The magic of Christmas sprinkled over the garden centre industry this week as The Greatest Christmas Awards for 2014 were presented on Sunday evening at the Majestic Hotel, Harrogate.

From conversations the GTN Bestsellers team had during the evening and at the Harrogate Christmas and Gift Fair, it’s clear that where garden centre owners invested in creating a better Christmas experience, not only did they increase footfall, they also saw big increases in festive product sales and restaurant turnover.

GTN Bestsellers analyst Trevor Pfeiffer hosted The Greatest Christmas Awards with HTA chief executive Carol Paris, and he said: “It is at Christmas when teamwork comes through in even more abundance with staff working across departments to deliver magical experiences for young and old and results in trading peaks for garden centre businesses.”

One garden centre that showed teamwork in abundance was Brookside in Kent, who won two awards on the night. Their amazing Santa’s grotto was rewarded with gold alongside Chessington Garden Centre, and they also clinched the Greatest Christmas Garden Centre team. Alison Shead, pictured below with husband Simon, said: “Christmas is special to us at Brookside. We try to get all the staff involved and it pays off because everyone wants to provide our customers with the best Christmas experience. We’re all just big kids really.”

Next week in GTN Xtra: Start of our judges' review of the award-winning garden centres.

The Stewart Group of companies is in good shape and progressing well with all of its plans for 2015, says former sales director Nigel Thompson, who now works for the company on a freelance consultancy basis.

GTN Xtra met up with Nigel at Harrogate this week during the Christmas and Gift Fair, and he was eager to point out that he was still heavily involved in Stewart, working on a three-day-a-week consultancy basis.

"I approached the company over the year ago to see if there was any chance I could change my working arrangements because I wanted to become more involved in my church leadership," said Nigel.

"I'm delighted with the way the company has handled my situation, and although it has been a year in the making, I now have the opportunity to carry out my church work as well as help Stewart to execute their plans."

Nigel left his role as sales director at the end of 2014 and has now set up his own consultancy business Nigel Thompson Associates Ltd.

"I'm dividing my working week up into three days in the garden industry and two days on church leadership. Most of my time in gardening is still taken up by work with Stewart but I am also engaging with other potential clients.

"Stewart has an envious position with its distribution channels to garden centres and it plans to grow its position in 2015. Gavin Wray has been given the new role of garden centre channel manager, and this shows the commitment of the company towards building on its current strengths."

For anyone interested in talking to Nigel about his consultancy business he can be contacted on 07771 976125.

After visiting 130 garden centres this Christmas season for The Greatest Christmas Awards, the judges decided to do something different to help raise money for Make-A-Wish. Each of them offered a day’s consultancy to a garden centre or supplier in return for a sizeable donation to Make-A-Wish.

A total of nearly £4,000 has already been donated. The consultancy days were offered in a Silent Auction at The Greatest Christmas Awards party at the Majestic Hotel, Harrogate, on Sunday evening. More money was raised for Make-A-Wish in a raffle on the night to bring the total to over £6,200.

The winners were the highest bids for each consultancy day.

Extra consultancy days available for anyone interested in donating £500 or more, Contact Trevor Pfeiffer by email trevor.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk

The consultancy days:

Justin Avery: The Art of Christmas Marketing for Garden Centres. Having been Marketing Manager of The Greatest Awards multiple winning Endsleigh Garden Centre, Justin offers advice, ideas and action plans to make sure your Christmas marketing plans have the right objectives and maximise returns.

Ken Crafer: Magic Makers – Taking Christmas to the next level. This unique course from the Garden Centre Academy has been carefully designed to enable you and your Christmas Team to review your offer in 2014 and to consider practical and achievable ways to make 2015 more magical and profitable.

Roger Crookes: Roger now helps garden centre teams raise their retail standards as one of the GCA inspectors, and works with teams across all departments – he is particularly keen to help centres develop inspiring plant and bulb departments, Christmas departments, and Santa’s Grottos.

Steve Myatt: Business Development Mentor and Growth Coach. Steve covers analysis of the business, thoughts for further development and market opportunities, be it retail or supplier. 

Trevor Pfeiffer:  Publisher and GTN Bestsellers Analyst. Trevor offers teams an insight into the ideas that drive volume sales and ways to make the most of the Christmas peak.

Doug Stewart: Magic Makers – Taking Christmas to the next level. This unique course from the Garden Centre Academy has been carefully designed to enable you and your Christmas Team to review your offer in 2014 and to consider practical and achievable ways to make 2015 more magical and profitable.

Pictured: The Greatest Christmas Awards judges (from left to right): Neil Pope, Steve Myatt, Justin Avery, Ken Crafer, Doug Stewart, Roger Crookes, Carol Paris and Trevor Pfeiffer.

Inspired by the story of a young boy fighting leukaemia in the US, Make-A-Wish UK was formed to grant magical wishes to seriously-ill children in the UK. Buying raffle tickets tonight and taking part in the Silent Auction will be a great way of contributing further to the amazing work of Make-A-Wish.   For more information visit www.make-a-wish.org.uk. 

There are signs in this week’s GTN Bestsellers Garden Products chart that gardeners are starting to plan for the months ahead.

• The Gardman 4 Tier Greenhouse Reinforced Cover & Fleece is the highest new entry at No 10.
• The Gardman Premium Seed Tray is also a newcomer.
• The highest re-entry is the Stewart Smithy Patio Tub, gun metal small.

Teams representing the Garden Centre Association and their supplier associate members will once again battle it out for charity on the eve of the GCA conference in Chester

They’ll be competing for the Greenfingers Challenge Cup on Sunday 25 January at Chester's Carden Park Hotel, where the conference opens the following morning. Theme for the day will be Roman Games…everything from chariot races to Roman road building. The games commence at 1.30pm and all are welcome. All money raised will go to Greenfingers charity

Sponsoring the various events so far are Sinclairs, Briers, Deco Pak, Globus, La Hacienda, Kärcher, Handy Distribution and Cadix. More sponsors are always welcome.

In the evening, Guy Topping of Barton Grange will host a Race Night, also in aid of Greenfingers.

To support the Greenfingers event, contact Danny Adamson on 07921 409014 or email him here 

A ‘Fairy Gardening’ competition at Brechin Castle Garden Centre attracted a spectacular array of entries...

Fairy Gardening is gardening in miniature, complete with tiny living plants and luxuries which attract passing fairies. They generally include houses, furniture, pets and even mood lighting. The design and components of each fairy garden are limited only by the imagination of the entrants in creating tiny spaces, tended with love, where fairy magic can occur. Could this be the start of the big new trend?

Centre MD Yvonne Ritchie is an enthusiastic follower. “It is fantastic to see such imaginative designs. Fairy gardening is perfect for all ages creating a pastime which generations of loved ones can share,” she said.  “This fun hobby nurtures artistic talents and develops knowledge of gardening while less able-bodied gardeners can enjoy tending a special place without such physically demanding work. Fairy gardening is hugely popular in the US and we are delighted to see that fairy magic spreading into Angus.”

