“We’re two years into it, earnings have doubled and the management team believe they can double earnings again over the next three or four years, so the business is doing very well.”

Those last six words – "the business is doing very well" – suggest that Terra Firma might stick around for a bit longer and allow the management team to increase the size of the portfolio, which should then fetch a tidy sum when the renowned deal-maker finally decides to sell Wyevale Garden Centres.

Watch this space!

Stewarts Rising Star is “a great guy and this is doing him a lot of good.”  That’s the verdict from Stewarts Garden Centres MD, Martin Stewart when interviewed by GTN Xtra about their Rising Star finalist Matthew Fay. “It’s given him a focus, it’s got his adrenalin pumping at times and it’s made him think.  It’s growing him you can see that already.”

Matthew himself says that he was a shy and quiet person when he was nominated for Rising Stars by Stewarts Head of Retail and Marketing, Terry Head.  “I was slightly nervous, I wasn’t too sure what to expect,” he said while giving us a tour of the impressive Garden Shop at Stewarts in Christchurch.  “Out of everything from Rising Stars, my confidence has now gone up by 100%; I’m really pleased about that.

Matthew Fay joined Stewarts from college 9 years ago.  With a background studying Geography and Geology at A level and an interest in horticulture he sent his CV into the garden centre business and they created a role for him as and assistant in garden sundries.  Since then he has grown through outdoor stoneware, onto Garden Shop Supervisor with a staff of 5 reporting to him and has now been pushed on as a Duty Manager as well.

Matthew has worked at Stewarts through good and bad gardening seasons but told GTN Xtra that after the changes implemented as a result of rising stars; “it’s been our best season to date, certainly the best in five years and at the moment we’ve gone past the barrier for a record year for Garden Shop.”

“The whole team were behind me and the new ideas have been implemented without any problems.  My manager, Duncan Witt, supported me so it’s all gone smoothly well.”

The things that Matthew feel have helped the most from Rising Stars are that tutor Ian Boardman “has given us a whole fresh base on ideas; all of the new techniques have really helped. Ian is very positive the course wouldn’t be the same without him.”

From a personal development point of view it’s the travelling away to the course that has really helped Matthew grow: “The best part of the course is the night away meeting all the other Rising Stars and looking in other garden centres.”

Both Matthew and Martin Stewart are keen to encourage other garden centres to enter their Rising Stars in the future.  “I would say hurry up and get your name down. It has certainly helped me and for anyone else it will certainly help too,” said Matthew.

Martin Stewart added: “I suppose you’ve got to ask yourself the question – if you haven’t got someone who you think would benefit from Rising Stars then you probably need to go and find that person.  We were very lucky to have Matt aboard and he deserves this chance and this break but I’d say to anyone find your best young talent and put them on it and if you haven’t got someone who is suitable then perhaps you ought to go and find someone that you could do it for.”

“At the end of the day we’re quite insular businesses so where do you go to help develop people?  You can give them lots of experience and training here in the garden centre.  But I have to say, what Westland have done has been perfect it’s just been a great way of helping grow some natural talent.”

Matthew, along with the other four finalists for 2014, will be presenting at the GCA Conference in January.  Delegates will then be able to vote for the winner of Rising Stars 2014.



The five finalists of the Garden Centre Association Rising Stars Programme, sponsored by Westland Horticulture, are: Kirsty Clark (Perrywood GC), Matthew Fay (Stewarts Garden-Lands, Christchurch), Lisa Waim (Haskins Snowhill), Hannah Mason (Chessington) and Cerys Williams (Perrywood) have all made it through to the final challenge, where they will present at the GCA Conference in Chester on 26 January. The overall winner will be chosen by conference delegates.

The results are the culmination of an eight month programme in which candidates attended three merchandising Masterclasses run by IBBIS director and training facilitator Ian Boardman. Thanks to Ian’s efforts, many of the Rising Stars 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.”

Twenty-eight of the most aspiring young representatives of the horticultural industry kicked off the Rising Stars Programme earlier this year.

The original list of 28 was whittled down to 10 in September before the final five were chosen.

GTN Xtra will be featuring a spotlight on all five over the coming weeks.

Weed out the competition with Resolva 

Let your sales go from strength to strength with Resolva, which has the complete range of weedkilling products.

Resolva Powerpump and Resolva Liquid Shots will be launched to consumers in January, alongside existing Ready To Use and Concentrates formats.

Resolva 24H Power Pump is the ideal product for controlling large areas of weeds with ease. With 5 minutes’ controllable spraying, a dual action trigger (spray or jet) and an easy store wand and hose, it makes the task of weed-killing even easier! What’s more, it uses Resolva’s unique formulation, which means it combines the speed of a contact weedkiller, showing results in 24 hours, as well as having the ability to kill weeds deep down to the root. Resolva 24H Power Pump 5L also has a refill pack available.

Resolva Liquid Shots have been specifically developed to offer gardeners an easier way to apply concentrated weedkiller. Pre-dosed with just the right amount of weedkiller for a 10L watering can, there’s no mess and no measuring, giving consumers peace of mind that they are not over-dosing. Resolva Liquid Shots boast a unique formulation which delivers an increased intake of the weedkiller, faster absorption by the weed and complete leaf coverage – meaning great  results every time! Killing the weed to the root. It also delivers visible results within just 24 hours.

Find out more from your Westland sales representative or by logging onto the Westland trade website http://trade.gardenhealth.com/

Contains diquat and glyphosate. Use plant protection products safely. Always read the label and product information before use.

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.

