Solus Garden and Leisure have today issued the following statement in response to the rumours that have been circulating in the market over the last few days. Solus would like to reiterate that the company is very much focused on building for the future under the leadership of Nick Davies, Ross Yealland and the senior executive team.
“There are a number of positive changes underway at Solus Garden & Leisure, and I would like to reassure staff, customers, suppliers and business
partners that I am very much at the helm as managing director of the company.
“I’m delighted that Ross Yealland has joined us as Commercial Director. Along with the senior executive team, we are both greatly looking forward to guiding and growing Solus Garden & Leisure in the future. The business is in great shape and we are actively investing in new talent to take Solus forward into the future. We have a number of exciting developments in the pipeline which we will be announcing shortly, including some superb new products from our different brands.
“Solus is one of the most important players in the garden products industry and we are determined to build on this and raise the company to even greater heights. We have a magnificent and dedicated team of staff, all of whom are committed to making Solus the best in the business. I would like to thank them for their support and know that Solus can rely on all our people for their enthusiasm and professionalism, now and in the future.”
In an interview with GTN Xtra this afternoon, Nick Davies confirmed the rumours about several senior team members leaving. Andy Roe (Garden Centre Independents) and Andy Abraham (National Accounts) have resigned, but are still working their notice within the business. As reported yesterday, Colin Smart has already left the business. "We've sadly lost three very good guys, but we're already in the process of recruiting new talent to replace them."
Ross Yealland's role as Commercial Director will focus on the development of the brand side of the business and it's marketing. "It's good to have a progression from with in the Yealland family. Solus is after all a successful family business," added Nick.
Solus claim to be the largest distribution company for garden products in the UK, supplying to 95% of garden centres alongside large multiples including B&Q, Tesco, Homebase, Wilkinson and Amazon. Based in Worcestershire, Solus has many own brands including Yeoman Tools, Joseph Bentley Heritage Tools, Botanico and ChapelWood.
The company distributes a wide variety of third party brands, including Scotts Miracle-Gro, Cuprinol, Fiskars and Bayer and its water gardening brand, Bermuda.
Solus has won many 'Best in Category GIMA awards', including the prestigious GIMA 'Sword of Excellence' in 2008, and GIMA 'Supplier of the Year' 2010-2012.
If you have a comment about the changes at Solus, please use the comments link below or e-mail trevor.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk
