A new consolidated supply chain service tailored to the needs of garden centres and garden retail suppliers has been launched by a partnership including product sourcing specialist Highgrove and supply chain infrastructure provider, Oakland International. 

Based on the model developed by Highgrove and Oakland for retailers, discounters, convenience chains and wholesalers in the grocery sector, the garden retail version will consolidate product from multiple suppliers, store, order pick, and provide onward distribution to garden centres with a three-day turnaround from order placement to delivery.

John Goodwin, commercial director at Highgrove, said Highgrove had been supplying the UK and Irish grocery market since it was established in 1992.  “We have recently expanded our own portfolio to target garden retail and the supply chain challenges for the garden sector became very apparent.  It’s disjointed, there are fewer wholesalers, multiple deliveries from multiple suppliers pose logistical problems, and there are issues around minimum orders, carriage paid minimums and extended lead times, particularly at the height of the season,” he said.

“It was obvious that Highgrove’s partnership with Oakland International  - with its 28,000 pallet capacity, 250 strong team, and ability to distribute over a million cases per week -  could be applied equally successfully to providing consolidated supply chain solutions to the garden market. We are now launching a first to market service which will have real benefits for garden centres and garden suppliers.”

For garden centres, the advantages of a consolidated supply chain solution are more frequent deliveries but with fewer inbound vehicles, access to improved range, faster and better availability of stock and simplified ordering and invoicing. Meanwhile garden suppliers benefit from a single point of delivery, improved delivery times and lower minimum carriage paid order levels, greater sales scope and complete stock visibility at all times.

The costs, terms and analysis of the consolidation scheme are bespoke to individual customers and are based on their business profile.

For more information, call Highgrove on 01793 852277  or contact John Goodwin using this link 

Award-winning lifestyle destination, Bents Home & Garden has unveiled a new ‘store within a store’ concept with Dutch design company Elho.

Elho’s displays bring lifestyle, colour and inspiration to the stunning shop floor. With over 50m² of outdoor displays and over 35m² for indoor containers, Bents’ customers will find plenty to capture their attention.

David Nicholson, Elho’s new Sales Manager for UK and Ireland, says: “This is a superb showcase of a store within a store and demonstrates Bents’ commitment to give its customers a really inspirational experience.”

The Bents and the Elho team have specifically selected every display, and the placement and planting of each pot to appeal to different consumers and meet their individual gardening and decorative needs. Pots and containers are beautifully planted up with plants from Bents’ nursery and placed in front of full size lifestyle images that capture the attention.

The outdoor Elho collection at Bents includes products from seven ranges in over 70 different sizes with a choice of over 15 different colours. The collection ranges from Green Basics products that are a few pounds up to containers designed for urban living and onto the über contemporary and stylish Pure collection.

The indoor collection includes similarly stylish designs in neutral and contemporary colours. Pots are planted up and ready for consumers to pick up and put in their basket.

Matthew Bent, Managing Director of Bents Home & Garden (left) with David Nicholson, the new Elho Sales Manager for UK and Ireland (centre), and Emma Kelly, Buying and ecommerce Manager for Bents (right).

Emma Kelly, Buying and ecommerce Manager at Bents, says, “We wanted to make it really easy for our customers to create inspirational indoor and outdoor spaces. From balconies in urban settlings to allotments and gardens for keen growers and then into the home with contemporary designed containers, Elho’s photography and point of sale gives our customers ideas for how to create a stylish look at home and in their gardens.”

“Elho’s collection is perfect for us because it’s broad enough to appeal to all our different customers. The bright colours attract attention and the quality of products and speed of manufacture give us peace of mind. We’ve been working with Elho for many years and each year we’ve seen a growth in sales,” says Emma.

David Nicholson continues: “One of Elho’s commitments is to give our customers more sales per square metre and there’s a lot of square meterage at Bents.  By creating a lifestyle brand with inspirational images and eye-catching products we know we will see a substantial uplift in sales and the performance of our products in Bents. 

“Working with retailers in partnership means that retailers benefit from our point of sale, marketing and display knowledge. It becomes in everyone’s best interests to create show stopping displays so consumers continue to come back again and again to add to and broaden their collection of stunning plants and stylish pots,” concludes David Nicholson.

Full-year results from Australian group Wesfarmers, the new owners of Homebase, show that despite “disruption” caused by the acquisition and its preparation for re-branding under the Bunnings umbrella, sales at the UK DIY chain grew by 7.5% in the first four months after the takeover.

