Collins, co-founder & MD of MEATliquor; Julian Edwards, chairman of the FCSI UK&I and owner of GY5; Pete Farrell, sales director at C&C Catering Equipment; Jack Sharkey MSc, MD of Vision Commercial Kitchens; & Chris Brazier, group event director of Commercial Kitchen (host)
• How much value can the right consultant add to a foodservice project? Paul Arnold, project director at Tricon Foodservice Consultants; Roz Burgess, owner of Intelligent Catering; Radford Chancellor, director of Radford Chancellor; Julian Edwards, chairman of the FCSI UK&I and owner of GY5; Duncan Hepburn, principal consultant of Hepburn Associates; Michael Jones, editor of FCSI’s Foodservice Consultant Magazine (chair)
• The Commercial Kitchen Innovation Challenge Live 2017 – the results: hosted by Chris Brazier, group event director of Commercial Kitchen
• How to run a kitchen in a prison: Chris Moore, CEO of The Clink
• Excellence by association: Julian Edwards, chairman of the FCSI UK&I; Adam Mason, director general of CEDA; Kate Nicholls, chief executive of The ALMR; Philip Shelley, immediate past national chair at The Hospital Caterers Association; Andrew Seymour, editorial director at Foodservice Equipment Journal (chair)
Market-leading exhibitors
With all stand space now sold, Commercial Kitchen will feature over 80 manufacturers and suppliers exhibiting the complete range of innovative equipment, devices and services required to run, refurbish or build a commercial kitchen; including (but not limited to) cooking equipment, refrigeration, ventilation, storage, warewashing, fit out and design.
“Commercial Kitchen is the two days a year where there the whole industry now gets together,” says group event director Chris Brazier.
“The kitchen is one of the most important investments any operator has to make, and Commercial Kitchen is the most comprehensive trade show of its kind, in this country. This year’s visitors can look forward to our most exciting line-up of speakers and exhibitors yet.
“They’ll enjoy opportunities to experience first-hand, ground breaking new products and services from leading industry innovators. Many of which won’t be exhibiting together at any other event in the UK this year. While leading chefs, caterers, equipment buyers, foodservice consultants, equipment distributors, award-winning kitchen designers, and association chiefs will be taking to the stage to share their knowledge, best practice advice and ideas. It all adds up to an unmissable event for operators who want to get the best out of their commercial kitchen(s),” he says.
For further information, the 2017 Show Guide is now available to view online at www.commercialkitchenshow.co.uk/show-guide.
Free registration
Commercial Kitchen returns to the NEC Birmingham (hall 8) on Tuesday and Wednesday, 6-7 June. Show features include a free two-day seminar programme, the Innovation Challenge Awards, and CEDA Awards Gallery.
Advance visitor registration closes at 9.30am on Tuesday 6 June (after which a £20 door charge may apply). To register for a free pass, please visit www.commercialkitchenshow.co.uk and enter priority code CK10 (alternatively, use direct link: https://registration.n200.com/survey/3d80hw89gt3j0?actioncode=CK10).
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Best School Grounds winner visits Squire's Badshot Lea
Park Primary School in Aldershot, winners of last year’s Rushmoor In Bloom competition, came to Squire’s Garden Centre in Badshot Lea to spend their well-earned prize money. They won “Best School Grounds” in 2016...
Park Primary School in Aldershot, winners of last year’s Rushmoor In Bloom competition, came to Squire’s Garden Centre in Badshot Lea to spend their well-earned prize money. They won “Best School Grounds” in 2016.
22 children from Year 4 came to Squire’s, and they split into four groups, each with a £40 budget. Armed with their shopping list, they went off to buy vegetables, flowers, canes, slug barriers and feed for their school garden. Squire’s staff were on hand to help answer all their questions and give them handy hints and tips to make the most of their purchases.
Each child then got to plant a sunflower in a pot, ably assisted by Mark Jenkin and Maggie Philpott from Squire’s plant team. The children took their sunflowers back to their school, where there will be a competition to see whose sunflower grows the tallest.