Judges selected winning entries for the most creative designs in two categories – children’s and grandparents’- and awarded them £30 gift vouchers. Two runners up received £10 vouchers and all entrants were presented with certificates of merit.

Right: Lucy Johnstone’s winning garden 

Award-winning Supa Ltd, which has supplied the pet and aquatic industry for the past 65 years, is now looking to extend its retail base into garden centres.

The company's innovative range of products covers water gardening, fishkeeping, poultry, wild bird care and small animal, and Supa believes it would give garden centres a point of difference.

“The company ethos is summed up in our slogan, Traditional Values, New Horizons,” says Supa's managing director Chris Goodlad.

“This reflects our commitment to the tradition of good service, combined with value for money pricing, but also acknowledges that we must evolve to meet the changing needs of our customers.

“As even more garden centres become destination centres where customers buy a whole range of items, I think it's important that Supa has a bigger presence than it has at the moment. We can offer products that are different than the mainstream lines, and our range covers all price points.”

One Supa product that has been catching the eye in 2014 is the Gloucester range of bird feeders, voted Best New Product at the PATS Harrogate trade show in September. The panel of judges remarked: “This product stands out on the shelf and would make an ideal gift as it's very colourful, quirky and appealing. It is also very well priced.”

“The award has certainly focused attention on Supa and has led to some new listings with current customers and also the opening of some new accounts who have wanted to stock this new and dynamic range,” adds managing Chris.

Supa has an extensive manufacturing facility in Sheffield, a location that allows products to be easily and quickly distributed throughout the UK.

The company is also renowned for its ability, flair and innovation in developing new products.

The company, which was launched as Supa Aquatic Supplies in 1949 by founder Reg Hutchinson, also has a rich history.

Reg bred coldwater and tropical fish and went on to develop his own fish food. On his retirement, son Mike took over the business and soon started diversifying into other pet-related areas, like wild bird care, caged bird accessories, small animal toys and treats, and poultry products.

The move into other product areas led to a change of company name to the current Supa Ltd to reflect the diverse range of its current product portfolio. Mike is now chairman of the company.

For more information about the Supa range call 0114 251 0134, email sales@supa-aquatics.co.uk or visit www.supa-aquatics.co.uk

William Sinclair Horticulture has signed a national distribution agreement with the leading garden wholesaler, Decco, covering the company's full suite of brands: J. Arthur Bower's, Growing Success, New Horizon and Deadfast.

Retailers can now place direct delivery or warehouse orders with Decco.

Sinclair Commercial Director, Richard Carr said: "I am delighted to have appointed Decco as Sinclair's nominated national retail distributor. Having worked with Decco for many years, I know that they provide an exceptionally high level of service to retailers of all sizes across the full spectrum of distribution channels and they have served Sinclair and our customers well in the past.

"Retailers now have a choice of where they can purchase our products and our preferred route is that they place their direct delivery or warehouse orders with Decco."

Sinclair has recently announced a raft of new products including the unique GrowQube single tomato planter which will feature in a £1m TV advertising campaign this spring. It has also invested over £0.5m in a major brand transformation of its J. Arthur Bower's and Growing Success ranges which have also benefited from new multi-purpose compost and no-dig soil improver product launches.

In addition, the Lincoln-based company has just opened a new £25m supersite at Ellesmere Port where it produces the revolutionary new peat substitute, SuperFyba® which will gradually replace peat in all retail growing media by the Government's 2020 deadline.

"Sinclair is a key and increasingly important player in the growing media, fertilisers and chemicals categories and we are pleased that their new management team recognised the important role that a wholesale distributor can play in getting their products to market," said Decco COO, John Findlay.

He went on: "For the convenience of our customers, we will hold stocks of Sinclair products at our distribution warehouses throughout the UK and we will also handle invoicing on direct deliveries. Between us, I am confident we can help the Sinclair brands to grow in 2015 and beyond."

For trade enquiries, call Decco on 01635 556600 or visit www.decco.co.uk. Retailers dealing directly can call Sinclair on 01522 780300 or visit the Sinclair online trade area at www.william-sinclair.co.uk/gardening/trade. E-mail enquiries may be sent to info@william-sinclair.co.uk.

The HTA will be holding Cost Reduction Programme (CRoP) Clinics at the end of February, where HTA members can meet CRoP partners and learn how to reduce costs to their business.

Two free events will take place over two days providing the opportunity for members to network, meet their Regional Business Manager and find out about the savings available to them through their HTA membership.

CRoP partners including 2Circles, Alpha Packaging, B2B Links, Barclaycard, Citation, Ecovision, Garden Radio, HTA Utilities, Paskett PR, SWR and HTA Insurance will present their business offers and will also be available to chat one-to-one with members.

Members are advised to bring bills and statements in order to make the most of this opportunity to save money and reduce their business costs.

A free lunch will be provided by the venue for attendees at the events which take place on:

• Tuesday 24 February, Gardman Showroom, Peterborough
• Wednesday 25 February, William Sinclair, Ellesmere Port

To reserve places members are advised to contact their Regional Business Manager.

Gardman: Andrew Whelan Andrew.whelan@the-hta.org.uk  07850 721429

William Sinclair: Andrew Dunkley Andrew.dunkley@the-hta.org.uk 07540 126463

Stewart Garden is preparing to issue its gardening kits, following the launch of the Stewart Garden Schools campaign 2015.

Participating schools across the UK will receive the kits, which will equip them to start growing their own fruit and vegetables. Worth more than £400, the kits include:

• Premium seed tray
• Two 22cm Kitchen Garden Propagator sets
• Plastic plant pots
• 70cm Corinthian Trough
• 5 litre watering cans
• Three varieties of easy-grow vegetable seeds from Pippa Greenwood’s range
• Compost donated by participating garden centres and professional grower’s specialist, J Arthur Bowers
• Promotional materials and an informative booklet produced by Stewart Garden

Already confirmed for the Stewart Garden Schools campaign 2015 are Orchard Road Primary School in Kent, Lymm High School in Warrington and Holmes Chapel Primary School in Warwickshire.

The Stewart Garden Schools campaign 2015 is open to school pupils aged 6-11 years and challenges schools to be creative with Stewart Garden products. The winning school will receive £1,000 to spend at its local garden centre. Nine runners up will each receive £100.

J Arthur Bowers will donate £500 worth of vouchers to the winner and the prize money for the runners-up. The global electronics giant, Brother, is again supplying its sophisticated GL200 garden label printer.

Almost 200 schools across the UK, from the Isle of Wight to Stirling, have participated in the Stewart Garden Schools Campaign since 2013. In 2014, Bradley Barton Primary School took first prize with its Wizard of Oz inspired garden.

Looking forward to this year’s campaign, Gavin Wray, channel manager at Stewart Garden said: “The Stewart Garden Schools campaign brings out the creativity in school children. Their ideas and enthusiasm never fail to impress us.”

Stewart Garden engages with people and customers through its love of gardening, strong heritage and trust. A successful UK manufacturer for 70 years, the company operates from a new state of the art facility in Banbury, using the latest production techniques and quality systems.

