Wesfarmers, the Australian owner of Homebase, has asked prospective buyers of the ailing business to submit initial offers today as it sought a fast-track exit from its disastrous foray into the UK retail sector, according to Sky News reports...
Wesfarmers, the Australian owner of Homebase, has asked prospective buyers of the ailing business to submit initial offers today as it sought a fast-track exit from its disastrous foray into the UK retail sector, according to Sky News reports.
Sky News has stated that sources close to the seller say it is assembling a large financial package to hand to any new owner to help contend with its huge losses.
The value of the dowry has not been finalised, but one insider said it could easily exceed £100m.
Homebase, which is part of Wesfarmers' Bunnings UK and Ireland division, is expected to lose approximately £190m in this financial year on revenues of roughly £1bn, according to the source.
Sky News has also revealed that Alvarez & Marsal, the restructuring specialist, has been drafted in to advise Wesfarmers on alternatives to a sale, including a mechanism that would see it closing scores of Homebase outlets.
Wesfarmers began approaching potential buyers of the DIY chain several weeks ago, just two years after completing a £340m takeover.
Investment bankers at Lazard are handling the sale discussions, with turnaround investors such as Endless and Hilco reportedly interested in a takeover.
Homebase employed nearly 12,000 people in Britain across an estate of almost 250 stores at the end of last year.
The move to unwind Wesfarmers takeover of the UK's second-biggest DIY chain comes less than three months before the Sydney-listed company has said it will update investors on the results of its strategic review.
Homebase was intended to be a launchpad from which the Australian retailer would take on B&Q in a battle for supremacy in the DIY market.
However, Wesfarmers' strategy has backfired spectacularly in the last 18 months, forcing it to write off more than £500m after it ditched some of Homebase's most popular business lines.
The full Sky News report can be viewed by clicking here
Trade your consumers up to Bord na Móna Growise Pro 5 All Purpose Compost to increase their satisfaction. This professional grade compost is a superior blend of high quality Irish peat, vermiculite and sustainable alternative ingredients. It is mixed with essential plant nutrients making it perfect for germinating seeds, growing seedlings, tubs and baskets...
Trade your consumers up to Bord na Móna Growise Pro 5 All Purpose Compost to increase their satisfaction. This professional grade compost is a superior blend of high quality Irish peat, vermiculite and sustainable alternative ingredients. It is mixed with essential plant nutrients making it perfect for germinating seeds, growing seedlings, tubs and baskets.
Ideally linked with Bord na Móna Growise Pro 5 All Purpose Fertiliser, it will increase your sales revenues and consumer satisfaction as one product compliments the other. This premium product is formulated as an easy-to-use, single-application, complete garden fertiliser. It contains all essential plant nutrients, which release over the season to support growth, enhance flowering and increase crop yields.
Look out for our consumer friendly POS – To help consumers select the most appropriate fertiliser for their individual plant, crop, or garden project we created the Bord na Móna Growise Product Picker. Innovative and eye-catching, the Product Picker is easy for the consumer to flick through at the point of sale, whilst being compact, convenient and moisture proof to meet the needs of the garden retailer.
Retailers interested in working with the Bord na Móna Growise brand should contact:
Jason Pike, National Sales Manager
Email: jason.pike@bnm.ie
M: 07506 165 168
For further information, pictures or product samples, contact:
bordnamona@fourcommunications.com
T: 020 3697 4200
www.thegreenergardener.com
About Bord na Móna Horticulture
Bord na Móna Horticulture offers peat-based and peat-free growing media and soil improvers, primarily through garden centres nationally. It is also the largest own-brand supplier of compost and bark in the UK. It is part of Bord na Móna plc, which specialises in renewable energy, horticulture, resource recovery and eco-fuels.
The horticulture business is focused on the marketing and sales of growing media and other horticultural products to UK and Irish retail markets and also professional markets primarily in the UK, Ireland and Europe, where it provides innovative product and supply solutions to meet customer needs. The business exports growing-media products to more than 30 countries and its goal is to become the leading supplier in the markets that it serves.
Gardman now has 1400 SKUs available at its Kings Lynn warehouse that re-opened in the wake of the fire that destroyed the new state-of-the-art Daventry warehouse on March 12...
Gardman now has 1400 SKUs available at its Kings Lynn warehouse that re-opened in the wake of the fire that destroyed the new state-of-the-art Daventry warehouse on March 12.
More than 50 experienced staff have returned to work at the site full-time.
The company says availability is increasing each week.
“We now have large volumes of both gardening and lighting stock arriving from UK ports and overseas,” said its latest update. “We also have a constant supply of our top selling wild bird care products arriving daily from our local UK supplier.”
Just as we thought Spring was about to happen, along comes Summer and everything in the garden is growing like mad, apart from garden centre sales… yet...
Just as we thought Spring was about to happen, along comes Summer and everything in the garden is growing like mad, apart from garden centre sales… yet.
The second week of the Easter fortnight moved sales in the upward direction everyone was waiting for but last week before the schools went back saw total volume sales drop back and as a result didn’t get close to the same week last year, which was the first Easter week in 2017.
As our Easter analysis graph shows, once again an early Easter did not bring any benefit as the weather was the main factor effecting sales.
Plant sales were one area where volumes did increase week on week but overall volumes are running about 2 weeks behind where everyone would be expecting them to be.
The big question is whether those sales are lost or whether they can be made up if the weather stays in our favour. Let’s make the most of the good weather for the time being!
GTN Bestsellers Top 50 sales volumes compared to the same week last year (week 15) Garden Products - down 19% Growing Media - down 18% Veg-2-Gro - down 43% Wild Bird Care - down 25% All Plants Index - down 16% All Items Index - down 17%
The £2 million advertising campaign for Resolva Pro starts this Wednesday, 25th April, and here is your chance to be ahead of the game and see the ad right now...
Finally the weather is warmer and weeds are growing… so it should be perfect timing for Westland's latest innovation.