Outdoor lighting is still proving to be popular in garden centres with sales holding up strongly. Gardman Ice Orb Solar Light has taken over top spot in the GTN Bestsellers Garden Products chart while the Gardman Wood Effect Marker Light moves up to second place.

The highest re-entry of the week is the Smart Solar Country Bird Solar Spot Light (pictured below), which takes over 8th spot.

Other star performers:

• Algon Organic Algae Remover Patio Cleaner is the highest climber, moving up 25 places to No 20.
• The highest new entry is Apta Standard Pot Feet at No 44 while the Apta Terracotta Pot has also had a very strong sales week.

GTN Bestsellers Top 50 sales volumes compared to the same week last year...

• Garden Products – down 21%
• Xmas Products  – down 5%
• Growing Media – up 8%
• All items index – down 10%

To subscribe to GTN Bestsellers email karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk

Three sisters inspired by a love of good food and good company have set up a pop-up café at Heaton Fold Garden Centre near Bolton

The café, created by sisters Jo Burrage, Margaret Porritt and Janet Maguire –who run 3 Quirky Birdz Catering – is offering hot meals, homemade cakes and a festive menu in the run up to Christmas. If successful, it will re-open next year.

At the weekend launch, Mrs Burrage said: “We want people to come here and enjoy some homely well-made food.

“It will be a warm, welcoming space for people to meet friends or hold a meeting, and will be great for ladies in particular as I know it is important to have that support network.

“There is a lovely view over the valley. It is very peaceful. This is a big step for us and we are really hoping people get behind it.”

Originally from Ashton Under Lynne, Mrs Burrage has worked in catering and kitchens her whole life.

She added: “We will also be launching a service where friends or colleagues can call in advance to order their food and book a time slot so its ready for when they arrive – we know how busy people are!”

The cafe will be open between 9.30am and 3.30pm every Thursday until December 18, between 9.30am and 3pm every Friday until December 19, and 10am until 3.30pm each Saturday and Sunday until December 21. It will also be open on December 22, 23 and 24.

Bolton Council’s cabinet member for community services, Cllr Sufrana Bashir-Ismail, said: “With the varied menu and attractive setting, it will be the perfect location to stop for a nibble or a hot drink.”

Deco-Pak, the UK’s leading supplier of decorative aggregates, may be busy getting stock ready for the inevitable early spring demand, but the team still has time to celebrate what has been another hugely successful year.

In the last 12 months Deco-Pak has witnessed significant growth, helping to further cement the company’s position at the forefront of delivering quality products and services to its garden centre, DIY and builders’ merchant customers.  This growth has come from the introduction of two new product ranges – the popular EasyBuild DIY range, and Tidal Water Features - plus additions to its core decorative aggregate offering and Garden Bazaar range of decorative birdhouses and feeders. Turnover alone has increased by over 25%, whilst the aggregate and hard landscaping portfolio has increased by a phenomenal 40% year-on-year.

An increase in sales has also seen the Deco-Pak ‘family’ grow.  This growth is perfectly aligned with the increase in product ranges and capacity, and is representative of the company’s commitment to further investing in its overall offering.  New team members have joined Deco-Pak’s administrative, warehousing and internal sales departments.  A new senior management team has also been put in place, including the appointment of the new general manager, Rod Slater, who has brought with him over 20 years of garden retail experience.

Investment has also gone much further than just people, for in 2014 Deco-Pak invested heavily into the automation of its manufacturing and packaging facilities at its Huddersfield based head office.  Two new fully-automated robots have recently joined the company’s existing operations, helping to increase capacity by as much as 40%.  This investment has enabled Deco-Pak to double the amount of stock on the ground – totalling in excess of £1 million - meaning the company are incredibly well-placed to serve the inevitable early spring demand.

A new transportation partnership has also been put in place, which has helped Deco-Pak’s distribution network grow three-fold, whilst also improving delivery lead times.

Rod Slater (pictured above), general manager at Deco-Pak, said: “Deco-Pak really has had a fantastic year.  We have of course benefitted from the improved weather and uplift in the economy, but more than this the success has come from the team coming together to focus on delivering unrivalled service levels, as well as the highest quality product ranges, backed by optimum stock availability.  

"The ongoing investment that has been taking place has helped to underpin this activity, and will positively impact our business platform in 2015.  Looking ahead to next year we are excited about what is to come.  2015 is earmarked as another year of growth for both us and our customers, with whom we are planning on working even closer with to ensure that Deco-Pak’s offering, is the best that it can be.”

Deco-Pak in 2014: a year in numbers

• 25% - increase in annual turnover year-on-year
• 40% - year-on-year increase in sales of Deco-Pak’s core aggregate and landscaping products
• £1million - investment into stock and transport systems
• 2 – new exciting product ranges introduced for 2014 season. Totalling over 50 new products, and bringing Deco-Pak’s product range total to 12 complete ranges
• £1million – the amount of stock that Deco-Pak will have on the ground ahead of the early spring demand
• 6 new team members joined the Deco-Pak ‘family’

Find Out More

To find out more about Deco-Pak and its market-leading product ranges please telephone 01422 204394, or email via the ‘contact us’ form on the newly relaunched web site, www.deco-pak.co.uk.

The fragrant evergreen shrub Sarcococca has been named HTA Plant of the Month for December. Commonly known as ‘Sweet Box’ or ‘Christmas box’, it has delicate white flowers over winter and early spring.

Perfect planted by the edge of a path or close to the front door, where its stunning vanilla scent and glossy green foliage can be fully appreciated, it can be planted alongside other winter gems such as hellebores and cyclamen.

