 Woodborough Garden Centre near Pewsey, Wiltshire, has been sold to the Whitehall Garden Centre Group. The acquisition gives Whitehall their third garden centre. Woodborough Garden Centre is a well-established business on a 18 acre site with a catchment area covering Marlborough, Pewsey and Devizes. “We have been looking for a third site for a while, we believe that Woodborough is the perfect addition to Whitehall Garden Centres' due to its location and homely feel, we are looking forward to the development and future of Whitehall Woodborough,” said Peter Self, Whitehall’s Managing Director. The business was established by Claire Rourke. “I've thoroughly enjoyed my time at Woodborough, but it is now time to move on and work on my other business interests”. said Claire “ I would like to thank our customers and staff in particular for their help and assistance.” The sale of the business was handled by specialist garden centre property advisers Gilbert Evans. “There is a good demand for well-run centres across the country at present,” commented Mike Gilbert of Gilbert Evans garden centre team, “the market is as strong as it has been for many years.”
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Gardman to move to new purpose-built warehouse in Daventry
Kings Lynn facilities will close at the end of the year, with up to 150 possible job losses
Gardman announced on Friday that it is to close its Kings Lynn warehouses and re-locate in October to new purpose-built facilities in Daventry, Northants. Redundancy consultation has begun with the workforce of around 150...
Gardman announced on Friday that it is to close its Kings Lynn warehouse and re-locate in October to new purpose-built facilities in Daventry, Northants.
Warehousing capacity will increase from 45,000 pallets to more than 65,000. The company says the new location is in a more central position from which to service its customers needs. A significant investment in stock means that service levels for the current season will not be affected. A period of redundancy consultation is under way for the Kings Lynn workforce, thought to number about 150. Relocation packages are on offer for those who wish to go to Daventry and some staff may be accommodated in vacant posts at the firm’s head office in Peterborough – but it seems likely that many will be made redundant. A statement by Gardman said the move followed a 12-month review of its current operations: “Our current warehouse facilities are ageing, inefficient to run and do not have the capacity to support the current business needs nor accommodate the future growth aspirations of the business.” It said the review considered various options, which included new warehousing within the King’s Lynn area, but was unable to identify suitable alternative sites. “A Daventry location will enable Gardman to work more efficiently due to being based closer to its customers.” The Daventry facility will be handed over in the summer and be fully operational by the end of the year. The head office will remain in Peterborough. “Moving the operation to new facilities will enable the company to progress with its business plans for further growth whilst improving service to customers.,” the statement added. Gardman chief executive Pete Utting said: “In the current market of increasing customer demands, we continually re-evaluate our supply chain and service proposition. Therefore, we have taken the decision to relocate our warehouse operations to a purpose-built, centrally-based, environmentally-friendly site “This decision has not been taken lightly and is obviously an unsettling time for those affected. The King’s Lynn team have consistently shown their dedication and commitment and we will support all affected employees through the transition.”
The Gardman Statement in full:
The UK’s leading provider of gardening and wild bird care products has announced that following a 12 month review of its current operations it has taken the decision to consolidate and relocate its warehouse facilities in the Kings Lynn area to a single, purpose built site in Daventry, Northamptonshire.
Our current warehouse facilities are ageing, inefficient to run and do not have the capacity to support the current business needs nor accommodate the future growth aspirations of the business.
The review considered various options which included new warehousing within the Kings Lynn area but was unable to identify suitable alternative sites. A Daventry location will enable Gardman to work more efficiently due to being based closer to its customers.
The new facility is due to be handed over in Q3 2017 and will be fully operational by end of the year.
The head office facility will remain in Peterborough.
Moving the operation to new facilities will enable the company to progress with its business plans for further growth whilst improving service to customers.
As a consequence of this decision regrettably all positions based at all warehousing locations will be at risk of redundancy. However there will be opportunities for employees to relocate to the new facility or be considered for any vacant roles within the Peterborough Head Office.
“In the current market of increasing customer demands we continually re-evaluate our supply chain and service proposition. Therefore, we have taken the decision to relocate our warehouse operations to a purpose built, centrally based, environmentally friendly site “
“This decision has not been taken lightly and is obviously an unsettling time for those affected. The Kings Lynn team have consistently shown their dedication and commitment and we will support all affected employees through the transition.” said Peter Utting, CEO at Gardman.
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During a week when overall footfall dropped as a result of snow Primula sales grew to be 57% of all plant sales, houseplant sales increased by 37% and John Innes compost sales grew by 91%. But it was a ‘sell out’ of lettuce seed packs that made the headlines.
The ‘news’ came on the back of the salad crop and veg shortages in supermarkets due to the bad winter in southern Spain. So far GTN Bestsellers analysis has not seen hard evidence of any sales increase. Indeed Rhubarb plants and onion sets have been much more popular to date.
Perhaps everyone will benefit this week as a result of the viral headlines. We are keeping an eye on the situation.
How about we start generating some viral headlines based on what gardeners are actually buying each week? “Tears for supermarkets as gardeners plant more onions” would make good sense, but what is the power of real news these days. Do ‘lettuce’ know your thoughts by email trevor.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk
GTN Bestsellers Top 50 sales volumes compared to the same week last year...
- Garden Products - up 3%
- Veg-2-Gro - down 20%
- Growing Media - down 5%
- All Items Index - down 23%
To subscribe to GTN Bestsellers email karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk
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Garden Re-Leaf Day - just 1 month away
Watch out for our Countdown to Garden Re-Leaf Day 2017 e-mail newsletters over the coming days. There's only 27 days left to plan your FUNdraising activities for Friday 17th March and make the most of the start of the season. Watch this space!
