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See GTN Xtra's pictures from the GCA North Awards event at Bents
North East and North West regional members of the Garden Centre Association picked up awards yesterday at a presentation evening at Bents Garden & Home, Glazebury. 
In the North East Cowell’s Garden Centre (above) was named Best Garden Centre and Langlands Garden Centre Shiptonthorpe (below) picked up Best Destination Garden Centre.
Burleydam Garden Centre (above) scooped Best Garden Centre and Barton Grange (below) received Best Destination Garden Centre in the North West.
Iain Wylie, chief executive of the GCA, said: “We have had a week packed full of regional awards meetings and the North East/North West presentation evening was a great way to top it all off. “Our hosts, Bents Garden & Home, really pulled out all of the stops for us so I’d like to say a huge ‘thank you’ to the team there. I’d also like to say congratulations to everyone who took home awards, they should feel extremely proud to know their hard work has not gone unnoticed. Other honours announced on the night includes the Best Customer Service award, which went to Armitage’s Birchencliffe Garden Centre in the North East and Barton Grange in the North West. The award for Most Improved centre went to Langlands Shiptonthorpe in the North East and Klondyke Daleside in the North West. Iain added: “I hope the week of meetings has been inspirational and motivational for everyone and I am looking forward to the final awards meeting, which takes place later in the year on September 23 at Glendoick Gardens Ltd Nursery & Gardens in Glencarse, Perth for the Scotland and Ireland regions.” The awards are decided by the results of the annual inspections, which take place at all GCA garden centres. Garden centres have no advance warning about when their inspection will take place and they do not have the option to turn away the inspector. The Best Garden Centre and Best Destination Garden Centre awards went to the members that scored the highest overall mark in the area in their annual inspections. The top scoring centres overall, nationally, in both the Destination Garden Centre and Garden Centre categories will be re-inspected before the titles of Garden Centre of the Year and Destination Garden Centre of the Year are announced at the GCA annual conference taking place in January 2016. The full results for the North East and North West regions GCA area awards are as follows for the GC and DGC categories: North East Best Garden Centre: Cowell’s Garden Centre (GC) and Langlands Garden Centre – Shiptonthorpe (DGC) Best Customer Service: Armitage’s Birchencliffe Garden Centre Best Environment and Community: Langlands Garden Centre – Leeds Best Creativity and Innovation: Cowell’s Garden Centre Most Improved: Langlands Garden Centre – Shiptonthorpe Best Restaurant: Klondyke Group – Beverley (GC) and Armitage’s Pennine Garden Centre (DGC) Garden Products Retailer: Cowell’s Garden Centre (GC) and Armitage’s Pennine Garden Centre (DGC) Best Indoor Lifestyle: Harlow Carr Plant Centre and Gift Shop (GC) and Armitage’s Pennine Garden Centre (DGC) Best Outdoor Living: Klondyke Group – North Allerton (GC) and Armitage’s Pennine Garden Centre (DGC) North West Best Garden Centre: Burleydam Garden Centre (GC) and Barton Grange Garden Centre (DGC) Best Customer Service: Barton Grange Garden Centre Best Environment and Community: Gordale Garden Centre Best Creativity and Innovation: Barton Grange Garden Centre Most Improved: Klondyke Group – Daleside Best Restaurant: Fron Goch Garden Centre (GC) and Bents Garden & Home (DGC) Garden Products Retailer: Burleydam Garden Centre (GC) and Barton Grange Garden Centre (DGC) Best Indoor Lifestyle: Fairways Garden Centre – Macclesfield (GC) and Barton Grange Garden Centre (DGC) Best Outdoor Living: Burleydam Garden Centre (GC) and Barton Grange Garden Centre (DGC) The GCA represents nearly 200 garden centres nationwide.
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Professionalism is causing a shift from the sheds
Are garden centres taking back market share from the sheds and high street retailers? It certainly seems that way as the season keeps on going well into July and way beyond when the ‘seasonal’ gardening retailers have stopped selling plants.
Andy Bunker (right), from Alton Garden Centre, told GTN Xtra at the GCA Regional Awards this week: “I feel it’s a ‘shift from the sheds’ factor because of how more professional and interesting we are all getting."
 Are garden centres taking back market share from the sheds and high street retailers? It certainly seems that way as the season keeps on going well into July and way beyond when the ‘seasonal’ gardening retailers have stopped selling plants.
Andy Bunker, from Alton Garden Centre, told GTN Xtra at the GCA Regional Awards this week: “I feel it’s a ‘shift from the sheds’ factor because of how more professional and interesting we are all getting. You only have to look at the GCA awards this week to see that.
“My point is this year we are all doing well and in particular it’s great to see plants across the board very much back in focus.
“For many years now it has been almost all about restaurants and the huge investment in them. It goes without saying this is paying off and certainly driving the business for most.
“I remember a great saying ‘linger longer factor’, which is particularly relevant in quieter times and that’s obviously what the food offer creates. At Altons we are having a fantastic season, and while the restaurant is well up, it is not the main factor in my opinion.
“Here’s how we are faring:
- April + 3%
- May + 35%
- June + 22%
- July going to be up
“For many years it has been well acknowledged that it’s all about the weather, and up until now I agree, but I do think things are changing especially for independents. Those that are left anyway.”
GTN Bestsellers Top 50 sales volumes compared to the same week last year...
- Garden Products – down 7%
- Veg-2-Gro Products – up 26%
- Growing Media – up 6%
- All items index – up 8%
To subscribe to GTN Bestsellers email karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk
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The Langlands team with their awards won in the North East GCA Regional Awards. Langlands Garden Style in Sheffield is the newest GCA member centre.
GCA North East Area Awards (in the order they were announced by inpsector Roger Crookes)
Customer Service award
3: Klondyke Beverley 2: Cowells 1: Armitages Birchencliffe Best Garden Products Retailer – Garden Centre 3: Armitages Birchencliffe 2: Langlands Leeds 1: Cowells Best Garden Products Retailer – Destination Centre 3: Heighley Gate Wyevale 2: Langlands Shiptonthorpe 1: Armitages Pennine Inspectors Choice Environment and Community Award 3: Armitages Pennine 2: Armitages Birchencliffe 1: Langlands Leeds Ruxley Rose National Finalists from the North East Best Outdoor Living Retailer Award – Garden Centre 2=: Armitages Birchencliffe 2=: Langlands Leeds 1: Klondyke Northallerton Best Outdoor Living Retailer Award – Destination Centre 3: Heighley Gate Wyevale 2: Langlands Shiptonthorpe 1: Armitages Pennine Best Restaurant – Garden Centre 3: Thirsk 2: Armitages Birchencliffe 1: Klondyke Beverley Best Restaurant – Destination Centre 3: Heighley Gate Wyevale 2: Langlands Shiptonthorpe 1: Armitages Pennine Best Indoor Lifestyle Retailer – Garden Centre 2=: Armitages Birchencliffe 2=: Cowells 1: RHS Harlow Carr Best Indoor Lifestyle Retailer – Destination Centre 2=: Langlands Shiptonthorpe 2=: Heighley Gate Wyevale 1: Armitages Pennine Creative and Innovation Award 3: Langlands Shiptonthorpe 2: Armitages Pennine 1: Cowells Most Improved Centre 3: Klondyke Northallerton 2: Heighley Gate Wyevale 1: Langlands Shiptonthorpe Highley Commended Centres (scores over 75%) - Armitages Birchencliffe
- Armitages Pennine
- Cowells
- Langlands Leeds
- Langlands Shiptonthorpe
Best Garden Centre in North East GCA 3: Langlands Leeds 2: Armitages Birchencliffe 1: Cowells Best Destination Garden Centre in North East GCA 3: Heighley Gate Wyevale 2: Armitages Pennine 1: Langlands Shiptonthorpe
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North West Area Awards (in the order they were announced by inspector Roger Crookes)
Customer Service Award 3: Fron Goch 2: Bents 1: Barton Grange Best Garden Products Retailer – Garden Centre 3: Fron Goch 2: Fairways Macclesfield 1: Burleydam Best Garden Products Retailer – Destination Centre 3: Bents 2: Gordale 1: Barton Grange Inspectors Choice Award Notcutts Woodford Environment and Community Award 3=: Fairways Macclesfield 3=: Fron Goch 2: Bents 1: Gordale 
Ruxley Rose National Finalists from the North West area
Best Outdoor Living Retailer – Garden Centre 2=: Fairways Macclesfield 2=: Klondyke High Leigh 1: Burleydam Best Outdoor Living Retailer – Destination Centre 2=: Bents 2=: Hayes 2=: Notcutts Woodford 1: Barton Grange Best Restaurant – Garden Centre 3: Klondyke High Leigh 2: Klondyke Wilmslow 1: Fron Goch 
Best Restaurant – Destination Centre 3: Notcutts Woodford 2: Barton Grange 1: Bents Best Indoor Lifestyle Retailer – Garden Centre 3=: Klondyke Wilmslow 3=: Moreton Park Wyevale 2: Burleydam 1: Fairways Macclesfield Best Indoor Lifestyle Retailer – Destination Centre 3: Hayes 2: Bents 1: Barton Grange Creativity and Innovation Award 3: Burleydam 2: Bents 1: Barton Grange Most Improved Centre 3: Grosvenor Blue Diamond 2: Fairways Macclesfield 1: Klondyke Daleside North West GCA Area Highley Commended Centres (scores over 75%) - Barton Grange
- Bents
- Burleydam
- Fron Goch
- Gordale
- Fairways Macclesfield
- Hayes
- Klondyke Wilmslow
Best Garden Centre in North West GCA 3: Fairways Macclesfield 2: Fron Goch 1: Burleydam Best Destination Garden Centre in North West GCA 3: Gordale 2: Bents 1: Barton Grange
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Midlands GCA Regional Awards (in the order they were presented)
Customer Service Award 3: Baytree 2: Webbs of Wychbold 1: St Peters 
Best Garden Products Retailer - Garden Centre 3: Evesham Blue Diamond 2: Fairways Ashbourne 1: Planters Bretby Best Garden Products Retailer - Destination Centre 3: Van Hage Peterborough 2: Planters Tamworth 1: Webbs of Wychbold Inspectors Choice - Fairways Ashbourne - Grow Your Own section
Creativity and Innovation Award 3: Evesham Blue Diamond 2: Planters Bretby 1: Webbs of Wychbold Most Improved Centre 3: Van Hage Peterborough 2: Planters Bretby 1: Pacific Nurseries Environment and Community Award 3: Fairways Ashbourne 2: Webbs of Wychbold 1: Planters Tamworth 
Ruxley Rose Finalists from Midlands Area - Planters Bretby
- Evesham Blue Diamond
- Fairways Ashbourne
- Planters Tamworth
Best Outdoor Living Retailer - Garden Centre 3: Notcutts Solihull 2: Planters Bretby 1: Evesham Blue Diamond Best Outdoor Living Retailer - Destination Centre 3: Webbs of Wychbold 2: van Hage Peterborough 1: Melbicks Wyevale Best Restaurant - Garden Centres 3: Penells Lincoln 2: Chatsworth Blue Diamond 1: St Peters Best Restaurant – Destination Centre 3: Webbs of Wychbold 2: Van Hage Peterborough 1: Planters Tamworth Best Indoor Lifestyle Retailer - Garden Centre 3: Fairways Ashbourne 2: Brookfields 1: Evesham Blue Diamond Best Indoor Lifestyle Retailer - Destination Centre 3: Woodlands Wyevale 2: Van Hage Peterborough 1: Melbicks Wyevale Highly Commended Centres (score over 75%) - Brigg
- Evesham Blue Diamond
- Fairways Ashbourne
- Klondyke Byrkley
- Pacific Nurseries
- Planters Bretby
- Planters Tamworth
- St Peters
- Van Hage Peterborough
- Webbs
Best Garden Centre in Midlands Area 3: Evesham Blue Diamond 2: Fairways Ashbourne 1: Planters Bretby Best Destination Centre in Midlands Area 3: Van Hage Peterborough 2: Planters Tamworth 1: Webbs of Wychbold
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Haskins Garden Centres scooped an amazing treble at the GCA South Thames Awards on Wednesday, winning the top three places in the Best Destination Centre for the region. Haskins Roundstone won Destination Centre of the area, Haskins Ferndown were in second place after the annual GCA Inspection and Haskins West End, where the event was hosted, took third place.
There are 48 centres in GCA South Thames area, 30 are in the Garden centre classification and 18 are Destination Centres.
Here are the full results as they were announced on the evening:
Best Customer Service 3: Forest Lodge
2: Stewarts Christchurch
1: Squires Badshot Lea Ruxley Rose National Finalists from the area Best Garden Product Retailer - Garden Centres 3: Newbridge Blue Diamond
2: Thompson's Newchurch
1: Thompson's Chislehurst Best Garden Product Retailer - Destination Centres 3: Squires Badshot Lea
2: Haskins Roundstone
1: Haskins Ferndown Best Outdoor Living Retailer - Garden Centre 3=: Squires Reigate
3=: Stewarts Broomhill
1=: Squires Hersham
1=: Squires West Horsley Best Outdoor Living Retailer - Destination Centre 3: Haskins West End
2: Haskins Roundstone
1: Polhill Sevenoaks Best Indoor lifestyle Retailer - Garden Centre 2=: Squires Washington
2=: Squires West Horsely
1: Blackbrooks Best Indoor lifestyle Retailer - Destination Centre 3: Garsons Titchfield
2: Haskins Roundstone
1: Garsons Esher Best Restaurant - Garden Centre 3: Blackbrooks
2: Squires Hersham
1: Millbrook Staplehurst Best Restaurant - Destination 2=: Haskins Roundstone
2=: Haskins West End
1: Chessington Environment and community award 3=: Coolings
3=: Squires West Horsley
3=: Thompson's Newchurch
3=: Thompson's Petchurch
2: Haskins Roundstone
1: Squires Cobham Creativity and Innovation Award 3: Coolings
2: Haskins Roundstone
1: Haskins Ferndown Inspectors choice Stewarts Christchurch - For indoor plant retailing Most improved centre 3: Stewarts Christchuch
2: Hask Ferndown
1: Forest Lodge Best Garden Centre in South Thames 3: Squires Long Ditton
2: Millbrook Gravesend
1: Squires Hersham Best Destination Centre in South Thames 3: Haskins West End
2: Haskins Ferndown
1: Haskins Roundstone Highly commended centres in South Thames (total inspection score over 75%) - Coolings
- Forest Lodge
- Garsons Esher
- Garsons Ticthfield
- Haskins Ferndown
- Haskins Roundstone
- Haskins West End
- Millbrook Gravesend
- Squires Badshot Lea
- Squires Hersham
- Squires Long Ditton
- Squires Milford
- Squires West Horsley
- Stewarts Christchurch
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Full results from North Thames GCA Regional Awards
Poplars Garden Centre (above) won the Best Destination Centre Garden Products Retailer and Thurrock (below) collected the award for Best Garden Centre Restaurant in the GCA North Thames Regional Awards on Monday...
