GTN November 2024 - GIMA Awards Roll of Honour & GLEE New Products Directory.

In this Issue: GTN’s Greatest Christmas Awards – the judges hit the road to visit 120 garden centres, Choice Marketing – winners from the conference and awards, Opinion – retailers on implications from the Budget, Keter celebrate 80 years of Stewart Garden, Glee New Product Directory – every product entered this year, GIMA Award – winners in the roll of honour, Glee New Product Directory continued, Review of PATS Telford, Houseplants in the mall – a look around The RHS Plant Space, Planteria – plants for the festive season, HTA Viewpoint - A chance to give back, GIMA Viewpoint – Managing Risk

After the success of last year's Christmas Customer vote we’ve formally added back in in-store voting on paper voting slips to allow even more customers to share their appreciation of the magical Christmas retailing experiences that are created by garden centres across the UK.

To join in all you have to do is download the poster and voting forms artwork using this dropbox link: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/t5s9zttkagu53jn06c90j/AAxUet5HFIAZOSLQxBzztdY?rlkey=c20kg3edpvc9g99dc7jrk3jrp&dl=0

Or download by clicking on the images below

Your customers can then vote on-line by scanning the QR code on the posters or by completing a voting slip and posting it in a voting box in-store that you will collect and send to the GTN Offices as the voting closes on Sunday 22^nd December 2024.

Direct Voting link: https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/GTN/5acq9vfvy60 

Of course you can also include the voting link and QR Code in your social media and website.

As last year we will have regional winners in the customer vote as well as an overall customer voting winner.  Last year’s overall winner was the team at Busy Bee on the Isle of Wight.

It’s as simple as that.  Voting is open now and will remain open until 4:00pm on December 22^nd.

Voting is free, but we are partnering with The Greenfingers Charity so that voters can, if they wish, make a Christmas donation to help build more magical gardens in Children's Hospices across the country.

Our team of judges are really getting into the Christmas spirit as they start their mission to visit the record entry of 120 garden centres that have teams nominated in this year’s Greatest Christmas Awards.

Here’s the Greatest Christmas 2024 judging visit list.

• Alton
• Azure
• Barton Grange
• Baytree
• Blue Diamond Derby
• Blue Diamond Melbicks
• Blue Diamond Newbridge
• Blue Diamond Sanders
• Beckworth Emporium
• Bents
• BGC Albrighton
• BGC Arcadia
• BGC Bournville
• BGC Braintree
• BGC Bridgenorth
• BGC Brigg
• BGC Brockworth
• BGC Burford House
• BGC Charlecote
• BGC Harrogate
• BGC Hemel
• BGC Horncastle
• BGC Hornsea
• BGC Irton
• BGC Ramsgate
• BGC Shipley
• BGC Studley
• BGC Tarporley
• BGC Tring
• BGC Winnerash
• BGC Wolseley Bridge
• BGC Woodthorpe
• Birkacre Garden Centre
• Bosworths
• Bow Garden & Aquatic Centre
• Brimsmore Gardens
• Busy Bee
• California Lodge Garden Centre
• Cambridge Home & Garden
• Castle Gardens
• Caulders Cumbernauld
• Caulders Erskine
• Cherry Lane Podington
• Chessington
• Cooks
• Coolings Main Road
• Coolings Rushmore Hill
• Downtown
• Duchy of Cornwall Nursery
• Ellerker Lodge Garden Centre
• Fairways Ashbourne Garden Centre
• Fakenham Garden Centre
• Fron Goch
• Garsons Esher
• Garsons Titchfield
• Gates
• Glendoick Garden Centre
• Gouldings Garden Centre
• Gouldings Valley View
• Groves Bridport
• Haskins Ferndown
• Haskins Snowhill
• Hillmount Ards
• Hillmount Bangor
• Hillmount Belfast
• Holt Garden Centre
• Jacksons Boutique
• Keydell
• Klodyke Houghton Hall
• Klondyke Garden Wise
• Klondyke Astbury Meadow
• Klondyke High Legh
• Klondyke Lady Green
• Klondyke Mortonhall
• Klondyke Stokesley
• Mackenzie & Cruickshank
• Meadowcroft
• Merryhatton
• Monkton Elm
• Munros Nurseries
• Newquay Garden Centre
• Nocutts Woodford Park
• Norwich Camping & Leisure
• Notcutts Brampton
• Notcutts Oxford
• Notcutts Rivendell
• Notcutts Solihull
• Old Railway Line
• Pengelly Garden Centre
• Perrywood, Sudbury
• Perrywood, Tiptree
• Planters Bretby
• Planters Brookfields
• Planters Garden King
• Planters Pacific
• Planters Tamworth
• Polhill
• Poundbury Gardens
• Pugh's Radyr
• Pugh's Wenvoe
• Raemoir Garden Centre
• Rosebank
• Rutland Garden Nursery
• Ruxley
• Silverbirch
• Skylark Garden Centre
• Snowdonia Nurseries
• Southwood Garden Centre       
• Squires Badshot Lea
• Squires Hersham
• St Peters Garden Centre
• Summerhill
• The Grange Garden Centre
• Thetford Garden Centre
• Thetford Garden Centre
• Thurrock Garden Centre
• Trowell
• Webbs of Wychbold
• Wentworth Garden Centre
• Woodlands Garden Centre, Ash

And here’s the list of Categories the judges will be looking to find are The Greatest Christmas Teams:

1. The Greatest Christmas Houseplant Team - Sponsored by Stars for Europe
2. The Greatest Outdoor Plant and Christmas Tree Team
3. The Greatest Gardening as a Christmas Gift Sales Team - Sponsored by Fandango Fire Tools
4. The Greatest Christmas Gifts Team – Sponsored by Museums and Galleries
5. The Greatest Garden Centre Christmas Promotions Team -Sponsored by Glee
6. The Greatest Christmas BBQ and Outdoor Leisure Team – The SOLEX Sizzle - Sponsored by LOFA
7. The Greatest Festive RetailFood Team
8. The Greatest Christmas Wild Bird Care & Pet Team - Sponsored by Marriages – WHM Pet Group
9. The Greatest Garden Centre Grotto Team - Sponsored by Smart Garden Products – Three Kings
10. The Greatest Group Small Garden Centre Christmas Team - Sponsored by Woodmansterne
11. The Greatest Group Large Garden Centre Christmas Team
12. The Greatest Small Garden Centre Christmas Team - Sponsored by Tildenet
13. The Greatest Mid-Sized Garden Centre Christmas Team – Sponsored by Kaemingk
14. The Greatest Large Garden Centre Christmas Team – Sponsored by MorePeople
15. The Greatest Giant Garden Centre Christmas Team - Sponsored by Kaemingk

After all those visits and plenty of mince pies the judges will be meeting in early January to decide the winners of the categories who will be announced on The Stage at Spring Fair, Hall 2 at the NEC on Monday 3^rd February 2025, 5:00pm.  We look forward to seeing as many nominated teams and GTN readers there as possible.