Richard Wells, Manager at Squire’s Badshot Lea commented, “We really enjoyed helping the children plant their sunflowers, and finding the best plants for their school garden. Thank you to the class teacher Miss Leather for organizing the visit, and to all the children for their tremendous enthusiasm. I’m sure that their school garden and sunflowers will look absolutely stunning.”
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Fine foods distributor Cotswold Fayre is inviting retailers to preview its latest festive products at the remaining venues on its current Christmas Roadshows tour of the UK. The tour, which will have taken in 15 locations by the last show on 6 July, gives retailers the chance to check out more than 800 products from 180 suppliers – double last year’s Christmas range. Among the new confectionery brands being showcased are Milkboy Chocolate Bars; Sorini Festive Chocolates; Torron Vicens’ nougat; Cocoba and Indeal Bonbon.
 Other products joining the range include sparkling wine from Alder Ridge; fine quality crisps from Snackgold; Paul & Pippa’s sweet biscuits; Georgie Porgie’s puddings and traditional and gluten-free Christmas puddings from Lillypuds. Exclusive offers will be available for those who place an order on the day. You can register to attend your chosen location by visiting the website. The remaining dates are: West Midlands, 8 June N.East Midlands, 12 June North East, 13 June North West (Lancashire), 14 June North West (Cheshire), 15 June Essex, 20 June Cambridgeshire, 21 June Oxfordshire, 27 June Hampshire, 28 June South West, 29 June London, 06 July
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Haskins Buying Director Conna Powles has decided to fulfil a life-long ambition and complete a wing walk on a bi plane. Conna told GTN Xtra: "I have booked to do this on 2nd July in aid of Greenfingers. Greenfingers is a charity which raises money to build beautiful gardens for children in hospices to give them and their families a space to visit outside their hospital room or ward. It is a very worth-while cause so I would be grateful if you would support me with your sponsorship." "I can’t promise to uphold the true tradition of garden centre fund raising and plant some pots whilst up there, but I can give it a go!" 
It is easy to sponsor Conna, just click on the link below.
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/conna-Powles1
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Subscribe for free using this link: http://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/gtnxtra/7rulj2yio7x?a=6&p=49514304&t=20355005
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Notcutts has pledged to help spruce up the outdoor space of a hospital’s specialist dementia ward.
Notcutts Rivendell in Bold Heath, Widnes, will help to refurbish the garden on the Forget Me Not ward at Warrington Hospital.
David Quigley, centre manager at Notcutts Rivendell, said: “We are delighted to work alongside the Warrington and Halton Hospitals Charity on this project.
“Sensory gardens deliver many benefits for people living with dementia and the outdoor space at the Forget Me Not unit is a wonderful place for patients to enjoy.”
The unit opened in 2014 and aims to provide a less clinical, calming and relaxing environment that promotes social interaction and stimulation.
Outside the ward is a secure garden area where patients are encouraged to take part in social activities and care for the plants.
The Mill Lane garden centre has donated £247 from their 5p plastic bag charges to give the garden a facelift.
Staff have volunteered to prepare the garden for summer tidying it up and planting a range of colourful and sensory garden plants such as clematis and lavender.
Helen Higginson, fundraising manager at the Warrington and Halton Hospitals Charity, said: “We truly appreciate the centre for thinking of us when choosing a charity to support.
“We are extremely excited to work alongside the centre to spruce up the garden at our dementia ward.”
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Garden product sales fared the worst out of our GTN Bestsellers Top 50 volume sales indexes at -33% for May, year on year.
With plenty of plants and growing media being bought now that the weather has warmed up prospects look better, but it will need sales to be 25% up every week to get to parity year on year.
The highlights were:
- Scotts Bugclear Ultra Gun was the highest climber.
- Smart Garden 0.9m Gro-Stake was the highest re-entry.
- Gardman Heavy Duty Basket Bracket 14in-16in Black was the highest new entry.
To subscribe to GTN Bestsellers email karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk
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Phil Hurst has joined Mr Fothergill’s as Finance Director. He comes to the Suffolk seedsman from the food group Hain Daniels where he was Financial Controller. This followed spells at Molton Brown and Activity Superstore.