For more information about Stewart Garden, visit www.stewart-garden.co.uk.

Pictured: The 2014 winning entry from Bradley Barton.

Following developments in the garden sector earlier in 2014, Stax Trade Centres who have over 30 years of experience and expertise selling garden products, look back on a year which saw them significantly scale up their garden operations culminating in them now carrying their largest ever range in their biggest ever catalogue. 

Stax have also committed to continue strengthening both their delivered and cash and carry service in 2015 and invest even further in their infrastructure, building on their team of 17 experienced garden sales representatives and further developing their online ordering systems. The wholesaler has recently added to their fleet of delivery vehicles, invested in the latest state of the art sales order processing technology and introduced a night picking service at their 6 delivery hubs to ensure that they can continue to meet demand. 

Stax Joint Managing Director, David Hibbert commented, “2014 has been an exceptionally busy year for Stax, as the garden sector has continued to grow whilst we have also seen one of the most established suppliers leave the market place. 

As a business we have placed a heavy focus on supporting independent retailers to ensure those that are joining us do so seamlessly whilst we continue to serve our existing customers with the same level of service and stock availability that they have come to expect from Stax.”

This point is illustrated further by Simon Wright who concludes, “We have a stock holding of in excess of £20 million at any one time and have worked closely with our suppliers to ensure that any disruption in service is minimal for those making the transition to us. Our long established relationships, highlighted by the fact that we are one of only two official distributors of Scotts Miracle-Gro and Bayer products, ensures that we are perfectly positioned to continue to support the distribution of garden products nationwide.”

Stax have also just launched their 2015 Gardening Catalogue, the biggest to date and 30% larger than the previous edition. 

Stax Purchasing Director, Simon Wright, commented, “With over 75 top branded ranges in the collection from over 60 suppliers, this is our largest ever Garden catalogue featuring over 2,500 products. The catalogue is accompanied by an electronic price list assisting retailers to order either online via the Stax website, via their dedicated rep or by fax.”

Garden Centres who are not currently registered with Stax or retailers looking to receive a copy of the 2015 Gardening Catalogue can contact their local branch or area representative via the Stax website. www.staxtradecentres.co.uk/sales-representatives 

Kelkay has its Twit Twoo range of indoor owl water fountains in stores ready for Mother’s Day on Sunday 15 March.

Kelkay’s indoor water fountain Twit Twoo consists of six bright and cheerful Owls that can be placed anywhere in the home, making it the ideal Mother’s Day gift. The Twit Twoo collection comes in six colours and two striking designs of the ever popular Owl making an unusual and unique gift for the home.

Kelkay has produced a striking packaging stocking each design on a colourful inviting stand, helping retailers fully maximise the sales opportunities of Twit Twoo, which has a recommended retail price of £29.99.

Discussing the range, Antony Harker, managing directorat Kelkay said: “An indoor water fountain is a perfect gift at this time of year. Available in a range of colours, Twit Twoo will be flying off the shelves in the weeks and days leading up to Mother’s Day.”

Keepsake garden gifts emerged as a top trend at the Spring Fair 2014.* Kelkay is well placed to build on this trend in 2015.

Kelkay’s brand portfolio also includes Borderstone, Build Mate, easyfountain and Henri, providing retailers with a single source of supply for a wide range of garden products. These include aggregates, stone, water and garden features, paving, edging and walling, building materials, horticulture and winter products.

By promoting aggregates, paving and fountains with eye-catching point of sale, merchandising units and display stands, garden retailers have seen sales grow in these categories.

For more information, visit www.kelkay.co.uk.

*http://giftsandgreetingsreview.com/2014/02/10/global-trends-aw-2014-2015-part-1-5/

Any of Britain's schools which would like the chance to win £250 by growing sweet peas this summer for Mr Fothergill's national competition are being given an added incentive by the Suffolk seedsman with the offer of free seed. 

The company has a packet of 20 seeds of its brand new and exclusive sweet pea Tiller Girls, each worth £2.09, to give to the first 100 schools which contact it expressing an interest. 

The judging will be held at Capel Manor College, north London, on Saturday 18 July 2015. 

Tiller Girls is a very sweetly scented, large flowered mixture of attractive 'flakes'.  

There are two categories for schools' entries - those staged on the day and those sent by post - each with a £250 first prize, £150 second prize and £100 third prize to be donated to the winning schools' funds. 

There are also two similar categories for individual youngsters, each with respective first, second and third prizes of £125, £75 and £50 in garden centre vouchers.  

The prizes will be awarded to those entrants whose displays have the greatest all-round appeal in the opinion of the judges, one of whom will be the company's John Fothergill. 

He says "We want to encourage as many schools and youngsters to enter as possible and for it all to be to be as much fun as possible.  Sweet peas are easy to grow and everyone loves their flower form and fragrance".  

Entrants may either post their blooms in a two-litre soft drinks bottle or turn up at the college on the day of the show to stage their flowers. 

Mr Fothergill's has devised a method of allowing postal entries to arrive in good condition and details are available at the company's website www.mr-fothergills.co.uk, where full details of the competition are also available.  

To request a free packet of sweet pea Tiller Girls for a school, write to Schools Sweet Pea Competition, Mr Fothergill’s Seeds, Gazeley Road, Kentford, Newmarket, Suffolk, CN8 7QB.  Remember to include the sender's address.

After eight months of hard graft, the five finalists in the Garden Centre Association’s Rising Stars programme, sponsored by Westland, are preparing to face their ultimate challenge.

They will take the stage at the GCA’s annual conference in Chester later this month, to face a discerning audience of garden industry delegates – who will then choose an overall winner.

The five finalists are: Hannah Mason (Chessington), Kirsty Clark (Perrywood GC), Matthew Fay (Stewarts Garden-Lands, Christchurch), Cerys Williams (Perrywood) and Lisa Waim (Haskins Snowhill) .

They will present at the GCA Conference in Chester on 26 January – the finale of an eight month programme in which 28 young candidates attended three merchandising Masterclasses run by IBBIS director and training facilitator Ian Boardman. Thanks to Ian’s efforts, many of the Rising Stars, even those who did not make the final cut, went on to increase sales in their departments by keeping hotspots fresh, creating clear signage and organising themed displays throughout the year.

Ian Boardman said: “All the Rising Stars who took part in the programme were top notch and I’d like to thank every single one of them for their efforts and praise them for the progress they have made. The results of their achievements in their workplace prove they are all stars in their own right!”

Keith Nicholson, Marketing Director for Westland Horticulture said: “On behalf of Westland I’d like to congratulate the Rising Stars finalists for getting this far. We now face a very exciting GCA conference final where delegates will get the chance to vote for the winner – Rising Star of the Year 2014.”

GCA chief executive Iain Wylie said: “The five finalists have some really exciting presentations prepared for delegates. It is always the highlight of the GCA conference and this year will definitely not disappoint.”

Read the stories of all five finalists by clicking on the ‘associated articles’ links below.



2014 joint winners George Bishop and Will Michieli presenting to last year's conference.

