Respected and prominent horticulture industry professional, James Barnes, has been appointed as an advisor to Dobbies Garden Centres, as the team implement their growth plans.
James has 30 years of wide ranging experience in the garden centre industry, and has been Chairman of the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) since 2018. James led the growth and sale of Dobbies, after transforming the turnover of the business, and now the Dobbies’ team is looking forward drawing on his industry knowledge and wider business expertise.
James Barnes said: “I have a long history with Dobbies, it’s a really fantastic business, and I’m excited to be in a position where I can work with David and his senior team on their robust plans for growth.”
David Robinson, CEO of Dobbies, said: “I’ve enjoyed my meetings with James since joining Dobbies and it’s brilliant to formalise this relationship. James is a hugely respected figure in the industry who is ideally placed to work with us as we accelerate our plans for growth.
“He knows Dobbies incredibly well, and as we start our 160th year of helping British gardeners to grow, it’s great to share the news of his appointment.”
GIMA members have a conversation with Dobbies today (Wednesday 5th February) but we are unable to report on the conversation as the trade media were not invited to attend.