The £2 million advertising campaign for Resolva Pro starts this Wednesday, 25th April through to the end of May with TV, digital and national press and here is your chance to be ahead of the game and see the ad right now:
Plant sales are on the way to recovery but still running at 20% down on last year. Tomatoes are the current most popular plant to buy, but even those sales are 15% down on the same week last year.
Plant sales are on the way to recovery but still running at 20% down on last year.
Tomatoes are the current most popular plant to buy, but even those sales are 15% down on the same week last year.
We are still at least two weeks behind last year, let’s hope this warm spell helps get sales back on track.
Tomato plant sales grew by 19% week on week to reach the No 1 Bestseller spot.
Fuchsia sales jumped by over 100% to move up to No 7 as a sign of sales to come.
Sales of bedding favourites; Lobelia and Alysum sales climbed to reach 26 and 32 respectively in the GTN Chart.
Paris Natar and Jonathan Stobart joined other directors at their Eureka Building in Peterborough to celebrate 5 years since the formation of Smart Garden Products...
Paris Natar and Jonathan Stobart joined other directors at their Eureka Building in Peterborough to celebrate 5 years since the formation of Smart Garden Products.
The Eureka Building is now fully operational as the warehouse and distribution centre for Smart Garden Products and will also have 2 large showrooms.
The first of three evidence sessions for the All-Party Parliamentary Gardening and Horticulture Group (APPGHG) inquiry into the future of gardening and horticulture industry took place on 17 April at Portcullis House in London.
The first of three evidence sessions for the All-Party Parliamentary Gardening and Horticulture Group (APPGHG) inquiry into the future of gardening and horticulture industry took place on 17 April at Portcullis House in London.
The session, chaired by Ian Liddell-Grainger MP, examined what is needed from government to secure the sector’s future post-Brexit. With the garden and horticulture industry contributing £13 billion a year to the UK economy and employing more than 300,000 people, there is a significant opportunity, with further investment, to grow this to £18 billion. In addition, the post-Brexit era provides a unique opportunity to increase UK plant production by replacing the £300 million worth of plant material imported every year. This would have a dual impact in helping to build economic growth and helping to mitigate the serious biosecurity risks associated with importing plant material.
The initial session, attended by three MPs and five peers, looked at incentivising UK nursery production expansion to boost economic growth and improve biosecurity. Evidence was provided by Raoul Curtis-Machin, HTA director of horticulture, Brian Fraser, director of Oakover Nurseries, Geoff Caesar, general manager of Bordon Hill Nurseries (part of Ball Horticulture) and Richard McIntosh, Defra’s assistant chief plant health officer. Topics covered included plant health, seasonal labour, import substitution, nursery expansion incentives and plant health assurance schemes.
As well as providing an overall industry perspective from the HTA and Defra the other witnesses were able to provide detail and impacts from each of their respective businesses. The session explored how the developing industry Plant Health Assurance Scheme could be supported by government and aligned with a nursery investment incentive scheme. The scheme was piloted by the HTA leading a cross-industry coalition during 2017.
Raoul Curtis-Machin said pertinent questions had been addressed at the session. “Horticulture brings so much to the UK economy and the timing is right now to push for further development to help achieve the dual success of increased growth and improved biosecurity,” he added.
Two further evidence sessions on nurturing innovation and education, training and securing the future workforce take place in May and July. A report will be launched at the APPGHG reception event on 29 October at the Houses of Parliament.
Martin Breddy of Squires Garden Centre (previously UK head of Scotts Miracle Gro), gave GIMA AGM and Day Conference delegates a rare insight into the differences between suppliers and retailers...
Martin Breddy of Squires Garden Centre (previously UK head of Scotts Miracle Gro), gave GIMA AGM and Day Conference delegates a rare insight into the differences between suppliers and retailers.
He summarised them under the following succinct, thought-provoking headings:
Speed – retail is so much quicker than the supply side. As a result, retail often has to go with its gut and make snap decisions.
Price & Value – don’t let retailers bully suppliers into reducing prices; instead suppliers need to help retailers to see the value, not just the price.
Breadth – Squires currently lists more than 100,000 SKUs. As a result, retailers cannot look that deeply at any one category, and this will be reflected in the way they interact with suppliers.
Human Service – all those people working in the business, from the shop floor to the café, are the face of the business, so it’s important to work with them to listen, learn and educate.
Environment – garden retailing is much more than just a building – it’s a nice place to visit, and the right environment encourages customers to come back time and time again.
Property – this is your asset, so you need to get it right. Invest when required as the return will be notable.
Marketing – Squires may be a £50m turnover business but its marketing team can be counted on one hand. In retail, teams are much smaller, and this means that decisions are made quicker and more impulsively – a significant difference when compared to the supplier side.
External Focus – in retail you have the chance to talk to end consumers, and there is significantly less internal hassle, meaning you can get on with the job at hand and get involved at the coalface as well as top-level executive thinking.
Culture – retail is deeply rooted in communities/localities. In the case of Squires, it is a family-business, which is reflected in the way the business operates. In an ever more frantic world, garden retailers are here to help people relax and live happier lives – not just a merchant but more an experience.
In a year that sees Glee refresh itself even further for the benefit of the industry it represents, the show organisers have reported that the beginning of 2018 saw the annual exhibition witness an incredible display of support from the garden retail sector...
In a year that sees Glee refresh itself even further for the benefit of the industry it represents, the show organisers have reported that the beginning of 2018 saw the annual exhibition witness an incredible display of support from the garden retail sector.
Relocation = revitalised & (almost) full floorplan
With a relocation to NEC halls 6,7,8,19 and 20 set to refresh and revitalise the show floorplan, Glee’s exhibitors have been quick to secure their space. A successful re-book during and post the 2017 event has seen the exhibition floorspace booking up fast, with over 85% now sold. To date over 300 exhibitors are confirmed to attend, helping to keep the 2018 event on track to be the most vibrant and exciting showcase of garden, landscaping, outdoor leisure and pet brands anywhere within the garden retail calendar. Look out for exciting new brands including leading pet food experts, Royal Canin, as well as Jacobs Douwe Egberts, Festive Productions – who will be showcasing an exciting solar lighting link-up with Duracell, Gorse Lodge Garden Ornaments alongside Asia Style, and Greenkey Garden & Home.