The full results North Thames at Perrywood, on Monday (in the order they were announced) Best Customer Service 3: Perrywood 2: Poplars 1: Burston Best Garden Products Retailer - Garden Centre 3: Squires Windsor 2: Thetford 1: Squires shepperton Garden Products Retailer – Destination Centre 3: Burston 2: Aylett Nurseries 1: Poplars Creativity and Innovation award 3: Burston 2: Perrywood 1: Squires Twickenham (below)
 Most improved centres 3: Van Hage Chenies 2: Notcutts Oxford 1: Hilltop Environment and Community Award 3: Squires Twickenham 2: Poplars 1: Burston Ruxley Rose Finalists from North Thames Area - Burston
- Perrywood
- Poplars
- Squires Stanmore
- Squires Twickenham
- Sunshine
Outdoor Leisure - Garden Centres 2= Squires Shepperton 2= Squires Stanmore 1: Sunshine Outdoor Leisure - Destination Centres 2= Poplars 2= Perrywood 1: Van Hage Great Amwell Best Restaurant - Garden Centre 3: Hilltop 2: Squires Shepperton 1: Thurrock Best Restaurant – Destination Centre 3: Burston 2: Perrywood 1: Frosts Woburn Sands Indoor Lifestyle Retailer - Garden Centre 3: Squires Windsor 2: Thetford 1: Squires Shepperton Indoor Lifestyle Retailer - Destination Centre 3: Poplars 2: Perrywood 1: Burford North Thames Highly commended centres: (over 75%) - Ayletts
- Burston
- Frosts at Woburn Sands
- Perrywood
- Poplars
- Scotsdales
- Squires Windsor
- Squires Shepperton
- Squires Twickenham
Outstanding Acheivement Award (Inspectors Choice) - Altons BBQ area North Thames Region Best Garden Centre 3: Squires Windsor 2: Squires Shepperton 1: Sunshine North Thames Region Best Destination Centre 3: Poplars 2: Perrywood 1: Burston Special Awards - the Lizzies 
Outstanding till area - Thetford (above)
Outstanding houseplant area – Frosts Millets Farm Outstanding Farm Shop - Frosts Woburn Sands 
Outstanding bedding area - Meadowcroft (above)
Consistent commitment to wildlife - Squires garden centres Customer focussed signage - Aylett Nurseries Best cups of coffee - 3 winners - Frosts Brampton - Squires Windsor - RHS Hyde Hall Best cup of herbal tea, ever – Thurrock Best home made cake - Frosts Willlington Above and beyond the call of duty award - Darran Major at Burston
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The Old Railway Line Garden Centre walked away from the Wales and West GCA Regional Awards with seven top results. The centre from Brecon in South Wales won:
- Garden Centre of the Year for Wales and West
- Customer Service Award
- Environment and Creativity Award
- Best Garden Products Garden Centre Retailer
- Best Indoor Lifestyle Garden Centre Retailer
- Best Outdoor Living Garden Centre Retailer
Here are the full results from the 15 wales and west members (in the order they were announced)
Customer Service Award
3: Monkton Elm 2: Bernaville Nurseries 1: The Old Railway Line
 Best Garden Products Retailer - Garden Centre 3: Whitehall Whitchurch 2: Bernaville Nurseries 1: The Old Railway Line Best Garden Products Retailer – Destination Centre 3: Cadbury Wyevale 2: Endsleigh Wyevale 1: Monkton Elm Creativity and Innovation Award 3: Monkton elm 2: Whitehall Lacock 1: The Old Railway Line Most improved centre 3: Cadbury Wyevale 2: Monkton Elm 1: RHS Rosemoor Environment and Community Award 2=: Brimsmore 2=: Monkton Elm 1: The Old Railway Line Inspectors Choice - Bernaville Nurseries - for excellence of hardy plants
Best Outdoor Leisure Retailer - Garden Centre 3: Whitehall Whitchurch 2: Bernaville Nurseries 1: The Old Railway Line Best Outdoor Leisure Retailer – Destination Centre 3: Sanders Wyevale 2: Whitehall Lacock 1: Endsleigh Wyevale Best Restaurant -Garden Centre 3=: Bernaville Nurseries 3=: Ashford Barnstaple Wyevale 2: The Old Railway Line 1: RHS Rosemoor Best Restaurant – Destination Centre 3: Trelawney Wadebridge Blue Diamond 2: Whitehall Lacock 1: Cadbury Wyevale Best Indoor Lifestyle Retailer - Garden Centre 3: RHS Rosemoor 2: Bernaville Nurseries 1: The Old Railway Line Best Indoor lifestyle Retailer – Destination Centre 3: Monkton Elm 2: Endsleigh Wyevale 1: Whitehall Lacock
Best Garden Centre in Wales and West 3: RHS Rosemoor 2: Bernaville Nurseries 1: The Old Railway Line
Best Destination Centre in Wales and West
3: Cadbury Wyevale 2: Whitehall Lacock 1: Monkton Elm
Wales and West Highly Commended - over 75% - Bernaville Nurseries
- Cadbury Wyevale
- Monkton Elm
- RHS Rosemoor
- The Old Railway Line
- Whitehall Lacock
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See GTN Xtra's picture gallery from the South Thames Awards
Squires Garden Centre – Hersham (above) took home the title of Best Garden Centre (GC) and Haskins Roundstone Garden Centre (below) was presented with the award for Best Destination Garden Centre (DGC) as the winners of the Garden Centre Association’s (GCA) South Thames regional awards were revealed during a presentation evening on Wednesday, July 22, 2015 at Haskins Garden Centre, West End, Southampton.
Iain Wylie, Chief Executive of the GCA, said: “We’re mid-way through our week of regional awards meetings and things are going swimmingly. Everyone has had a fantastic time and it’s great to see all the garden centres’ hard work being rewarded.
“I’d like to congratulate Squires and Haskins for scooping the top awards. They will now battle it out against top scoring centres around the country for the titles of Garden Centre of the Year and Destination Garden Centre of the Year, which will be announced during our annual conference in January 2016. “Other awards on the night included Best Customer Services, which went to Squires Garden Centre – Badshot Lea and Best Environment and Community, which was awarded to Squires Garden Centre – Cobham.” The award for Best Creativity and Innovation was presented to Haskins Garden Centre – Ferndown and Forest Lodge Garden Centre received the award for Most Improved centre. Iain added: “A big ‘thank you’ goes to Haskins Garden Centre in West End, Southampton, for hosting the evening and to inspector Andy Campbell, who presented his findings on the night.” The next regional awards meeting will take place tonight at Monkton Elm Garden & Pet Centre in Somerset for the Wales and West followed by the North West/North East meeting on Friday, July 24 at Bents Garden & Home in Glazebury, Warrington. The full results for the South Thames region GCA area awards are as follows for the GC and DGC categories: Best Garden Centre: Squires Garden Centre – Hersham (GC) and Haskins Roundstone Garden Centre (DGC) Best Customer Service: Squires Garden Centre – Badshot Lea Best Environment and Community: Squires Garden Centre – Cobham Best Creativity and Innovation: Haskins Garden Centre – Ferndown Most Improved: Forest Lodge Garden Centre Best Restaurant: Millbrook Garden Centre - Staplehurst (GC) and Chessington Garden Centre (DGC) Garden Products Retailer: Thompsons Garden Centre – Chislehurst (GC) and Haskins Garden Centre – Ferndown (DGC) Best Indoor Lifestyle: Blackbrooks Garden Centre (GC) and Garsons Garden Centre – Esher (DGC) Best Outdoor Living: Joint winners Squires Garden Centre – Hersham and Squires Garden Centre – West Horsley (GC) and Polhill Garden Centre – Sevenoaks (DGC). The awards are decided by the results of the annual inspections, which take place at all GCA garden centres. Garden centres have no advance warning about when their inspection will take place and they do not have the option to turn away the inspector. The Best Garden Centre and Best Destination Garden Centre awards went to the members that scored the highest overall mark in the area in their annual inspections. The top scoring centres overall, nationally, in both the Destination Garden Centre and Garden Centre categories will be re-inspected before the titles of Garden Centre of the Year and Destination Garden Centre of the Year are announced at the GCA annual conference taking place in January 2016. The GCA represents nearly 200 garden centres nationwide. Through sharing information and its inspection programme the GCA helps members to achieve high standards in customer service, plant quality and reliability. For further information, please call 0118 930 8918. Alternatively, please visit www.gca.org.uk, log on to www.facebook.com/pages/GardenCentreAssociation or follow the organisation on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GC_Association.