Sarcococca makes a great addition to a winter garden as it’s a tough, reliable plant that is very easy to grow.  It’s suitable for borders, containers or as ground cover and will do well in shade. It grows slowly and gradually to form low-growing mounds of evergreen foliage, with red and black berries once flowering has finished.  

Sarcococca confusa is a species of flowering plant in the Buxaceae family and is ideal for neat, clipped edging borders and works well in containers. It is fully hardy, compact and will eventually form a dense thicket.

Former Chanel model and founder of The Edible Bus Stop Mak Gilchrist is a real fan. She says “Sarcococca has incredibly intense scent and thrives at a time of year where there is little scent in the garden. I particularly like that about it. It's a sensuous indulgence in the deep mid winter.”

Recommended RHS AGM varieties to plant include:

Sarcococca confusa

Sarcococca hookeriana ‘Digyna Purple Stem’

Sarcococca Hookeriana hookeriana ‘Ghorepani’

Sarcococca ruscifolia chinensis ‘Dragon Gate’

Darlac have been awarded a BEST BUY for secateurs on test in this month’s Which? Gardening magazine – and another Darlac model scooped second place.

Top spot went to their DP332 Compound Action Pruner with an overall 93% rating, while their DP1033 Expert Bypass Pruner (small) achieved 86% against well known household names.

Darlac Ltd has been steadily growing as a company for many years and has a strong following amongst gardening enthusiasts. Trade sales were up by 49 % in the first five months of trading this year.

Director Peter Darban said the Which? accolade was a testament to years of hard work. “Each year we have to pinch ourselves at how well we have done yet again, whilst we strive to continue to achieve even better and bigger offerings – although never taking anything for granted,” he said.

Darbay says a product launch due in February will be the company’s biggest and best new product to date. “Regrettably that’s all I can say at the moment. I feel sure that, as many garden centres and retail outlets as possible will want to stock this item, we are truly confident that its unique features will ensure high demand with consumers.”

Greenfingers trustee and HTA CEO Carol Paris is leading the Christmas charge for Greenfingers this year by taking part in the London Santa Run on Sunday 7th December.

Carol will be joined on the route by others from the industry including:

Paul Ormond, Greenfingers trustee; Adam Wigglesworth, HTA Vice President and Director of Ayletts Garden; Pat Adams from the HTA; Chris Ramsden from Suttons; Al Sheppard from Burgon and Ball; Andrew Burton from Cedar Associates; industry consultant John Mosley; Craig Hall from Deco-Pak and Tara Ballinger from Williams Sinclair.

Two VIP four-legged guests will also join our team of runners – no, not Rudolf and Blitzen – but Carol Paris’s two spaniels Max and Murphy who will no doubt put their fellow two-legged Santa’s to shame!

Carol sent us the picture of Max and Murphy (above), saying: "Not looking too keen to run! Maybe they need some sponsorship to get them going! Clearly you should never work with children or animals."

All of the Santa Runners will complete the route dressed in Father Christmas outfits (including Carol’s dogs) as they run either 5km or 10km, which should make it quite a sight to behold – and definitely worthy of sponsorship! 

Keen runner Carol said: “What a great idea to link into the Santa theme that will be generating so much business for garden centres, but this time to raise money for our industry charity.”

Greenfingers are thrilled to have such a strong team flying the flag for the charity at the run and are now calling on people across the industry to take the time to sponsor their sterling efforts and help raise much needed funds for Greenfingers’ gardens this festive season.

For many of the children and families who use the hospice system across the UK Christmas will offer little respite from their daily situations - Greenfingers are urging people to think of these children and dig deep in support of the Santa Run.  The charity is aiming to raise £5,000 through the run to put towards more much-needed gardens at children’s hospices around the country. 

Money raised from the Santa Run will directly contribute to the gardens Greenfingers hope to build in 2015 including at EllenorLions Children’s Hospice in Kent where there are currently no dedicated outdoor facilities for the children and families who spend time there.  Greenfingers plan to create a lush ‘urban oasis’ at the hospice that will provide a valuable haven for the children and offer them a vital chance to engage with the natural environment.

Sponsoring the Greenfingers’ Santa Run participants takes just a couple of minutes and can be easily done through Carol Paris’s dedicated Just Giving page

www.justgiving.com/greenfingerssantarun

Or text 70070 with the code SANT61 and the £[value of donation]

The Santa Run 2014 takes place at Victoria Park in London on Sunday 7^th December.

In addition to calling for sponsorship for the Santa Run Greenfingers are also suggesting people send their E-Christmas Card this year, instead of a traditional card – thus helping the environment and raising money for a good cause at the same time.

The Greenfingers E-Card is available in three different designs featuring scenes from gardens the charity has created this year.  Cards can be adapted to suit individual needs with company names, logos and personalized messages.  The charity is asking for a minimum donation of £50 where after use of the card is unlimited.

Any businesses interesting in arranging a personalized copy of the e-card should email Hannah@greenfingerscharity.org.uk

Wyevale Garden Centres have predicted that six poinsettias a minute will be sold in their 143 stores across the country in the run-up to Christmas.

The traditional Christmas favourite has enjoyed a revival in recent years, with Wyevale expecting it to be the bestselling indoor plant of the year.

“The poinsettia is the quintessential Christmas plant,” said Sarah Fuller, marketing director at Wyevale Garden Centres. “It is the only plant sold in complete perfection. All other plants are sold before their development process is finished. But the poinsettia is sold at its most beautiful and in full bloom – one of the reasons our customers love to give and receive one as a gift during the festive season and its ever-increasing popularity.”