It was another year of momentous change for the garden centre industry - and, predictably, it was the troubles of the former Solus business and the latest re-shaping of the Wyevale Garden Centres group that topped the list of GTN Xtra's best-read stories.

Through the year, we posted more stories than ever before  – more than 3,000 – to keep readers informed, and on a number of occasions, we were first with the news.

We're pleased to say that GTN Xtra continues to grow in popularity, with around 80% of the email database now opening stories published in the weekly e-newsletter. Many of you tell us you now rely on GTN Xtra as your main source of up-to-the-miniute industry information and especially appreciate our 'breaking news' mailings.

Using the data we collect weekly, we can once again publish the Top 100 Most-Read Stories of 2014 (see below). If you've missed any of these stories just click on those of interest (one at a time) to see them in full or search the GTN Xtra Archive using the link at the top of the page.

1          Solus Garden & Leisure goes into administration

2          Scotts Miracle-Gro purchase Solus brands

3          Solus 'close to a deal' with new investors - updated

4          Redundancies, resignations and new appointments...it has been a dramatic week at Wyevale

5          Comment on the Solus-Scotts situation from leading garden centre owners and buying groups

6          Dismay as The Garden Centre Group stores shut at 5pm

7          Scotts & Solus partnership off

8          Scotts and Solus in negotiations to join forces

9          Solus reviews options following Scotts deal breakdown

10        Administrators make 91 redundant at Solus to stem losses

11        “Thursday was very painful for the family and the staff." Ross Yealland

12        Solus answers key questions

13        New centralised retail operations structure for The Garden Centre Group

14        Solus 'regret' that negotiations break down

15        CEO and sales director set to leave Scotts Solus Brands

16        Crest Garden reveal sales team of '12 knowledgeable, well known and respected agents'

17        Tim Clapp is leaving Wyevale

18        Senior buyers and garden centre staff 'set to leave The Garden Centre Group'

19        Wyevale's expansion could result in a stronger independent trade, says leading garden centre boss

20        The Garden Centre Group adds more High Street talent

21        Wyevale Garden Centres acquires four Golden Acres Group stores to take its number to 148

22        What next for Wyevale Garden Centres?

23        Solus: too much change, too soon?

24        Blue Diamond set to buy 16th centre

25        Westland Rising Stars shine during final masterclass

26        We'll speak to key suppliers next week say Solus administrators

27        Garden centres concerned over supplies after Scotts-Solus split

28        Anxious times for suppliers and retailers waiting for more news of Scotts-Solus deal

29        Scotts-Solus brands aim to restore confidence in service levels

30        The Garden Centre Group to rebrand as Wyevale Garden Centres

31        Boyd adds 6 centres to Hillview

32        More Solus jobs to go as Edinburgh depot closure is announced

33        Redundancy fears as TGCG undertake staffing review at Garden & Leisure centres

34        Are The Garden Centre Group about to change their name?

35        Wyevale's Christmas displays unveiled – first pictures!

36        Dobbies U-turn over bid to charge charities £400

37        Solus administrators admit to being "hopeful of completing a sale"

38        Wyevale Garden Centres acquires Raglan Garden Centre

39        Nick Davies unveils his new business...Crest Garden Ltd 

40        Solus would be sorely missed, says Westland boss

41        Big changes imminent at Garden & Leisure as TGCG carries out major restructure of the business

42        "We’ll be at £200 million in 10 years" - Alan Roper, Blue Diamond

43        Sale of Solus Garden & Leisure edges closer

44        Jury dramatically discharged in Thomas Hayes trial for a second time

45        Trelawney makes it sweet 16 for Blue Diamond…and 17th is on the way

46        Solus merger talks 'making good progress'

47        Wyevale Garden Centres acquires Moreton Park Garden Centre

48        Choice group drops Chapelwood birdcare brand 

49        Gardman save the day as garden centre is let down on Chapelwood delivery

50        Timing wrong for merger with Solus implies Gardman CEO

51        Terra Firma to stay as owners of Wyevale Garden Centres...for the time being

52        Bayer Garden ensures security of supply

53        Stagecraft founder Tom Davis dies aged 66 

54        Gardman exploring sale options

55        Wyevale Garden Centres appoint new Head of Garden 

56        David's is No.5 for Home & Garden group 

57        Van Hage Peterborough soon to have supermarket neighbour

58        Wyevale Garden Centres acquires Podington Garden Centre

59        Scotts Solus Brands shows off linked sales opportunities

60        Garden centre boss resigns after being jailed for 18 months

61        Announcement on sale of Solus due next week

62        Tesco trial Dobbies offering at 10 stores

63        Growing trend for centres to de-stock outdoor plants in winter 

64        Choice stick with Solus but plan a back-up

65        Smart Solar reorganises sales team to manage sharp increase in sales

66        Chessington's Rising Star is full of confidence

67        Scotts head off fears over Solus deliveries

68        Blue Diamond offer 'confidential talks' in quest for growth

69        Scotts create "the biggest sales force in UK gardening" 

70        Gateacre Garden Centre in Liverpool closing down as owners concentrate on award-winning Burleydam

71        Terra Firma intends to add to TGCG's growing number of garden centres, reveals chairman

72        Solus brands: give us time, urges Scotts MD

73        Undercover intern shakes up garden centre for TV show

74        Littleheath makes it 9 for Hillview

75        Decco and Glee look to be the initial winners following the Solus Scotts breakup

76        Van Hage work with Waitrose on re-development plan for Great Amwell

77        Suppliers taking the strain

78        Autumn promo gets Crest Garden off to flying start

79        “Focussed, adrenalin pumping,” that’s Stewarts Rising Star

80        Carol Paris enters into the festive spirit dressed as Santa

81        TGCG announces new Non-Executive Board Director

82        Haskins Garden Centre chain eyes national expansion

83        More reaction to the destocking-in-winter debate

84        The Garden Centre Group acquires Brooks in Bude to bring its number of stores to 140

85        Trial of Thomas Hayes to resume with new jury

86        William Sinclair issue trading statement announcing disappointing sales

87        Revenues at The Garden Centre Group increase by £17m

88        Bradley Garden Centre to close with loss of 18 jobs 

89        Trelawney deals make it sweet 16 for Blue Diamond…and 142 for Wyevale?

90        Kaemingk win The Greatest Christmas Supplier Award

91        QD group buy 10th garden centre

92        Oakham is new group's fourth site - and target is 10

93        Wyevale Garden Centres acquires Trelawney Ashford Garden Centre

94        Choice switches to Gardman for core gardening products as well as wild bird care

95        The Garden Centre Group poaches director from Gap Inc

96        Rebranding is a possibility for The Garden Centre Group, admits marketing director

97        Proposed new garden centre would create 300 jobs

98        Will the supply chain pull through? We speak to leading distributors

99        Statement on supply issues likely from Solus on Monday

100      Scotts Miracle-Gro purchase Solus brands

Analysis from Newsweaver compiled by Trevor Pfeiffer, managing director, The Garden Communication & Media Company Ltd

Horticultural celebrities from TV and radio are busy recording questions for the 2015 Greenfingers Garden Re-Leaf Day Quiz at the moment, and garden centres who sign up to take part in what is set to be the biggest and best quiz yet can take advantage of the ‘early bird’ entry fee of just £50 - if they sign up before 1st January 2015.

Popular stars of TV and radio Christine Walkden and Chris Beardshaw are currently recording questions for the quiz, along with their BBC Radio 4’s Gardener’s Question Time colleague Eric Robson and BBC weatherman Peter Gibbs. Other well-known gardening experts such as Anne Swithinbank, Bob Flowerdew, Pippa Greenwood, Bunny Guinness, Matthew Biggs and Matthew Wilson (Greenfingers Chairman) are also contributing to the esteemed quiz.

All monies raised from the quiz, with questions this year written by Andy Bunker of Altons Garden Centre and produced in the studios of Garden Radio, will once again go to the Greenfingers ‘Rosy Cheeks’ campaign. The campaign aims to provide much needed gardens for children who spend time in hospices around the UK, along with their families, by creating inspiring gardens and outdoor spaces for them to relax in and enjoy.

The 2015 Greenfingers Garden Re-Leaf Day Quiz is available to all garden centres, gardening societies and other organisations and is the perfect way to participate in the fourth, annual Greenfingers Garden Re-Leaf Day, which takes place on 27th March 2015.

For the £50 early bird rate (£100 after 1st January 2015) participants will receive a pack containing all they need to host the quiz – it includes a special CD or Mp3 download of pre-recorded questions (and answers) to play to the audience, everything needed for the picture round, and a bonus pack of fundraising ideas, hints and tips.

Bosworth’s Garden Centre in Burton Latimer were one of the many garden centres that received great interest in last year’s Garden Re-Leaf Day Quiz. Marketing Co-ordinator, Jonathan Biggs, said: “The quiz was so easy to run, our teams were delighted to hear celebrities’ voices asking the questions, and the ‘heads and tails’ game was great fun.”

Garden centres wanting to take part should register on the Greenfingers Garden Re-Leaf Day website, and can also take advantage of free publicity for their events, by filling in the simple form online at www.gardenreleaf.co.uk/register-an-event. Once registered, each individual event appears on the site’s ‘events’ section, and is searchable by area to help the public find their local participating garden centre.

The quiz is just one of many ways to raise funds for Greenfingers Garden Re-Leaf Day. Other retailer participation ideas include in-store sponsored cycle rides, as well as fun family day activities such as making cress heads and sowing Sunflowers – the Home Garden Association’s plant of the year for 2015. Suppliers can also get involved with the Loose Change promotion.

To ensure maximum exposure for your event, make sure to register soon via www.gardenreleaf.co.uk/register-an-event. To order your 2015 Greenfingers Garden Re-Leaf Day quiz pack, explore other opportunities for supporting the 2015 event as a supplier, or participate as a retailer, email info@gardenreleaf.co.uk.

• Are you a talented, experienced, business-focused account manager?
• Do you have a proven track record in developing long-term, profitable relationships with customers?
• Are you a strong team player - someone who can bring fresh ideas, excellent communication skills and plenty of energy to an already dynamic sales team?
• Are you hungry to take your career to the next level within a fast-growing family-owned business?

STV, the UK's leading supplier of pest control products to garden and hardware stores, is looking to recruit an experienced Key Accounts Manager with an impressive contacts book and extensive knowledge of the UK homes and gardens sector.

This office based role is exciting and varied. You will be expected to:

• manage and develop selected national accounts in line with STV’s overall business plan
• build on STV's existing category-leading position
• work with senior managers and STV's commercial team to contribute to the overall sales, marketing and NPD strategies
• provide accurate but challenging revenue, volume and profit forecasts – and achieve them

Think you can do that? Then we’d love to hear from you. Send your CV and covering letter to marketing@stvpestcontrol.com. A full job description is available on request.

         

www.stvpestcontrol.com 

I am currently looking for a talented site manager who is looking for a challenge. 

The role will be managing a large site in the midlands. 

This role is highly confidential at the moment and more details will be provided upon receipt of application.

For a confidential discussion, please call Brad Peck at MorePeople on 01780 480530 quoting reference #7000

Assistant Garden Centre Manager - full time, including alternate weekends.

Squire’s is a family owned group of 15 garden centres based in Surrey, Sussex, Middlesex and Berkshire. We are committed growing our business and to promoting the highest standards in horticultural retailing. We want our staff to enjoy working with us in a friendly, energetic customer focused environment.

Washington, West Sussex is situated within the Sussex Downs surrounded by small local villages attracting a wide variety of customers. We have a strong team of staff that all have a level of interest in gardening. This GCA garden centre was refurbished in 2011 and features a large Pets & Aquatics section and a Pottery department.

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join our dynamic family-owned company, which has seen significant growth in recent years.

We are looking for an experienced Assistant Manager to support and deputise for the Garden Centre Manager at our Washington Garden Centre.

Previous managerial experience of working in a Garden Centre retail environment is essential, along with horticultural experience/knowledge. The ideal candidate will have a passion for retail and thrive in a fast paced environment.

You will have the ability to lead and inspire your team to deliver the best possible shopping experience for your customers. You will have a ‘can do’ attitude and will be able to make things happen.

Free Parking on Site

To apply, please visit our website www.squiresgardencentres.co.uk  

I am currently looking for an experienced garden retail management candidate to join the senior leadership team of a large garden centre. 
  
You will be required to lead a team of section managers ensuring excellent customer service and standards at all times enabling the business to grow and meet objectives.

Garden retail experience is preferred but general retail experience may suffice if at a high level.
  
A working knowledge of health & safety legislation is also required.

To discuss further, please call Brad Peck at MorePeople on 01780 480530 quoting reference #7012

Woking Plant Area Department Head - full time, including alternate weekends.

Squire’s is a family owned group of 15 garden centres based in Surrey, Sussex, Middlesex and Berkshire, with GCA award winning plant areas.  We are committed to growing our business and to promoting the highest standards in plant and horticultural retailing.  We want our employees to enjoy working with us in a friendly, energetic, customer focused environment. 

Situated near Horsell Common, on the outskirts of Woking, this currently smaller centre, rebuilt in 1995, has high standards and a friendly atmosphere.  Planning permission was recently granted for a significant extension.

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join our garden centre at Woking.  You will be responsible for managing the outdoor plant department which has an extensive and well stocked plant area.

You must have experience and/or horticultural qualifications and garden centre/retail experience.  You will be able to manage your department to achieve sales and profit targets whilst motivating your team to maximise all sales opportunities and inspiring them to offer the highest standards of customer service.

You must have the ability to thrive in a fast paced environment, have a passion for plants, be highly motivated, commercially aware and able to create dynamic, inspirational displays.

Free Parking on Site

To apply, please visit our website www.squiresgardencentres.co.uk  

I am currently seeking a bright plant area retailer to join the team at a large award winning independent. 

I am seeking candidates with previous plant retail experience who can join a challenging environment. 

Horticultural qualifications are preferred but experience in a garden centre will also be of interest. 

Candidates must be excellent at customer service and will be keen to take on a role where excellence is expected.

To discuss further, please call Brad Peck at MorePeople on 01780 480530 quoting reference #6881

Stanmore Plant Area Department Head - full time, including alternate weekends.

Squire’s is a family owned group of 15 garden centres based in Surrey, Sussex, Middlesex and Berkshire, with GCA award winning plant areas.  We are committed to growing our business and to promoting the highest standards in plant and horticultural retailing.  We want our employees to enjoy working with us in a friendly, energetic, customer focused environment. 

Stanmore is a thriving site in a busy suburb of North London, winner of GCA category awards, also featuring a large Pets & Aquatics department and cafe.

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join our garden centre at Stanmore.  You will be responsible for managing the outdoor plant department which has an extensive and well stocked plant area.

You must have experience and/or horticultural qualifications and garden centre/retail experience.  You will be able to manage your department to achieve sales and profit targets whilst motivating your team to maximise all sales opportunities and inspiring them to offer the highest standards of customer service.

You must have the ability to thrive in a fast paced environment, have a passion for plants, be highly motivated, commercially aware and able to create dynamic, inspirational displays.

Free Parking on Site

To apply, please visit our website www.squiresgardencentres.co.uk  

West Horsley Bedding Supervisor - full time, including alternate weekends.

Squire’s is a family owned group of 15 garden centres based in Surrey, Sussex, Middlesex and Berkshire, with GCA award winning plant areas.  We are committed to growing our business and to promoting the highest standards in plant and horticultural retailing.  We want our employees to enjoy working with us in a friendly, energetic, customer focused environment. 

West Horsley, a traditional GCA garden centre and nursery with a strong horticultural background set deep in the beautiful Surrey countryside between Guildford and Leatherhead.  An enthusiastic team who know their customers as well as their subject and who strive to make the centre a hub of the local community.  

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join our forward-thinking family-owned company, which is committed to our staff, growing our business and setting high standards.

You will be responsible for the bedding plant department at our West Horsley Garden Centre which has an extensive and well stocked plant area.  

You will have extensive knowledge and experience of working in a retail bedding department and a horticultural qualification.  A passion for customer service and the ability to thrive in a fast paced environment are essential.  You will be flexible, enthusiastic and highly motivated, commercially aware and have the ability to create dynamic displays.

Free Parking on Site

To apply, please visit our website www.squiresgardencentres.co.uk  

My client is a large independent garden centre with an excellent reputation in the industry.

They are currently looking for a talented horticulturist with good retail experience to join their team.

You will be responsible for leading a team in the shrub area of the plantarea, and will be responsible for maintaining quality of both the customer service and the plants.

The planteria team must have excellent plant knowledge and would be able to potentially cover other areas outside of shrubs.

For a confidential discussion, please call Brad Peck at MorePeople on 01780 480530 quoting reference #6291

Plant Area Assistant (full time, incl alternate weekends) – Hersham

Squire’s is a family owned group of 15 garden centres based in Surrey, Sussex, Middlesex and Berkshire, with GCA award winning plant areas.  We are committed to growing our business and to promoting the highest standards in plant and horticultural retailing.  We want our employees to enjoy working with us in a friendly, energetic, customer focused environment.  

Hersham won GCA’s ‘Best Garden Centre’ in the South Thames Area 2013 has a fully opening plant canopy. The modern technology keeps the plants, trees and shrubs in excellent condition and protects customers from the weather.

We are looking for an enthusiastic, motivated individual who is quick and willing to learn and who sees customer service as their main priority.  Candidates must have relevant experience and/or a horticultural qualification.

The role will involve bending and lifting some heavy items therefore applicants must be physically fit.

Free Parking on Site

To apply, please visit our website www.squiresgardencentres.co.uk  

If Nick Clegg gets his way, grannies who use garden centre websites will escape the attention of internet security checks.

A reference to garden centres crept in during Clegg’s clash with the Prime Minister over the so-called ‘Snoopers’ Charter’ – revisions to  Britain’s privacy laws – following last week’s terrorist attacks in Paris.

David Cameron and the head of M15, Andrew Parker, believe the intelligence services need new powers to read our communications if “mass casualty attacks” like those on Charlie Hebdo’s offices are to be avoided in this country.

The Communications Data Bill, which would allow the contents of any of our messages, phonecalls and other communications to be read without a warrant, will go in the Conservative manifesto for May’s general election.

The Lib Dems' are opposed to the Bill, which they see as a threat to our civil liberties.

Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s ‘Today’ programme this week, Clegg said that he supported plans to “strengthen our defences to make ourselves physically safe” but a law closing in on our privacy was a “slippery slope . . . if we start to censor or self-censor ourselves as a society.”

The Garden Centre Association’s (GCA) Barometer of Trade (BoT) results for December reveal that sales of clothing were up 13.99% during the month compared with 2013 with a year to date change of 8.01%.

Will Armitage, Chairman of the GCA, explained: “As the weather becomes colder it’s no surprise to see people buying more clothing during their garden centre visits.

“The choice available to shoppers at our centres is becoming broader so they are able to pick up things such as clothing alongside their plants.

“Pets & Aquatics also did well at 7.94% up and catering up 4.95% with a year to date change of 8.70%. Another good performer during the month included Food Hall/Farm Shop at 4.11% up and a year to date change of 6.80%.

“Despite momentum of Christmas sales slowing during December, it was still up 1.83% with a year to date change of 10.55%. Overall sales figures for member garden centres were 2.82% up with a year to date change of 8.87%”

The GCA BoT reports are compiled using actual sales figures and provide an up-to-date trading position statement. They are made available mid-month following the end of the prior month after all member garden centres have submitted their results.

The reports allow members to compare their trading positions with other centres.

Pictured: The team at The Old Railway Line Garden Centre in their restaurant, which saw sales increase by 16%.

Katie Eckley, Shop Manager at The Old Railway Line Garden Centre in Powys, said: “We relocated and expanded our clothing department in the autumn and it really paid off for Christmas sales. It is now outside our restaurant, which provides a great browsing area and sales have increased by over 150% compared to last December as a result of this and our expansion in the range.

“Catering is getting stronger and stronger and the restaurant team were busy every day of the week during December, not just weekends. Sales were up by more than 16% compared to last year and our breakfast and tea’s with Santa completely sold out.

“Our other strong departments during December included food, which was 14% up and gift and homeware were both 17% up.”

Millbrook Garden Centre, which has two centres in Kent and one in East Sussex had a positive December.

Tammy Woodhouse, Managing Director, said: “We had a positive December, our Gravesend centre was 8% up on last year. We found good growth in clothing sales and we plan to expand this department in 2015, adding new ranges and styles to suit all ages.

“Another strong performer was our pet department, especially on gift and Christmas pet accessories from Pet Face.

“Our cafés had their best ever Christmas with more customers than ever before. Partly fuelled by Christmas events like breakfast and supper with Santa but also lots of coffee and cake.”