• Defra Minister Daniel Zeichner MP welcomed new EHG reports revealing the environmental horticulture sector contributed £38 billion to the UK economy and supported over 722,000 jobs in 2023. By 2030, it could be worth £51.2 billion, supporting 763,000 jobs.

• Urban green spaces provided pollution reduction and cooling effects valued at £27.4 billion in 2021 while helping avoid £800.5 million in health-related costs.

• UK households spent around £13.2 billion on garden goods and £5.8 billion on professional gardening and landscaping services in 2023.  

• The EHG calls for the UK government to adopt a collaborative strategy supporting green economic growth, workforce development, sustainable urban spaces, climate resilience, and healthcare integration, positioning horticulture as essential for a sustainable, healthy, and resilient future. 

Two landmark reports released by the Environmental Horticulture Group (EHG) and Oxford Economics reveal that the environmental horticulture industry has the potential to support GDP contributions worth £51.2 billion and create 763,000 jobs across the UK economy by 2030, representing a 45% growth opportunity with adequate government support.

Oxford Economics’ research found that the sector—including UK gardens, landscaping, and arboriculture—contributed £38 billion to GDP and supported 722,000 jobs in the past year.  

The reports were officially launched at a House of Commons event today, highlighting the sector’s extensive environmental, economic, and social value. Sponsored by All-Party Parliamentary Gardening & Horticulture Group co-chair, Baroness Fookes, over 170 MPs, Peers, and industry figures, including actor and gardener Jim Carter and Alan Titchmarsh, attended. 

As a sector rooted in the supply of plants and trees, environmental horticulture is essential to nature-based climate solutions, with the UK’s gardens and green spaces mitigating climate impacts, easing extreme weather effects, and enhancing biodiversity. The cooling and pollution-reducing effects of urban green spaces were valued at £27.4 billion in 2021 alone, while urban vegetation helped the UK avoid £800.5 million in health-related costs. These contributions to biodiversity, air quality, and urban resilience underscore the sector’s role in advancing the UK’s net zero goals. 

In addition, in 2023, public parks, gardens, and green spaces attracted £4.2 billion in tourism spending while also proving essential for public health; studies show that access to green spaces and gardening can alleviate symptoms of chronic conditions, improve mental and physical wellbeing, and strengthen communities by fostering social inclusion. This aligns with the Environmental Horticulture Group’s (EHG) vision for a "Neighbourhood Health Service," integrating horticulture into healthcare strategies to promote holistic health benefits. 

Alongside the economics report, the Environmental Horticulture Group (EHG) has published ‘Mission Green Growth’, a strategy that underscores the sector’s importance and calls for collaboration between government, industry, and communities to unlock its full potential. The strategy focuses on key goals such as upskilling the green workforce, securing seasonal worker programs, and fostering policies that drive competitiveness and innovation. Central to the EHG’s vision is sustainable urban planning that incorporates high-quality green spaces alongside campaigns on critical issues like cross-border trade, reliable seasonal worker schemes, and improved environmental sustainability.  

The EHG works closely with the government to secure greater support for the sector, including garden centres and their supply chains, public and private gardens, commercial growers and nurseries, arboriculture, and domestic and commercial landscaping. Its core members include the Arboricultural Association (AA), the British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI), the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA), and the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS). 

Boyd Douglas-Davies, Chair, Environmental Horticulture Group, said: “Caring for the environment – be that through private gardens, urban green spaces or public parks - goes to the heart of what the Environmental Horticulture Group stands for.  

“As this new report shows, our sector is already a hugely positive economic and environmental contributor to the UK, but it could be worth so much more if we have greater government support. I look forward to working closely with government stakeholders to achieve our joint objectives in policy areas, including economic, environmental, science, research, net zero, business, health, planning, taxation, skills and education.

"The time is now if we are to make the most of the next decade of growth opportunities and work with government to create a greener, happier, more environmentally sustainable society and economy.” 

Baroness Fookes, Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Gardening & Horticulture Group, said: “I am delighted to see so many representatives of the very varied aspects of horticulture present at this Reception, together with an impressive contingent of MPs and peers. I hope the big parliamentary turnout is a sign that there is, at long last, recognition of the vital role environmental horticulture plays not only in the wellbeing of so many individuals but also in preserving our environment and mitigating the worst aspects of climate change.

"The Environmental Horticulture Group, whose latest Report we are publicising today, is a respected organisation, and I hope it will continue to liaise ever more closely with the relevant civil servants and ministers in promoting the interests of horticulture. I, for my part, will continue to bang the drum constantly and loudly in the ears of the present Government as they must not be allowed to forget its immense importance.”

The reports can be downloaded via this link: https://hta.org.uk/ehg-documentation

See GTN Xtra's photos from the House of Commons event below.

In the space of a few weeks, RocketGro was delighted to be named Associate Supplier of the Year at the Choice Marketing Conference in October and also secure a spot as a finalist at the 2024 GIMA Awards.

The first prestigious industry win saw RocketGro presented with the award for 'Associate Supplier of the year' for delivering outstanding service and support to Choice Marketing members throughout 2024.

Hot on the heels of securing that coveted title, RocketGro was thrilled to then have its best-selling 50L Multi-Purpose Peat-Free Organic compost nominated as a finalist in the Growing Media Product of the Year category at the recent GIMA awards. 

It gives RocketGro plenty to celebrate, as the British brand round off an extremely positive year and looks ahead to exciting opportunities in 2025. 

RocketGro’s Multi-Purpose compost has been a best seller for retailers in 2024, securing a flurry of impressive new listings throughout the year and for the 2025 season. Great value, combined with eye catching packaging, and a host of eco positive accolades backing up RocketGro's unbeatable sustainable eco story make this a must stock product.

Managing Director Toby Thomas said: “We’ve had a really successful year, as RocketGro continues to make further progress in the market by producing high quality compost products, at a great price, that are positioned to sell. It was really heartening to receive industry recognition for our excellent service levels, and market-leading 50L Multi-Purpose compost product, which boasts an unbeatable eco story. 

“We value our working relationships with retailers, so were thrilled to take part in the Choice Marketing conference, and have very much enjoyed supporting the 61 garden centre members in 2024. Equally, to earn a finalist position in a hugely-competitive category at the GIMA Awards was a real bonus and, we firmly believe, is testament to the strength of the RocketGro story and product range.

“We are looking forward to a very positive 2025 and the opportunity to provide retail customers with yet more great service and market-leading compost products.”

Get in touch to discover what our unique range can do for your compost offer.

Find out more

If you want to learn more about RocketGro or are keen to discuss adding its product portfolio into your 2025 offering, please contact Toby Thomas (hello@rocketgro.co.uk /07936 928 981) or Andy Abraham (andy@rocketgro.co.uk / 07446 937902). View the full range and discover more about the RocketGro story at www.rocketgro.co.uk

Corby + Fellas are delighted to announce that Ben Reid Garden Centre in Aberdeenshire has implemented WinRetail.

Ben Reid is an independent family-run business specialising in growing varieties guaranteed to thrive in the challenging North East climate. With a solid reputation as one of Aberdeen’s best stocked garden plant nurseries, they have all the plants, skills, experience and a genuine passion to help their customers make the most of their garden.

We are looking forward to a long partnership with this prestigious garden centre.

Pictured Simon Fraser of Ben Reid, and Matt Chrisostomou, Corby + Fellas

Flopro, part of Westland Horticulture, has announced that the innovative Cobra expanding hose is now available for retailers to order alongside displays sure to drive consumer demand.  

Designed to meet the needs of modern gardeners, the Cobra is Flopro’s strongest, most durable expanding hose, offering an unparalleled solution for efficient and frustration-free garden watering.

To support retailers and help drive consumer engagement, brand-new creative videos are now available, highlighting the Cobra’s outstanding features and key benefits to shoppers whilst browsing in store. These visually engaging assets bring the product to life, and address gardeners’ pain points with typical watering solutions, such as kinking, twisting, and heavy hoses – making it easier than ever for garden centres to showcase the Cobra to their customers. Watch Flopro’s Cobra video on YouTube here. 

Why Stock the FloPro Cobra?

The Cobra sets a new standard in garden watering solutions:

• Compact
  • Expands to 3x its original size and shrinks back when not in use for easy storage
• Unmatched Durability:
  • 20x stronger* than standard fabric expanding hoses
  • Patented construction with a rigid expanding inner layer and a flexible outer layer, ensuring thorns, twists, and kinks are no match
  • Withstands a puncture weight of up to 2390g, compared to 150g for typical fabric hoses
• Lightweight:
  • 50% lighter than PVC hoses of similar lengths
• Never Kink Convenience:
  • Its innovative structure eliminates twists and kinks, maintaining a consistent water flow no matter what 
• Eco-Friendly Watering Solutions:
  • Includes Flopro’s Supergrip connectors, which are 20% longer for leak-free performance, reducing water wastage
  • Fully compatible with all standard outdoor taps and connects with all watering brand
  • BPA, PVC, and Phthalate-free 

Natalie Searle, Head of Marketing & Communications, Hardware Division, commented: “Our research shows consumers prefer lightweight expanding hoses due to the flexibility and ease of use they offer; however, we understand that until now there has been a dissatisfaction among consumers with high levels of returns. This compelled us to find a better solution, that’s flexible, durable, and lightweight, and designed to banish the consumer pain points surrounding gardening watering. Our new Cobra is sure to strike the watering world in 2025. 

“We’re also delighted to provide new creative videos to help garden centres showcase the Cobra’s exceptional value to their customers. The Cobra is available with an eye-catching 1m off fixture display, which comes complete with a TV screen to highlight the video content to shoppers. There’s also a space-conscious yet informative 15 or 25m EQP display to take advantage of too.”

Order today via Westland Live or through your Westland sales representative to ensure your retail space is fully stocked up to offer consumers a convenient and reliable watering solution. 

October's Garden Centre Association Barometer of Trade figures show ‘an encouraging set of figures'.

From the results entered by the GCA’s member garden centres for the month, it was revealed, when compared to October 2023, that nine of the 13 categories recorded were up.

GCA CEO, Peter Burks explains: “It’s an encouraging set of figures for the month with the significant increases on indoor categories outweighing the losses on the outdoor ones.

“Gardening and outdoor projects were clearly not on the jobs list last month, but as usual eating was, with food halls/farm shops and catering doing well. It’s also great to see a decent start to Christmas sales and another very good month for gifts.”

The best recorded category for October 2024, when compared to the same month in 2023, was food hall/farm shop at +12.2%, with catering next at +11.61% and clothing sales in third place at +9.62%.

Houseplants came in next at +8.6%, then gifts +7.39%, seeds and bulbs at +5.02%, Christmas at +2.95% and the miscellaneous category was +0.98%.

Pets & aquatics came in next and recorded +0.35%, and outdoor plants down at -3.19%. Hard landscaping was down at -6.54%, garden sundries -6.77% and furniture & BBQs at -8.96%.

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 BoT allows members to compare their trading positions with other centres.

The Horticultural Trades Association and the Fresh Produce Consortium have escalated calls for action, submitting their 10 asks to the Environment Secretary, Rt Hon Steve Reed MP. This follows Defra’s failure to reply to the previous joint letter to the government, which was sent over a month ago. The letter called for urgent action following a ministerial roundtable meeting on plants, cut flowers, and border-related issues held on 4 October 2024. 

In the letter, the HTA and FPC emphasise the vital role of horticulture and fresh produce, contributing significantly to the UK economy, food security, and environmental sustainability. The joint letter highlights substantial obstacles to the trade of both edibles, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, and non-edible plants, including cut flowers, planting materials, finished plants, trees, shrubs, bulbs, and seeds. Issues such as rising logistics costs, damaged goods, delays, increased waste, and complex paperwork severely impact sector growth and investment in the future. 

Jennifer Pheasey, Director of Public Affairs at HTA, commented: “The lack of urgency in taking action or even replying is hugely concerning, especially when we are near daily presenting evidence and issues to those responsible for making the border function. It is not just frustrating, but costly and damaging for businesses facing lost stock, hiked costs, delayed supply chains and impacts on customer relationships. This is all now on top of the triple hit of costs resulting from the Autumn Budget announcements on national insurance, living wage and other taxes. Our asks are constructive, clear and achievable. We need the government to work immediately with the HTA and FPC, listen to our members, and take swift action to safeguard UK horticulture and its benefits to the economy, the environment, individuals, and communities.”

Nigel Jenney, CEO of the Fresh Produce Consortium, said: “My message to the government is clear - we simply need an affordable and effective biosecure border which meets the needs of industry and consumers. Not even replying shows that the UK border strategy imposed by the previous government is an overwhelming and ongoing failure and that this government has no sense of urgency or appreciation of the impacts despite us providing vast amounts of evidence. Whilst they continue to procrastinate, Rome is burning.

“We are a dynamic and proactive sector, having invested in effective self-funded border solutions. Our ability to deliver the food and wellbeing is clearly not recognised by this government. It’s now 6 months since the launch, and nothing has changed. It is well over a month since we met Ministers and submitted our asks. This Government can and must resolve this chaos.”

On 20 September, the HTA requested a meeting with Defra to allow both HTA and FPC members to present their concerns and discuss solutions. They met with Baroness Hayman on 3 October, formally submitting joint asks on 21 October.  

After working constructively with the landlords, Dobbies has confirmed that its Antrim store will now no longer close at the end of 2024 as previously stated. 

The Antrim store has remained open since Dobbies launched a Restructuring Plan (“RP”) in September 2024 and they have confirmed this will now continue, with all colleagues being retained. 

The team remains committed to bringing a range of gardening and homewares, plus the restaurant and coffee shop, to its customers, and building their role within the local community.

A Dobbies spokesperson said: “We are pleased to confirm that with the support of Lotus Property and Tristan Capital, our Antrim store will no longer close at the end of December as part of our Restructuring Plan. 

“We are pleased to be able to retain our team, look forward to continuing to welcome customers into our store, and building our role in the local community. Thank you to our colleagues for their hard work and commitment as we have navigated this process.”

Alastair Coulson, MD at Lotus Property said: "Dobbies continuing to trade at The Junction is fantastic news for Antrim, not least because of the number of local people the site employs. The Junction is one of Northern Ireland's leading retail and leisure parks, and I’m pleased to see the strong working relationship between landlord and tenant, as well as the commitment of our excellent centre management team and the Dobbies’ colleagues here in Antrim." 

The RP was launched to address historically uneconomical rent costs and to create a strong platform to return Dobbies to profitability, access future investment, and to ensure a sustainable, long-term future. The other Dobbies stores identified for closure as part of the RP will continue as planned, subject to the restructuring plan being approved by the courts on 9 December 2024.

Forest Garden Group has been recognised for its outstanding commitment to health and safety in the workplace.

The company, which is based in Hartlebury, Worcestershire, has been awarded the Silver Health and Safety Award by The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), demonstrating Forest Garden’s commitment to the safety of its staff, contractors and customers.

It was Forest Garden’s first year of applying for the award, which was given in the Occupational Achievement category.

Ben Whitehouse, Forest Garden Group’s Head of Compliance, said: “We are thrilled and proud to receive this special award from RoSPA at our first time of applying. 

“It is testament to the positive safety culture we have in place thanks to the key roles our network of managers, supervisors, team leaders and safety representatives all play, as well as the performance and support of all our employees.  I especially would like to congratulate my team on their continued impressive performance and hard work that has gone into creating this positive culture across the Group sites.”

“Workplace injuries and ill health significantly impact the quality of life for our staff and their families. This RoSPA award demonstrates our continued dedication as an organisation to ensure everybody connected with our business goes home safe and well to family and friends.”

The RoSPA Awards program is now in its 68th year and is the UK’s largest and most impactful health and safety programme. With almost 2,000 entries annually from over 50 countries, impacting over seven million employees, they offer a platform to spotlight an unwavering commitment to continuous improvement and excellence in health and safety.

Julia Small, RoSPA’s Achievements Director, said: "Workplace accidents don't just pose financial risks and operational disruptions; they significantly impact the quality of life for individuals. This is why acknowledging and rewarding excellent safety performance is vital.

“We congratulate Forest Garden Group Limited for winning a prestigious RoSPA Award and showing an unwavering commitment to keeping employees, clients and customers safe from accidental harm and injury.”

The Horticultural Trades Association has released its monthly Market Update for October, which shows a slowdown in sales, reflecting the challenging trading environment for the sector. 

Garden centre sales in October 2024 were down by -6% compared to October 2023, and excluding catering, this sits at -9%. Whilst October is traditionally a smaller month in the annual garden centre calendar, contributing approximately 7% of total sales, this year shows significant variation among retailers, influenced by the timing of Christmas department openings and clearance of garden furniture stocks. 

Fran Barnes, Chief Executive of the HTA, commented: “The unseasonably dull weather discouraged plant purchases, with bulb sales down -6%, a concerning trend during a crucial autumn planting period. This is reflected across the garden centre, with core garden and gardening categories experiencing a -14% decline in sales compared to October 2023.  

“The Chancellor’s Autumn Budget has compounded the challenging trading environment for HTA members—increases in employer National Insurance contributions and the National Living Wage, as well as other tax changes, place additional financial pressure on businesses. The HTA's recent Member Survey evidences the impact, with 66% of members reporting the need to increase prices and 40% indicating they will postpone or reduce business investment. We are presenting these findings to the government and urging a pause to implementation of these changes until there has been consultation with the industry to understand the full impacts on our members’ businesses and the industry’s growth ambitions.

“This is an important time of year for our garden centres, and we are encouraged to see that Christmas sales began strongly, up +5% on October 2023. Fragile consumer confidence, which dipped by -1 point from September to October, may be encouraging earlier festive spending to spread the cost. Additionally, garden centre cafes and restaurants reported a +4% increase in transaction numbers compared to October 2023. This performance will provide critical cash flow to support businesses through the quieter winter months ahead of the 2025 gardening season.” 

The full November 2024 market update is available to HTA members on the HTA website.

Andrew Weiss, Executive Chair of BHETA comments:

I remember one evening in the early eighties, during a cricket tour, at the home of the parents of one of our team. My teammate’s father was Gurth Hoyer-Millar, then Chairman of Sainsbury’s, who arrived home late, joined us for a beer, and talked excitedly about his latest venture, a DIY store called Homebase.

Little did I know then that I would spend nearly the rest of my working life dealing with that same retailer and now, with concern, be writing about its rise and ultimate fall – and what it could mean for the DIY and garden industry.

The ‘DIY Rush’

The first Homebase store opened in Purley Way, Croydon, in 1981, as a venture between Sainsbury's and Belgian retailer, GB-Inno-BM.  It offered a one-stop shop for home and garden supplies - a relatively new concept in the UK – and it expanded rapidly, along with rival brands such as B&Q, Texas, Wickes DIY, Do-it-All, Payless, Focus DIY, and Great Mills. 

In the nineties, the market inevitably saw consolidation as Homebase acquired Texas, making it the second largest player, Do-it-All took Payless, and Focus picked up most of everything else. Wickes continued to grow organically with its trade-focussed, own brand approach.  B&Q also kept its own ‘big box’ strategy but its owner, Kingfisher, also picked up a small catalogue-based trade counter operation called Screwfix.  

Decades later, Focus had acquired Do-it-All and Great Mills, but ended up in the hands of Hilco, when the brand disappeared, leaving B&Q, Homebase, and Wickes as the three main DIY large retail formats.  Homebase was sold to the Home Retail Group in 2006 and to Wesfarmers in 2016. Wickes became part of the Travis Perkins Group before exiting as a ‘stand-alone’ PLC in 2021. Following Homebase’s disastrous Wesfarmers/Bunnings era, Hilco again stepped in to acquire what was left. 

Talented leadership

Homebase has had some of the industry’s most talented leaders. Following Hoyer-Millar was Colin Parsons, who started the growth, Jim Hodkinson spent some time running the business before moving to B&Q, Terry Duddy of The Home Retail Group oversaw further expansion, Paul Loft continued, and, after Bunnings, Damian McGloughlin took the reins in 2018 and restored the business to profitability by 2020. 

But, what next for suppliers?

The attraction of Homebase was that it sold a wide variety of industry brands across core DIY, decorative and ‘softer’ home improvement and garden plants and accessories.  While CDS Superstores, ie The Range, has bought the brand, IP and around seventy stores with Homebase online continuing to trade, The Range is more variety than core DIY and its ‘centre line’ drifts increasingly towards the value end of the sector. 

Which means there are fewer large-scale retailer options. B&Q is increasingly driven by its own exclusive brand strategy, Wickes, although softening a little on own brand is still focused on its core trade and ‘do it for me’ offer, and neither provide easy sanctuary for DIY brands looking for new retail exposure.  There are of course thousands of excellent DIY / homewares stores as well as increasingly friendly garden retailers.  Some can be serviced direct, and others are looked after by a strong DIY wholesale community.