Originating from Mexico, the exotic red-leaved plant is best grown in cooler climates, with UK nurseries equipped to grow hardier plants that last beyond the festive season and are easier to care for than imported ones.

“Our expert horticulturists grow our poinsettias in state-of-the-art computer controlled greenhouses based at our Woodlands Nurseries near Leicester,” added Sarah.

“It takes eight weeks for their bracts to turn from green to red – with careful handling they are in full bloom by the time they hit the shelves – perfect for spreading a little brightness during the dull winter months.”

Jamie Downes, Wyevale Garden Centres nursery manager, said: ‘The delivery of the poinsettias into our garden centres is when we know Christmas really has arrived. Every year we see an increase in demand for the poinsettia as shoppers are looking for that something extra to add to the decoration of their homes during the festive season.”

Here are Jamie’s top poinsettia care tips:

1. Make your poinsettia the last purchase of the day - they don’t like sitting for hours in a cold car.

2. Ask for your plant to be completely wrapped in paper all the way up to the top of the foliage.

3. Once home, position it somewhere warm and out of cold draughts.

4. The biggest mistake people make is moving them between hot and cold temperatures too quickly, so keep its environment constant.

5. Let the compost dry out between watering - they don’t like sitting in water.

6. Feed once a week with houseplant fertiliser.

7. Trim the plant down by half in June and pot into multi-purpose compost.

8. From the end of September, make sure it has plenty of natural light - if it’s dark outside though, the plant needs to be in the dark too in order for it to develop its red leaves.

Facts on poinsettias:

1. There are many different types of poinsettias. This year’s top varieties are: Infinity Red, Infinity Polar, Pink Cadillac, Lipstick Pink and Premium Marble.

2. The vast majority - 80% - of poinsettias sold are red. The rest are pink, white and cream.

3. Red poinsettias take eight weeks to turn from green to red – their colour starts to turn at the equinox (22 September).

4. Woodland’s Nursery grows 30,000 poinsettias in state-of-the-art computer controlled greenhouses, across four acres of land.

5. They are available in centres until Christmas Eve.

6. If looked after carefully, they will last until March.

7. Poinsettias have an optimum total height of 32cm.

The quest for The Greatest Christmas teams is on.  The expert team of judges are now out and about visiting all of the teams nominated in this years The Greatest Christmas Awards.

You’ll find out who are The Greatest at Christmas this year by joining us at the first awards event of 2015, The Greatest Christmas Awards Christmas Party, sponsored by Premier Decorations, on the night of Sunday January 11^th at The Majestic Hotel, Harrogate.

Our annual awards presentation and Christmas party is an event not to be missed whether you are visiting the Harrogate Christmas and Gift show or just want to have another great Christmas Party with some great garden centre people.

Tickets are now on sale for the party, which includes reception drinks, a 3 course meal with wine, the awards presentation and dancing the night away to a live party band.

Early Bird discounts apply for all tickets purchased before December 7th.

Early Bird Ticket prices for The Greatest Christmas Awards Party, sponsored by Premier Decorations.

Please call The Greatest Christmas Awards team on 01733 775700 or e-mail harry.sinclair@tgcmc.co.uk to book your Early Bird tickets today – before November 28th or buy on-line using these links:

Prices below include VAT

Tickets

1 Ticket £96.00 GBP2 Tickets £192.00 GBP3 Tickets £273.60 GBP4 Tickets £364.80 GBP5 Tickets £432.00 GBP6 Tickets £518.40 GBP7 Tickets £604.80 GBP8 Tickets £691.20 GBP9 Tickets £777.60 GBPTable of 10 £816.00 GBP

We are seeking an experienced Landscape Foreman to work on prestigious domestic projects predominately around West London and surrounding areas.

For this role you must have proven experience in successfully running large domestic projects, ordering materials, interpreting plans and performing a wide variety of hard and soft landscaping skills.

You will also be responsible in reporting to management regularly and delivering projects on time and on budget. You must be well presented and able to liaise with clients and designers effectively.

A current driver's licence is required.

Please call 01780 480530 and speak to Dianne Saunders or apply with your CV quoting reference #6888 to info@morepeople.co.uk

Our client is looking for a Chef for their busy garden centre.

Job Summary:

• Prepares and produces food and dish’s to the Head Chef’s specifications.
• To comply fully with Statutory and Company Regulations concerning the hygiene, health and safety of staff, food and equipment.
• Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities
• Assists the Head Chef to plans menu to achieve and maintain the budgeted food cost / gross profit.
• Ensures that all equipment and fittings are cleaned and maintain in a safe and proper manner and record on the cleaning schedule.
• Keeps work stations, surrounding work surfaces and floor, clean, tidy and organized at all times.
• Adheres to the company’s Purchasing Policy. Ensures supplies are properly issued, used and accounted for.
• Carries out stock takes and food rotation procedures under the supervision of the Head Chef.
• Controls portion size and monitors wastage as directed by the Head Chef.
• Inspects dishes for quality, temperature and attractiveness before serving.
• Maintains records relating to food production activities and supplies information as required by the Restaurant Manager and Head Chef.
• Prepares and participates in special functions, which may be outside normal working hours.
• Have a hands-on approach for all Kitchen staff and to get involved in many aspects i.e. cleaning duties etc
• Report any issues with food quality and freshness to the Head Chef / Restaurant Manager
• Follow the Stock Labelling and Rotation System to ensure the products are identifiable and used in the correct order
• Help to establish the Kitchen area as a positive work environment for all