GTN Bestsellers analyst Trevor Pfeiffer has been interviewed by The Sun's columnist Peter Seabrook for his 'This Week in the Garden' podcast.
Entitled 'what are gardeners buying', Trevor explained to Peter how the Bestsellers data was compiled and revealed what products and plants were selling at this time of year.
Peter, from Chelmsford, has spent more than 60 years in horticulture and 40 years as gardening editor of The Sun. His print column appears in The Sun's TV Magazine on Saturdays.
The 81-year-old quipped about the gardening podcast: "The job certainly becomes more diverse as time goes on!"
The podcast can be heard by clicking here
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Squire’s Garden Centres held their annual “Supplier Plant Show” at West Horsley with suppliers coming from across the UK and abroad to showcase their latest plants. Some of the specimens on display included olive trees, roses, hellebores and heathers.
Squire’s Plant Managers were given the opportunity to see the show, meet the suppliers, and find out more about the new season plants that customers will be able to buy in the next few weeks.
The Plant Managers also voted for their “best” supplier in two categories – Hardy & Bedding Plants. Pannebakker picked up the award for ‘Best Hardy Plant Supplier’, and Barnsfold won ‘Bedding Supplier of the Year’.
Jeremy Hall (Squire’s Group Plant Buyer) said, “We chose Panebakker as our ‘Best Hardy Plant Supplier’ as they have great quality plants and give us a fantastic level of service. The award for ‘Bedding Supplier of the Year’ went to Barnsfold for the second year in a row. They won due to their partnership with Squire’s – we really work together well as a team. They also give us amazing customer service, and the fact that they make deliveries 7 days a week in peak season means that our centres are always stocked with the best quality plants around.”
Sarah Squire (Squire’s Deputy Chairman) commented, “Our Supplier Plant Show is one of my favourite events of the year. It’s great to see the superb quality of plants, and some exciting new ones that we are stocking for 2017. This really was an excellent show, and I am very grateful to all of our suppliers who attended. I know that everyone at Squire’s came away enthused and excited about the spring season ahead."
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Westland set to make a big impact with TV advertising
Westland is set to make a big impact on TV this spring with a multi-million pound marketing campaign. Its TV advertised products have sold into retailers so well that Westland has upped its advertising spend to over £5m...
 Westland is set to make a big impact on TV this spring with a multi-million pound marketing campaign. Its TV advertised products have sold into retailers so well that Westland has upped its advertising spend to over £5m.
The TV campaign will drive consumers’ in-store over spanning April and May, including the key bank holiday weekend.The highlight of this will be the new Westland SafeLawn TV advert, set to feature CGI animated ‘Lawn Man’ a lawn which has come to life! He puts up with a lot. Kids and pets tearing around, ball games and harsh weather conditions. In the advert he is worn and tired. He longs to be loved. To be brought to life and to be part of the family again. Enter Westland SafeLawn. After just one application, he comes to life, revived and ready to play! LawnMan will show parents and pet owners that they can get a thick, green lawn that’s 100% natural and safe for children and pets. Also on TV this spring will be Gro-Sure® Easy Containers Compost, as well as Gro- Sure® Smart Lawn Seed and Resolva Liquid Shots. Keith Nicholson, Marketing Director for Westland said: “We’re looking forward to a great spring. Our new Westland SafeLawn has had an exceptional reception from retailers. We’re putting the investment behind this natural product to both increase market reach and educate on its benefits compared to traditional lawncare. It’s a great advert which will really resonate with young families and pet owners, who we know have safety concerns. “This year we will again be showing our ‘Be Sure with Gro-Sure®’ TV adverts. These were well received last year and really helped to cement our success with both Gro- Sure® Smart Seed (the UK’s No.1 lawn seed for a second year running) and Gro- Sure® Easy Containers Compost. “Our Resolva Liquid Shots TV advert is tried and tested. It has a great conversation rate and always generates big sales hikes, driving consumers in store searching for the Resolva brand at the busiest time of year.” Watch Westland’s TV adverts on its YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/user/gardenhealth
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A historic blue plaque has been unveiled at the home of Roger Crompton Notcutt, who founded Notcutts Garden Centres 120 years ago.
The plaque was unveiled on Saturday, February 11, in Woodbridge, Suffolk, by Roger Crompton Notcutt’s great-granddaughter and Notcutts Vice Chairman Caroline Notcutt, alongside the Mayor of Woodbridge, Councillor Stephen Attwell.
The blue plaque recognises the achievements of Roger Crompton Notcutt as a horticultural pioneer, and in celebration of 120 years since Notcutts Garden Centres was established in the town. The plaque can be seen at the front of The Old House – Roger’s Georgian home of almost 30 years, which is now Notcutts’ offices.
Caroline Notcutt, Vice Chairman of Notcutts Garden Centres, said: “It has been a pleasure to recognise the achievements of my great-grandfather, Roger Crompton Notcutt, today with such a special commemorative plaque. It is wonderful to see that his passion for gardening is still at the local community and will continue to be recognised for generations to come.”
Roger Crompton Notcutt founded Notcutts Garden Centres in 1897 after doctors advised him to pursue an outdoor life due to ill health.
Roger’s keen interest in nature and gardening inspired him to open his first nursery and shop in Woodbridge town centre – on the same site as the current Notcutts Garden Centre in Woodbridge.
Roger was a member of the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Flower Show Committee for 30 years and was a member of the Woodbridge Urban District Council for 33 years, including a period as elected chairman.
