Over £10,000 was raised on the eve of the Garden Centre Association Winter Conference at Carden Park in Cheshire when a team of garden centres (Pansies) took on a side made up of suppliers (Cabbages) in the 5th Annual Greenfingers Challenge Cup.

The event, made up of a series of fun events followed by a race night and auction was the curtain-raiser for the two-day conference, with all the proceeds going the industry's charity, Greenfingers.

And it was the Cabbages team captained by Danny Adamson, which took the honours.

The Greenfingers Challenge Cup took a Roman Games theme, with events including:
Hadrian's Fort Building
Chariot Racing
Caligula's Road Building
Maximus Sling Shot
Titus Tug o War
Hostillian Football

Sponsors for the event were: Cadix, William Sinclair,
Handy Distribution, Deco Pak, Forest Garden, Westland, Brier's, Taylor's Bulbs, Woodlodge Pots, Karcher and La Hacienda.

The final amount raised from the day will be announced at the GCA Annual Dinner on Tuesday night.   Sarah Loveri, of Greenfingers, said: "It has been a fantastic day. The amount of money from this one event is outstanding, simply incredible."

The fundraising event on the eve of the GCA Conference continued in the evening with a race night hosted by Guy "McCririck" Topping, followed by an auction of all the items used in the Roman Games plus many other donations for the Greenfingers cause.

The Ist race, sponsored by Chessington Garden Centres was won by "Bald Chicken" owned by Gilbert Evans.

In the 2nd race sponsored by Stewarts Garden Centres, "Wobbly bits" owned by Sue Allen was the winner by a close head.

The 3rd race sponsored by Poplars Garden Centre was won by "Smug Bug" owned by Julian Winfield.

For the 4th and final race all of the horses were auctioned for ownership with the highest value horse, "Out to pasture", being bought by the Danning Topping Consortium for £300.   The race sponsored by Haskins was won by "Ohh my back" owned by Jolyon Martin.

After eight months of hard graft, the five finalists in the Garden Centre Association’s Rising Stars programme, sponsored by Westland, are preparing to face their ultimate challenge.

They will take the stage at the GCA’s annual conference in Chester on Monday, to face a discerning audience of garden industry delegates – who will then choose an overall winner.

The five finalists are: Hannah Mason (Chessington), Kirsty Clark (Perrywood GC), Matthew Fay (Stewarts Garden-Lands, Christchurch), Cerys Williams (Perrywood) and Lisa Waim (Haskins Snowhill) .

They will present at the GCA Conference in Chester on Monday 26 January – the finale of an eight month programme in which 28 young candidates attended three merchandising Masterclasses run by IBBIS director and training facilitator Ian Boardman. Thanks to Ian’s efforts, many of the Rising Stars, even those who did not make the final cut, went on to increase sales in their departments by keeping hotspots fresh, creating clear signage and organising themed displays throughout the year.

Ian Boardman said: “All the Rising Stars who took part in the programme were top notch and I’d like to thank every single one of them for their efforts and praise them for the progress they have made. The results of their achievements in their workplace prove they are all stars in their own right!”

Keith Nicholson, Marketing Director for Westland Horticulture said: “On behalf of Westland I’d like to congratulate the Rising Stars finalists for getting this far. We now face a very exciting GCA conference final where delegates will get the chance to vote for the winner – Rising Star of the Year 2014.”

GCA chief executive Iain Wylie said: “The five finalists have some really exciting presentations prepared for delegates. It is always the highlight of the GCA conference and this year will definitely not disappoint.”

The winner will be announced at the GCA Annual Dinner on Tuesday 27th Janaury.  You'll see the results in a special GTN Xtra LIVE from the Conference on Wednesday morning.

Read the stories of all five finalists by clicking on the ‘associated articles’ links below.



2014 joint winners George Bishop and Will Michieli presenting to last year's conference.

Horticultural celebrities from TV and radio are busy recording questions for the 2015 Greenfingers Garden Re-Leaf Day Quiz at the moment, and garden centres who sign up to take part in what is set to be the biggest and best quiz yet can take advantage of the ‘early bird’ entry fee of just £50 - if they sign up before 1st January 2015.

Popular stars of TV and radio Christine Walkden and Chris Beardshaw are currently recording questions for the quiz, along with their BBC Radio 4’s Gardener’s Question Time colleague Eric Robson and BBC weatherman Peter Gibbs. Other well-known gardening experts such as Anne Swithinbank, Bob Flowerdew, Pippa Greenwood, Bunny Guinness, Matthew Biggs and Matthew Wilson (Greenfingers Chairman) are also contributing to the esteemed quiz.

All monies raised from the quiz, with questions this year written by Andy Bunker of Altons Garden Centre and produced in the studios of Garden Radio, will once again go to the Greenfingers ‘Rosy Cheeks’ campaign. The campaign aims to provide much needed gardens for children who spend time in hospices around the UK, along with their families, by creating inspiring gardens and outdoor spaces for them to relax in and enjoy.