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Sunshine and Burston are best in North Thames GCA
Sunshine Garden Centre (above) picked up the Best Garden Centre and Burston Rose & Garden Centre (below) clinched the Best Destination Garden Centre at the GCA North Thames Regional Awards on Monday. The presentations took place at Perrywood Garden Centre & Nurseries...
See GTN Xtra's picture gallery from Perrywood on Monday
Sunshine Garden Centre (above) picked up the Best Garden Centre and Burston Rose & Garden Centre (below) clinched the Best Destination Garden Centre at the GCA North Thames Regional Awards on Monday. The presentations took place at Perrywood Garden Centre & Nurseries.
Iain Wylie, Chief Executive of the GCA, said: “I’d like to say a huge congratulations to all of our members who took home awards during the first regional awards meeting. A massive ‘thank you’ also goes to Perrywood Garden Centre & Nurseries for hosting such a fantastic evening.
“Other awards included Best Customer Service and Best Environment and Community, which both went to Burston Rose & Garden Centre.
“Squires Garden Centre – Twickenham scooped the award for Best Creativity and Innovation and the Most Improved site was won by Hilltop Garden Centre.”
Presenting her findings during the event was inspector Liz Hutson.
The full results for the North Thames region GCA area awards are as follows for the GC and DGC categories:
Best Garden Centre: Sunshine Garden Centre (GC) and Burston Rose & Garden Centre (DGC)
Best Customer Service: Burston Rose & Garden Centre
Best Environment and Community: Burston Rose & Garden Centre
Best Creativity and Innovation: Squires Garden Centre - Twickenham
Most Improved: Hilltop Garden Centre
Best Restaurant: Thurrock Garden Centre (GC) and Frosts at Woburn Sands (DGC)
Garden Products Retailer: Squires Garden Centre - Shepperton (GC) and Poplars Nursery Garden Centre (DGC)
Best Indoor Lifestyle: Squires Garden Centre – Shepperton (GC) and The Burford Garden Company (DGC)
Best Outdoor Living: Sunshine Garden Centre (GC) and The Van Hage Garden Company – Great Amwell (DGC)
Inspectors Choice Award: Alton Garden Centre for their BBQ area
The awards are decided by the results of the annual inspections, which take place at all GCA garden centres. Garden centres have no advance warning about when their inspection will take place and they do not have the option to turn away the inspector.
The Best Garden Centre and Best Destination Garden Centre awards went to the members that scored the highest overall mark in the area in their annual inspections.
The top scoring centres overall, nationally, in both the Destination Garden Centre and Garden Centre categories will be re-inspected before the titles of Garden Centre of the Year and Destination Garden Centre of the Year are announced at the GCA annual conference taking place in January 2016.
Iain added: “We are really looking forward to the remaining awards meetings taking place this week.
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Planters and Webbs win main GCA Midlands regional awards
 Planters Garden Centre – Bretby (above) was awarded Best Garden Centre and Webbs of Wychbold (right) scooped Best Destination Garden Centre at the GCA Midlands region awards presentation hosted by Stratford Garden Centre on Tuesday...
See pictures from Tuesday's Midlands awards
Planters Garden Centre – Bretby (above) was awarded Best Garden Centre and Webbs of Wychbold (below) scooped Best Destination Garden Centre at the GCA Midlands region awards presentation hosted by Stratford Garden Centre on Tuesday.
 Iain Wylie, Chief Executive of the GCA, said: “Our second regional awards evening of the week was a huge success and it was great to see all of the lucky winners receiving their prizes. It is a testament to all of the hard work and effort they put in.
“A big ‘thank you’ goes to Stratford Garden Centre in Clifford Chambers, Stratford-Upon-Avon, for hosting the shindig and to inspector Ian Boardman, who presented his findings on the night.”
The award for Best Customer Service went to St Peter’s Garden Centre in Worcester and Planters Garden Centre – Tamworth scooped the prize for the Best Environment and Community.
Iain added: “The title of Best Creativity and Innovation went to Webbs of Wychbold and the award for the Most Improved centre was awarded to Pacific Nurseries, which is a relatively new member of the association.”
The full results for the Midlands region GCA area awards are as follows for the GC and DGC categories:
Best Garden Centre: Planters Garden Centre - Bretby (GC) and Webbs of Wychbold (DGC)
Best Customer Service: St Peter’s Garden Centre in Worcester
Best Environment and Community: Planters Garden Centre – Tamworth
Best Creativity and Innovation: Webbs of Wychbold
Most Improved: Pacific Nurseries
Best Restaurant: St Peter’s Garden Centre in Worcester (GC) and Planters Garden Centre – Tamworth (DGC)
Garden Products Retailer: Planters Garden Centre – Bretby (GC) Webbs of Wychbold (DGC)
Best Indoor Lifestyle: Evesham Garden Centre (GC) and Melbicks Garden Centre (DGC)
Best Outdoor Living: Evesham Garden Centre (GC) and Melbicks Garden Centre (DGC)
The next awards evening takes place tonight at Haskins Garden Centre in West End, Southampton for the South Thames region followed by the awards evening for the Wales and West region at Monkton Elm Garden & Pet Centre in Somerset on Thursday, July 23.
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See GTN Xtra's pictures from last nights event at Monkton Elm
The Old Railway Line Garden Centre (above) scooped the most awards during the Garden Centre Association’s (GCA) Wales & West regional awards evening on Thursday at Monkton Elm Garden & Pet Centre.
The Old Railway Line Garden Centre won seven awards including Best Garden Centre (GC) while Monkton Elm Garden & Pet Centre (below) collected Best Destination Garden Centre (DGC).
 Iain Wylie, Chief Executive of the GCA, said: “The Old Railway Line Garden Centre is really making waves in Wales while Monkton Elm Garden & Pet Centre is waving the flag for the South West. Huge congratulations go to both as they are very deserving winners. “Other awards on the night included Most Improved centre, which was won by RHS Garden Rosemoor. It also took home the accolade for Best Restaurant in the GC category alongside Cadbury Garden Centre, who received the award in the DGC category.” The award for Best Indoor Lifestyle went to The Old Railway Line Garden Centre (GC) and Whitehall Garden Centre – Lacock (DGC). Best Outdoor Lifestyle was awarded to The Old Railway Line Garden Centre (GC) and Endsleigh Garden and Leisure (DGC). Iain added: “We are reaching the end of our week of regional awards meetings. They have been extremely enjoyable and all of our hosts have been brilliant. We really enjoyed our time at Monkton Elm Garden & Pet Centre for the Wales & West meeting. “The next meeting takes place tonight at Bents Garden & Home in Glazebury, Warrington followed by the last event later on in the year on Wednesday, September 23 for the Scotland/Northern Ireland area. This will be held at Glendoick Gardens Ltd Nursery & Gardens in Glencarse, Perth with inspector Liz Hutson.” The full results for the Wales & West region GCA area awards are as follows for the GC and DGC categories: Best Garden Centre: The Old Railway Line Garden Centre (GC) and Monkton Elm Garden & Pet Centre (DGC) Best Customer Service: The Old Railway Line Garden Centre Best Environment and Community: The Old Railway Line Garden Centre Best Creativity and Innovation: The Old Railway Line Garden Centre Most Improved: RHS Garden Rosemoor Best Restaurant: RHS Garden Rosemoor (GC) and Cadbury Garden Centre (DGC) Garden Products Retailer: The Old Railway Line Garden Centre (GC) and Monkton Elm Garden & Pet Centre (DGC) Best Indoor Lifestyle: The Old Railway Line Garden Centre (GC) and Whitehall Garden Centre – Lacock (DGC) Best Outdoor Living: The Old Railway Line Garden Centre (GC) and Endsleigh Garden and Leisure (DGC). The GCA represents nearly 200 garden centres nationwide. Through sharing information and its inspection programme the GCA helps members to achieve high standards in customer service, plant quality and reliability. For further information, please call 0118 930 8918. Alternatively, please visit www.gca.org.uk, log on to www.facebook.com/pages/GardenCentreAssociation or follow the organisation on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GC_Association
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 “Want to grow veg? This is where to start!” proclaims the new header board. “Confused by all the choices?”, “Want clear instructions?”, ask the new information panels on the stand of Mr Fothergill's ‘Get Growing’ seed range, aimed at those who are new to vegetable growing and daunted by the huge choice offered in a large range of vegetable seeds.