In 1934 Roger presented the National Trust with four acres of woodland at Kyson Hill in Woodbridge, overlooking the river Deben, which are to be preserved for all time in its natural state.
120 years after it launched, Notcutts has remained family-run and Roger’s great-granddaughter Caroline Notcutt is Vice Chairman today. The business has grown from strength-to-strength and has become a leading name in horticulture and home gardening, with 18 garden centres across the UK.
Nick Burrows, CEO, Notcutts Garden Centres, said: “We are thrilled to be celebrating our 120th anniversary milestone this year. We have exciting plans throughout the year where we’ll be honouring our family heritage, as well as celebrating our passion for gardening and looking forward to the years ahead.”
For more information about Notcutts and its 120th anniversary, please visit www.notcutts.co.uk.
Photo caption: Members of the Notcutts family and the local community gather for the unveiling of a blue plaque at the home of Roger Crompton Notcutt, founder of Notcutts Garden Centres, in Woodbridge, Suffolk.
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Tracey Bowler, HR Director at the Millbrook Garden Company, knows how hard it is to find great people with the right attitude and knowledge to work in the industry.
Tracey felt that it was getting harder every year so the company looked at other ways of finding the right staff and, as a result, the business has now introduced a company succession plan for the next five years.
Starting by consulting with all department managers, Millbrook sought to identify people who showed potential within the business.
These people were recognised for their drive and enthusiasm and it was felt that, with the right support, they could be developed in order to meet the future needs of the company.
Each of these employees now has a Personal Development Plan and a mentor to help them on their journey.
Tracey says: ‘It has been a really rewarding exercise to do and sitting down with people to discuss the talent and potential we saw in them was fantastic.
"As part of the plan we have already enrolled four members of our catering team onto NVQs including Hospitality, Commis Chef and Supervising People, it is brilliant to see these individuals grow and develop."
The programme “Growing your Potential” will be constantly evolving, with new talent joining from now on.
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Gardman have launched a glittering collection of best-selling Christmas lines to help drive volume sales throughout garden centres for Christmas 2017…
With more than 100 products on offer, Gardman’s Christmas Emporium is a truly one-stop for your Christmas shop; - Comprehensive range of 40 Artificial Christmas Trees
- Artificial mini trees, garlands and tree stands
- Pre-lit LED decorations in a choice of two festive themes; Rustic Rattan and Sparkling Silver
- Solar Christmas string lights
- Novelty solar lighting
- Christmas themed doormats
- Pre-lit LED canvases
- Festive cushions
- Topiary and artificial plants.
Gardman’s Christmas range features a number of new products too, including the Premium Pre-lit Kindersley Tree, a Pre-Lit Christmas Centrepiece and an ingenious Automatic Adjustable Tree Stand. Their impressive collection of high quality trees, are sourced from a single factory, which conveniently enables retailers to create a mixed container in any combination. - Ten stunning styles in five finishes; standard, frosted, berry, pine cone or pre-lit with twinkling white lights
- Available in four heights; 5ft, 6ft, 7ft and 8ft
- High quality construction and finish
- Retail ready display packaging complete with carry handles
- Market leading RRPs
- Clear range hierarchy that meets all core consumer needs; standard, premium and luxury.
You can view Gardman’s entire Christmas Emporium at their Peterborough showroom by speaking to your Gardman sales agent or calling sales on 01406 372232.
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Notcutts raise over £1,000 for Thrive
Colleagues and customers at Notcutts Garden Centre located in Nuneham Courtney (Oxfordshire) have raised over £1000 for charity Thrive, which enables positive change in the lives of disabled and disadvantaged people through gardening and horticulture, and is based in Beech Hill, near Reading, Berkshire...
Colleagues and customers at Notcutts Garden Centre located in Nuneham Courtney (Oxfordshire) have raised over £1000 for charity Thrive, which enables positive change in the lives of disabled and disadvantaged people through gardening and horticulture, and is based in Beech Hill, near Reading, Berkshire.
The money was raised by hosting a series of flower arranging masterclasses which attracted almost 200 people.
Notcutts centre manager Jonathan Tew said; “I am delighted that our flower masterclass events were such a success. Not only were they lots of fun but they also raised money to support the incredible work that Thrive do. Gardening is a fantastic hobby and for many people can help improve their physical and mental health in a very positive way.”
Kathryn Rossiter, CEO of Thrive, said: “Thank you very much to Notcutts for this wonderful donation. The money will be spent on supporting our client gardeners and I am delighted that Notcutts have been able to see us in action when they visited our gardens at Beech Hill to make the donation and were given a tour.”
Notcutts has supported Thrive for two years through a range of fundraising activities at all 18 centres nationwide, as well as through the Charles Notcutt Memorial Bursary which enables students to complete an Award in Social and Therapeutic Horticulture.
Pictured: Kathryn Rossiter, CEO of Thrive (back row, second from left) with Jonathan Tew, Notcutts Oxford Centre Manager and Sam Mallett, Notcutts Oxford Outdoor Manager Thrive client gardeners Arron, Emma and Amelia.
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An exciting opportunity exists for an enthusiastic team player to join Bristol's Largest Independent Garden Centre as our Plant Assistant Manager.
The Ideal Candidate will possess excellent people management skills, Great Communication Skills and be able to lead and organise your team whilst maintaining excellent customer service sales and service.
You will require an exceptional knowledge of plants and have a proven track record in the horticulture industry.
The role requires an outstanding merchandiser standards as well as being able to motivate teams to achieve exceptional achievements.
This is a full-time position and will require working weekends and bank holidays.