After being a couple of weeks into the role, Phil said: “Mr Fothergill’s is clearly a very well run business and has clear goals and objectives. I am looking forward to contributing to future growth plans.”
In his life beyond spreadsheets and graphs, Phil enjoys travelling and has clocked up visits to 27 countries. He also runs home beer festivals for friends and family and admits to being a Spurs supporter.
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It’s Pimms O’Clock when it comes to veg plant sales this week with big increases in sales of cucumber and strawberry plants.
Sweet Basil also saw a huge increase in volume sales, is that a new twist for Pimms instead of mint?
Whilst May was dissapointing, down 10%, sales projections look towards closing at the half year 20% up.
The main highlights this week were:
- Bridgen Strawberry 9cm was the highest re-entry at No 4.
- Farplants Basil Sweet was the highest new entry at No 49.
- W D Smith Cucumber Pot 9cm moved up 31 places to No 2.
- Quantil Tomato Tumbler 8cm was the highest climber, jumping 34 places to No 6.
- Quantil Runner Bean White Emergo Strips clung on to the top spot.
To subscribe to GTN Bestsellers email karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk
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Staff from Wyevale Nurseries have organised a plant stall for the Hellens Garden Festival in Much Marcle next weekend (10-11 June) in aid of a local hospice and primary school. Kyle Ross, the firm’s management trainee, will also attend, to give a talk on the five common pests and diseases that effect plant health. A keynote speaker at the festival will be Sir Roy Strong, sharing his creative journey during the past 30 years creating his award-winning Laskett Gardens. Other speakers include allotment guru Terry Walton, and award-winning show garden designer Hannah Genders.
Adrian Hoare, Garden Design & Domestic Landscape Sales Manager at Wyevale Nurseries in Hereford, said: “We’re delighted to announce that we are sponsoring the Hellens Garden Festival. As well as the plant stall, Kyle Ross, our Management Trainee, is also attending the festival to give a talk on the five common pests and diseases, which effect plant health, followed by a question and answer session.
“During the two-day festival, there will be lots of talks, seminars and interactive workshops and demonstrations. One of the key note speakers will be Sir Roy Strong, sharing his creative journey during the past 30 years of his award-winning Laskett Gardens.
“We hope our plant stall in aid of St Michael’s Hospice and Eastnor Primary School is a success. We will be selling a range of seasonally interesting herbaceous plants and shrubs.”
The festival’s theme this year is ‘Growing Today for All Our Tomorrows’.
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Despite the uplift last week, growing media sales for May finished 13% down year on year.
Sales in the GTN Bestsellers Top 50 Growing Media chart were however better than May in 2015 and 2014 and are still running 10% up for the year to date.
If sales continue at 10% up for all of June it will be a record first half of the year for growing activity.
The highlights this week were:
- Scotts Levington Multipurpose + John Innes (56 litres) stayed on top of the chart.
- Scotts Levington Organic Choice Farmyard Manure (56 litres) was the highest climber, moving up 12 places to No 13.
- Westland Multipurpose + John Innes (60 litres) was the highest re-entry at No 6.
- Another returning product was Westland Tomato Planter (60 litres).
To subscribe to GTN Bestsellers email karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk
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A show garden that reflects the changes in gardening styles and trends over the past 50 years will be a major attraction at the BBC Gardeners’ World Live show later this month (15-18 June, NEC Birmingham). The show is themed around the 50th anniversary of the BBC Gardeners’ World TV programme – and will also mark 25 years since the launch of its annual sister event. The Anniversary Garden: A Brief History of Modern Gardens, designed by Professor David Stevens (who, with Geoff Hamilton, opened the first show) with Peter Dowlewill feature fascinating vignettes for each decade. TV, radio and printed media have had an enormous influence over the past half-century; Gardeners’ World has been integral throughout, reporting and commenting on the day-to-day development of the gardening world with an ever-changing band of enthusiastic and knowledgeable presenters. The 1960's were still years of relative austerity, with domestic garden design in its infancy. Vegetables were widely grown while colour and vibrancy was the preserve of bedding plants. Patios and paved areas were built from materials to hand and the ever-present small lawn would fill the gaps. During the 1970's, hard landscaping was available at the burgeoning number of garden centres. Planting became more sophisticated while fashion raised its head and many a garden sported a collection of heathers and conifers. Sweeping borders and geometric shapes became order of the day. The 'Outdoor Room' came into its own in the 1980's as home owners sought a place to enjoy with barbecues, sitting areas and easy-to-tend planting. The lawn was often replaced by paving; design had become central to a new garden and was much reflected in the press and on television. Throughout the 1990's there was a greater awareness in the environment and the wild flower meadow was popularised. The birth of the TV 'makeover' saw decking and gravel take centre stage and gardens were softer in style, as well as being easy to maintain. During the 2000's the 'Room Outside' is being taken to new levels. New and elegant materials are readily available while growing vegetables returns to the fore. Planting styles embrace hardy perennials and grasses plus fruit trained on walls and fences, harking back to gardens 100 years ago. The wheel has almost turned full circle!