The Get Growing selection simplifies the choices, but still offers all the groups of vegetables required by the family cooks. Clear, everyday language is used both in namings and in growing instructions, with the 56 seed varieties displayed completely alphabetically. Pea and bean packets are smaller than in Mr Fothergill's main range, and more suitable for beginners and smaller scale growing. The Get Growing range also includes 10 easy-to-use, pre-seeded mats and tapes, plus three starter kit collections, each comprising seed, compost, pot labels, pencil and booklet. In addition, free advice booklets are supplied with the seed range, and more vegetable growing advice is available on the dedicated Get Growing websitewww.getgrowing.co.uk Information 01638 554111 or www.mr-fothergills-trade.com
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The Greatest Outdoor Living Sales gold winners to be presented at spoga+gafa
Five gold winners of The Greatest Outdoor Living Sales Awards will have the added prize of receiving their prizes at this year's spoga+gafa exhibition in Cologne, Germany. One person from each of the five winners will be treated to travel to and from Cologne plus one night's accommodation as The Greatest Awards really celebrate going on tour this year.
Five gold winners of The Greatest Outdoor Living Sales Awards will have the added prize of receiving their prizes at this year's spoga+gafa exhibition in Cologne, Germany.
One person from each of the five winners will be treated to travel to and from Cologne plus one night's accommodation as The Greatest Awards really celebrate going on tour this year.
spoga+gafa runs from Sunday 30th August to Tuesday 1st September, and is the ideal time to have a European summer break and take in some business opportunities as well.
As well as garden furniture and BBQs spoga+gafa covers plants, garden sundries, machines, tools, garden equipment and sheds. In total the show will occupy 12 halls.
To nominate your garden centre teams for any of the categories below, e-mail thegreatestawards@tgcmc.co.uk by Friday 10th July with your centre name, postcode, contact details, the categories nominated for and tell us why they should be The Greatest.
The Greatest Outdoor Living Categories - The Greatest BBQ Sales Team of the Year
- The Greatest Garden Decoration and Lighting Sales Team of the Year
- The Greatest Inspiration for New Gardeners Team – Love The Plot You've Got Award
- The Greatest Outdoor Leisure Sales Team of the Year
Once we've received your nomination we will contact you to arrange a visit from one of our Greatest Awards experts and collect more information.
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Poplars, Groves and Barton Grange have all won Gold in The Greatest Awards. Which garden centres will be leaving the HTA Futures Conference with Gold this year?
To nominate your garden centre teams for any of the categories below, e-mail thegreatestawards@tgcmc.co.uk by Wednesday 24th June with your centre name, postcode, contact details, the categories nominated for and tell us why they should be The Greatest.
The Greatest Garden Centre Team Awards Categories - The Greatest Garden Care Retail Team of the Year
- The Greatest Garden Centre Customer Service Team of the Year
- The Greatest Garden Centre Training Team or Initiative of the Year, sponsored by MorePeople
- The Greatest Garden Centre Merchandising Team of the Year
- The Greatest Gardening Supplier of the Year
- The Greatest Garden Centre of the Year (Public Vote), sponsored by National Garden Gift Vouchers
Once we've received your nomination we will contact you to arrange a visit from one of our Greatest Awards experts and collect more information.
The Greatest Garden Centre Team Awards will be presented on the evening of Wednesday September 30th at The HTA Futures Conference Dinner.
For details of attending HTA Futures visit: www.the-hta.org.uk or email: events@the-hta.org.ukAs usual The Greatest Awards team of experts will be out and about meeting nominated teams, gathering information and taking photos of their work so that the Gold, Silver and Bronze Greatest Awards winners can be chosen. Plus your team have the chance to become The Greatest Garden Centre Team of 2015 by involving your customers in the public voting later this summer. The Greatest Garden Centre Teams, small, medium and large will be the teams that have the best relationships with their customers and generate the most votes (taking size of centre into account) and in the event of a tie, the centre with the most complimentary comments form their customers. To take part in the public vote please e-mail trevor.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk or call The Greatest Awards on 01733 775700 to request an in store voting pack. As this issue of GTN Xtra goes to press the expert judges are meeting to decide the winners of The Greatest Plant Retailing Team Awards in advance of The National Plant Show. Make sure your Outdoor Leisure, Garden Care and Garden Centre teams are nominated for visits later in July and August. The Greatest Awards would like to thank sponsors, Elho, National Garden Gift Vouchers, MorePeople and The HTA plus the event organisers at The HTA Catering Conference, National Plant Show, GIMA Awards and HTA Futures for agreeing to be presentation venues for The Greatest Awards ON TOUR 2015. The date and venue for The Greatest Outdoor Leisure Awards will be announced in a future issue of GTN Xtra.
Sponsorship opportunities are available for product and service suppliers seeking to gain the highest possible exposure between now and November this year. Please contact mandy.atkin@tgcmc.co.uk for details.
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Garden Centre Manager | Small Chain | Staffordshire (ref:BP7541) Location: Staffordshire
Salary: £28,000 to £32,000
Job Type: Full-Time
Duration: Permanent 
Garden Centre Manager
The Business My client is a small growing garden centre group with centres based throughout England. They are an innovative business that prides themselves on a different retail approach for the garden centre market.
The Role The role will have full responsibility for the day to day operations management of the garden centre as well as responsibilities with strategic decisions such as staffing and merchandising strategies. The Person The right candidate will have excellent retail management experience in an established garden centre, this does not have to be at site level but will be at least at department manager level previously. If you do not have garden retail experience but have relevant retail experience and a passion for horticulture you may still be suitable. Leadership is the most important skill we are looking for but candidates must display a good level of commercial acumen as well. Please submit your CV in the first instance or to discuss further contact Brad Peck at MorePeople on 01780 480530
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Assistant Manager | Independent Garden Centre | Surrey (ref:BP7537) Location: Surrey
Salary: £30,000 to £38,000
Job Type: Full-Time
Duration: Permanent
Assistant Manager
The Business My client is a family owned garden centre based in the South of England. The business owns several successful sites bringing home awards for excellence. An independent business, this company fosters growth amongst its staff through training and accountability. The Role This role will take on a prominent position in the senior leadership team of the centre. You will be accountable for the day to day operations management of the centre and will be involved in staffing and buying decisions. This site is a large turnover business and requires a committed and innovative approach to retailing. The Person I am seeking a retail manager. You will have previous assistant management experience if not site management experience in a smaller centre. I am looking for an intelligent and committed individual with a good level of academic success preferably with either industry focussed or business based qualifications. This will serve to prove with your experience, a high level of commercial awareness that is essential to manage and grow this business. We are looking for a customer service champion, someone who preaches customer first and can drive a team to produce the best consumer experience possible. Please submit your CV in the first instance, or to discuss further contact Brad Peck at MorePeople on 01780 480530
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Are you talented, enthusiastic and a team player? We are looking for a numerate, articulate and experienced person to join our busy buying team. You will have extensive horticultural and plant knowledge, with proven experience of buying and range planning.