In return, we provide a competitive salary, a friendly working environment, staff discount scheme, subsidised social events and a benefits package commensurate with a progressive company.
To apply, please download (http://almondsbury.co.uk/careers-almondsbury) and submit the application form below to enquiries@almondsbury.co.uk..Please include your current CV and a covering letter explaining why you would be an excellent recruit for this role, including examples of how you could be an asset to our business.
For more information, please call Judy Holbrook on 01454 457300 or email enquiries@almondsbury.co.uk
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PLANTARIA ASSISTANT – LINCOLN
PERMANENT POSITION REQUIRED TO HELP IN OUR VERY BUSY GARDEN CENTRE WORKING MOSTLY IN THE OUTDOOR PLANT AREA
THE IDEAL CANDIDATE SHOULD HAVE
- EXCELLENT PLANT KNOWLEDGE AND GOOD GARDENING EXPERIENCE
- GOOD CUSTOMER SERVICE SKILLS
- BE HELPFUL, POLITE & COURTEOUS
HOURS OF WORK
- MONDAY TO FRIDAY
- 8.30AM – 5.30PM (EVERY WEDNESDAY OFF)
- EVERY OTHER SATURDAY 8.30 – 5.30PM & SUNDAY 10.00 – 5.00PM
- AVERAGE 39 HOURS PER WEEK
START DATE: IMMEDIATE
RATE TO BE DISCUSSED AT THE INTERVIEW
Applications should be made using the application form which can be downloaded here JOB APPLICATION FORM
Applications must be received by February 28th 2017 FAO Christine Burnell or via email to Christine@pennells.co.uk
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Pennells Garden Centre at Lincoln is looking for a Garden Centre Manager following retirement for its modern destination Garden Centre at Lincoln.
Pennells is one of the oldest garden companies in the country and is probably the oldest still in the same family ownership. The business was founded by a Richard Pennell in 1780. Today the company is run by the seventh and eighth generations Richard Pennell and his son William Pennell. In addition to the centre at Lincoln Garden Centre the business has a Garden Centre at Cleethorpes. The Lincoln centre has been extensively extended over the last few years and has an internal floor area in excess of 6000 sq meters, a Rovero canopy covering the 3300 sq m outdoor plant area as well as a restaurant seating over 425 people.
Job Description
The manager will have day to day responsibility for the management of the retail (non restaurant) parts of the centre
- Lead and motivate the team to success
- Control costs on a daily basis to ensure the profitability of the store
- Maintain the high standards expected of the centre
- Be able to deal with staff issues efficiently and compassionately
- Increase profitability
Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate will have:
- Good plant and garden product knowledge
- Be forward thinking and not scared to try new things
- Be target driven
- Have a good understanding of computers
- An enthusiastic and positive attitude
- Good customer service skills.
- Less than 6 points on their driving license and own a car as they will be expected to travel to trade shows and other events.
- Have worked in other garden retail environments and be able to bring new ideas to the business.
Benefits
- Paid Monthly
- A Competitive Salary
- 32 days holidays
- Staff discount
Applications should be made using the application form which can be downloaded from www.pennells.co.uk/jobs
Applications must be received by February 28th 2017 FAO Christine Burnell or via email to Christine@pennells.co.uk
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Sales Support Advisor - Amenity (ref:DS9088)
Location: Hampshire
Salary: £18,000 - £22,000
Date: 14 Feb
Job Type: Full-Time
Duration: Permanent
This prestigious client is a leading UK horticultural nursery stock producer who is seeking a Sales Support Advisor to work within its busy Amenity Department based at its Hampshire Office.
Primary responsibilities will be to maximise sales opportunities and deliver high quality customer service through obtaining a clear understanding of defined market sectors and associated customer bases. Working closely with Account Managers and deputising for Account Managers when necessary you will provide sales support to deliver customer requirements providing all related administration.
Other duties include:
- Ensuring quotes are issued within 24 hours of receipt of customer enquiry.
- Converting quotes to orders.
- Issuing pro-forma invoices for non-credit clients.
- Liaising with customers to ensure delivery information is correct.
- Managing the Order Book so that customer orders are delivered when requested.
- Following up quotes and orders advising Account Managers of status and actions required.
- Undertaking outbound marketing campaigns (telephone/email).
- Raising and processing invoices.
The successful applicant will be a driven, outgoing and enthusiastic team player who has the ability to work on their own initiative with:
- Experience of outbound sales in a fast-moving customer services environment.
- A demonstrable achievement in improving customer service.
- The ability to work to tight deadlines.
- Excellent communication, negotiating, IT/computer and telephone skills.
- Accuracy and attention to detail.
- Excellent plant and horticultural knowledge.
The successful applicant can expect a salary of £18,000 - £22,000, pension after a qualifying period, training, free parking and staff discount. Working hours 37.5 per week, Monday to Friday 08.30 - 17.00
To apply for this role click here
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Amenity Account Manager South | Home Counties (ref:DS9067)
Location: Hertfordshire
Salary: Excellent package
Date: 10 Feb
Job Type: Full-Time
Duration: Permanent
Our client is a leading UK horticultural nursery stock producer who are seeking a dynamic, driven Account Manager for its Amenity division to expand its customer base within the landscape contractor, local authority and landscape architect's sectors in the UK.
For this role you will have a minimum of 5 years' B2B field sales experience within horticulture with strong commercial skills as well as financial and business acumen.
- You will also have experience of selling into landscape contractors, local authorities and landscape architects, a knowledge of trees, as well as proven experience in securing new customers.