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The Basildon Standard reported this week that plans have been drawn up to demolish a garden centre and replace it with a new housing estate made up of 16 homes. Kent Property Investments Ltd have submitted an application to Rochford District Council to demolish Fairway Garden Centre, in Hullbridge Road, Rayleigh, Essex. If approved, the demolition would make way for the homes - which will range from two-bedroom to four-bedroom detached houses.
See the full story here: http://www.basildonstandard.co.uk/news/15315817.Garden_centre_could_make_way_for_homes/
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A new integrated web store has generated £250,000 revenue per month for leading UK hydroponics wholesaler HydroGarden.
Implementing Sana Commerce’s integrated e-commerce solution alongside Microsoft Dynamics NAV has also increased website order values by 58% and order volumes by 31% in the first year.
HydroGarden has always believed in e-commerce and its clients were also enthusiastic but poor website performance deterred them from ordering online. It previously worked with an e-commerce system developed by its ERP system provider, however orders could take up to 30 minutes to process.
The company wanted a new e-commerce solution to provide a faster, easier online shopping experience that would assist clients buying through the web store. A key advantage with Sana Commerce is that orders would be processed quickly and directly within the ERP.
HydroGarden selected Microsoft Dynamics NAV as its new ERP and needed an e-commerce solution that integrated with it, deciding that Sana Commerce was best placed to meet its requirements. The company had originally considered a bespoke solution, however, product demonstrations made it clear that Sana’s standard solution would meet its needs.
Since the launch of the Sana Commerce web store online orders have increased generating £1m in revenue in just five months and around £250,000 per month. HydroGarden has also seen website order values significantly increase by 58% in just one year (YTD versus the same period in 2016) and a 31% increase in order volumes from the same period.
“An integrated e-commerce solution ensures fast, efficient order processing for our business,” said David McFall, IT Manager, HydroGarden. “With Sana Commerce customers can order during the weekend as well. This grants clients more freedom to buy when it suits them, while saving time for the company’s inside sales team, who are now a lot less reliant on the phone.”
Sana Commerce also makes it much easier for the marketing team to work with product data and images in conjunction with the ERP, saving time and avoiding duplicate content and potential errors. Fewer telephone order queries also means the inside sales team has more time to nurture existing customer accounts and increase sales.
An increasing percentage of HydroGarden’s revenue is outside of the UK, coming from mainland Europe and the rest of the world, because the web store allows clients to place orders whenever they want, regardless of time zone, allowing 24/7 supply of products around the world.
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Book your place at the HTA Catering Conference now
The cost to HTA members is £325.00, plus VAT, which includes the two day conference, dinner and accommodation for single occupancy at The Belfry (£445.00, plus VAT for non-members). Single day only rates are also available for those who cannot attend the full conference. For more information and to book click here
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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 2014 as well as 2015 to allow your teams to see variations over a three year period. Access is by subscription only. For £195.00 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 Garden Plants Bestsellers chart for this week are here
Highlights of the GTN Veg-2-Gro 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 £195.00.
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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All the latest news from the world of garden centre catering
HTA Catering Conference 2017 is just over a week away...book your place now!