Return of the Retail Lab at Glee
One of Glee’s most exciting show features – the Retail Lab – has also been confirmed to return in 2018. Launched in 2017 to critical acclaim, including a virtual visit from BBC Breakfast’s 1.5 million viewers, the Retail Lab was a key focal point for the annual garden retail exhibition. Unlike anything before seen at Glee, it was a place to experience the beating heart of the industry, with a view to what the future holds. Combining interactive content, with inspirational product displays and tangible business advice, the Retail Lab cemented itself as a thriving hub of inspiration and knowledge at Glee. This year, the area will once again be supported by Creative Director Romeo Sommers, leading trend predictors, WGSN, as well as the HTA and Paula Parker of PP8 Marketing. GES have also been selected as the official stand contractors during 2018.
Pets at Glee
A dedicated Pets at Glee section is also set to be introduced in 2018, bringing with it a leading showcase of pet brands and educational content. Bigger and better than ever before, this thriving and enhanced section of Glee will make it even easier for garden centre pet buyers to directly source 2019 ranges, whilst also benefitting from unrivalled networking and educational content. Topics set to lead the Pets at Glee educational agenda will include a focus on the humanisation of pets and how this is affecting consumer spending, a look at the premiumisation of pet products and how technology is changing the way we interact and monitor pet health.
A new Pets at Glee entrance has also been designed, helping to drive retailers right into the heart of the pet area, whilst a special pet care seminar stage will also be making its debut at the show. Marking a significant investment for this new era of Pets at Glee, the seminar stage will offer content that can be implemented instore to boost pet care within the garden retail environment.
The new look Pets at Glee will also be a hub of information, innovative new products and business advice that will enable those 70% of garden retailers who currently offer pet products to boost their business in the year ahead, helping them to take a slice of the £5billion** spent on pet products, food and accessories annually in the UK.
Matthew Mein, Glee Event Director, said: “It’s safe to say Glee is in great shape. We’ve a number of exciting developments and updates on the horizon so it’s great to see the garden retail industry responding so positively. Glee has a vital role to play in providing a platform for better business, a showcase of the latest innovation, a place for the industry to meet and network, as well as discussing and debating future developments. Our 2018 plans have been outlined to strengthen this offering further, and we are confident that they will continue to hit the mark. We look forward to being able to share details of future developments over the coming months.”
Find out more
Glee is the UK’s leading garden retail show, focussing on building year-round profits for buyers and suppliers within the core gardening and outdoor leisure product categories. To keep up-to-date on the latest Glee news visit www.gleebirmingham.com. To enquire about exhibiting at Glee 2018 call 020 3033 2160.
Garden centres across the country were affected by the bad weather during the early Easter break according to the Garden Centre Association’s (GCA) Barometer of Trade (BoT) report. Simon Bourne, Garden Centre Manager at Perrywood Garden Centre in Colchester, said: “March was pretty awful due to the cold and wet weather...
Garden centres across the country were affected by the bad weather during the early Easter break according to the Garden Centre Association’s (GCA) Barometer of Trade (BoT) report.
Compared to the same month last year (2017) sales in outdoor plants were down -46.17%, and sales in seeds and bulbs were down -30.54%.
Iain Wylie, GCA Chief Executive, said: “At this time of year we expect to see customers getting organised for the gardening season ahead, buying up new plants and their seeds and bulbs ready for planting, but this wasn’t the case as the wet weather meant that many couldn’t get out onto their plots.
“The Easter break is a hugely important time in a garden centre’s calendar, but it was pretty much a wash out this year, however categories such as food hall and farm shops showed more resilience to the poor weather with increases in sales, proving that weather-proofing our businesses is vital for survival during tricky trading times.
“While the majority of the country suffered, centres in the North Thames and South Thames regions were the worst hit during the month compared to the same time last year. Centres in the North East saw the lowest year to date change. However, there was a glimmer of hope for centres in the Wales & West region as they were the least affected by the wet weather, seeing sales for the month rise compared to last year and they even saw a year to date increase too.”
While some categories, such as clothing, underperformed during the month, compared to last year, they’re still seeing a year to date increase.
Iain added: “The last time our centres had such a poor start to the year was back in 2013, but this was followed by improved conditions, so we all have our fingers crossed now for a sustained period of good weather to help pick things up again.”
Houseplant sales out performed all categories at 4.18% up compared to 2017 with a year to date increase of 11.52%.
Simon Bourne, Garden Centre Manager at Perrywood Garden Centre in Colchester, said: “March was pretty awful due to the cold and wet weather. Sales were 31% down in the garden centre, propped up by clothing, giftware, food, greetings cards, wild bird care, houseplants and pets, which were all up on March 2017. Anything outdoor related saw a huge fall; furniture and barbecues were both down as well as pots, compost, seeds and of course outdoor plants.
“The Coffee Shop saw excellent sales despite the weather, staying in touch with last year, just 3% down. We are of course used to these seasonal fluctuations and remain optimistic about trade for the rest of the spring season. The sun is coming out this week and we are parking staff off-site at weekends to make the most of sales!”
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.
James Ducker, Director of Langlands Garden Centre, said: “The wet and snowy weather during March really affected sales in our traditional gardening categories across all three of our centres in York, Sheffield and Leeds, as people were just not able to get on with their planting for the season.
“As we pride ourselves on being destination garden centres, we have weather-proofed our business for times like this by offering catering outlets, farm shops and gift sections and these all performed well during the month.”
The BoT reports allow members to compare their trading positions with other centres.
Award winning garden designer, landscaper and Greenfingers charity ambassador Jody Lidgard officially opened the new pirate- themed garden at Andy’s at St Andrew’s Hospice in Grimsby on Tuesday (17 April)...
Award winning garden designer, landscaper and Greenfingers charity ambassador Jody Lidgard (centre left) officially opened the new pirate- themed garden at Andy’s at St Andrew’s Hospice in Grimsby on Tuesday (17 April).