You will be based at our Marlborough office in Wiltshire, but will need to travel to visit plant suppliers and horticultural trade fairs and events on a regular basis. You will report directly to the Managing Director. Your role will involve keeping up-to-date with the current trends, developing new horticultural ranges, tracking competitor activity and ensuring our bulb, plant and seed offer is unique, exciting and commercial. It will also involve working with Sarah and her gardening team to log seed and plant trials and visiting Perch Hill approximately 4 times per year in key seasons to view trials as well as key horticultural shows and events. You will also work closely with our web and customer service teams to assist with the content posted on our website and on social media. You will have a keen eye for detail, be very proficient at Excel, have a clean driving licence and be keen to join a busy and fast-growing company. Salary dependent on experience. To apply please send an email with subject title ‘Horticultural Buyer’ with your CV, and current employment and salary details to sally@sarahraven.com.
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Nursery | Production | Grower Manager | (ref:DS7527) Location: Cambridgeshire
Salary: Dependent on experience
Job Type: Full-Time
Duration: Permanent
Production Manager / Grower / Propagation Manager The Business Our client is a large, family owned nursery business that specialise in the propagation and production of choice hardy perennials destined for the garden centre market across the UK.
Currently they are seeking an experienced Production Manager / Grower / Propagation Manager to be based at their Cambridgeshire site, someone to help drive the business forward in a competitive market place.
The Role This role will report to the Directors and the successful candidate will be responsible for up to 15 staff in peak season. Responsibilities will include: - To be responsible for the day to day running of the new propagation unit.
- Monitoring and adjusting growing needs of the crops
- Estimating yields for labour and sales demand
- Supervision of staff
For this role they are seeking an ambitious, driven and focused grower who has a good understanding of supply chain management. Someone who has experience in leading and motivating a team and can continue to help develop the business along with the Directors.
The Person
Desirable skills: - Must have experience in Hardy nursery stock production
- Good Plant Knowledge
- Have an ambitious mind to fill this long term position
- Excellent planning and Organisational skills
- IT literate (ideally Excel / Word and Growmaster Program or equivalent)
- Formal training in horticulture - preferably commercial horticulture
- PA1 & PA6 spray certificates
Full time position / permanent
Salary Depending on experience
Please submit your CV in the first instance or to discuss further contact Dianne Saunders at MorePeople on 07929 013910
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Interior Landscaping Regional Manager (ref:DS7544) Location: East of England
Salary: £28,000 to £30,000
Job Type: Full-Time
Duration: Permanent
Interior Landscaping Regional Manager The Business Our client is a leading Interior and Exterior Landscaping and Maintenance Company based in East Anglia who carry out a wide range of commercial contracts throughout the UK. They are currently seeking to recruit an experienced Regional Manager to oversee commercial interior landscaping contracts throughout their region.
The Role Reporting to the Operations Director
The ideal candidate will currently be employed in a similar role or be seeking to take their next step into a more senior management role. Responsibilities will include
Overseeing the implementation of contracts to strict deadlines and budgets
Assisting in development and bidding for new works
Liaison with clients
Implementation and management of health & safety and quality procedures
Supervision of teams
Maintaining contract files The Person The successful candidate should hold a relevant horticultural or landscape qualification, preferably with 3 plus years experience in the interiors sector
A full driving license is essential.
They should also have significant experience in managing commercial contacts and be able to give superb customer service to clients.
Ideal candidate should be based within one and half hours commute of Cambridge.
Salary range: £30,000 depending on experience Please submit your CV in the first instance or to discuss further contact Dianne Saunders at MorePeople on 07929013910
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We are a family run centre based in Lincolnshire and have been trading for over 40 years. JOB BRIEF We are looking for a resourceful Restaurant Manager to join us as we plan to re-invent our Restaurant to look after our existing customer base and introduce a new generation of customers, with new menus and a new atmosphere. You will be responsible for meeting all restaurant revenues, profitability and quality goals. You will ensure efficient operation and maintain high production, productivity and customer service standards. RESPONSIBILITIES - Coordinate the restaurant operation.
- Organise and supervise shifts.
- Estimate consumption, forecast requirements and maintain stock.
- Control costs and minimise waste.
- Manage health and safety and hygiene.
- Report directly to the directors of current and future operations and financial states.
- Create a positive working environment and lead by example.
- Respond efficiently to customer complaints.
REQUIREMENTS - Experience in garden centre catering or similar.
- Proven working experience as restaurant manager.
- Extensive food knowledge.
- Computer literacy and familiarity with restaurant ‘EPOS’ systems.
- Strong leadership, motivational and people skills.
Please send your CV with application to: Nigel Wallis, General Manager, Baytree Garden Centre, High Road, Weston, Spalding, Lincolnshire. PE12 6JU. Tel: 01406 370242 or by e-mail to: nigel@baytree-gardencentre.com
Nigel Wallis General Manager
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Above: With a string of finalist nominations the night went from strength to strength for Briers, culminating with the surprise award of a Golden Glove – an award especially given to recognise all Briers’ effort in creating the hugely successful #glovie campaign - raising both awareness of and much needed funds for the wonderful charity Greenfingers. This year’s GIMA awards took place in the prestigious surroundings of the Celtic Manor Resort in Wales. Where the good and the great of the gardening industry gathered to celebrate and recognize success. Including the 'Glovies' campaign which raised over £8,400 thanks to donations from the sales of gloves by Briers.
Greenfingers Trustee and Garden Re-Leaf Day Founder Boyd Douglas-Davies presented the special Golden Glove to Jackie Eades, Briers managing director, helping to finish the glitzy evening on a real high. Jackie was overwhelmed and incredibly touched by this kind gesture and extra effort made to recognize the hard work she, her team and industry supporters had put into making the Briers #glovie campaign such a success for Greenfingers. Thanks of course to all the garden centres who backed the product and the thousands of customers who bought them too! 
Jackie Eades presenting the £8,400 raised as a giant cheque to the Greenfingers team.
Greenfingers is a charity that Jackie and the Briers team are incredibly proud to support. This autumn sees Briers ongoing support and commitment with the special creation of the ‘#glovie Greenfingers glove’ as well as a ‘Kids tool & #glovie Greenfingers glove set’. All to be revealed at GLEE!!!! Helping to spread the Greenfingers message and help share a bit of (g)love along the way… 
Jackie raising a glass of bubbly with Greenfingers. So here’s to all the very best with their new Million Moments campaign and to everyone who supports it! The #glovie marketing campaign wasn’t Briers only success. Some of the earlier night’s highs included all these finalist positions. The team were certainly in a deservedly jubilant mood after all this recognition! GIMA AWARDS 2015 – FINALISTS Garden Clothing & Gifts Finalists: Briers – Gruffalo Garden Tool Bag
Best Point of Sale Material
Finalists: Briers – Gruffalo range merchandising stand
Best Consumer Product Packaging
Finalists: Briers – Kids range packaging; Briers – Digital Weather Station Find out more To learn more about the Briers range, please visit www.briersltd.co.uk. Orders and enquiries can be made by contacting the team by telephone – 01963 269077, fax – 01963 402060, or email - sales@briersltd.co.uk. Follow us on Twitter @Briers_Ltd, on Facebook Briersltd and look out for the #glovie hashtag for retweeting and sharing. Plus don’t forget to visit us at this year’s GLEE to see our new adults’ #glovie Greenfingers gloves and our Kids #glovie gloves & tool set. Get involved and share the (g)love!!!