My concern for the industry

This leaves us however with online and ‘marketplaces’. And here lies my concern. In today’s world these have an important place and Covid demonstrated how vital that place can be.  But Homebase leaves a gap in aspirational DIY retailing, and while it will be interesting to see how that gap will be filled, my hope is that the online marketplace does not become the only option. 

Exciting as it is, it is increasingly price driven and plagued with anonymous ‘me-too’ products that damage consumer confidence. DIY is also a ‘hands-on’ community where many end users, particularly first timers, prefer the quality reassurance of choosing products in store.

Some of the larger supplier brands will inevitably look at the Dyson model and go direct.  It is consumers and no longer suppliers or retailers who dictate the market after all, and thanks to this shift, along with an increasing confidence from suppliers on drop ship capability, which can only accelerate with the growing use of AI, going direct is no longer such a daunting experience.  

But complete reliance on direct B2C will damage the quality of the home and garden industry overall – for all parties.  I hope that the void Homebase’s exit has created can be replaced and that we can maintain consumer trust in both supplier and retailer brands.

For more information about BHETA and the retailer networking, market data, lobbying and business support opportunities it offers, visit the website at www.bheta.co.uk.

Autohydrate Ltd has developed and patented the Autohydrate Smart Bracket to aid the watering of hanging baskets but believes the potential for the product is larger than it can handle. It is therefore looking at the options available to bring the product to a wider audience.

When connected to a pressurised water supply (normally mains but could be a lower pressure), and without the use of electricity, the device will drip water into the basket’s compost in such a way as to keep its weight virtually constant. It works by detecting the weight of the basket and through a pivoting arm, either squeezes or releases an irrigation tube within the bracket which allows the water to flow or stop. This means that the basket can be left unattended for weeks or months without the compost drying out, or excess water dripping from the basket. 

The company’s Hugh Rowse and Derek Harbour are keen to hear from anyone who thinks they may be able to help develop the product further and bring it to market.

For information email: h.rowse43@btinternet.com

Or call Derek Harbour. 07768 775584.

Link to video showing the Smart Bracket in action.

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1kKtJERxpKAIKm5xOzWCu7p7kGZgzu5zM

Hyve Group has announced an exciting expansion of Spring Fair, with the addition of Pure from February 2025. The Pure brand will transition to Spring Fair at Birmingham NEC to sit alongside Moda to create Moda x Pure from 2-5 February 2025.

The strategic refocus will mark the conclusion of Pure London x JATC as a standalone event at London Olympia. The move aims to strengthen Spring Fair's position as a destination for the fashion sector, driven by evolving market conditions and the desire for a more integrated buying space for fashion retailers. Spring Fair already attracts more relevant London-based buyers, making it a natural fit for this transition. The move ensures that Pure’s legacy continues, in a format that better meets the needs of today’s fashion industry.

Jackson Szabo, Retail Portfolio Director at Hyve Group says, “We are incredibly proud of the heritage and success Pure London has achieved over the past 30 years as a prominent exhibition for both homegrown and international fashion brands. Despite this rich legacy, the show in its current format is no longer sustainable in today’s market. As the industry evolves, it’s crucial for us to adapt our offerings to strengthen Hyve Group's position at the forefront of fashion events. By positioning Pure and Moda together at Spring Fair and focusing on London’s premium fashion event Scoop and Source Fashion, we ensure that Hyve Group continues to deliver the commercial opportunities that brands and buyers seek.”

Gloria Sandrucci, Event Director of Pure London x JATC comments, “Pure has been a pillar of the fashion industry for over 30 years, showcasing incredible talent and connecting brands with buyers from across the globe. Its legacy is one of creativity, innovation, and fostering strong industry connections, and we are very proud of what it has achieved. Transitioning Pure to Spring Fair ensures its spirit continues in a way that reflects the changing needs of the industry.”

Pure’s renowned catwalk will continue to feature prominently at Moda x Pure, showcasing the latest collections and trends to inspire buyers. Moda x Pure will also collaborate with a trends partner to offer expert insights, helping brands and buyers stay ahead of the curve in an ever-evolving market.

Hyve Group’s portfolio in the fashion industry also includes Scoop International and Source Fashion. Delivering a premium event in London, the next edition of Scoop International takes place at Olympia London on the 9 - 11 February 2025. The show is recognised by designers, fashion buyers, and industry experts as one of the UK’s leading fashion and lifestyle trade shows, aligning perfectly with the modern expectations of both buyers and exhibitors. Celebrated for its unique showroom buying environment, Scoop showcases a selection of the finest contemporary fashion, meticulously curated to highlight emerging international designers and lifestyle brands, many of whom choose Scoop as their exclusive trade platform. From July 2025, Scoop International will move to the National Hall at Olympia, as the venue unveils its exciting new development that aligns itself with the Scoop DNA.

Source Fashion, the newest addition to Hyve Group’s fashion portfolio which launched in February 2023, will continue to take place twice yearly at Olympia London. The next edition takes place on the 18 - 20 February 2025. Since launch it has experienced exponential growth and is now Europe's leading responsible sourcing show.

Spring Fair, taking place from 2-5 February 2025 at NEC Birmingham, has announced an impressive line-up of industry leading bellwether brands making the show the largest and most comprehensive marketplace in the UK with over 1,200 exhibitors and over 30,000 visitors expected to shop the whole show for their next bestsellers.

As retailers in the UK become adept at leveraging product diversification to differentiate themselves and maintain competitiveness in an ever-evolving market, the scale and breadth of Spring Fair meets their needs in sourcing products from across all the show destinations. Many retailers, moving beyond their original niche, are increasingly looking for products that offer a more engaging and varied shopping experience, attract a broader audience, improve profitability, as well as reducing dependency on seasonal or single-category sales.

With the ongoing trend for creating "Instagram-worthy" spaces at home, products like candles, home fragrances, decor, and kitchen accessories are increasingly popular, as are artisanal and indulgent food treats, while demand for skincare, aromatherapy, and wellness-related products are driven by consumers' focus on self-care.

As the UK's largest and most-trusted retail trade event, Spring Fair brings together home, gift and fashion retailers and suppliers of all sizes from across the industry to create new business opportunities. Its legacy of expertise attracts the largest brands and buyers from across the industry - and this year's 75th anniversary show is set to be even bigger.

Discover a host of exclusive brands at the 2025 show.

The Ultimate Gift Destination

The Gift destination, encompassing Gift, Beauty & Wellbeing, Kids, Toys & Play, and Greetings, Party & Celebration, has already sold out in Hall 4 and the destination has expanded into Hall 5 to meet increasing demand.

Covering all your bases, from classic to contemporary, licensed, eco-friendly, and British-made at all price points, the Gift destination is tailored to appeal for all buyers interested in diversifying their offer and developing their product ranges to meet the growing trend for experience retailing. There is no better place to source all your giftware needs and next bestsellers with everything from licensed and design-led gifts, candles and pampering products, children’s toys and gifts, party suppliers, books, collectibles and craft kits.