Withjust over a week to go to the HTA Catering Conference now is the time to book in order to secure your place. The two-day conference and dinner, sponsored by Compass Group, takes place at The Belfry in Sutton Coldfield in the West Midlands on Tuesday 13 and Wednesday 14 June 2017, and features leading speakers from the wider hospitality industry...
With ljust over a week to go to the HTA Catering Conference now is the time to book in order to secure your place.
The two-day conference and dinner, sponsored by Compass Group, takes place at The Belfry in Sutton Coldfield in the West Midlands on Tuesday 13 and Wednesday 14 June 2017.
Featuring speakers from the wider hospitality industry including Peter Avis, Restaurant Manager from London’s Babylon restaurant, Top Chef Dominic Teague from One Aldwych, 2016 Masterchef winner Jane Devonshire and Matt Drew, Head of Food and Beverage for the National Trust the conference programme also draws extensively from expertise from within the industry.
Klondyke Chief Executive David Yardley and Group Catering Manager Keren Feeney will provide an update about their Topiary Restaurant offer.
Salim Sajid from Blueberry Consulting will update delegates on the approach taken at Rosebourne Garden Centre and how things are going within their first year of operation.
James Debbage from the award winning Green Pastures Plant Centre and Farm Shop in Norfolk will talk about their popular offer which includes fresh salads from the kitchen garden and innovative afternoon teas.
Mark Farnsworth and Sharon McNair from Tong Garden Centre return to update delegates on the development of their catering offer one year on.
Neville Stein from Ovation Business Consultancy will chair a workshop session looking at striking a balance between food costs and labour costs, involving garden centre caterers including Dwayne Ross from Coolings.
Matthew Appleby will be talking to Costas Constantinou, Head of Restaurants at Horticulture Week award-winning Dobbies Garden Centres. Costas, former Wyevale Head of Restaurants, will be talking about the new initiatives and team which he says will be delivering unrivalled standards of food, service and customer experience.
Following on from GTN’s Greatest Catering Awards, which will be presented at the conference dinner on Tuesday evening, Trevor Pfeiffer from Garden Trade News will highlight winning catering ideas, trends and examples of great teamwork that are so essential in creating memorable catering experiences in garden centres across the UK.
HTA Communications Manager Gill Ormrod comments, “The HTA Catering Conference provides an unrivalled opportunity for all those involved in garden centre catering to get the latest ideas and inspiration about trends, issues and views from the industry and the wider hospitality sector. With garden centre cafes receiving a great shout out on Radio 2 only this morning there really is a buzz around the quality of offer to be found.”
This year’s accompanying catering exhibition is fully sold out and provides a great additional opportunity to meet a range of suppliers from coffee, cake and soft drinks to bread, tea and much more!
For further programme details and to book your place please visit www.hta.org.uk/cateringconference
For an indepth look at what's in store at the HTA Catering Conference click here to read GTN Xtra's Special Preview.
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Discover how our taste changes with the time of day
In association with Dawn Foods experimental psychologist Professor Charles Spence from the University of Oxford will share his latest research about food psychology. Covering topics such as the way our palate changes with age and how our taste changes with the time of day, this session will blow your mind!
In association with Dawn Foods experimental psychologist Professor Charles Spence from the University of Oxford will share his latest research about food psychology. Covering topics such as the way our palate changes with age and how our taste changes with the time of day this session will blow your mind!
Book now
The cost to HTA members is £325.00, plus VAT, which includes the two day conference, dinner and accommodation for single occupancy at The Belfry (£445.00, plus VAT for non-members). Single day only rates are also available for those who cannot attend the full conference. For more information and to book visit www.hta.org.uk/cateringconference
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Case studies from successful garden centres
There will be sessions from David Yardley and Keren Feeney from Klondyke and Strikes Garden Centres, Salim Sajid from Rosebourne Garden Centre and James Debbage from Green Pastures. Representing businesses of different sizes they will each talk about their catering operations and their challenges and successes.
Above, from left to right: David Yardley, Keren Feeney and James Debbage.
There will be sessions from David Yardley and Keren Feeney from Klondyke and Strikes Garden Centres, Salim Sajid from Rosebourne Garden Centre and James Debbage from Green Pastures. Representing businesses of different sizes they will each talk about their catering operations and their challenges and successes.