The opening was attended by hospice staff, children and families and many friends of Greenfingers who supported the creation of this new enchanting garden.
Originally from Grimsby and passionate about making a difference to the lives of young people, Jody was keen to work with Greenfingers Charity to design and create a garden that would provide life-limited children with a feast of new sensory experiences.
Jody said: “I feel extremely privileged to have been able to bring this gift of a garden to children from the area where I grew up. I really hope that children in wheelchairs will have fun splashing through the water fountains, hearing raindrops on the galleon’s tin roof and enjoy the protective feeling of being surrounded by tall grasses. But most of all I hope this garden will be a special place where children, their families and carers smile and enjoy precious time together.
Michelle Rollinson, chief executive of Andy’s at St Andrew’s Hospice (pictured left), said “We are delighted with how our new pirate-themed garden looks. Jody and his team, as well as the team at Greenfingers, have done a fantastic job of transforming the area. The new garden will give patients and their families a space to relax at a time in their lives when it matters the most.”
John Ashley, Greenfingers Charity chairman (pictured here with Michelle) said: “Having seen this garden before work started, I am thrilled to see this wonderful transformation which I’m sure children and families will very much enjoy.
“On behalf of everyone at Greenfingers Charity, I must thank our many friends who have made the building of this garden possible through their continued generosity. In particular, I would like to say a huge thank you to Jody and his team, the team from Kew Green Hotels who have been tirelessly fundraising as well as volunteering in the garden. To the teams at British Garden Centres who donated plants and funds raised through carrier bag sales and to Smart Garden Products who kindly donated solar lighting.
“Thanks must also go to the many supporters who raise money on Garden Re-Leaf Day, to Great British Cards who raise huge sums and to the associations, grant-making trusts and individuals who so generously support our work. It is only with their help that we are able to continue creating magical and inspiring gardens such as these.”
See GTN Xtras photos of the garden and the opening event below.
The garden industry must be quicker to adapt to consumer pressure surrounding the issue of single use plastic packaging says Dan Robson, Managing Director and co-founder of Green Digit.
The garden industry must be quicker to adapt to consumer pressure surrounding the issue of single use plastic packaging says Dan Robson, Managing Director and co-founder of Green Digit. Based in Newcastle, his start-up company manufactures and distributes SeedCell®; simple to sow seed pods that employ patented sustainable packaging technology.
“Logically, garden products should be produced with the highest regard for the environment - as gardening is one of the most eco-friendly hobbies you can have. Yet the amount of plastic packaging being used to sell many products seems to me, as a relative newcomer to the industry, to be at odds with the fundamental aspect of growing and cultivation.
“My background before I started SeedCell was packaging design. Fundamentally, packaging must safeguard the product, protect consumers from any dangerous parts and allow goods to hold their value within their intended retail environment for as long as possible.
“Garden centres and DIY stores certainly have some of the most demanding shopfloor conditions, with dry goods often in open air spaces due to lack of space in peak sales periods. But they also have some of the most creative sales teams, always looking for new ways of surprising customers and focusing on developing their retail space as a true destination.
“Some alternatives could even help products to become more sustainable whilst also improving perceived value. Instead of plastic hangers for secateurs - perhaps they would look better in branded leather holsters? Does compost need to be in plastic bags – or can it be weighed up and dispensed by the pot, wheelbarrow or truck load? Plastic plant pots – do they have to be black or can they be a colour that can be recycled normally (as black cannot be identified in automated recycling facilities)?
“Our latest product, Garden in a Box, needed a window to enable consumers to see what the box contained. After trialling recycled plastic from water bottles we looked again for an even more sustainable solution – and came across corn starch plastic. Polylactic acid is not a new thing, it was discovered in the 1920s, but has only in recent years been made more economically viable in terms of cost of production. It looks exactly the same as plastic but is derived from renewable resources and will actually break down (to innocuous lactic acid). The seed pods themselves also feature a glue that seals the seeds during manufacture which is made from a completely unique, polymer free starch based adhesive.
“My challenge therefore to other, larger manufacturers with bigger budgets and economies of scale is this: If a young start-up company can successfully market and sell products – across Europe and hopefully soon to the US - made from sustainable, biodegradable materials, then surely others can too.”
Plans to extend Fosseway Garden Centre have been passed despite protests from the town council and local residents...
Plans to extend Fosseway Garden Centre have been passed despite protests from the town council and local residents.
The proposals include a soft play area, a new events space building, a new office and staff facilities as well as a mezzanine storage area, as well as a storage building, an outdoor sales area, a bigger car park and a new store entrance.
Moreton Town Council told Cotswold District Council: “There are concerns that products for sale will replicate those sold in town and will subsequently take trade away from the High Street.”
Comments on websites include these:
“The garden centre is becoming a shopping complex for most goods now and this is unfair on the tradesmen and women operating in the centre of town. The garden centre has an unfair advantage as it seems to be developing essentially farm land for commercial purposes. The town centre can't compete with that.”
“It seems that the Fosseway Garden centre want to replicate all of the business activities along the High Street with the competitive advantage that their customers can park. What next - an onsite charity shop? We are already concerned how Aldi will affect our trade, it won’t take much more to make the whole town centre economically non-viable for all of the local businesses.
“More traffic will obviously add further congestion to an already over-loaded Fosse Way.”
A team of cyclists from Tong Garden Centre are hoping to raise over £2,000 for Candlelighters when they tackle the challenging Maserati Tour de Yorkshire ride next month...
A team of cyclists from Tong Garden Centre are hoping to raise over £2,000 for Candlelighters when they tackle the challenging Maserati Tour de Yorkshire ride next month.
The team of nine, including directors, staff, suppliers and friends, will ride 84km on some of the the same roads as the fourth and final stage of the Tour de Yorkshire pro race on Sunday, 6th May.
The ride, that starts and finishes in Leeds centre, includes 1,228m of ascent and the team have been training hard for the event. Tong Garden Centre Managing Director, Mark Farnsworth explained the rationale for the ride: "Candlelighters is a fantastic, Yorkshire based charity who support families both financially and emotionally when a family has to go through the horrendous ordeal of a child having cancer.