Haskins Garden Centres also saw strong sales throughout December.

Chief Executive, Julian Winfield, said: “Haskins has had very strong sales in December, up 10%, which follows 12% in November at our garden centres located at Ferndown, Southampton, Angmering and Copthorne. Gifts have also done very well at 16% up. Clothing, 34% up and restaurant, 7 up%, have been the best performing departments. 

“Our Christmas and gift business has been growing since 2006 and we have been able to benefit from the problems in the high street and competition from the internet, by having a good impulse retail offer in our well-presented garden centres.”

Another garden centre who saw positive sales in December was Garsons Garden Centres, Esher and Titchfield.

Ben Thompson, Director, said: “Catering performed very well in quarter three and specifically December. Our Titchfield restaurant closed the quarter at 17% up, which we mostly attribute to a higher quality offering as cover numbers have not increased. Coffee is of a higher more consistent quality and this has brought in greater customer numbers.

“Our Esher restaurant closed the quarter at 2% up, a slight increase, but is at capacity until our exciting new restaurant opens this September.

“Sales in our Titchfield store’s pet department were extremely strong for the third quarter, with a major increase in dog and cat products. Main increases were seen in dog toys, treats and beds. We have also had a number of good sales on tortoises, with add on sales of starter kits and tortoise tables. A revamp of our fish room, including new LED lights, a new floor and better displays has seen a rise in sales of fish, aquatic plants and tank ornaments.

“Clothing accessory sales were particularly strong with promotions on decorative scarves and a new range of costume jewellery and handbags performing particularly well. Our customers have also been buying wraps and ponchos as an alternative to jumpers and cardigans. Outdoor wear sales, from suppliers such as Regatta and Jack Murphy, have also been strong in both ladies and menswear categories.”

Elho are promoting the fun element of their of their b.for diamond trio pots which they suggest are a great way to display cacti and succulents.

Three spaces in one container (small enough for a windowsill or tabletop, and with a choice of glossy colours) allow you to mix and match.

Elho claims to have the world's largest collection of synthetic indoor pottery.

Scotts have announced National Nest Box Week special offers on the ChapelWood range.

The deals will help retailers make the most of the national activities and NNBW publicity next month and allow them to set up their own offers and promotions at a traditionally quiet time of year.

Among the Included products are: Classic Robin Nest Box, SRP £4.99, reduced from £5.99; Silver Birch Nest Box, SRP £7.99, reduced from £9.99; and Woodpecker Nest Box, SRP £19.99, reduced from £22.99. 

The Silver Birch Nest Box is ideal for most garden birds, has been carved from a silver birch tree, with thick walls for insulation. The Classic Robin Nest Box is open fronted for robins and made from thick-cut FSC pine. The Woodpecker Nest Box is made from the same pine but has a part-excavated frontage, which is particularly enticing to woodpeckers.

Colourful POS is available to participating stockists.

The full list, including their contact details, can be found in the trade area of LoveTheGarden.com – http://www.lovethegarden.com/trade-contact-us/garden-centre-sales-representatives

National Nest Box Week starts on Valentine’s Day, February 14, and runs until February 21.

Onion sets and seed potatoes from Taylor’s Bulbs dominate the Veg-2-Gro chart this week.

• Stuttgarter Giant (pictured above) and Red Barron take up the top two spots.
• Seed Potatoes Taster Pack Charlotte is the highest placed at No 3, jumping 47 places, while Seed Potatoes Rocket is the highest re-entry.
• Thompson & Morgan Carrot Kelly (below) is the highest new entry at No 14.

Town & Country has received a Which? Gardening expert recommendation for its Master Gardener bypass secateurs.

Twelve products were tested for the December issue of Which? Gardening magazine, with each pair subjected to laboratory and garden testing by experts and an ergonomist.

Town & Country’s multi-purpose bypass secateurs were recommended by the ergonomist for people with weak grips.

“This unusual pair has rounded handles that are long enough for most hands, with comfortable, easy-grip rubber sleeves, “ she said “A hook on the lower handle makes them secure to hold. You don’t need too much pressure on the handles to make a cut, even on dead wood.  The safety catch is large and simple to operate.”

The by-pass is one of  part of five models in Town & Country’s collection of Master Gardener secateurs, which also includes anvil and precision secateurs.  They feature stainless steel or chrome plated carbon steel blades, built-in safety catch and comfort grip handles.

There is still time for retailers to take delivery of the range, which comprises a fully stocked revolving merchandiser made up of 42 items across the five different products (three secateurs and two snips).  With each deal sold, Town & Country has pledged to donate £25 to the Greenfingers charity.

Information 01530 830990 

The top two places in this week’s Growing Media chart are filled by Westland Jack’s Magic All Purpose Compost and Arthur Bowers Multipurpose Compost.

Other notable performances included:

• Arthur Bowers Grow Bag showing the fastest percentage growth in the chart at No 38.
• Westland John Innes Seed compost was the highest climber, jumping 27 places to No 21.
• The highest re-entry was Westland Landscape Bark while the highest new entry was Westland Large Potato and Veg Planter.
• Vital Earth Farm Manure also had a good sales week.

Draper Tools are to major on digital presentations on their  new-look stand at the Totally DIY & Totally Tools trade show next month. 

Visitors can take a virtual tour of the 15,000 sq ft Draper visitors product display centre on a 55in screen and peruse up to 10,000  products on touch screen TVs.  The catalogue and the Draper product videos already available on the new Draper Tools website (www.drapertools.com) can also be viewed

However, they will still have a focussed display of new products to view “in the flesh”, plus a selection of multi-product dispensers.

Find Draper on stand F2 at Totally Tools (15-17 Feb, Ricoh Arena, Coventry).

Wildlife World has made two new additions to its bird bath range to join the Echoes bird bath, one of the company’s top selling products.

The new Coniston and Blue Dipper bird baths have been creatively designed by the Gloucestershire based company to be both visually appealing and practical for even the smallest of gardens.

Wildlife World prides itself in its commitment to the environment, with all products being carefully researched, tested and made using recycled and environmentally friendly materials.

The new Coniston bird bath uses a ‘Clayplas’ material, a combination of clay and recycled plastic, making it lightweight and robust and is guaranteed for 10 years. The bird bath has a delicately decorative design, making it an attractive addition to any garden. It comes with a low, push-fit base as well as an optional tall, screw-fit stem for gardeners to position and use it wherever they wish, without the need for hard work to assemble or move. For extra peace of mind, the tall stem is a hollow cylinder, allowing room for stones or sand to stabilise the stand if required.



Also joining the range is Wildlife World’s new Blue Dipper bird bath for smaller gardens. Made from natural materials, the Blue Dipper is a striking ceramic design with a frost-resistant cerulean blue glazed finish, to ensure a pristine condition all year round. The Blue Dipper is a compact design with an approximate diameter of 270mm, replicating a natural pond, ornamented with two clay birds and stones to encourage a landing site for garden birds.