Klondyke Chief Executive David Yardley and Group Catering Manager Keren Feeney will provide an update about their Topiary Restaurant offer. Salim Sajid from Blueberry Consulting will update delegates on the approach taken at Rosebourne Garden Centre and how things are going within their first year of operation. James Debbage from the award winning Green Pastures Plant Centre and Farm Shop in Norfolk will talk about their popular offer which includes fresh salads from the kitchen garden and innovative afternoon teas.
Book now
The cost to HTA members is £325.00, plus VAT, which includes the two day conference, dinner and accommodation for single occupancy at The Belfry (£445.00, plus VAT for non-members). Single day only rates are also available for those who cannot attend the full conference. For more information and to book visit www.hta.org.uk/cateringconference
Pictured above, from left to right: David Yardley, Keren Feeney and James Debbage.
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The latest market information about the sector
Day one of the conference focuses on strategy and operations and will be chaired by Neville Stein. HTA’s David Denny (pictured) will set the scene for the day with the latest market information about the sector...
Day one of the conference focuses on strategy and operations and will be chaired by Neville Stein. HTA’s David Denny (pictured) will set the scene for the day with the latest market information about the sector.
Book nowThe cost to HTA members is £325.00, plus VAT, which includes the two day conference, dinner and accommodation for single occupancy at The Belfry (£445.00, plus VAT for non-members). Single day only rates are also available for those who cannot attend the full conference. For more information and to book visit www.hta.org.uk/cateringconference
Having a 'freefrom' approach works wonders
In a joint session Caroline Benjamin from Food Allergy Aware will provide an insight to the freefrom customer, and chef Dominic Teague (pictured above) from One Indigo, the restaurant at 5-star hotel One Aldwych in London, will explain why they decided to go gluten and dairy free with impressive results in terms of bookings and revenue...
 In a joint session Caroline Benjamin from Food Allergy Aware will provide an insight to the freefrom customer, and chef Dominic Teague (pictured above) from One Indigo, the restaurant at 5-star hotel One Aldwych in London, will explain why they decided to go gluten and dairy free with impressive results in terms of bookings and revenue.
Book now The cost to HTA members is £325.00, plus VAT, which includes the two day conference, dinner and accommodation for single occupancy at The Belfry (£445.00, plus VAT for non-members). Single day only rates are also available for those who cannot attend the full conference. For more information and to book visit www.hta.org.uk/cateringconference
Peter Avis shares a passion for customer service
UK Restaurant Manager of the Year Peter Avis shares his passion for customer service and responsibility, and draws on his inspirational rags to riches story to demonstrate that anyone can aspire to reach whatever level they may choose...
From dishwasher to UK Restaurant Manager of the Year, Peter Avis rose through the ranks of the hospitality industry to the rooftop heights of Branson’s prestigious Babylon Restaurant through hard work and fierce determination.
As a keynote and after dinner speaker, Peter shares his passion for customer service and responsibility, and draws on his inspirational rags to riches story to demonstrate that anyone can aspire to reach whatever level they may choose.
Book now The cost to HTA members is £325.00, plus VAT, which includes the two day conference, dinner and accommodation for single occupancy at The Belfry (£445.00, plus VAT for non-members). Single day only rates are also available for those who cannot attend the full conference. For more information and to book visit www.hta.org.uk/cateringconference
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Catering can help to deliver special days out
Matt Drew, Head of Food and Beverage from the National Trust, will reveal how their catering offering is business critical to their success and profitability and key to delivering special days out for visitors...
Matt Drew, Head of Food and Beverage from the National Trust, will reveal how their catering offering is business critical to their success and profitability and key to delivering special days out for visitors.
Book now The cost to HTA members is £325.00, plus VAT, which includes the two day conference, dinner and accommodation for single occupancy at The Belfry (£445.00, plus VAT for non-members). Single day only rates are also available for those who cannot attend the full conference. For more information and to book visit www.hta.org.uk/cateringconference
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On RHS Chelsea Flower Show press day last week, garden designer and TV presenter David Domoney met a number of members of the Royal Family and discovered their keen interest in and knowledge of horticulture as they toured his show garden...