The business, under a completely new board imported by Wesfarmers, led by Bunninngs diehard Peter Davis and including former Asda CEO Archie Norman, is being re-positioned with a harder more trade-orientated edge based on the Australian Bunnings model. Home furnishings and décor are probably on the eway out, with a greater emphasis on a wider range of core DIY and bigger stock holdings. Many see this as a head-on confrontation with B&Q and Wickes.

The new proposition will be very much flavoured by all-round low pricing – and Homebase’s Nectar Card connection has already been chopped to help clear the way. The website banner proclaims 'Always low prices'.

The first store to convert to Bunnings as a pilot scheme could open in October, with up to six more earmarked for 2017.

There are few clues yet about how the re-branding will impact on the chain's gardening offer. Suppliers approached by GTN suggest Wesfarmers does not want more trade gossip just yet.

• Garden Products - up1%
• Veg-2-Gro - up 7%
• Growing Media - down 3%
• All Items Index - down 9%

Natural stone products supplier Powys & Marches Stone has pulled out of Glee after owner Andrew Kelton was involved in a major road accident.

Kelton, the business’s founder, is still in hospital a month after the accident.

A company spokesman said the last minute decision to cancel its Glee attendance was made by the family so they can help with his recovery.

He is said to be “devastated but in high spirits”.

Taylors Bulbs, the fourth generation family bulb business based in Holbeach, Lincolnshire, has opened a new development to increase loading capacity in its peak seasons.

The 5500 sq.m. development includes 1500 sq.m. of insulated warehouse space plus external yard for loading and storage.

The warehouse includes three loading docks for loading directly into the back of vehicles, and two rapid-roll doors for loading curtain-sider vehicles.

 “Our speed of loading is increased and the warehouse gives us improvement storage for packed product, as well as creating a safer work environment” said director Adam Taylor (pictured, centre).

 “We can also expand the production department’s capacity and improve efficiency as a result of some of the space vacated by the despatch team and it frees up our central yard area for better flow of traffic around the yard.”

In order to create the new loading area, Taylors also had to construct a new staff car park area.  “It was a big pill to swallow but this was ‘the big one’ as there were so many knock-on bonuses we would get as a result of the change.”

The engineering and design was overseen by Calvert, Brain & Fraulo of King’s Lynn and the building and external yard was constructed by MJS Construction, March, Cambs, taking only 4 months to complete.  The car park was constructed by M.C.Nurse, King’s Lynn.

Peckish, Westland’s birdcare brand, has introduced a new autumn collection featuring a natural seed mix, suet cake value pack, feeders and nestboxes.

The brand increased its sales by £2m*, and claims easy-to-use products like the Peckish Complete Easy Feeder has brought new consumers into the market.

The new collection includes:

Natural Balance – an eight-seed blend to attract a wide variety of birds..

Complete Suet Cakes 10-Pack – introduced in response to customer requests for a larger pack.

Diamond Suet Cake Feeder – featuring a flip top lid.

Click Top Feeders –for easy fill and a clip release base for easy cleaning.

Squirrel Proof Lattice Feeders – with a secure click top lid,

Small Bird Feeder – includes small entrance to a sheltered feeder that only the little birds can access,.

Blue Tit Nest Box –pastel painted FSC® 100% certified wood with easy to clean side openings and drainage holes.

Robin Nest Box – similar spec to the tit box but with an open fronted entrance.

*The estimate is based on  the GfK Wild Bird Care Panelmarket Report – February 2016, EPOS Retail Sales Panel, Qlikview. 

• Mid August Preview        - 17th August
• Late August Preview        - 31^st August
• Full Show Preview           - 7^th September
• Build up preview - Live from the Show - 11th September 
• Live from the Show Day 1 - 12^th September
• Live from the Show Day 2  - 13^th September
• Live from the Show Day3   - 14^th September
• Omnibus Issue                 - 27th September

To make sure you get your own copy of Glee Daily News sign up here

For advertorial and advertisng opportunties please contact Ben Greenwood, Alan Burdon or Mandy Davies at The Garden Communication & Media Co Ltd, 01733 775700, owners and publishers of Garden Trade News, Garden Radio and The Greatest Awards.

Plant sales have raised £5,700 for students supported by scholarships from the David Colegrave Foundation (DCF).

In August, the Summer Showcase public open day at Ball Colegrave raised £4,719 for the charity, which supports students in horticulture.

Old Laundry Nurseries in Cheshire supplied many quality flowering plants for the sale and was a major contributor to the monies raised; the remaining funds came from the visitor entrance fees. DCF Trustees were on hand to support Ball Colegrave staff during the evening in providing visitors with horticultural advice.