James Allan, Sales and Marketing Manager at Wildlife World commented, “We have invested a great deal of time ensuring that our diverse product range targets large and small gardens alike, and this is reflected in the expansion of our bird baths range.” He continued, “We are constantly designing and developing our products to encourage wildlife and to ensure that habitats and feeders are available where natural habitat may not be available.”

As one of Europe’s leading designers and manufacturers of wildlife habitats, feeders and other products, Wildlife World is continuously expanding its product ranges to ensure all species are being provided for as well as pleasing gardeners. The company has won a total of six awards for product development, an environmental award and design awards, and continues to produce innovative products that reflect their values.

Further information is available from Wildlife World on 01666 505333, by emailing james@wildlifeworld.co.uk or by visiting the company’s website at www.wildlifeworld.co.uk

Gloves specialist Globus is to launch its fully biodegradable multi-purpose glove to the media at this year’s Garden Press Event at The Barbican on 12 February.

The glove, the SHOWA 4552, features Eco Best Technology™ (EBT) within the liner and sponge nitrile coating, designed to make it attractive to microbial activity in landfill. Upon consumption of the EBT formulation, micro-organisms excrete enzymes that depolymerise the nitrile, leaving just biogases and inert humus, speeding up degradation. Normal nitrile take decades, if not hundreds of years to biodegrade in landfill.

Globus, an exhibitor at Glee 2014, has a complete range of high quality SHOWA gardening gloves with innovative designs and an anatomical fit for outstanding comfort and durability. SHOWA’s environmental credentials are first class: they do not use products that may cause irreversible damage to the environment and actively promote the long-term re-use of their gloves. The majority of styles can be washed and re-used many times over.

British suppliers and overseas buyers of garden, leisure and petcare products who took part in the recent ‘International Meet the Buyers’ event organised by the Gardenex and Pet Quip associations have applauded the business-generating quality of the meetings.

The latest event, in December, was one of the many export initiatives organised by the  associations. Garden decoration suppliers Home2 Garden say the services have helped them record a sales increase of more than 50 per cent in the past two years.

The company specialising in manufacturing and supplying wind spinners, wind chimes, hand- blown glass and innovative solar lighting products.  Its creative director, Magic Henig (left), contacted Gardenex saying: “Most of the Home2Garden’s recent sales success has been due to a massive increase in export sales that has resulted either directly or indirectly from the important part played by Gardenex. As a result of Gardenex-organised ‘Meet the Buyers’ events and participation in the federation’s British groups at the spoga+gafa international trade show in Germany, we have made major inroads into many overseas markets.  Following the ‘Meet the Buyers’ event held in December 2014, US distributor, Bosmere Inc has ordered 12,000 of our ceramic mushroom garden ornaments, and we are now working on the first shipment to Amazon USA and other Bosmere customers. Other business in North America that has resulted from Gardenex initiatives involves the major mail order and internet sales companies QVC, Wind & Weather and Plow & Hearth, in addition to garden centre mail order company/wholesaler, Kinsman Co.

 “The QVC USA orders came as a result us supplying QVC Germany, which was business acquired directly from our participation in the British group of exhibitors at spoga+gafa.  We have also secured new accounts with the German internet and mail order group, Pro Idee, and another important addition to our export customer base is the Desert Group, the garden centre retailer for Dubai.  The export orders from the USA and Dubai and some of the German business would not have been forthcoming without attending the Gardenex ‘Meet the Buyers’ events.  In fact, we have secured important new overseas customers from two of the last three buyer events we have attended.” 

Home2 Garden is not the only British supplier to recognise the value of the ‘Meet the Buyers’ format, which the Federation has been organising for over 15 years.  Chris Blackburn, sales director of Concept Research said; “We have received export orders in the past as a direct result of Gardenex ‘Meet the Buyers’ meetings and we consider them an important part of our marketing activities.  I believe there is no better way to present the quality of UK manufactured products than to meet potentially interested parties face to face.  The trust in any business relationship is crucial to its success and the Gardenex ‘Meet the Buyers’ meetings enables our prospective buyers to get to know us, and vice versa.”

One of the attendees at the recent ‘Meet the Buyers’ meeting was John James of James & Steel, who presented the company’s extensive range of pet accessories to Cristi Pop from the Romanian wholesaler/pet retail chain, Animax.  Following the meeting John commented: "Once again I found the PetQuip ‘Meet the Buyer’ format to be very professional, yet informal, which is an ideal blend for this type of event.  James & Steel has attended a number of these events with Pet Quip and we have always found them to be a very useful tool for our export market. They are very informative and have repaid the time, effort and expense many times over."

The next two Gardenex/PetQuip ‘Meet the Buyers’ events are scheduled for 25 March and 17 June 2015:

Information 01959 565995

Contemporary garden fair GROW London, which made its debut last summer, returns for a second edition from 19-21 June 2015.

Around 100 carefully selected exhibitors will showcase the best from the world of gardens and gardening, staged in an air-conditioned marquee styled by leading garden designer Stephen Woodhams. Acclaimed designer Cleve West will headline the talks programme, while free workshops and activities for adults and children will be on offer throughout the fair.

Other speakers in the talks theatre will include Sarah Raven, familiar from Gardener’s World, Mark Diacono  of Otter Farm, Thomas Broom from Petersham Nurseries, Laetitia Maklouf (aka The Virgin Gardener) and Helen Yemm, author of the Saturday Telegraph’s ‘Thorny Problems’ column. Petersham Nurseries will be creating a feature garden and the Society of Garden Designers will be holding free garden design consultations throughout the show.

An opening Garden Party on Thursday 18 June will support The National Gardens Scheme and will be opened by contemporary garden designer Tom Stuart-Smith.

Nursery exhibitors will include Crûg Farm Plants, Hortus Loci, Hardy’s Cottage Garden Plants and Evolution Plants, while Bronzino, Distinctive Garden and The Wood Company will show pots and planters. There will be contemporary garden furniture from Barbed and Nordeco Style as well as an opportunity to find vintage treasures and salvaged pieces from Garden Brocante and Architectural Heritage.

Tool specialists Sneeboer and Niwaki will showcase their garden tools, while top-of-the-range sheds from the Posh Shed Company will be on offer.

Christopher Woodward, director of the Garden Museum, described GROW London as “the biggest new player on the London horticultural scene”.

www.growlondon.com 

The judges have met and the shortlist has been revealed so now it's time for landscapers to book their places at the highlight of the Association of Professional Landscapers year: the 2015 APL Awards, sponsored by Bradstone. The event is being held on Friday 13 March at The Brewery, London.

Standard ticket Prices are £95.00 + VAT. APL members will receive an exclusive members discount reducing the ticket price to £75.00 +VAT!

To celebrate the booking going live the APL are holding a FLASH SALE until the 31 January 2015, selling tables (10 places) for £900.00 +VAT, again the exclusive member discount is applied meaning APL Members will get a table of 10 for £700.00 + VAT.

Book online now at www.aplawards.co.uk to be amongst the first to hear the winners announced.

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 2012 as well as 2013 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 upto 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 Veg-2-Gro Products 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.