"We have been super impressed by the charity and are trying our very best to raise £10,000 for them this year. I'm delighted that my fellow directors Tom, Charlie and David are joining me for the ride that we hope will raise over £2,000 towards our goal. If you are able to support us, any contribution would be gratefully received at https://give.everydayhero.com/uk/team-tong-s-tour-de-yorkshire-challenge. "
Brian Curran, Corporate Fundraiser for Candlelighters is delighted with Tong's support: "Good luck to Mark and the team. We need to raise £600,000 to renovate a property for use by families whose children are being treated at Leeds Children's Hospital for cancer, so any support you can give is invaluable."
A spokesman for the event said: "The Maserati Tour de Yorkshire Ride offers a unique mix of Tour de France delivery combined with Yorkshire hospitality and beauty resulting in a sportive dream day. The 8000 participants will ride many of the same roads as the pros before they do, including the pro finish line, complete with support from the waiting crowds."
The Candlelighters Trust (Candlelighters) is Yorkshire's pre-eminent children's cancer charity, providing practical, emotional and financial support to children living with cancer in Yorkshire and their families.
Tong Garden Centre occupies a 14 acre site in Tong village. It is one of Yorkshire's biggest garden centres with 110,000 square feet of retail space and parking for up to 1,000 cars.
Malcolm Morgan, founder and Chairman of the well-known timber company Zest 4 Leisure, part of the P&A Group, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Thursday April 5...
Malcolm Morgan, founder and Chairman of the well-known timber company Zest 4 Leisure, part of the P&A Group, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Thursday April 5. Diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease five years ago, he was being cared for at Pendine Park Care Home in Wrexham.
A devoted husband, father and grandfather, Malcolm leaves behind his wife Margaret and two sons David and Steven, as well as grandchildren Eve, Ben, Sam and Nell.
Malcolm, born in Dundee in 1938, set up P&A Fencing and Sheds, now known as the P&A Group, in 1985. He started with a handful of staff and some important customers that he persuaded to stay with him when the company he worked for went into liquidation. In the early days, customers included Littlewoods in Liverpool and Sharp in Wrexham.
Harnessing his knowledge and passion for the industry and timber products, Malcolm built P&A up into an influential company within the timber trade, selling quality sheds, fencing panels and pallets and packing cases for businesses exporting internationally to the Middle East as well as other countries around the world.
Malcolm’s younger son Steve took over the company as Managing Director in 2000 and, with the support of his brother David, has developed it into a multi-divisional organisation with over 200 members of staff.
Speaking of his father, Steve said: “P&A and Zest are a family. We work and play together, and while David and I have lost our father, a lot of others will feel like they’ve lost someone important to them too. My father was so passionate about the business and producing timber products of quality, and that is something that he passed on to my brother and I.
“He truly believed in being fair and treating people with respect. An exceptionally generous person who always wanted to do the right thing, he was also a tough, straight-talking businessman who left you in no doubt if you had done something right or wrong.
“I know he was pleased with how the company, which he started, has developed over the years and we will continue to honour his work ethic and values, both now and in the future.
“He was truly an inspiration to us all and he will be greatly missed.”
Malcolm’s biography
Being the fourth generation of timber merchants in the family, Malcolm was brought up in Crieff, Scotland. After an education at Gordonstoun School, Malcolm served in the Black Watch. By 1967 he had moved with his family to North Wales and began working for Flintshire Woodlands and other local companies, before taking a job making pallets for Mold-based Palliser and Ashgrove, where he then went on to become production manager.
When Palliser and Ashgrove closed down in 1985, Malcolm quickly purchased the site and built up his own company, calling it P&A Fencing & Sheds. Malcolm was ahead of his time as his knowledge and understanding of timber and production allowed him to buy timber machinery abroad. Advanced cutting machines were bought from the USA, giving P&A the advantage in the industry. This knowledge and confidence is what supported growth in the early days of the company.
Now known as the P&A Group, of which Zest 4 Leisure is an integral part, the company employs over 200 people from Mold and the surrounding areas.
After retiring as managing director in 2000, Malcolm and his wife enjoyed frequent drives to Portugal, a place which held many fond family memories.
The Carlo Naef Trophy for 2018 has been awarded to Mr John David Taylor in recognition of his life-time career achievements within the flower bulb industry in South Lincolnshire...
In 1992, the Covent Garden based flower importing company, J. & E. Page, gifted a silver salver to Springfields Horticultural Society as part of their celebrations to mark the 90th birthday of their chairman, Carlo Naef. Since then the Carlo Naef Trophy has been awarded by the Trustees of the Society as a mark of recognition and appreciation of the work carried out by the recipient for the UK flower bulb industry.
This year the trophy has been awarded to Mr John David Taylor in recognition of his life-time career achievements within the flower bulb industry in South Lincolnshire.
David Norton, Chief Executive of Springfields Horticultural Society said “John started work with Geest Industries back in 1965 as a trainee bulb buyer. During his 20 years with the company he worked in many roles within the Horticultural Division before becoming Commercial Director of Geest UK with responsibility for all the bulb and horticultural crops grown in Lincolnshire and Cornwall. In 1985 he joined another local bulb company, O. A. Taylor & Sons which is based in Holbeach, near Spalding and is one of the UK’s leading suppliers of flower bulbs to garden centres, high street retailers and landscapers. He was initially responsible for the production and sales of all prepacked bulbs and in 1990 was appointed to his current role as Commercial Director, which combined bulb buying with his production and sales responsibilities”.
Mr Taylor’s extensive career experience in the flower bulb industry meant that he was also well respected for his technical and practical knowledge of bulb and flower production and he represented the industry on many committees including the Nuclear Stock Association Committee; the ADAS Kirton Advisory Committee; the NFU’s Central Horticultural Committee and the HDC Bulb Committee. More locally, in the aptly named “South Holland” area of Lincolnshire (around Spalding) he had roles with the NFU South Holland Horticultural Association and the Spalding Flower Parade Committee.