Meanwhile, Garden Centre Fresh (GCF) raised £1,017 for the charity through the sales of the DCF Phalaenopsis Orchid Collection.

The collection is on sale in garden centres across the UK; a donation is made to the charity through every orchid sale. It also featured at the HTA National Plant Show in June this year where visitors could take an orchid home for a donation to the charity. 

Jeff Colegrave, DCF Trustee says: “We are delighted with the support provided by Ball Colegrave, Old Laundry Nurseries and Garden Centre Fresh, and thank them immensely on behalf of the students who will benefit directly from their support through our scholarships”.

The next DCF Scholarship Season kicks off in September, when new developments can be expected.

There was a delicious BBQ; live music from Betsa Collins of Farnham; wine tasting courtesy of Charles Boyd from “Ellis of Richmond”; a local magician who is a member of the Magic Circle; a craft demonstration; a gardening workshop; and a charity raffle - which raised over £200 for Squire’s local charity ‘Change of Scene’.

Pictured above: Squire’s Manager Richard Wells with Sue Weaver, Chief Officer at the charity ‘Change of Scene’.

Below: Enjoying the Garden Party.

Joe Lydon has been voted the Garland/Worth Gardening Sales Agent of the Year’ after achieving a 22% increase in sales for territory in Scotland.  

The award was presented at the company’s annual sales conference in the Midlands.

Runneer-up was the Stevensons Agency, which covers Ireland (north and south) and third place went to last year’s winner, Tony Robson who is responsible for the north west of England.

Operations director Tony Dedman said Joe and other members of the 12-strong sales agent team had capitalised on the company’s product innovation programme, which saw the launch of more than 80 new items last year

The team will be on stand 18H10-K11 at Glee 2016, where more than 100 new products will be on show alongside existing ranges. Some will be completely new ranges.

The Garland Products Group specialises in the manufacture of plastic injection moulded products, and supplies a wide range of products for keen and hobby gardeners. The company opened a new distribution warehouse in February 2015, increasing pallet space capacity by more than 70%, enabling greater stock holding and same-day or next-day despatch on most orders.

Pictured: Joe Lydon (right) receives his award from Tony Dedman.

The Glee New Products Showcase, in association with Garden Trade News, is building up to be the biggest for years as the deadline for entries looms.

All of the showcased new products will be displayed in a new Glee New Products Showcase display area at the end of the central boulevard in Hall 17 and judged early on Monday morning before the awarding of the Glee Awards at 5.15pm on the 12th September.

A new feature of the judging this year sees the shortlisted entries in each category being given the opportunity to present to the judges at 2pm on the 12^th. Once the judges have come up with their shortlist of three in each category, the candidates will be invited to a special forum with the panel where they’ll have a chance to explain why their product deserves to be a winner.

Exhibitors are entering up to 5 new products in each of the following Glee New Product Showcase 2016 categories:

1. Garden Care (growing accessories)
2. Garden Care (chemicals, fertilisers and compost)
3. Garden Decoration
4. Landscaping
5. Outdoor Entertaining
6. Machinery and Tools
7. Home, Gift & Clothing
8. Pet and Wildlife Products
9. Plant Seeds and Bulbs
10. Retail Experiences and Services

If Glee exhibitors have not made their entries yet, this can be done via the Glee website using the Exhibitors Zone log in at: http://www.gleebirmingham.com/page.cfm/Action=Form/FormID=3

The closing date for Glee New Product Showcase entries is Friday 2nd September, so don't delay, fill out the form today.

As last year the GTN team are organising and administering the entry and judging process for the Glee New Products Showcase, which promises to be even more helpful to both visitors and exhibitors in it's new location. If you have any questions please contact: trevor.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk

• The role reports to the Nursery Manager and needs someone who has the ability to plan, organise, direct, control, and coordinate activities of workers at all stages of growing, harvesting, packing, distribution and selling to the highest standards of quality.
• To be responsible for the provision of timely and quality support at a time and place which meets the requirements by ensuring there is a safe and adequate provision of materials and equipment, to budget and in consultation with the Nursery Manager.
• To be co-responsible for coordinating Health and Safety issues, such as risk assessments within the Horticulture unit.
• The work is increasingly complex, requiring managerial, business and IT competence.
• Any of Fire Safety Trained, First Aid Certificate and FEPA P.A 1&6 would be advantageous but not essential.