Where required:

• Deputises for the Head Chef
• Responsible for overseeing all operational aspects of the Kitchen and staff in the absence of the Head Chef
• Responsible for ensuring all kitchen staff are preparing and presenting quality food and all final products leaving the kitchen are at the Company Standard
• Completes opening and closing procedures for the Kitchen
• Direct staff as required to ensure all operational tasks are completed safely and efficiently
• Ensure daily administration records are complete, accurate and passed to the Head Chef on his return
• Ensure all kitchen staff comply fully with Statutory and Company Regulations concerning the hygiene, health and safety of staff, food and equipment.
• Deal with staff issues that may arise on a day-to-day basis in the kitchen and to communicate these to the HC on their return
• Ensure that all ongoing training for all kitchen staff is implemented accordingly
• Ensure staff are filling their specific job requirements, delegating or directing where necessary

Please call 01780 480530 and speak to Dianne Saunders or apply with your CV, quoting reference #6902 to info@morepeople.co.uk

Our client is looking for an exerienced manager to head up their domestic landscaping division. As the General Manager of this unit you will report to the Sales and Marketing Director and will be responsible for the general running of that division.

Areas of specific responsibility.

The General Manager will:

• With the Sales and Marketing Director and the Managing Director, agree an annual budget for the division that is achievable and in-line with the aspirations of the Company.
• Working with the Sales and Marketing Director, agree a Marketing Plan for the division that is capable of generating the level of sales expected for the division.
• Be responsible for the financial control of the Division in line with the Division’s budget.
• Act as the first point of contact for all enquiries received by the Division.
• Where appropriate, arrange for design and costing skills to be contracted in by the Division in response to such enquiries.
• Ensure that an appropriate, costed, quotation is provided by the Division in reply to each enquiry received.
• Ensure that all such quotations maintain the Division’s expectation of margin on labour and materials costs
• Co-ordinate and control the Division’s labour resource to ensure that work is carried out in a timely and efficient manner, in line with the costings relating to each job.
• Ensure that the purchasing of materials is controlled and in line with the costed budget for each job undertaken
• Ensure that adequate records are kept to allow complete control of all work undertaken and that such record keeping is acceptable to the Company’s Finance Director.
• Ensure that staff working within the Division do so in accordance with the Company’s policies, including those of Health and Safety and Environment.
• Ensure that all machinery and equipment used by the Division is used and maintained safely and responsibly and in accordance with any related policies of the Company, including those of Health and Safety
• Ensure that all staff disciplinary issues are conducted in accordance with the Company’s employment policies
• Ensure that all staff working for the Division do so in a way that will uphold the good reputation of the Company.

Person Specification.

Suitable candidates will have experience in:

• The practical aspects of landscape construction
• Compiling quotations for landscaping projects
• Management of staff in landscape construction
• Cost control in a management position
• Face to face negotiate and discussion with clients

The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate:

• Basic understanding of business finance and familiarity with Profit and Loss accounts.
• Strong management and organizational skills
• Good communication skills
• Understanding of the high quality standards required of high-end domestic contracting 
• The ability to work well with colleagues and other members of the management team in a larger organization.

.  Please call 01780 480530 and speak to Dianne Saunders or apply with your CV, quoting reference #6861 to info@morepeople.co.uk

Our client runs a small design and build landscaping company that also carry out garden maintenance of the landscapes that they build and due to expansion of the business they are now looking for an experienced Hard & Soft Landscape Operative

Working on residential and commercial throughout Kent. As an experienced Hard Landscape Operative you would be responsible for carrying out a wide range of manual landscaping duties under the guidance and direct supervision of the person you are responsible to.

Whilst you will generally be working with others you will at times need to work under your own initiative without close supervision. The work is physically demanding and you would be working outside in all weathers.

We have teams that undertake hard landscape works, soft landscape works and grounds maintenance operations. The contracts that we undertake are very varied and the industry is seasonal by nature and so whilst you will primarily be involved in hard landscape works, there are likely to be occasions when you will be required to undertake soft landscaping and garden maintenance.

KEY TASKS

At all times: 

• Promoting the company's professional image on site and working in accordance with the Company Health and Safety Policy.
• Work to a high standard without constant supervision.

The key tasks of the position can be broadly summarised as follows:

• Hard Landscaping
• Undertaking minor demolition works.
• Assisting in the construction of stone or brick walls, retaining structures, laying kerbs, timber edgings, setts, slabs, stone paths/surfacing's, concrete slabs etc.
• Erection of various garden structures
• Assisting in the erection of various types of fences and timber structures
• Assisting in the installation of land drainage and surface water drainage systems
• You may be required to use a wide range of power tools such as disc saws, drills etc. and to operate many different items of plant including mini excavators, dumpers, rollers and the like whilst undertaking the above works.

Soft Landscape Works

• The cultivation and preparation of ground for turfing, seeding or planting.
• Taking delivery of and planting trees, shrubs, ground cover and herbaceous plants.
• Mulching planted areas with bark, mushroom compost, manure or similar materials.
• Completing turfing and seeding works.
• Lawn mowing
• Hedge cutting
• General garden maintenance

Working Hours

• The basic working hours are 08:00 to 17.00 Monday to Friday with a half an hour lunch break (unpaid) and a 15 minute unpaid morning and afternoon break.