- Outstanding customer service is required as is the ability to create and develop customer relationships. Excellent communication, IT skills, attention to detail and the ability to work on your own initiative and manage your time effectively is essential.
- You will be able to demonstrate achievement in meeting and exceeding challenging sales targets through completing quotes and tenders and negotiation to achieve the required level of profitability.
This position is home based and you will ideally live in the Beds, Bucks, Herts area with easy access to the M1 to ensure accessibility to the customer base.
Reporting to the Sales Director, you will be part of a professional and ambitious team and will be required to attend meetings at head office on a regular basis.
The successful applicant can expect a competitive package including company pension, private health insurance and company car.
To apply for this role click here
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Plant Buyer | Essex (ref:DS9045)
Location: Essex
Salary: Depending on experience
Date: 02 Feb
Job Type: Full-Time
Duration: Permanent
This vibrant growing business prides itself in providing great customer service and this starts with understanding and knowing their customer needs. They have been in the business for over 25 years and firstly and foremost they love plants! Anyone that visits the garden centre will be able to see that they are dedicated to providing their customers with choice plants that have been cared for and that they know their customers will enjoy in their gardens or homes.
As part of providing this for their customers they are looking for a Plant Buyer who will have:
- Experience of purchasing bedding plants on a commercial scale.
- Liaising with suppliers for the best possible terms and quality plants.
- Working with the Department Manager with regards to incoming goods.
- Informing stock control and accounts of terms and discounts agreed.
- Working as part of the Plants team.
- Buyer administration duties
- Undertake such other duties as may be required in the post.
This would suit a Plantarea Manager looking for a step into a career in buying and is a fantastic opportunity for the right person.
To apply for this role click here
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Plantarea Department Head Seasonal Plants | Essex (ref:DS9011)
Location: Essex
Salary: Excellent
Date: 18 Jan
Job Type: Full-Time
Duration: Permanent
An amazing opportunity has arisen to join an expanding Garden Centre Plant team who are looking for an experienced Plant Manager to be their Department Head for Seasonal Plants, such as bedding and patio plants at their Essex based Garden Centre.
About the centre:
This traditional garden centre originally started life as a family-run nursery and became part of a nationwide group last year. They now have ambitious plans to transform this site from its current format, which generates £3m in sales per year, into a purpose-built Garden and Living Centre capable of generating £10m+.
This new centre is due to be developed during 2017/18 and once completed it will offer customers a truly unique retail experience, showcasing the very best in garden and home living products. With unique store design, product range and exceptional standards in visual merchandising, they will be the destination garden centre for North London.
About the role:
We are looking for a motivated and passionate individual to manage the Seasonal Plant Area, someone who can drive sales and maintain high retail standards, whilst at the same time provide a level of service that exceeds customer expectations. The successful candidate will have responsibility for overseeing the day to day running of the department ensuring that the highest standards of plant quality, visual appearance and maintenance are consistently applied.
You will ensure that customers are given the very best in service and you will provide them with expert knowledge and advice on plants. You will play an active role in the stock ordering and stock control processes for your sections and for training and developing your team.
About you:
The ideal candidates will:
- have experience of working in Garden Centres although we are open to talking to candidates from any horticultural background;
- have an energetic personality with an ability to easily engage with and connect with our AB1 target customers;
- have excellent knowledge of plants, plant care and maintenance;
- be able to recognise and act on sales opportunities;
- be meticulous to the detail in terms of product placement, standards, presentation, visual elevation and overall look and feel; and
- have an ability to manage and develop a team.
To apply for this role click here
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Scotsdales launches Year of Charity Fundraisers
Cambridge-based garden centre, Scotsdales, is kicking-off a year of charitable initiatives this March with two special fundraising events in support of Greenfingers Charity and Breast Cancer Now...
Cambridge-based garden centre, Scotsdales, is kicking-off a year of charitable initiatives this March with two special fundraising events in support of Greenfingers Charity and Breast Cancer Now.
The charitable events get underway with ‘Ladies Night’, which will be hosted at Scotsdales in Great Shelford on Wednesday 8 March from 6.30pm to 8.30pm.
The evening will be in support of both charities and will feature live music, speciality alcohol and chocolate tastings as well as masterclasses in floral arrangements and scarf tying. Complementary drinks and canapes will be served while each guest will also receive a goody bag and be automatically entered into a prize draw to win a luxury hamper worth £150.
Tickets are priced at £7.50 with all ticket proceeds going to the charities. Booking is required – call 01223 842777 or email enquiries@scotsdales.com.
There will also be several fundraising initiatives on the evening to boost donations. Scotsdales will be selling the ‘Time to Live’ rose with £1 from every rose sold going to Breast Cancer Now and Scotsdales will match it too. Special scarves by Jane Austin will be on sale with 100% of the proceeds going to Breast Cancer Now.
‘Ladies Night’ will be followed by the ‘Greenfingers Charity Garden Re-Leaf Day Walk’ on Friday 17 March 2017, which is being sponsored by Scotsdales.
Hundreds of walkers are expected to join in, with the option of either a 20-mile or more leisurely 10-mile walk. The walk starts at Scotsdales in Horningsea and passes through the heart of Cambridge, including Jesus College and the Botanic Gardens, before finishing at Scotsdales in Great Shelford.
Scotsdales will be raising funds across its Great Shelford, Horningsea and Fordham stores in the run up to the walk. Public can also go to the Scotsdales JustGiving page to donate. To sign up, visit www.gardenreleaf.co.uk/gardenreleafwalk2017/
Speaking ahead of the charity fundraisers, Becky Owen, Marketing and Development Manager at Scotsdales, said: “Scotsdales is delighted to continue its support of both Greenfingers Charity, which builds recreational and therapeutic gardens in the grounds of children’s hospices, and Breast Cancer Now, which dedicated to funding research into the disease.