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Homebase Managing Director Echo Lu has joined the line-up for the HTA Garden Futures Conference which takes place on 30 September at Heythrop Park in Oxfordshire.
Described as an ‘agent for positive change’ Echo joined the Home Retail Group Board as Managing Director of Homebase in April 2015. Prior to this Echo worked for Tesco for 10 years in various roles in Asia and the UK and also served as a Non-Executive Director for Dobbies Garden Centres. With skills and experience across the retail sector joins Homebase as it shifts from a DIY chain to a home enhancement store.
The theme for this year’s conference, sponsored by Hozelock and Scotts Miracle-Gro, is ‘Embracing Change’ and the programme will include a panel session, chaired by Matthew Appleby of Horticulture Week, about what the changing landscape means for garden retail. Panellists include Matthew Bent, Managing Director of Bents Garden & Home, Sam Bosworth Director of Choice Marketing and Julian Winfield, Chief Executive of Haskins Garden Centres.
Other speakers include Simon Jack, business and economics presenter for Radio 4’s Today Programme who will provide a topical overview of the current economic climate and Dennis Reid from Retail Performance Specialists who will look at how retailers should respond to the changing retail environment.
Alongside high quality content the conference and dinner provide plenty of opportunity for networking with key players from across the industry. The dinner will include the presentation of HTA Pearson Medal and also The Greatest Garden Centre Team Awards. This year’s after dinner speaker is former BBC senior weatherman Bill Giles OBE who will provide an insightful and entertaining look at the subject that everyone, especially those in the garden industry, likes to talk about – the weather!
Set in 400 acres of tranquil Oxfordshire countryside and with a purpose built auditorium and beautiful ballroom, Heythrop Park will provide a fantastic setting for this year’s HTA Garden Futures Conference and Dinner.
To book your place visit www.gardenfutures.org.uk
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Growing media sales continue to be healthy
Growing activity is really keeping going throughout July this year. Usually by now sales of bark tend to dominate the GTN Bestsellers Growing Media chart but this week it’s the multipurpose with John Innes and other composts really targeted at growing plants that have seen the biggest sales increases...
Growing activity is really keeping going throughout July this year. Usually by now sales of bark tend to dominate the GTN Bestsellers Growing Media chart but this week it’s the multipurpose with John Innes and other composts really targeted at growing plants that have seen the biggest sales increases.
Star performers include:
- Scotts Levington with John Innes 56 litre moves back up to No 1.
- Westland Jack’s Magic 60 litres moves up 3 to No 5.
- Westland John Innes No 3 Mature Plants 35 litres also moves up 3 to No 7.
- Duke of York seed potatoes are the biggest chart mover, up 32 places to No 6
To subscribe to GTN Bestsellers email karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk
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Wyevale Nurseries has officially launched its new interactive website so it is now in keeping with its new logo, company colours and restructure.
The company in Hereford has a completely new website, which has a range of new features including an interactive product library.
Adam Dunnett, Sales and Marketing Director at Wyevale Nurseries, said: “Our new website was designed to represent the restructure we made last year within our production divisions and show the new focus within our company.
“Using the new logo and company colours we hope it illustrates our company’s long history, the depth of knowledge, which comes with such heritage and our ambitious, innovative plans for the future.
“The new interactive product library on the website is continuously growing and being developed. Using this key feature customers are able to source a magnitude of information on specific varieties. Search options are available to allow filtering on a range of plant features and tolerances, providing a useful tool for product selection.
“Within the website there is now detailed information about each of our production divisions highlighting our point of difference from other suppliers. We are the only UK nursery to offer the full spectrum of stock – trees, hedging transplants and small to specimen sized container grown stock.”
The website also features topical news stories about the industry and bulletins about Wyevale Nurseries, its staff and future plans. Details of upcoming events the company will be attending will also be on the site.
Updated stock lists will be available so people can see the range of stock the nursery offers. The company has listened to customer requests and they can now be downloaded by product category both as a PDF and in an Excel spreadsheet.
All of Wyevale Nurseries’ catalogues are available to download and its 2015 Autumn Catalogue and 2016 Promotional Catalogues aimed at garden centres and retail markets will soon be added.
People interested in joining the team at the nursery will be able to view the job vacancies section. This will be regularly updated. The website will also list the contact details for all key members of staff so customers can get in contact with them easily.
Wyevale Nurseries has also invested time into its social media accounts this year and live feeds are featured on the homepage of the website.
Adam continued: “The plan is to make it into a trading website, aimed at independent garden centres and garden designers. New and existing trade customers will be able to register with us, then use the website to place orders for delivery or collection.
“Customers will be able to access full stock availability and price information online, create their shopping basket and submit orders when complete.
“Payment will be through normal terms with the company direct. This service will provide customers with the opportunity to shop with us 24/7, at their convenience, not restricted to our opening hours.”
Wyevale Nurseries is one of the largest family-run wholesale nurseries in the UK. It was established in 1930 by Harry Williamson, a horticulturist and entrepreneur. It became the company it is today under the leadership of his son, Peter, who sadly passed away in 2011.
The Williamsons’ saw the opportunity to sell their product to an undeveloped retail market, creating one of the first garden centres, followed by a chain. In 1987, the retail side needed to expand and the 19 garden centres were sold as a PLC.
The family then turned its focus to Wyevale Nurseries Ltd. It continues to be a family-run business with ownership and joint chairmanship currently being held by the third generation, Heather and Simeon Williamson, with plans for the fourth generation to takeover in the future.
Wyevale Nurseries has a significant product range and is regularly introducing new plants. It offers a large variety of trees, shrubs, hedging, herbaceous and specimen plants to garden centres, landscape contractors, local authorities, foresters and landowners.
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Pots of sales in the Bestsellers chart
Pots and pot feet are amongst the winners in the GTN Bestsellers Garden Products chart this week as gardeners keep adding plants and pots to their gardens, patios and balconies...
Pots and pot feet are amongst the winners in the GTN Bestsellers Garden Products chart this week as gardeners keep adding plants and pots to their gardens, patios and balconies.
Five pot lines are re-entries to the Top 50. Are you making the most of pot and plant sales opportunities?
Star performers:
- Woodlodge Spang Pot 3-inch is the highest re-entry at No 13.
- Apta’s standard 11cm pot is a re-entry at No 17.
- Stewart Terracotta Flower Pot Saucers, 10-inch, re-enter at No 42.
To subscribe to GTN Bestsellers email karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk
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 A new range of powerful 56volt battery-powered garden products will help redress the imbalance in profits that has been caused to garden centres by the major multiple retail sheds forcing retail prices down.
The EGO range of lithium-ion battery powered equipment – a lawnmower, two strimmers, hedge cutter, chain saw and blower – are available only to garden centres and specialist independent garden equipment dealers, guaranteeing that there will be no price pressure from sheds and cut-price retailers.
“EGO is the top selling battery powered garden products brand in the United States and achieved this status during its first season on the market. We have specifically elected to go exclusively down the independent dealer and garden centre route in the UK. Over the past decade the majority of profit available to retailers on lawnmowers and powered garden equipment has been squeezed as multiples drive prices ever downwards,” says EGO’s marketing director, Steve Roskell.