Experience Required

• Ideally the successful applicant will have gained previous experience within the landscape industry however applications will be welcomed from candidates who have gained relevant experience through working for building, groundwork's or civil engineering contractors.
• training and qualification is hard landscape, patios, paving and fencing

Please call 01780 480530 and speak to Dianne Saunders or apply with your CV, quoting reference #6832 to info@morepeople.co.uk

A Guinness World Records holder, who is an expert in memory and personal development, will be speaking at the Garden Centre Association’s annual conference in January.

David Thomas, who broke the world record for reciting the maths formula Pi (3.14..) to 22,500 digits, will discuss techniques for improving memory at the conference on Monday, January 26.

Iain Wylie, Chief Executive of the GCA, said: “When he was 20-years-old David joined the Fire Service, after failing his promotion exams he bought a book on memory to help him pass the test. Since then he has gone on to develop one of the most powerful memories in history.

“He is an expert in personal development and one of the leading speakers in the field of memory and we are delighted he has agreed to join us at the conference.

“David will speak about his inspirational story and the lessons he’s learnt that have got him where he is today.

“He will discuss techniques for improving memory, efficiency and time management, as well as problem solving and decision making. David will also share tips on presentation skills. We’re really looking forward to hearing what he has to say.”

David is the bestselling author of ‘Essential Lifeskills: Improving Your Memory’. His clients range from Olympic athletes, government officials to national businesses.

The GCA conference, which is sponsored by Scotts and Westland Horticulture, takes place at the De Vere Carden Park in Chester from January 25 until 28. More than 300 delegates are expected to attend the event.

Iain continued: “As always our conference will provide attendees with pertinent information on key aspects of the garden centre industry to assist members in achieving their business goals.

“The information shared will focus on a wide range of topics, including merchandising, marketing and management. There will also be plenty of opportunities for delegates to network and socialise.”

To book a place at the conference, please visit the members’ area on the GCA website via www.gca.org.uk.

Bosch Lawn & Garden MD Andreas Andorfer says the company’s mower sales have topped €100 million for the first time. October saw sales rocket, beating last October’s turnover by more than 40% - the brand’s most successful year to date for lawnmowers. “In addition, our new models are achieving 4- and 5-star average ratings and are very well received by customers across Europe,” he said.

 “We will continue to concentrate on engineering and further develop and enhance our product range, especially in the cordless sector. With the new corded and cordless lawnmower range being introduced to the UK in 2015, Bosch Lawn and Garden is looking forward to continuing this winning streak!”

The company’s lawn and garden business is based at Stowmarket.

There are signs in the GTN Bestsellers Christmas Products chart that shoppers are beginning to get into the festive spirit.

Volumes of products sold are 18% higher than the previous week although they are still lagging behind the same period of the previous two years. 

History & Heraldry hold on to the three top spots in the chart, with the Spinning Tree Decoration (pictured) on top of the tree.

Other notable performances:

• Highest chart re-entry at No 16 is Gisela Graham Red and Green Star Tree in Pot.
• Festive Filligree Bird on Clip is the highest new entry.
• Gisella Graham Robin Paper Ball is the highest chart climber, up from No 47 to 27. 

To subscribe to GTN Bestsellers email karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk

Compost sales were down on the previous week’s high levels but encouragingly still ahead of the same period in 2012 (+56%) and 2013 (+8%).  

The highest re-entry in this week’s GTN Bestsellers Growing Media chart was Vital Earth Organic Compost (50 litres) at No 21.

Other star performers this week include:

• Scotts Levington Multipurpose Compost with John Innes (55 litres) is the highest climber, jumping 42 places to No 7.
• Scotts also have two products returning to the Top 50 bestselling items – Organic Choice Top Soil (25 litres) and Multi Purpose Compost (50 litres).
• Westland Mini Bark (50 litres) is another strong performer, returning to the chart at No 44.
• Arthur Bowers Multipurpose Compost (56 litres) retains the No 1 position.

To subscribe to GTN Bestsellers email karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk

Choice Marketing members attending their recent AGM heard that membership continues to grow and solid supplier partnerships have been established following the disruption in the supply chain during 2014. 

Tony Blake of St Peters Garden Centre, was elected Chairman and Mark Winchester of Blackbrooks Garden Centre was elected Vice Chairman. Tony reported that Choice had increased the number of centres to 36 and was now seen as the leading UK buying and marketing group for independent garden centres.

Commenting on the changes in the supply chain, Tony said that the group had seen these changes as an opportunity to take a fresh look at their supply base and as a result, Choice is stronger and has negotiated solid partnerships with the industry’s leading suppliers. 

Mark Winchester, who also heads up the marketing forum, said: “The quality of our marketing campaigns is second to none in the industry. We are able provide members with hard hitting advertising, in-store support and professional marketing services whilst enabling each member to retain their own individual identity."

Michelle de Lavis-Trafford, who heads up the Choice purchasing and administration operations, said: “2014 has been an extremely challenging year for the garden centre industry.

"Our many suppliers have gone to enormous lengths to ensure that Choice members continue to grow their sales and I would like to put on record our appreciation for their efforts.”

Michelle was able to report that once again the annual rebates from suppliers for achieving targeted sales were in excess of £1m. 

Choice Marketing is planning to continue its expansion into 2015 with a number of garden centres waiting to join. 

Pictured above: Tony Blake, the newly-elected Chairman of Choice Marketing presents a gift to his predecessor Sam Bosworth.

Wildlife habitat leaders Wildlife World will be majoring on its recently launched Urban City range of bird boxes and feeders, specially designed for city living when it exhibits at Spring Fair 2015.