• The Ability to work on own initiative.
• Experience of stock control, security and ordering processes.
• Assign work schedules and duties to nursery staff, and supervise their work.
• Select and purchase plant nutrients, disease control chemicals, amenities required to complete the processes.
• Reads inventory records, customer orders, and shipping schedules to ascertain day's activities.
• Confers with management to report conditions, plan planting and harvesting schedules, and to discuss changes in fertilizer, herbicides, or cultivating techniques.
• Drives and operates heavy machinery, such as forklift truck and tractor to transport materials and supplies.
• Maintains records of employees' hours worked, and work completed.
• Prepares and submits written or oral reports of personnel actions, such as performance evaluations, hires, promotions, and discipline.

To apply for this role click here

• Will be to manage the plant section on a day to day basis ensuring plant stock is in tip top condition and merchandised to a high standard.
• Liaise with the Garden Centre Manager on managing supplies and staff etc.
• Supervising staff and ensuring that customer services are kept to a very high standard.

• A proven track-record in the industry along with good man-management and supervisory skills.
• Excellent plant knowledge and a good background in horticultural retailing is a must for this role.
• Be a team player with the ability to offer superb customer service.

• You will have experience of working in Garden Centres, ideally within a high volume, large format centre or retail store, although we are open to talking to candidates from any horticultural background.
• You will be able to recognise sales trends in detail from reports and use this information to improve sales performance and the profitability of the department through replenishment and merchandising.
• You will be meticulous to the detail in terms of product placement, standards, presentation, visual elevation and overall look and feel.
• You will have good numeracy, literacy and computer skills.
• You will be organised, methodical and pay excellent attention to detail.
• You will have a proven track record in managing and developing a team.

• Gardman’s Solar Mini Ice Orb takes over in the No 1 spot this week.
• Premier Decorations Coloured Led Pull Light & Bulb moves up one to No 3.
• Smart Solar Marker Light is the highest re-entry at No 14.

• Taylors Autumn Planting Seed Potatoes Duke Of York moves up one place to top of the chart.
• Quantil Spring Cabbage Plant is the highest chart re-entry at No 11.
• James Wong Tomatillos seeds from Suttons are a new entry at No 44.

• Westland The Gardener’s Soil Conditioner 50 litres climbed 25 places to No 24.
• Growise Multi Purpose with John Innes 56 litres is the highest re-entry at No 39.
• Scotts Miracle-Gro Organic Choice Premium Garden Soil 25 litres moves up one place to No 2.

• Soleirolia – Mind your Own Business became a new entry at No 10.
• Calluna Heathers climbed 18 places to No 15, just above Ericacea Heathers.
• Matthiola – Stocks were another new entry with a big sales increase at No 35.

Garden gloves and footwear brand Briers is the latest garden supplier to join the British Home Enhacement Association (BHETA).

Based in Wincanton, Somerset, Briers now offers more than 100 different gloves, covering everything from riggers to the fashionable  profession’elles, as well as wellington boots, clogs, kneelers, clocks, weather stations, thermometers, hand tools and accessories. 

The company is also a major player in celebrity endorsed brands with collections ranging from William Morris to The Gruffalo. The family firm was started in 1999 by Jackie and Nigel Eades.

BHETA’s DIY and garden sector director, Paul Grinsell said he was delighted that BHETA’s programme of events focussing on retail engagement was attracting brands from the garden sector. “The wider our range of categories within garden, DIY and housewares grows, the more we can appeal to the major retailers as a source of really good products and development opportunities.”

For more information, click this link or call 0121 237 113

• 8-page special on the GIMA Awards - all the winners and pictures.
• Smart Garden Products' Eureka! moment.
• Generation Game spotlight on Squire's Garden Centres.
• Reviews of SOLEX and the HTA National Plant Show.
• Insight into what makes a great plant retailing team.
• Preview of PATS Telford - the UK's No.1 pet trade exhibition.

Every week GTN receives and analyses epos data from a number of UK garden centres to produce the GTN Bestsellers charts and weekly bestsellers sales tips.

The full charts which provide useful insight into product sales peaks, new trends and new link sales opportunities are published in the weekly GTN Xtra printed newsletter.

As the year goes on we give sales volume comparisons with 2014 as well as 2015 to allow your teams to see variations over a three year period.

Access is by subscription only.  For £145.00 per year you and your team can have access to the most up-to-date gardening sales analysis that has already helped many UK garden centres increase their sales.  To subscribe call 01733 775700, e-mail karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk or buy on-line using this link.

Highlights of the GTN Garden Products Bestsellers chart for this week are here

Highlights of the GTN Garden Plants Bestsellers chart for this week are here

Highlights of the GTN Veg-2-Gro Bestsellers chart for this week are here

Highlights of the GTN Garden 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.