“We’re encouraging both our staff members and the wider public to get involved and get behind these causes. Both events promise to be a lot of fun and memorable occasions.”
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GIMA invests in trends content for members
GIMA has announced it will be investing in future trends content for its members, and from February this year will be giving them access to WGSN Insight & Lifestyle and Interiors content...
GIMA has announced it will be investing in future trends content for its members, and from February this year will be giving them access to WGSN Insight & Lifestyle and Interiors content.
WSGN is a leading authority on predicting future trends in consumer habits, retail and merchandising and lifestyle and fashion trends. As a trusted authority it’s used by leading global brands around the world.
To launch this service, GIMA is running a Trends Workshop for its members on 4th April. Experts from WGSN will give an in-depth presentation on Future trends in Lifestyle and Outdoor Living sector after which there will be break out sessions to provide hands on training on using the system and getting to grips with the available content.
This content is perfect to help support the design and development of products, packaging, merchandising and Brand and could prove invaluable in giving you a competitive edge in the retail environment. Make sure your marketing and development teams come along to learn more about the service.
This content is generally only accessible to large corporations who can afford to subscribe, however, GIMA are offering exclusive use to GIMA members for an annual subsidised fee of just £195 per company for the year. Members will have access to the on-line trends content with full technical support and help to navigate the service at all times.
WGSN Insight
- In-depth insight into the consumer of today and tomorrow.
- Complete coverage of trends in retail, consumer markets and marketing.
- Global team of top industry experts and on-the-ground trend hunters.
- Original content with fresh perspectives to spark outside-the-box thinking.
WGSN Lifestyle & Interiors
- Plan ahead with colour and trend reports, with specific edits for interiors & exteriors
- Develop inspired design with in-depth content in 23 sections, from automotive to wellness.
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Pots and saucers increased sales by 14% last week, according to GTN Bestsellers, probably linked to a 37% increase in overall housplant sales.
Overall garden products sales reflected the drop in footfall caused by the weather.
Garden centres are reporting that customers are returning after Christmas to buy feed and drip feeders. They are being tempted to buy more housplants.
Is this the start of a housplant resurgence? Are you geared up to maximise sales of colour co-ordinated pots too?
The highest new entry was Elho Brussels Round Mini Pot 10.5cm Soap.
To subscribe to GTN Bestsellers email karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk
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The social media viral comments about ‘sell outs’ of lettuce and other seeds as a result of the current shortages in supermarkets appear to be limited to a few hotspots in the UK.
Epos data for GTN Bestsellers indicates nothing out of the ordinary for lettuce or other veg seeds last week.
The biggest mover of the week was Rhubarb. Perhaps that should have made viral gossip instead.
The main highlights this week were:
- Nursery Fresh Plants Rhubarb the highest new entry at No 6.
- Taylors Onion Sets Stuttgarter moved up to the top spot.
- Thompson & Morgan Tomato Gardeners Delight was the highest re-entry at No 18.
- Thompson & Morgan Beetroot Boltardy was the highest climber, jumping 20 places to No 20.
To subscribe to GTN Bestsellers email karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk
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John Innes based composts increased in sales volumes by 91% last week when the overall GTN Top 50 Growing Media lines volume grew by only 3%.
Early seed sowing will be driving these sales along with other specific seed and cuttings composts.
This week’s highlights were:
- Westland John Innes Seed Sowing Compost (Pouch) 10 litres was the highest climber, moving up 20 places to No 24.
- Westland Multipurpose + John Innes 40 litres was the highest re-entry at No 30.
- Another product returning to the Top 50 was Kelkay RHS Horticultural Potting Grit.
To subscribe to GTN Bestsellers email karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk
Snow slows plant sales in garden centres
The small amount of snow last weekend put paid to another week of plant sales growth with only Primula in the Top 5 of the GTN Bestsellers plant sales charts increasing sales.
The small amount of snow last weekend put paid to another week of plant sales growth with only Primula in the Top 5 of the GTN Bestsellers plant sales charts increasing sales.
Mind you Primula accounted for 57% of all plant sales.
- The biggest week on week percentage increase went to Erysmium – Wallflowers.
- Buxus move up from No 42 to No 13 as hedge planting gets into full swing.
- Bacopa do not feature in the chart this week. Close inspection of the Epos data discovered some “rolled up” barcodes being used for Kindergarten plug plants. Apologies for all our bigging up of Bacopa Snowflake – that was actually reporting the sales of all plug plants.
To subscribe to GTN Bestsellers email karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk
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In addition to a wide range of garden plants, GROEN-Direkt presented its new selection of houseplants for the first time at its Spring Fair.
On 7 and 8 February a large international public found its way to the biggest ‘green market’ in Europe.
Among the visitors were remarkably many trading companies with their customers. Together with the numerous buyers they once again accounted for a higher turnover than was realised at the previous Spring Fair. A promising start of the gardening season of 2017!