As a major feature on the stand set against a skyscraper backdrop, the four products in the range will be on display in their new packaging fully illustrating the potential of promoting wildlife products for town and city life. The range includes a bee and insect hotel; a bird nest box; a bird feeder table; and an insect winter home and summer refuge. 

Commenting on these latest products, Wildlife World managing director, Norman Sellers said: “This is a very exciting new area for us and we have already received orders from Sweden and Switzerland.  The range has global reach as the product designs are to suit all international urban environments."

In a further development, visitors to Spring Fair 2015 will see a new extension in the Urban City range which is under wraps until the show.

Alongside the new Urban City range, Wildlife World will be displaying a selection of its traditional quality products designed for wildlife habitats. As leaders in such wildlife products, Wildlife World researches, develops and trials all of its products on its own Devon farm before manufacturing to high environmental standards. Birds, bats and small mammals are a few of the animals catered for with carefully designed nesting boxes that encourage habitation and breeding of species which are endangered or in decline. 

Wildlife World’s range of Biomes will also be on display, one of which recently won both a European Consumer’s Choice award and GLEE new products award this year.  There are three products in the range, one for butterflies, one for birds, a nest box/feeder and the Bee & Bug Biome providing over-wintering habitats which won the award.  All the Biomes include a pack of native wild flower seeds to allow the creation of a wildlife garden appropriate for the species, plus a laminated species guide. 

One in a range of hedgehog houses is Wildlife World’s Hedgehog Igloo which was a finalist in the 2014 GIMA awards.  Designed to encourage the much needed breeding of hedgehogs to offset their decline over many years, the wicker igloo is the largest in the range and provides a safe haven for hedgehogs to shelter in with a small entrance ensuring that the small mammals are protected from predators.

From its educational range, Wildlife World will be showing, amongst other products, its Pyramid Insect Hotel created for a multitude of beneficial insects and bees, and also the company’s Trail Pack for different levels of learning which contains nesting habitats and feeders for insects, bees, butterflies, birds and small mammals, as well as packets of wild flower seeds to produce a wildlife friendly environment.

Norman Sellers of Wildlife World adds: “Our hope at the show is to bring our full range of specialist wildlife products to the attention of international retailers who visit the Spring Fair each year.  We are already successfully selling our products into European and overseas markets and are currently looking to develop further in the USA.” 

Wildlife World supplies Europe’s top environmental conservation organisations such as RSPB, Friends of the Earth, LPO and NABU and it also manufactures bespoke product ranges for a number of specialist retailers.  

Further information on an extensive range of nesting habitats and feeders 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

Among a raft of exciting new product developments unveiled by Town & Country at Glee was this collection of stylish, re-usable shopping bags with matching pouches.

The lightweight, tote-style bags are made from a durable polyester and come pre-packed in the handy carry pouch, which has an integral clip for securing inside a handbag for easy access and use.  The dotty design bags are available in five colours including lime, yellow, pink, blue and lilac. 

Measuring 64cm x 48cm, they will have a suggested retail price of £3.99 with a special offer price of £2.99.

With environmentally-conscious consumers continuing to shun plastic bags in favour of a more eco-friendly solution, Town & Country is confident that these stylish shoppers will be a hit, generating additional impulse sales for retailers.

For further information, contact Town & Country on 01530 830990, email info@townandco.com or visit the trade website.

Growers and nurserymen from across the horticulture industry are invited to attend the biennial Contact 2015 conference ‘Growing Opportunities’ which takes place on Wednesday 14 and Thursday 15 January 2015 at JCB Global Headquarters in Uttoxeter, Staffordshire.

Contact 2015 promises to provide plenty of inspiration and ideas to take home with in-depth sessions on engaging consumers, building business relationships and developing people.

The conference will be opened by Contact Steering Group chairman, Wayne Eady, Delamore Young Plants.

Confirmed speakers include Guy Moreton, MorePeople who will give advice on how to develop a people plan to meet your business’ long and short term goals. David Frost, Group Human Resources Director at Produce World will also talk on recruitment in the session entitled ‘People’.

Graham Spencer, Plants for Europe will talk on how growers exploit the opportunities that new plant varieties represent.  David Denny, Horticultural Trades Association will lead a session on how to develop trade based on the findings of the HDC project to export plants to 25 countries, whilst Tim Clapp, Former Head of Horticulture of the Garden Centre Group will present on negotiating and selling to retailers.

The first day will end with a lively panel discussion with industry experts on how to sell plants, followed by a Q and A session.

The conference dinner takes place on the evening of 14 January at the Radisson Blu Hotel, East Midlands Airport where guests will be welcomed by Raoul Curtis-Machin, Head of Horticulture, HTA

Workshop sessions will take place on Thursday 15 January which will focus on topics such as ‘Understanding the Value of Research’, led by David Talbot, Horticulture Consultant, ADAS UK and Kate Irgin, Research & KE Manager for HNS, HDC. There will also be workshops on ‘Making Horticulture Attractive ‘led by Raoul Curtis-Machin.

Delegates will be treated to a tour of the JCB factory and JCB Story where delegates will see the process of how a machine is built from the delivery of the sheet steel, profiling, laser cutting, welding, paint shop, assembly and finally the finished product. 

Contact 2015 is an invaluable and unmissable event for anyone in the hardy stock sector. Book your places today to benefit from the early bird rates which end on 19 December. 

For further information and to book your place, please visit www.contactconference.co.uk

Garden centre customers were still getting out in their gardens in October, according to the Garden Centre Association’s Barometer of Trade results.

The results showed hard landscaping sales were 25.84% up, furniture and barbeques 18.75% up and outdoor plants 14.5% up as compared to October, 2013.