Create special moments from the show floor to your shop floor with all the biggest and best names in gifting including Sifcon, Widdop & Co, Sass & Belle, Kikkerland, Powell Craft, Chalk UK, Gift Republic, Enesco, Joe Davies, Rex International, Shoeless Joe, Forever England, Burstenhaus Redecker, History & Heraldry, Fountasia, Heaven Sends, Elgate, Lesser & Pavey, Gingko Design, Talking Tables, Candleight, Legami, Boxer, Half Moon Bay and many more.

The Beauty & Wellbeing destination features stand-out collections that pamper, groom, spritz and energise. From beauty staples to hair care, discover beauty and wellbeing products for the mind, body and soul from Bomb Cosmetics, Luxscents UK, Heathcote & Ivory, Upper Canada, and The English Soap Company.

Home to the finest, most magical children’s toys, gifts and gadgets, tap into the hottest trends and elusive Christmas hits at the Kids, Toys & Play destination. All the major players will be there including Kandy Toys, Keel Toys, TY UK, HTI Toys, Aurora World, House of Marbles, Wilton Bradley, Henbrandt, Whitehouse Leisure, and The Noble Collection

In Hall 3, the new Greetings, Party & Celebration destination brings together the most creative, fun and colourful greeting cards, wrapping papers, stationery and paper decorations, and is the only destination to find the best party and dress up suppliers in the UK. Look out for Museums & Galleries, Ling Design, The Art File, Ooh Dear, Wrendale Designs, Paper Salad, Emotional Rescue, Amscan Europe and Amscan Halloween, Gemar, I.T.I B.V., Procos, Anagram, and Hootyballoo by Club Green.

Discover Exclusive Home Brands

Explore must-see brands and dive into trends you won’t find anywhere else across Home, Living & Décor, The Summerhouse, Christmas, Festive & Floral and Housewares destinations. Your next bestsellers and endless inspiration await from bellwether brands including Coach House, Hill Interiors, Gallery Direct, The Libra Company, Kaemingk, Lotus Imports, Captivate Brands, Bloomingville, One World, Garden Trading, Fifity Five South, Mindy Brownes, Ulster Weavers, Stoneglow, Malini, Treelocate, Floral Silk, Portmeirion, PMS, Ultimate Products, and Richmond Interiors.

A Burgeoning Fashion Destination

From designer labels to boutique brands and high street fashion, find out what’s trending next season in the new Moda x Pure Clothing & Footwear, Fashion Accessories and Jewellery & Watch destinations. Discover exceptional brands like Goose Island, Miss Milly, Jess & Lou, Big Metal, Suzie Blue, Lunar, Jessica Graaf, Lighthouse Clothing, and many more.

A Milestone 75th Anniversary Event

As the UK’s largest and most-trusted retail trade event, Spring Fair’s 75th anniversary edition promises to be its biggest yet. This landmark show features:

• Over 1,200 exhibitors across 12 unmissable buying destinations dedicated to Home, Gift, Fashion, and Everyday categories.
• More than 1 million products, with 38% available exclusively at Spring Fair.
• Over 400 new brands, providing endless opportunities to discover next bestsellers and transform collections.

“As we celebrate our 75th anniversary, Spring Fair continues to serve as the heartbeat of the retail industry, welcoming the biggest and most-desirable bellwether brands in the UK,” said Soraya Gadelrab, Event Director of Spring Fair. “This year’s show will be more inspiring than ever, with a focus on delivering real value to buyers and exhibitors alike. From established bellwether brands to exciting newcomers across so many product destinations, there’s something for everyone at Spring Fair 2025.”

About Spring Fair

Spring Fair is the UK’s leading retail event attracting 38,000 buyers with a combined budget of £2.25bn. It hosts the largest, highest-spend assembly of retailers in the country and is the ultimate destination for buyers.

2025 will celebrate 75 years of rich heritage. Inaugurated by the Queen in 1975 when it moved to the NEC and endorsed by retail icons, Spring Fair has remained a trusted marketplace even through significant industry changes.

Spring Fair sparks connections, broadens horizons, and enables opportunities for the wholesale home, gift, fashion and everyday retail communities to thrive. As the ultimate hub for forecasting and innovation, Spring Fair delivers essential trend insights to keep retailers informed and ahead of the curve.

Visit www.springfair.com to be part of their 75th anniversary show. Register for free at Spring Fair 2025.

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The Association of Professional Landscapers (APL) has announced that multi-award-winning garden designer Pip Probert, will speak at the APL Awards 2025. This highly anticipated awards ceremony will take place on Friday, 14 March 2025, at The Brewery, 52 Chiswell Street, London, EC1Y 4SA.

Pip Probert, whose journey into garden design began in childhood, is known for blending artistic inspiration with natural landscapes. She has designed and worked on more than 40 Show Gardens at various RHS Events, BBC Gardeners World, Gardening Scotland, Ascot Spring Show, and even a few international events like the Besiktas Flower Show and the Horticultural Expo Beijing. She is also currently an assessor for both Gardener’s World and BBC 2’s Your Garden Made Perfect.

Reflecting on her passion, Pip Probert shared:

“Visiting gardens was a cherished family activity from an early age, made all the more special by our time spent outdoors. My love of art played a central role—I started with detailed flower sketches and paintings of gardens we visited, and my hobby soon became a career aspiration. Now, over 20 years later, my enthusiasm for garden design remains as strong as ever.”

Looking ahead to the ceremony, APL’s General Manager, Phil Tremayne commented:

“It’s wonderful to have Pip speaking at this year’s APL Awards. As a long-time landscaper with Outerspaces Design ltd, which has produced multi award-winning designs, her expertise and dedication to the industry will be inspirational for so many attending the day. I can’t wait to hear what she has to say.”

The APL Awards 2025 ceremony will celebrate outstanding achievements in the UK Landscaping industry and spotlight the talented professionals who bring creative vision and skill to gardens across the UK. The finalists, announced in October, will be recognised for their dedication to excellence, with winners revealed during the awards ceremony.

Tickets are selling fast for this event so secure your place now to avoid disappointment: hta.org.uk/hta-current-events/apl-awards/visitor-booking-form

The Young People in Horticulture Association (YPHA) would like to invite forward any businesses and industry leaders who wish to express their interest in becoming sponsors for the 2025-2026 term.

Sponsorship positions are limited to 10 ‘Supporter’ and five ‘Key Partner’ positions, with each offering a chance to actively support the growth, ambition, and future of the horticultural industry by investing in the next generation of passionate professionals.

YPHA Founder, Natalie Boynton stated that ‘As the YPHA approaches its fifth birthday, our team and wider membership continue to be overwhelmed by the incredible support and enthusiasm that we have been shown by the horticulture industry. Your contributions have been the lifeblood of our initiatives, enabling us to create dynamic spaces where young professionals can connect, grow, and thrive. Together, we’ve fostered a vibrant community built on innovation, collaboration, and a shared passion for horticulture, in all its versions. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has contributed to our journey in any way.’