The 2015 Greenfingers Garden Re-Leaf Day Quiz is available to all garden centres, gardening societies and other organisations and is the perfect way to participate in the fourth, annual Greenfingers Garden Re-Leaf Day, which takes place on 27th March 2015.

For the £50 early bird rate (£100 after 1st January 2015) participants will receive a pack containing all they need to host the quiz – it includes a special CD or Mp3 download of pre-recorded questions (and answers) to play to the audience, everything needed for the picture round, and a bonus pack of fundraising ideas, hints and tips.

Bosworth’s Garden Centre in Burton Latimer were one of the many garden centres that received great interest in last year’s Garden Re-Leaf Day Quiz. Marketing Co-ordinator, Jonathan Biggs, said: “The quiz was so easy to run, our teams were delighted to hear celebrities’ voices asking the questions, and the ‘heads and tails’ game was great fun.”

Garden centres wanting to take part should register on the Greenfingers Garden Re-Leaf Day website, and can also take advantage of free publicity for their events, by filling in the simple form online at www.gardenreleaf.co.uk/register-an-event. Once registered, each individual event appears on the site’s ‘events’ section, and is searchable by area to help the public find their local participating garden centre.

The quiz is just one of many ways to raise funds for Greenfingers Garden Re-Leaf Day. Other retailer participation ideas include in-store sponsored cycle rides, as well as fun family day activities such as making cress heads and sowing Sunflowers – the Home Garden Association’s plant of the year for 2015. Suppliers can also get involved with the Loose Change promotion.

To ensure maximum exposure for your event, make sure to register soon via www.gardenreleaf.co.uk/register-an-event. To order your 2015 Greenfingers Garden Re-Leaf Day quiz pack, explore other opportunities for supporting the 2015 event as a supplier, or participate as a retailer, email info@gardenreleaf.co.uk.

Charlecote Garden Store, part of Hillview Garden Centres, is looking for a Deputy Manager.

Serving the gardening communities of Stratford Upon Avon / Warwick the store has a great reputation for horticultural excellence.

Plant sales are a major part of the business therefore a Plant Department Manager looking for the next step in their career‎ would be an ideal candidate. 

Hillview Garden Centres has grown rapidly and now operates 9 centres across the Midlands. With further plans to grow through ‎acquisition and store development this is an exciting time to join the company. 

Please send your cv and introductory letter to boyd.ddavies@hillview-group.com

www.gardenstoreonline.co.uk

Assistant Garden Centre Manager - full time, including alternate weekends.

Squire’s is a family owned group of 15 garden centres based in Surrey, Sussex, Middlesex and Berkshire. We are committed 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.

Washington, West Sussex is situated within the Sussex Downs surrounded by small local villages attracting a wide variety of customers. We have a strong team of staff that all have a level of interest in gardening. This GCA garden centre was refurbished in 2011 and features a large Pets & Aquatics section and a Pottery department.

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join our dynamic family-owned company, which has seen significant growth in recent years.

We are looking for an experienced Assistant Manager to support and deputise for the Garden Centre Manager at our Washington Garden Centre.

Previous managerial experience of working in a Garden Centre retail environment is essential, along with horticultural experience/knowledge. The ideal candidate will have a passion for retail and thrive in a fast paced environment.

You will have the ability to lead and inspire your team to deliver the best possible shopping experience for your customers. You will have a ‘can do’ attitude and will be able to make things happen.

Free Parking on Site

To apply, please visit our website www.squiresgardencentres.co.uk  

I am currently looking for an experienced garden retail management candidate to join the senior leadership team of a large garden centre. 
  
You will be required to lead a team of section managers ensuring excellent customer service and standards at all times enabling the business to grow and meet objectives.

Garden retail experience is preferred but general retail experience may suffice if at a high level.
  
A working knowledge of health & safety legislation is also required.

To discuss further, please call Brad Peck at MorePeople on 01780 480530 quoting reference #7012

• Are you a talented, experienced, business-focused account manager?
• Do you have a proven track record in developing long-term, profitable relationships with customers?
• Are you a strong team player - someone who can bring fresh ideas, excellent communication skills and plenty of energy to an already dynamic sales team?
• Are you hungry to take your career to the next level within a fast-growing family-owned business?

STV, the UK's leading supplier of pest control products to garden and hardware stores, is looking to recruit an experienced Key Accounts Manager with an impressive contacts book and extensive knowledge of the UK homes and gardens sector.

This office based role is exciting and varied. You will be expected to:

• manage and develop selected national accounts in line with STV’s overall business plan
• build on STV's existing category-leading position
• work with senior managers and STV's commercial team to contribute to the overall sales, marketing and NPD strategies
• provide accurate but challenging revenue, volume and profit forecasts – and achieve them

Think you can do that? Then we’d love to hear from you. Send your CV and covering letter to marketing@stvpestcontrol.com. A full job description is available on request.

         

www.stvpestcontrol.com 

I am currently looking for a talented site manager who is looking for a challenge. 