New: houseplants With the introduction of the houseplants, with a choice of more than 1,500 articles, the range on offer at this year’s Spring Fair was even greater than that of previous editions. From now onwards, GROEN-Direkt’s customers can streamline their purchases and transport flows even more efficiently: the houseplants can be purchased via the same channel as the garden plants and the two will be delivered as a single order. So GROEN-Direkt offers its customers flexibility in this respect, too. The houseplants can be ordered per tray, or individually in the case of large plants. There is a special app for placing orders at the fairs, and the entire range can be ordered 24/7 via the webshop, as was previously already the case for the garden plants. The new purchasing option was met with enthusiasm. Largest range of green products in Europe Besides at the standard fairs, twice a year, visitors can also benefit from the largest range of green products in Europe at GROEN-Direkt’s Spring and Autumn Fairs. There they will find garden and indoor plants, propagating material and a broad presentation of Mediterranean products all under the same roof. And they get to see, smell and feel all the plants ‘live’. They learn about the trends and novelties of the coming season, can benefit from 25 different sales concepts, and contact 150 suppliers directly at the Product Promotion Plaza. Responding to the need for flexibility “This way we create a unique formula,” explains GROEN-Direkt’s Gert Koert. “And we make things as easy as possible for our customers. Consumers’ purchasing behaviour is changing. Today’s consumers are more impulsive, more susceptible to trends, and more strongly focused on a product’s looks. So we offer our customers the possibility of buying what they want in a flexible manner, in the way that best suits their needs. Half layers or large batches, direct orders or forward orders – that’s all possible. On top of that there’s also our webshop, where our entire range can be viewed and ordered 24/7.” GROEN-Direkt’s fairs are ideal places for people active in the gardening sector all over the world to meet one another and exchange the latest news while enjoying snacks and refreshments. So it’s not surprising that the fairs attract more visitors every year. GROEN-Direkt: a unique formula The combination of a webshop and thirty sample fairs a year enables GROEN-Direkt to offer a wide, highly diverse range of garden and indoor plants under the same roof all the year round. Visitors can see, feel and smell the plants themselves at one of the fairs or opt for the convenience of purchasing via the webshop, where they can view a survey of the entire range and place their orders any time 24/7. All the batches are accompanied by clear photos that are updated every week. Customers benefit from the convenience of one order, one delivery and one invoice, and all that thirty times a year. A live catalogue efficiently combined with a digital ordering system.
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Bord na Móna UK expands sales and marketing team
Award-winning manufacturer and supplier of peat-based, peat- free growing media and specialist fertilisers, Bord na Móna UK has expanded its Sales & Marketing team, thanks to the continued success of its Growise branded products and own brand formulations...
Award-winning manufacturer and supplier of peat-based, peat- free growing media and specialist fertilisers, Bord na Móna UK has expanded its Sales & Marketing team, thanks to the continued success of its Bord na Móna Growise branded products and own brand formulations.
Reporting to Head of Business Gerry O’Hagan, the team now comprises Head of Marketing, June Dowling and Interim Head of Commercial, Steve Harper, along with National Sales Manager Jason Pike. The addition of two new members of the national accounts team – Jon Watson and Jerry Walker – completes the expansion.
Commenting on the present developments, Gerry said, “ Over the past year, Bord na Móna UK has invested heavily in its level of customer support and product development, with 2016 seeing the launch of a whopping 30 new products. This has resulted in a significant increase in interest for our Bord na Móna Growise brand of growing media and fertiliser products. By strengthening our sales and marketing department, we are now in a great position to drive the company forward as a leading name in the horticultural market.”
Committed to providing the very best performing product whatever the task in hand, Bord na Móna UK has recently received a host of accolades for its range of peat-reduced and peat-free compost, with a number of products receiving the prestigious Which? Best Buy status. With a comprehensive sales & marketing team now in place, the company is perfectly placed to continue its plans for development throughout 2017 and beyond.
As the largest own brand supplier of compost and bark in the UK, Bord na Móna UK trades peat–reduced, peat-free growing media, fertilisers and soil improvers through garden centres nationally. The company is part of Bord na Móna plc, which specialises in eco-fuels, growing media, recycling, resource recovery and renewable energy.
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Every week GTN receives and analyses epos data from a number of UK garden centres to produce the GTN Bestsellers charts and weekly bestsellers sales tips. The full charts which provide useful insight into product sales peaks, new trends and new link sales opportunities are published in the weekly GTN Xtra printed newsletter.
As the year goes on we give sales volume comparisons with 2014 as well as 2015 to allow your teams to see variations over a three year period. Access is by subscription only. For £195.00 per year you and your team can have access to the most up-to-date gardening sales analysis that has already helped many UK garden centres increase their sales. To subscribe call 01733 775700, e-mail karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk or buy on-line using this link.
Highlights of the GTN Garden Products Bestsellers chart for this week are here
Highlights of the GTN Garden Plants Bestsellers chart for this week are here
Highlights of the GTN Veg-2-Gro Bestsellers chart for this week are here
Highlights of the GTN Growing Media Bestsellers chart for this week are here WARNING the GTN Bestsellers Charts seriously improve the business of our subscribers. Invest 15 minutes each week in improving your sales using the GTN Bestsellers charts and your turnover and customer satisfaction will improve too.
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Get the GTN Bestsellers charts in full every week in the GTN Bestsellers newsletters delivered via the post for only £195.00.
GTN Bestsellers is the only industry source of weekly garden centre sales information, collating Epos data from centres with an aggregate turnover in excess of £120m.
Use the weekly Garden Products and Growing Media Top 50 sales volumes charts to plan your hotspot and other promotions and ensure you have the right products in stock to satisfy the needs of your customers.
For further information contact karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk or call 01733 775700.
Buy your subscription today and start receiveing the GTN Bestsellers charts this week.
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All the latest news from the world of garden centre catering
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Work on a new restaurant at Groves Nurseries & Garden Centre in Bridport, Dorset, is set to start on Monday.