Guy Massey, Production Manager at Rochfords, who were amongst the first to confirm the renewal of their Supporter sponsorship for 2025-2026, shared his appreciation for collaborating with the group: “In just a few short years, the Young People in Horticulture Association has become an invaluable space for young horticulturists to connect, learn, and share insights with industry experts. With its ability to attract exceptional speakers and venues, YPHA fosters a uniquely inspiring and innovative network across all aspects of horticulture. This organisation stands as a testament to the bright future of the industry, bursting with promising ‘green shoots.’ It has been a privilege to get to know some of the dedicated members and organisers. Our sponsorship has allowed us to be an active part of this inspiring movement and witness the growth in knowledge, enthusiasm, and commitment across the field. I look forward to working with the impactful horticulturists and leaders these members are bound to become.”

Looking to the Future As we move forward, the YPHA team recognise that the next few years are critical in preparing the group to thrive beyond its existing committee and founders. Our goal is to build a resilient, self-sustaining network that will empower and inspire future generations long after today’s leadership has aged out of the group. By joining us as a sponsor, businesses will play a pivotal role in cementing this legacy, ensuring that YPHA continues to be a beacon of opportunity and progress for years to come.

The Benefits of Sponsorship

• Shape the Future: Directly contribute to the professional development of tomorrow’s leaders in horticulture, whilst also making horticulture a more appealing and welcoming career choice for those at all levels.
• Visibility & Reach: Enjoy brand exposure across YPHA’s wide-reaching platforms, events, and communications.
• Exclusive Access: Sponsors gain access to YPHA events, with ‘sponsor’ passes being able to be used even by those who may be beyond typical membership age, offering unique avenues to connect with industry talent and engage with our diverse community.
• Engage & Connect: Build meaningful relationships with motivated young professionals, industry influencers, and key stakeholders.

Join Us in Making a Lasting Difference If you are inspired to help us engage, empower and equip the next generation of horticulture, we would be delighted to hear from you. Interested businesses are invited to express their interest by contacting admin@ypha.org.uk, with the subject line ‘Expression of Interest’, by Monday 25th November. The sponsorship packages referenced above start at £1000 per annum.

Smaller contributions, of any size, are of course welcomed through the YPHA crowdfunder page, which can be found at crowdfunder.co.uk/p/yphasowingstories

Until 12th December, anybody supporting through this link, and who is donating £10 or more, can opt in to receive a festively wrapped gardening book as a thank you for their support.

Together, we hope to build a brighter, stronger, and more enduring future for horticulture.

The Harrogate Spring Flower Show is calling for entries to its renowned show gardens and creative borders showcase as the application deadline approaches on Monday December 2.

This “must-see” feature draws many of the annual 40,000 visitors who flock to the show, which will take place this year from 24-27 April at the Great Yorkshire Showground.

The show gardens and creative borders provide an exceptional platform for designers, horticultural professionals and students, as well as charities, community projects and businesses to collaborate and create standout displays.

Harrogate based charity Horticap is a regular show gardens exhibitor. Last year, the charity - which provides adults with learning disabilities training in horticulture, allied crafts and rural skills - created a garden to celebrate its 40th anniversary which won a Premier Gold award.

Horticap operations manager Phil Airey said: “The Spring Flower Show is a great opportunity for us to showcase what we do and especially the work of our students who are very proud to take part in the show.

“Our students like to show off what they can achieve and the Spring Flower Show is a perfect platform for them to do that while gaining valuable people skills through their interaction with visitors to the show.”

Taking part for the first time at this year’s show was the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) with a tribute to the many CWGC casualties buried far from their families. Its ‘11,000 miles from home’ garden won a Gold award.

Harrogate’s Stonefall Cemetery has more than 1,000 Commonwealth war graves, tended by a team of gardeners. Elizabeth Smith, CWGC public engagement coordinator for the North East, said: “This year’s Spring Flower Show was an amazing event for us. We are a big horticultural organisation with 850 gardeners employed across the world so the show was a perfect fit for us.

“We were able to showcase our work through the show garden and by talking to 1,500 members of the public over the four days of the show, demonstrating our volunteer programme.”

As well as seasoned gardeners, the organisers of Harrogate Spring Flower Show encourage the next generation of horticulturists to take part and exhibit their talent.

This year’s creative borders area featured a display by students from Shipley College which won a Silver gilt award. They designed and built three creative borders including a ‘yarden’ based on Saltaire’s rich textile heritage, strong sense of community and where the college is based.

Garden Design tutor Kate Paterson said: “Our students really enjoyed taking part in the project which involved them designing and sourcing materials to constructing on site and talking with visitors at the show.”

The Harrogate Spring Flower Show is one of two flower shows hosted annually by the North of England Horticultural Society (NEHS) with the Autumn Flower Show taking place in Harrogate in September.

Show director Nick Smith said: “Our show gardens and creative borders are part of the NEHS’s commitment to supporting horticulture and offer a unique platform for designers, horticulturists, growers, colleges and charities to share their work and knowledge with a wide audience.”

Show garden and creative border entries can be made here: https://www.flowershow.org.uk/spring-show/take-part/garden-design/show-gardens

Funding support is available to cover the material costs of garden and border entries.

Ten ornamental horticulture growers from around the world have reached the finals for the AIPH International Grower of the Year (IGOTY) Awards 2025. 

Organised by the International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH), the awards recognise the ‘best of the best’ in ornamentals production. An international jury of industry experts assessed the competition entries against specific criteria relating to economic performance, innovation, market insight, sustainability, and human resources.

Chaired by Horticultural Consultant Mr Tim Edwards, the Jury included Mr. Bernard Oosterom, past AIPH President (the Netherlands); Mr. Jeff Olsen, CEO of Brookdale Treeland Nurseries Ltd and past IGOTY winner (Canada); Prof. Charlie Hall, Professor at Texas A&M University (USA); and Prof. KiByung Lim, Department of Horticultural Science, Kyungpook National University (Republic of Korea).

Of the entries, ten companies have been selected as Finalists. They are (in alphabetical order):

• Fitoralia, Spain
• Huajiangpu, China
• Könst Alstroemeria B.V., Netherlands
• La Gaitana Farms, Colombia
• Plant Select NV, Belgium
• Qianxinan Green Edge Animal and Plant Technology Development Co., China
• SOEX FLORA PVT. LTD, India
• Stolkbrothers, Netherlands
• Taizhou Suzhong Horticulture Co., China
• VIVERCID, Spain

The IGOTY Awards 2025 consists of four categories: Finished Plants and Trees, Cut Flowers and Bulbs, Young Plants, and Sustainability. One winner will be crowned the ‘AIPH International Grower of the Year 2025’ and receive the ‘Gold Rose’ – the industry’s most coveted prize.

All winners will be announced at an Awards ceremony on 28th January 2025 at IPM Essen, Germany, hosted by Michael Perry, better known as Mr Plant Geek, and Sirekit Mol, Head of Commercial Operations for Beekenkamp Plants BV. Tickets to attend the ceremony cost €120 and include a standing buffet dinner and post-award celebratory drinks. Groups of five are priced at €480, saving 20%, and groups of ten cost €840, saving 30%.