The role will be managing a large site in the midlands. 

This role is highly confidential at the moment and more details will be provided upon receipt of application.

For a confidential discussion, please call Brad Peck at MorePeople on 01780 480530 quoting reference #7000

Plant Area Assistant (full time, incl alternate weekends) – Hersham

Squire’s is a family owned group of 15 garden centres based in Surrey, Sussex, Middlesex and Berkshire, with GCA award winning plant areas.  We are committed to growing our business and to promoting the highest standards in plant and horticultural retailing.  We want our employees to enjoy working with us in a friendly, energetic, customer focused environment.  

Hersham won GCA’s ‘Best Garden Centre’ in the South Thames Area 2013 has a fully opening plant canopy. The modern technology keeps the plants, trees and shrubs in excellent condition and protects customers from the weather.

We are looking for an enthusiastic, motivated individual who is quick and willing to learn and who sees customer service as their main priority.  Candidates must have relevant experience and/or a horticultural qualification.

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  

Woking Plant Area Department Head - full time, including alternate weekends.

Squire’s is a family owned group of 15 garden centres based in Surrey, Sussex, Middlesex and Berkshire, with GCA award winning plant areas.  We are committed to growing our business and to promoting the highest standards in plant and horticultural retailing.  We want our employees to enjoy working with us in a friendly, energetic, customer focused environment. 

Situated near Horsell Common, on the outskirts of Woking, this currently smaller centre, rebuilt in 1995, has high standards and a friendly atmosphere.  Planning permission was recently granted for a significant extension.

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join our garden centre at Woking.  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  

West Horsley Bedding Supervisor - full time, including alternate weekends.

Squire’s is a family owned group of 15 garden centres based in Surrey, Sussex, Middlesex and Berkshire, with GCA award winning plant areas.  We are committed to growing our business and to promoting the highest standards in plant and horticultural retailing.  We want our employees 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 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  

I am currently seeking a bright plant area retailer to join the team at a large award winning independent. 

I am seeking candidates with previous plant retail experience who can join a challenging environment. 

Horticultural qualifications are preferred but experience in a garden centre will also be of interest. 

Candidates must be excellent at customer service and will be keen to take on a role where excellence is expected.

To discuss further, please call Brad Peck at MorePeople on 01780 480530 quoting reference #6881

Stanmore Plant Area Department Head - full time, including alternate weekends.

Squire’s is a family owned group of 15 garden centres based in Surrey, Sussex, Middlesex and Berkshire, with GCA award winning plant areas.  We are committed to growing our business and to promoting the highest standards in plant and horticultural retailing.  We want our employees to enjoy working with us in a friendly, energetic, customer focused environment. 

Stanmore is a thriving site in a busy suburb of North London, winner of GCA category awards, also featuring a large Pets & Aquatics department and cafe.

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join our garden centre at Stanmore.  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  

My client is a large independent garden centre with an excellent reputation in the industry.

They are currently looking for a talented horticulturist with good retail experience to join their team.

You will be responsible for leading a team in the shrub area of the plantarea, and will be responsible for maintaining quality of both the customer service and the plants.

The planteria team must have excellent plant knowledge and would be able to potentially cover other areas outside of shrubs.

For a confidential discussion, please call Brad Peck at MorePeople on 01780 480530 quoting reference #6291

Onion sets and seed potatoes from Taylors Bulbs are the flavours of the moment in the GTN Bestsellers Veg-2-Gro chart.

With 25 of the Top 50 bestselling lines by volume it’s no surprise that eight Taylors products make up the bulk of the Top 10 with Stutgarter Giant Onion sets just outselling Red Baron again at the top of the chart.

Other strong performers:

• Mr Fothergill’s Beetroot Boltardy seed packs are this week’s highest new entry at No 20.
• Thompson & Morgan Rocket Dragons Tongue and Suttons Climbing French Bean Cobra are venomous new seed entries this week.

Jack’s Magic from Westland looks set to dominate the GTN Bestsellers Growing Media chart for January again.

Last year it was the No 1 bestselling line all the way through to February as keener gardeners take advantage of early bird offers.  This year it’s at No 1 for the third week running with sales volumes equal to the total of the next 17 lines. 

Other strong performers:

• Ericaceous compost sales have seen a boost this week.
• Scotts Levington Ericaceous Compost 50l jumps nine places with a 70% increase.
• Westland’s 25l Gro-Sure Ericaceous Compost packs are the highest entry at No 36.

Post-Christmas orchid feed product sales are the big story of this week’s GTN Bestsellers Garden Products chart. Nine items feature in the Top 50 with Vitax Orchid Drip Feeders taking the No 1 spot for the first time.

Other top performers include:

• Growth Technology Orchid Myst 300ml is the highest re-entry at No 21.
• Fito have four drip feeder lines in the Top 50, including Bonsai and Poinsettia mixes.
• Bayer’s top selling houseplant line is the perennial Baby Bio Original at No 7.

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 2012 as well as 2013 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 upto 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.