He also took a personal and more broader interest in local business and social issues by representing on committees such as the South Holland Police Consultative Group (dealing with community policing); the NFU Employment & Education Committee (AWB rates and Gang-Master regulations) and the NFU South Holland Proficiency Test Committee (testing protocols for tractor driving and farm skills). In 1992 he became a Trustee of the charity Springfields Horticultural Society which manages the UK bulb industry’s show gardens and flower bulb “shop-window” in Spalding, which benefitted from a multi-million pound development in 2003/4 and became Springfields Outlet Shopping & Festival Gardens, a visitor destination which now attracts over two million visitors a year.
David Norton added “John has always been a dedicated supporter of the flower bulb industry and those who work within it, and it is therefore justly fitting that he should receive this recognition from the industry that he has supported all his life, an award that his colleagues and associates would like him to accept as a sincere “thank-you” for his efforts on their behalf and as a sign of their appreciation of his considerable achievements”.
The award was presented by Mr Peter Ruysen, Chairman of Springfields Horticultural Society on behalf of the Trustees of the Society and bulb industry friends and colleagues at the Lincolnshire Daffodil Society Spring Flower Show on 14th April 2018.
LOFA's "LOFAssured" initiative ensures that all cushions sold by members comply with current government fire safety regulations...
LOFA's "LOFAssured" initiative ensures that all cushions sold by members comply with current government fire safety regulations.
LOFA is raising awareness of fire safety standards/regulations for garden furniture cushions in this young campaign and, already, fourteen members are certified with 24 in progress and soon to be completed.
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. LOFAssured is a distinguishing factor setting LOFA products apart from other non-compliant suppliers. LOFA appointed FIRA (Furniture Industry Research Association) and entered into a Primary Authority Partnership with HertfordshireTrading Standards to aid the members in their quest for full compliance.
For further information on the Leisure and Outdoor Furniture Association, call 02392 258844 or visit www.lofa.co.uk and www.lofassured.co.uk.
GIMA director Vicky Nuttall has revealed more details of the ‘Cultivating Retail’ event to be staged jointly with the HTA at Nottingham in November...
GIMA director Vicky Nuttall has revealed more details of the ‘Cultivating Retail’ event to be staged jointly with the HTA at Nottingham in November.
Aimed at retailers, suppliers and growers, this one-day conference and evening dinner will address business resilience, business promotion, supply chain, and will feature a special head-to-head debate. Designed to provide strong takeaway such as strategic advice and practical business solutions, the event aims to become a mainstay of the garden retail calendar.
At the association’s recent AGM and Day Conference, Glynn Jones, deputy agent for The Bank of England Midlands Agency predicted that demand growth in the short term but there was is a strong case for global growth. He said UK exports were benefitting from robust global demand but import penetration continues to rise. Output growth was up slightly up, whilst manufacturing continued to support output growth in Q4 last year. The weather was undoubtedly impacting the economy, but the picture remained largely positive, although steps needed to be taken to ensure the gaps in commodity price rises, productivity growth and supply capacity were kept low.
Matthew Crate of Moneycorp, GIMA’s FX partner agency, said 75% of UK companies were still using their bank to make international payments. Moneycorp’s fee-free for GIMA members offered a much more competitive the rate of exchange, helping to cut through the confusion in a largely speculative market. He explained the different ways businesses could safeguard against volatile exchange rates, using the spot contract, ‘forward’ market orders and optional systems that enable businesses who deal with large quantities of foreign currency to make the right choices
Rebecca Hardy of Kidwell Solicitors outlined the ways in which businesses need to be GDPR-compliant by 25 May, when new regulations come into force. From addressing privacy statements, to online and data security and how database management needs to change, this special session provided food for thought for delegates.
Tony Blake, owner of St Peter’s Garden Centre, gave delegates an insight into his journey from inner city London to the Worcester countryside, where he set up a flourishing garden centre business and founded the influential Choice Marketing buying group.
He challenged suppliers to consider the ‘shop within a shop’ concept, where suppliers manage franchised product-specific sectors in store. He also believed fewer garden centres would be up for sale in the future thanks to successful succession planning by their owners.
Glee’s marketing manager Luke Murphy said the move to new halls within the NEC was set to provide a refreshed and revitalised 2018 event. An updated Pets at Glee section would help visitors to maximise this thriving part of garden retailing. Luke urged Glee exhibitors to maximise their online profile on gleebirmingham.com, which saw over 139,000 views of the Exhibitor Zone over past 12 month.
As the product ranges from Smart keep on increasing dynamically year on year, further investment has been made to ensure that our supply chain runs as smoothly as possible...
Behind every successful operation is a buzzing Supply Chain department, managing the complex supplier relationships and logistics required to ensure our stock levels and customers shelves are kept replenished all year round. Forecasting stock demand is a perennial challenge, especially with the vagaries of the weather!
As the product ranges from Smart keep on increasing dynamically year on year, further investment has been made to ensure that our supply chain runs as smoothly as possible. Smart has also invested in additional specialist software to help with demand planning.
Pictured are Supply Chain Manager Simon Barry who heads up the team, with support from Stuart Holley; Pippa Peart, a recent starter providing general support for the team; along with Sarah Dunn, an experienced Supply Chain Co-ordinator, has been with the company for over 5 years.
Jonathan Stobart, Managing Director of Smart Garden Products says of the recent expansion “As we continue to grow the business at such a rapid pace, it’s vital that we keep investing in our teams and infrastructure. The Supply Chain team are doing a fantastic job of keeping our new warehouse well stocked and ever ready to supply our retail partners”.
To find out more about Smart Garden’s market leading product offering please visit www.sgpuk.com
Autumn Fair is launching a showcase of artisanal products from across the world at this year’s event (NEC Birmingham, 2-5 September).
Autumn Fair is launching a showcase of artisanal products from across the world at thius year’s event (NEC Birmingham, 2-5 September)
The £3billion UK craft industry is growing by 4.5% a year, and the artisanal trend has become a key feature of the home and gift market globally.
