Former LEON Restaurants CEO John Vincent MBE has been booked to address delegates at the Garden Centre Association’s annual conference in January 2027.
John will take to the stage on Tuesday, January 26 at the Crowne Plaza, Stratford-upon-Avon, to impart insights into navigating financial headwinds, embracing core brand principles and building resilient organisations.
GCA Chairman, Ben Harrison, who is also Operations Director of Haskins Garden Centres, explains: “John is best known as the co-founder of LEON, the award-winning restaurant chain that helped redefine fast food in the UK and internationally – focusing on naturally healthy, sustainable food.
“He brings a unique perspective on leadership and business, rooted in both commercial success and a strong sense of purpose. Drawing from his dramatic turnaround of LEON – including executing a massive corporate restructuring and shifting back to core brand principles – he will provide raw, actionable strategies on coping with financial pressures and rescuing endangered retail brands.
“His experience of building and shaping LEON, a much-loved brand, alongside his focus on wellbeing, sustainability and social impact, will offer valuable inspiration for our members.”
With a reputation for leading through challenging circumstances, John played a key role in guiding LEON through the COVID-19 pandemic, including launching the Feed NHS initiative, which delivered more than one million meals to healthcare workers.
He is widely recognised for his approach to integrating wellbeing into business, from supporting employee mental health to tackling wider issues such as food inequality and environmental sustainability.
Ben says: “John’s focus on purpose, resilience and people-first leadership is particularly relevant in today’s business environment. His ability to combine practical experience with a broader view of the role businesses play in society will resonate with our members.”
As a speaker, John is known for his engaging and thought-provoking style, blending real-world business experience with insights drawn from wider social and philosophical perspectives. His talks explore how organisations can adapt, lead with clarity and reconnect with their core purpose.
GCA CEO, Peter Burks adds: “John offers a fresh and inspiring perspective on leadership and the future of business. His emphasis on resilience, adaptability and purpose will give our members plenty to think about as they continue to evolve their own organisations.”
The GCA’s annual conference regularly attracts hundreds of members from across the UK, offering opportunities to hear from leading speakers, gain industry insight and network with peers.
The leading industry body represents more than 200 garden centres nationwide and, through sharing information and its inspection programme, helps members achieve high standards in customer service, plant quality and reliability.
For further information and to buy tickets, please visit the members’ section of www.gca.org.uk.