Work starts on Monday on a new restaurant at Groves Nurseries & Garden Centre in Bridport, Dorset...
A spokesperson for Groves Nurseries said: "For years now we have been planning a brand new restaurant for our garden centre and we are very excited to announce that this initial phase of works will begin on Monday the 20th of February.
"Unfortunately, this is all of the boring stuff, the gas, electric sewerage and water. This is currently all located underground in our top car parks and our lovely new restaurant is going at the back of the garden centre next to our pond. This means this phase of the construction will be very disruptive to our parking, cutting off our two lower over flow car parks and digging up some of our top car parks.
"We are working extremely closely with very the reputable, local builders CG Fry who will be doing everything they can to minimise disruption however we will have very limited parking during these works which we are expecting to last 3 weeks.
"However fear not, we will stay open! We are stuffing ourselves full of stock to ensure we will still have what you want whilst deliveries in are limited."
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Casual Dining announces record Innovation Challenge entries
Casual Dining show, which returns to the Business Design Centre, in London, next week on 22-23 February, has announced a record 40 entries for its Innovation Challenge Awards, which recognises the best products and solutions launched in the casual dining sector over the last twelve months...
Casual Dining show, which returns to the Business Design Centre, in London, next week on 22-23 February, has announced a record 40 entries for its Innovation Challenge Awards, which recognises the best products and solutions launched in the casual dining sector over the last twelve months.
Reflecting the highly competitive nature of the casual dining sector, the number of new product entries – including food, drink, equipment and technology – has almost doubled for the 2017 awards.
Kraft Heinz Foodservice, McCain Foodservice, Rational UK, New York Bakery, Moy Park Foodservice, JDM Food Group, and Freedom Brewery are among the 37 exhibitors looking to win over the visiting buyers to secure their place in the Innovation Challenge final.
Voting opens at the Innovation Challenge Gallery (on the Upper Feature Level) from 10am on the show’s opening day and will run until 4pm. The 15 exhibitors to have secured the most votes will then be invited to ‘pitch’ their new innovations to a panel of industry judges (and an audience full of visiting buyers) the following day. Pitches start at 11am in the Executive Centre, with the results to be announced at 1.30pm, on Thursday 23 February.
The rise in entries for 2017 has also prompted the need for more judges. The new 10-strong panel (up from three judges last year) now includes big name buyers from Casual Dining Group, Jamie’s Italian, TGI Friday’s, Fuller’s, Gourmet Burger Kitchen, Young’s and Geronimo Pubs, The Restaurant Group, Nando’s, Côte Restaurants and Anglian Country Inns.
Companies hoping their products will come away with a coveted ‘Gold Award’ include:
· 3S POS – Hospitality EPOS: 3S POS Online Food Ordering System
· Adande Refrigeration: Adande A+ Fridge
· Advance Catering Equipment: Smart Kitchens
· Ascentia FSE: F1 High Speed Oven
· Bannisters' Farm: Baked Sweet Potato Skins
· Bar Foods: Moroccan Lamb One-Pot
· Beacon Foods: Juice-it
· Chef’s Pass: Chef’s Pass Bouillon Paste Range & Chef’s Pass Smokey Range
· Debic: Debic Culinaire Original
· Double Dutch Drinks: Double Dutch Pomegranate & Basil
· Europastry: Crystal Beer Sourdough Burger Bun
· Fire Grain: Fire Grain’s Freekeh
· Freedom Brewery: Freedom Organic Helles Lager
· Fresh Organic Products: AQUA Carpatica
· Island Oasis: Island Oasis Frozen Beverage Solution
· JDM Food Group: Just Add Condiments
· Joe Delucci's Gelato: Joe Delucci’s Blood Orange Gelato & Joe Delucci’s Mulberry Gelato
· Kafoodle: Kafoodle’s Labelling
· Karma Cola: Karma Cola Co
· Kerry Foods: Kerrymaid Ready-to-use Sauces
· Kraft Heinz Foodservice: Heinz No Added Sugar Beans
· L'Aquila: Sorriso Vegan Basil Pesto with Tofu
· Lutosa: Mini Pom’ Churros
· McCain Foodservice: McCain Signatures Staycrisp Fries
· Memberoo: Memberoo
· Morgenrot: Ceriux Rubia
· Moy Park Foodservice: Moy Park Foodservice Smoky BBQ Chicken Shanks
· New York Bakery: Croll
· Pizza Equipment: Next Phase Delivery Bags
· Rational UK: RATIONAL SelfCookingCenter XS
· Roberts Bakery: Bakery Thins
· Robot-Coupe UK: Robot Cook
· Speciality Breads: Scioche (Original)
· Surgital: Amichetti Laboratorio Kids
· Whitby Seafoods: Whitby Seafoods Ancient Grains Scampi
· Wing Yip: Evaporated Coconut Milk & Sweetened Condensed Coconut Milk
· Yumpingo: Yumpingo – Food intelligence
For further information on the entries, the 2017 online Show Guide is now available to view at www.casualdiningshow.co.uk/show-guide
“Casual dining is a fantastic exhibition and an incredible opportunity to meet new suppliers and experience innovative products and ingredients. It is also a great way to connect with other business leaders and share ideas and challenges within the hospitality industry. I am very much looking forward to this year’s show!” says Sam Elliott, chef director at Jamie's Italian.
Casual Dining – the multi-award winning event for the UK’s casual dining operators, including restaurants, pubs and bars, will take place at the Business Design Centre, in Islington, London, on 22-23 February 2017.
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