Global Handicraft at Autumn Fair 2018 will see manufacturers feature bespoke ranges from jewellery to fine ceramics, and exotic textiles to quirky lighting, allowing retailers the opportunity to be the first to stock the unique and rare products.
The showcase, which will run for the full length of the Fair, will also feature live demonstrations by talented craftspeople, and seminars for retailers on how to take advantage of the booming handicraft market.
Louise Young, MD of Spring and Autumn Fair at Ascential Events, said consumers wanted to connect with the products they buy and to know the stories behind their purchases. “With this new section, buyers can get their hands on products that are handmade, inspiring and steeped in culture, and get their orders in ahead of the competition,” she said.
Global trend forecaster WGSN has been tracking the trend for some time and predicts it will become increasingly important across all interiors categories.
“Autumn Fair is retailers’ gateway to the golden quarter and key retail spikes such as Easter and Mother’s Day,” Ms Young added. “The show is perfectly timed for short orders and the key holiday selling period, as well as giving retailers the chance to be the first to see and order products for 2019. Handicraft is a growing source of revenue across the industry, from independent gift retailers to multi-store high street retailers.”
With shoppers more in-tune with global environmental and social issues, the UK’s handicraft industry often presents buyers with the ethically and ecologically conscious merchandise that consumers now demand.
The new section will also be a permanent fixture at Spring Fair (NEC, 3-7 February 2019).
The best of last week's
If you missed last week's GTN Xtra, below are the most-read stories...
‘Closing down’ signs have appeared outside garden centres in the beleaguered Home & Garden Group, which went into administration last month. GTN Xtra has been told that a quick sale of the centres is being sought...
‘Closing down’ signs have appeared outside garden centres in the beleaguered Home & Garden Group, which went into administration last month.
Newspaper reports claim that the signs have appeared outside at least two of the group nine centres – Plowmans in Bournemouth and Floralands in Nottingham.
The sale of the garden centres is being handled by Quinton Edwards, and Simon Quinton Smith told GTN Xtra: “We are looking for a quick sale because of the time of year. Interested parties should contact me quickly.”
The Home & Garden Group consists of the following centres:
Rutland Garden Centre, Oakham
Leighton Buzzard Garden Centre, Bedfordshire
Willington Home and Garden
Ise Garden Centre, Kettering
Stansted Park Garden Centre, Rowlands Castle
David's Nurseries, Worcester
Shopwhyke Garden Centre, Chichester
Plowmans Garden Centre, Bournemouth
Floralands Garden Centre, Nottingham
According to the Bournemouth Echo, Vic Plowman, who owns Plowmans Garden Centre in Christchurch Road, has said he wouldn’t allow the centre to close down completely.
"I agreed to lease Plowmans to Home and Garden, which has gone into administration,” he told the newspaper.
"As it stands, the company will continue to run Plowmans until someone is found to take over the lease. If that doesn't happen, I will keep it open myself."
Adam Harris, joint administrator from Mazar, said: “The unexpected, severe weather conditions at the beginning of 2018 have materially impacted the group’s cash flow.
“Home and Garden is a well-established business with historically strong margins, and would represent a good opportunity for interested parties.
“A sale would preserve jobs and provide the best outcome for stakeholders and creditors, and I welcome all enquiries.”
Offers are being invited from interested parties to acquire the business either as single acquisitions or multiple sites.
The full Plowmans story can be read on the Bournemouth Echo website. Click here
The Homebase store in Lincoln's St Marks Shopping Centre is the latest of the beleaguered DIY chain's stores to be earmarked for closure, Insight DIY reported this week as Wesfarmers call in Boston Consulting Group to help the Bunnings UK managemnt team with their strategic review...
The Homebase store in Lincoln's St Marks Shopping Centre is the latest of the beleaguered DIY chain's stores to be earmarked for closure, Insight DIY reported this week.
Signs appeared outside the store at the weekend confirming a closure date of 11th May, after a clearance sale.
A Homebase spokesperson said: “We can confirm that the Lincoln Homebase store is set to close on May 11. Team members at the store have been informed and we are working to support them as much as possible.”
Two other stores on the site - Maplin and Toys R Us - have both closed in recent weeks, both businesses having gone into administration.
Homebase customers will have to travel to Newark, Sleaford, Scunthorpe or Grantham for their shopping once the Lincoln branch closes.
Meanwhile, Insight DIY also reports that Wesfarmers has called upon Boston Consulting Group (BCG) for support in reviving the ailing Bunnings/Homebase chain in the UK.
The Press Association reports that BCG has been brought onboard to help Damian McLoughlin and the rest of the UK senior leadership team as part of a strategic business review by Wesfarmers.
Wesfarmers will reveal its plans for the DIY chain in June. Earlier this year, it revealed that it had taken a £584m write-down as a result of the acquisition, resulting in a widening of half-year losses from £28 million to £97 million.
At the time, the managing director of Wesfarmers, Rob Scott, said that up to 40 stores could be closed, with the loss of 2,000 jobs.
Brigg Garden Centre, the Lincolnshire flagship store of the British Garden Centres family, is one of a number of independents who have recently upgraded their natural water feature range through decorative landscaping supplier Deco-Pak...
Brigg Garden Centre, the Lincolnshire flagship store of the British Garden Centres family, is one of a number of independents who have recently upgraded their natural water feature range through decorative landscaping supplier Deco-Pak.
Commenting on the 2018 season so far, Robin Bosworth, Group Operations Manager said: “It’s been a quiet spring for us all – but that just means you have to think ahead and get smarter with your offering.
"With that in mind, versatile merchandising solutions such as Deco-Pak’s water feature plinths are just what we need, and we are positive we’ll see an uplift in sales in the category going forward.”
Uptake in Deco-Pak’s new water feature displays has increased by over 50% since last year, due in part to ease of installation and flexibility.
Deco-Pak Director Rod Slater explains why: “The difference with these displays is simple, they come ready to “plug and play”, and can take up as little room as a single pallet space. Each display can be easily moved, formatted and height adjusted, so whether you want a more linear dispaly, a 360° showcase or just a single sample, the choice is yours and our team are always available to help advise.”