Will Armitage, Chairman of the GCA, explained: “The cooler weather certainly hasn’t put gardeners off from getting out into their gardens.

“We know that October is a great month to plant all sorts of things such as spring flowering bulbs, shrubs, evergreens and fruit trees. With many garden centres getting behind campaigns like the HTA’s ‘Plan it, Plant it this Autumn’ it seems to have helped make people aware of the opportunities to be had. This has almost certainly helped contribute to the strong outdoor plant figures seen by many of our members.

“Hard landscaping was the best performing category for a second month running with people taking the opportunity to make changes to their outdoor spaces before it gets colder. 

“Other good performers during October were garden sundries up 11.96%, houseplants 7.16% up, Christmas 6.07% up and catering 4.67% up.”

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.

Justin Williams, Director at Fron Goch Garden Centre in Caernarfon, said: “We had an exceptional October, with good sales in all departments. Christmas was up 44% on last October and I think it’s all down to getting the ‘details’ right. Fine tuning and learning from a mini Christmas study tour we did last year and opening our Christmas display at the right time, getting merchandising and displays right as well as the marketing. 

“Catering was 11.6% up last month, which I think was down to us consistently delivering high standards of food and service, combined with developing three keys areas: Breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea; filling those covers all day long if possible.”

Meanwhile, The Gardens Group, which has centres in Sherborne and Poundbury in Dorset and in Yeovil, Somerset, has seen a strong month for core gardening products.

Mike Burks, Managing Director of The Gardens Group, said: “Despite the wet, October was a strong month for sales of core gardening especially winter bedding, bulbs, herbaceous, shrubs and trees. Fruit also did well. The half-term holiday saw a good boost to trade and this footfall really gave Christmas a good launch. Autumn as a whole has been very positive across the board including restaurant sales.”

In Northern Ireland Creative Gardens Limited, which has centres in Donaghadee, Bushmills has seen mild weather lead to a rise in sales.

Philip Gass, Finance & Marketing Director at Creative Gardens Limited, said: “In October our like for like sales comparing 2013 with 2014 were up 4.8% at our Donaghadee store and 6.6% at our Bushmills store. The main growth at both centres came from the same areas including strong, early Christmas sales, outdoor plants up by 13%, fruit and veg and houseplants sales up by 51% and 67% and some good late barbecue sales.

“The biggest financial increase came from good café and food sales, which were up by 10.8%. Generally the weather has been kind to us in Northern Ireland, reasonably mild and not too much rain, which always works in our favour.”

In September 2015 East London will play host to a brand new flower show, the London Flower Show, which is setting out to be a world class event in the horticultural calendar alongside established shows like the Chelsea Flower Show and RHS Hampton Court Flower Show.

From September 11-13 Victoria Park in Bow, East London will become the centre for a celebration of the UK's blooming season with the city's third largest collection of show gardens, garden exhibits and flower fantasia revealed for the first time.

For three days, displays, trade stalls, live entertainment, garden installations and growing competitions will thrive, bringing together people from all walks of life in a celebration of the country’s best buds and flowers.

Former Chelsea Flower Show winner and leading horticulture expert Nigel Gibson has been appointed as the Curator and Content Director and will be joined by a number of other experts ensuring the show entertains and excites everyone from the most passionate gardeners to those simply with a keen interest. With family-friendly entertainment and exhibitions, this is a flower show for horticulture enthusiasts, experts, and hobbyists alike.

Gardeners will be able to get the best deals on those essential products with exclusive show offers to take back home. The London Flower Show is also the perfect opportunity to speak face-to-face with experts and see the country’s best blooms.

Embracing ethical and sustainable principles at its core the London Flower Show, has been established to provide access to everyone. Entry in the produce growing competition is free and open to anyone who’s passionate about their produce or fanatical about their flowers. A range of cash prizes totaling £9,000 will be awarded to Gold and Silver medal winners in a wide range of growing and display categories.

The London Flower Show is timed to coincide with the annual farmer’s harvest and the peak of the blooming season that takes place from August to September. It will contain five competition pavilions which will house the competition displays as well as an on-site bar and restaurant, a centrally positioned live music space and a range of open air displays exhibiting the work of the UK’s best horticultural specialists in the fields of garden design, aeroponics, hydroponics and garden sculpture.

Tickets for the London Flower Show are now available from www.londonflowershow.co.uk

Shop and Display Equipment Association (SDEA) will take over the International Shopfitting Organisation (ISO) on 1st January 2015.  After 58 years as an independent organisation, ISO will be incorporated into SDEA at its headquarters in the UK.  It is the first time since the 1970s that ISO has been based in Britain.

The decision marks an important step in SDEA’s current period of growth and development, strengthening business links between shopfitting and display suppliers in the UK and continental Europe.

Current Secretary General, Preben Bailey, who is retiring after 10 years at the helm, said: “We are happy that such a professional Association of our industry is promising our former members not only similar, but in many ways obviously better terms of international membership."

Welcoming the decision SDEA Director, Lawrence Cutler, said: “the incorporation of ISO under the umbrella of the SDEA will add a new dimension to our offer to retail groups, many of which are expanding into mainland Europe.  For existing SDEA members and incoming ISO members there will be invaluable opportunities to develop additional cross border trade links.”

SDEA is the UK’s leading retail display industry body and provides excellent support for both its members and retailers, together with over 65 years’ experience within the industry.  SDEA provides many services to the retailer including the Retail Display Directory, its extensive online database and a telephone helpline.

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 Christmas 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.