“By maintaining our route to market we can offer garden centres the opportunity to move back into the sector with a premium and unique product with margins safeguarded from these high street pressures. We have enjoyed an incredible first season and look forward to establishing EGO as the must-have brand for cordless garden machinery,” adds Steve.
The company has invested heavily in year one on above and below the line support, including in-store pos. Product for garden centres and independent dealers is distributed by Henton & Chattell Limited in Nottingham, one of the UK’s leading garden product dealerships.
“Customer satisfaction is extremely high,” says Steve. “The quality of EGO is unrivalled in the cordless sector and the added power provided by the 56 volt lithium-ion battery puts it in a class of its own, rivalling petrol powered alternatives but without the fumes, fuss or noise.”
For further information about the EGO Power+ visit www.egopowerplus.com.uk or contact Henton & Chattell on 0115 986 2161.
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Autumn planting seed potatoes from Taylors are proving popular with gardeners looking for that extra special Christmas meal ingredient.
Last year Pentland Javelin was the most popular but so far Maris Peer appears to be the variety of choice.
Star performers this week include:
- Taylors Autumn Planting Maris Peer moves up 27 places to No 1.
- Pentland Javelin is the highest chart re-entry at No 3.
To subscribe to GTN Bestsellers email karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk
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GTN’s Greatest Awards ON TOUR for 2015 made their third appearance of the year at the GIMA’s last week to present The Greatest Garden Re-Leaf Day Retail Fundraising Awards. In advance of the main event the GIMA Council very kindly allowed GTN to present a Gold Award to Andy Bunker of Altons, Silver to Katie Eckley of The Old Railway Line and Bronze Awards to Bob Hewitt of Klondyke Garden Centres and Conna Powells from Haskins. The finalists for the award, who all raised over £1,000 for Greenfingers on Garden Re-Leaf Day 2015 were: - Alton Garden Centre
- Aylett Nurseries
- Haskins Garden Centres
- Hillview Garden Centres
- Klondyke Garden Centres
- Longacres Nursery
- Perrywood Garden Centre
- Simpsons Garden Centre
- St Peters Garden Centre
- The Old Railway Line Garden Centre
Gold Award winner Andy Bunker, who created the quiz that was used in garden centres across the company said “next year’s quiz will be better than ever, with a general knowledge option as well as a gardening quiz. That way more garden centres should be able to take part and help push the fundraising for Garden Re-Leaf day 2016 past the £100,000 mark.” The next stage of The Greatest Awards ON TOUR 2015 is The Greatest Outdoor Leisure Sales Awards which will be presented at spoag+gafa at the end of August, with the final Greatest Awards ON TOUR at HTA Futures Conference Dinner on September 30th. For sponsorship opportunities for The Greatest Awards ON TOUR please contact Mandy Atkin: mandy.atkin@tgcmc.co.uk For garden centre nominations and entries please contact Trevor Pfeiffer: trevor.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk
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Every week GTN receives and analyses epos data from a number of UK garden centres to produce the GTN Bestsellers charts and weekly bestsellers sales tips. The full charts which provide useful insight into product sales peaks, new trends and new link sales opportunities are published in the weekly GTN Xtra printed newsletter.
As the year goes on we give sales volume comparisons with 2013 as well as 2014 to allow your teams to see variations over a three year period. Access is by subscription only. For £145.00 per year you and your team can have access to the most up-to-date gardening sales analysis that has already helped many UK garden centres increase their sales. To subscribe call 01733 775700, e-mail karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk or buy on-line using this link.
Highlights of the GTN Garden Products Bestsellers chart for last week are here
Highlights of the GTN Veg-2-Gro Products Bestsellers chart for last week are here
Highlights of the GTN Growing Media Bestsellers chart for last week are here WARNING the GTN Bestsellers Charts seriously improve the business of our subscribers. Invest 15 minutes each week in improving your sales using the GTN Bestsellers charts and your turnover and customer satisfaction will improve too.
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Get the GTN Bestsellers charts in full every week in the GTN Bestsellers newsletters delivered via the post for only £145.00.
GTN Bestsellers is the only industry source of weekly garden centre sales information, collating Epos data from centres with an aggregate turnover in excess of £120m.
Use the weekly Garden Products and Growing Media Top 50 sales volumes charts to plan your hotspot and other promotions and ensure you have the right products in stock to satisfy the needs of your customers.
For further information contact karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk or call 01733 775700.
Buy your subscription today and start receiveing the GTN Bestsellers charts this week.
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All the latest news from the world of garden centre catering
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Wyevale Garden Centres has transformed perceptions of its garden centre restaurants with a new Botanic Kitchen concept, designed by Kiwi & Pom. With a brief of bringing the “joy of the garden” to its food and beverage offer, Wyevale was looking to consolidate and refurbish its existing restaurant offer, while delivering a step change to consumer expectations in this competitive sector and attracting a wider-ranging demographic.  “Botanic Kitchen firmly drags garden centre restaurants into the 21st century with a fresh contemporary look while championing home-grown ingredients and seasonal flavours,” said Kiwi & Pom director Emma Young. “It delivers the garden on a plate.”
The first three sites have been completed at Huntingdon (pictured), Woodbridge and Shrewsbury. An additional 15 are planned to be ready by early 2016. Botanic Kitchen aims to increase footfall to by creating a recognisable destination brand in its own right, helping to maintain year-round appeal for customers. Kiwi & Pom’s brief encompassed all aspects from graphics and branding to environmental design and space planning. Of special note are a number of bespoke elements, including specially designed wallpapers, textiles and illustrations, as well as Botanic Kitchen-branded slip-cast flowerpots. At the heart of the solution is a desire to create a light and airy restaurant space that blurs the boundaries between indoors and out. Key challenges included dividing existing large seating areas into a series of more intimate ‘rooms’, achieved using plant-laden wirework screens, trellis-inspired booths and pergola-style gantries with hanging plants. This succeeds in bringing lush greenery into the heart of the restaurants, ensuring diners are always near to plants. Central to the design is the repeated use of motifs that evoke the architectural and design language of conservatories, greenhouses and orangeries. In particular, diamond grid patterns found in garden trellis have been applied to multiple elements such as furniture, graphics and signage. The approach also greatly informed the choice of materials and fittings such as wirework, cast iron, terracotta, terrazzo and Lloyd Loom. Eames wire chairs, in a special powder-coated sky blue finish, mingle with bespoke Lloyd Loom pieces by Belgian manufacturer Vincent Sheppard. All elements have been designed to be free-standing to maximise flexibility while keeping costs down.  Kiwi & Pom’s design brings a fresh, chic appeal to the restaurants. “At our initial sites we are seeing a significant uplift in sales compared to the previous restaurant offer,” comments Jason Dancinger, food & beverage director at Wyevale Garden Centres. “There is also evidence of a ‘halo effect’ where the delivery of new restaurants is also boosting sales across the entire garden centre.” The project is part of a wider portfolio of work for Wyevale Garden Centres, which also includes the innovative Coffee Ground cafés, featuring on-site batch roasting of coffee beans.
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This is not just any sandwich…This is a sandwich we have been working on with clients. - First of all take a freshly baked Ciabatta Roll, still warm from the oven.
- Fill it with slowly cooked, buttery, moist pulled pork.
- Add a side of BBQ sauce in a small jug.
- For colour and texture add a fresh garden salad, served in an iceberg leaf, dressed with a homemade raspberry vinaigrette.
- Finally add a portion of skin-on fries and serve in a wooden seedtray.
The humble sandwich has been transformed. Clever presentation and a bundling of salad and fries have lifted the price point as this is now a main meal replacement. The customer feedback has been incredibly positive. So, the big question this week, do your customers find your sandwich offer innovative and exciting?
Doug Stewart can be contacted at www.waringstewartassociates.co.uk
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