The Eastern Stone collection features five premium handcrafted sandstone water features and statuary, including a handcrafted 90cm Buddha head and a striking 95cm tulip planter.
Find out more Visit www.deco-pak.co.uk, connect via Twitter @deco_pak, or call the sales office on 01422 204394.
Every week GTN receives and analyses epos data from a number of UK garden centres to produce the GTN Bestsellers charts...
Every week GTN receives and analyses epos data from a number of UK garden centres to produce the GTN Bestsellers charts and weekly bestsellers sales tips.
The full charts which provide useful insight into product sales peaks, new trends and new link sales opportunities are published in the weekly GTN Xtra newsletter.
As the year goes on we give sales volume comparisons with 2015 as well as 2016 to allow your teams to see variations over a three year period.
Access is by subscription only. For £145.00 per year you and your team can have access to the most up-to-date gardening sales analysis that has already helped many UK garden centres increase their sales. To subscribe call 01733 775700, e-mail karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk or buy on-line using this link.
WARNING the GTN Bestsellers Charts seriously improve the business of our subscribers. Invest 15 minutes each week in improving your sales using the GTN Bestsellers charts and your turnover and customer satisfaction will improve too.
Get the GTN Bestsellers charts in full every week in the GTN Bestsellers newsletters for only £145.00.
GTN Bestsellers is the only industry source of weekly garden centre sales information, collating Epos data from centres with an aggregate turnover in excess of £120m.
Use the weekly Garden Products and Growing Media Top 50 sales volumes charts to plan your hotspot and other promotions and ensure you have the right products in stock to satisfy the needs of your customers.
Food at Webbs has been named Food Hall of the Year at this year’s prestigious Farm Shop & Deli Awards.
Food at Webbs has been named Food Hall of the Year at this year’s prestigious Farm Shop & Deli Awards.
Food at Webbs fought off stiff competition at Monday's award ceremony (Monday 16 April) held at the NEC, Birmingham. Runners up included Ludlow Food Centre, Delifonseca Dockside, Fodder and Great Cornish Food Store.
Food at Webbs launched its new look Food Hall and Restaurant in spring 2017 and is part of a 100,000 sq ft retail destination, attracting more than one million visitors each year.
The independent, family-run business prides itself on providing top quality food and drinks from local producers at its 6,000 sq ft Food Hall as well as a premium range of national, international and independent products.
The annual awards commended Food at Webbs for its newly renovated Food Hall and broad product offering, as well as its commitment to supporting an extensive network of regional suppliers.
Ed Webb, executive chairman of Webbs, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to be recognised by our industry peers and the voting public as a top quality food destination. The award truly reflects how hard the team works to ensure our customers have the best possible shopping experience.
“Our plans for 2018 are in motion and include a variety of bespoke food events, innovative community projects and the development of new products with our local food heroes.”
The Farm Shop & Deli Awards, now in its fifth year, recognises the best in class in the specialist independent retail market, championing the very best standards, levels of service, product innovation and community involvement in the sector.
To find out more, visit www.webbsdirect.co.uk/food or follow us on Twitter @WebbsGC, @FoodatWebbs or on Facebook.
Pugh’s have launched a campaign to become plastics-free in their Wenvoe and Radyr garden centres...
Pugh’s have launched a campaign to become plastics-free in their Wenvoe and Radyr garden centres.
“With the garden centre being at the heart of our business, we want to become as transparently sustainable as we can and help tackle the war on waste,” says an article on their website. “We have created a long-term campaign…. and have already made a start where we can in some areas.”
“In our new restaurant in Wenvoe and our coffee shops in Radyr we have teamed up with Vegware and are using their 100% compostable coffee cups, containers and straws which are made from plant materials.
They are giving away a packet of sunflower seeds with any compostable cup purchased, encouraging customers to using the cup as a compostable container!
They plan to composting cups themselves at their production nurseries.
In the new Food Hall at Radyr, efforts have been made to reduce plastic usage by offering loose fruit and veg and lentils and reusable containers for our oil and vinegar taps. They are also looking into introducing reusable 'bags for life'.
On a wider scale, they plan to work with suppliers to minimise plastic on site where possible.
Gardman now has 1400 SKUs available at its Kings Lynn warehouse that re-opened in the wake of the fire that destroyed the new state-of-the-art Daventry warehouse on March 12...
Paris Natar and Jonathan Stobart joined other directors at their Eureka Building in Peterborough to celebrate 5 years since the formation of Smart Garden Products.
Human Service – all those people working in the business, from the shop floor to the café, are the face of the business, so it’s important to work with them to listen, learn and educate.
Simon Bourne, Garden Centre Manager at Perrywood Garden Centre in Colchester, said: “March was pretty awful due to the cold and wet weather. Sales were 31% down in the garden centre, propped up by clothing, giftware, food, greetings cards, wild bird care, houseplants and pets, which were all up on March 2017. Anything outdoor related saw a huge fall; furniture and barbecues were both down as well as pots, compost, seeds and of course outdoor plants.
Michelle Rollinson, chief executive of Andy’s at St Andrew’s Hospice (pictured left), said “We are delighted with how our new pirate-themed garden looks. Jody and his team, as well as the team at Greenfingers, have done a fantastic job of transforming the area. The new garden will give patients and their families a space to relax at a time in their lives when it matters the most.”
Mr Taylor’s extensive career experience in the flower bulb industry meant that he was also well respected for his technical and practical knowledge of bulb and flower production and he represented the industry on many committees including the Nuclear Stock Association Committee; the ADAS Kirton Advisory Committee; the NFU’s Central Horticultural Committee and the HDC Bulb Committee. More locally, in the aptly named “South Holland” area of Lincolnshire (around Spalding) he had roles with the NFU South Holland Horticultural Association and the Spalding Flower Parade Committee.
Tony Blake, owner of St Peter’s Garden Centre, gave delegates an insight into his journey from inner city London to the Worcester countryside, where he set up a flourishing garden centre business and founded the influential Choice Marketing buying group.