To find out more about the IGOTY Awards and to purchase tickets, visit the AIPH Website.

AIPH thanks Headline Sponsor MPS, Host Partner IPM Essen, Category Sponsor GLOBALG.A.P., Support Sponsor MyPlant&Garden, and Founding Partner FloraCulture International for their continued support of the awards.

Kent garden centre Merriments Gardens has announced on its social media pages that it is closing.

The post on Facebook said: “It is with huge sorrow that we have to announce that Merriments Gardens is closing 

“The team & I were desperately sad to be told last week that the business will close it doors for the final time on Thursday 21st November 2024. The freehold has been sold and the new owner does not want to continue with the business.

“We will holding a clearance sale with 50% off all stock (gift vouchers excluded) as the site has to be completely cleared in the next fortnight. Please come to support and help us to ensure all our lovely plants etc. go to good homes.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank my amazing team who have been so gracious over the last 10 days since we found out. As you will know from recent posts we had no idea this was coming as we were making plans for next year. The love and care the team have shown for each other, supporting their colleagues, and wiping away each other's tears, has been humbling to witness.

“We would also like to thank you, our wonderful customers, many of whom have been there since the beginning 35 years ago. You have been there for us during thick and thin supporting us during the good times and the bad. 

“The Garden & Plant Area are looking amazing so please come and enjoy a final walk around our beautiful Merriments RHS Partner Garden before it closes and say goodbye.”

Future Marketing Group has welcomed new members, The Gardens Group and Plymouth Garden Centre, whose well respected and award winning businesses bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the group. 

This increases the Future Marketing membership to 14 companies representing 21 centres throughout the UK and strengthens our numbers in the South West. 

"We are looking forwards to working with Mike and Louise Burks and Fiona Newland and their management teams as we share our knowledge and learn from each other to ensure we continue to grow and remain profitable into the future," said Tam Woodhouse.

The recent GIMA Awards provided the stage for GIMA President, Kate Ebbens, to unveil an inspiring new fundraising challenge for 2025 in support of Greenfingers Charity.

Building on her ambitious commitment to run every day throughout 2024, Kate challenged the gardening and horticultural industry to join forces to complete a 650-mile journey. This route symbolically connects the Greenfingers HQ in Buckinghamshire to Coombe Abbey in Coventry – the venue for the charity’s 25th Anniversary Floral Ball – while “virtually” passing through four of the hospices that will benefit from Greenfingers gardens next year.

The 650-mile distance thoughtfully incorporates virtual stops at Acorns Children’s Hospice, Walsall, Hope House in Oswestry, Bluebell Wood in Sheffield, and Chestnut Tree House in Arundel, celebrating the incredible impact of Greenfingers gardens on these hospices.

Participants can tackle the challenge individually or as part of a team, with the freedom to run, cycle, swim, or walk to clock up the miles. Whether it’s committing to two miles a day, accumulating miles with longer efforts across the year, or taking on the challenge in a single epic weekend, the possibilities are endless. One thing is certain - this challenge promises to be an unforgettable collective effort for an exceptional cause.

During her address at the GIMA Awards, Kate shared what motivates her to keep running, saying: “Whenever I struggle to find the energy or time to run, I think about those families, and that fuels my determination to keep going and to keep raising money. Knowing that every early morning run in the rain, every moment I feel like I can’t continue, is helping children who face life-limiting conditions puts everything into perspective. Their challenges remind me of how small my own struggles are, and it’s all I need to keep pushing forward. I hope that tonight others will be moved by this sentiment as I have a challenge for you.”

Kate’s words struck a chord with the audience, as Greenfingers Charity called on industry members to step out of their comfort zones and join her in making a difference in the year ahead.

Linda Petrons, Director of Fundraising & Communications at Greenfingers Charity, added: “Kate’s grit and determination are truly inspiring. Her efforts have raised vital funds and shone a spotlight on the work Greenfingers does for children and families facing unimaginable challenges. We’re so excited to see who will step up to take on the challenge in 2025. Together, we can not only hit that 650-mile target but also spread the word about our mission and make a lasting impact.”

Get involved!

If you are interested in getting involved in this very special fundraising challenge in 2025, either as an individual or as a team, please contact Linda - she’d love to hear from you.

Find out more

You can also join in the conversation by joining Greenfingers on social media - https://www.facebook.com/Greenfingerscharity/, @GreenfingersCha on Twitter, and @Greenfingerscharity on Instagram and LinkedIn. 

A ‘Kindness Pot' set up by a Bradford-based garden centre group has supported over 200 local causes and donated over £11,000 since launch.

The Yorkshire Garden Centres (YGC) initiative was established in 2022 to support local causes nominated by team members at the group's sites throughout West Yorkshire.

In the last year, Otley Garden Centre donated over 500 spring flower bulbs to Ashlands Primary School in Otley. The bulbs were used to plant in the school, and lesson plans were created around the bulbs to aid the pupils' writing, numeracy and art skills.

The 'Kindness Pot' also gifted a selection of gardening equipment to support Maggies Yorkshire with their garden maintenance, on behalf of Joyce Ho, House Plants & Giftware Assistant, at Tong Garden Centre. Cancer patient Joyce wanted to give something back to the charity that provides a peaceful and calm place for people with cancer to stay.

Earlier this year, Bingley Garden Centre gifted summer bedding plants to Manorfields Hospice to brighten the garden ahead of their summer garden party. Support for Manorfields was pledged by several team members at Bingley who have benefited from the support of the hospice.

Team members at Tingley Garden Centre volunteered their time as part of the Kindness Pot to help plant the Rob Burrow Memorial Garden at Headingley designed by Group Commercial Plant Manager, Marc Salama after the centre was approached by Leeds Rhinos to create a floral memorial for their former player.

"With our roots in Yorkshire, we believe in giving back, whether to our group-wide charity of the year or local causes that matter to our growing team. We want to support the causes that mean something to our team, and anyone can make a Kindness Pot request for support. Our sense of community has really been reinforced by being able to support so many worthy causes, and we're looking forward to launching the Kindness Pot to the teams at the two new Yorkshire Garden Centres family members, Dean's York and Scarborough next year," said Neil Barwise-Carr, Head of People and Culture.

This year's beneficiary of the Charity of the Year fundraising pot is Yorkshire Children's Charity. Through a series of fund-raising events and collection boxes at the tills, the teams at Yorkshire Garden Centres hope to raise £20,000 for the independent charity which aims to transform childhoods and improve the lives of thousands of disadvantaged children in Yorkshire. In just three months, the team has raised over £7,000 through a sponsored bike ride, bake sales, planting workshops and team raffles. To contribute to Yorkshire Garden Centres' fundraising, please visit https://bit.ly/YGCYCC.

Since Tong Garden Centre was acquired in 2015, the team and supporters have raised over £80,000 for charity. Previous beneficiaries of the Charity of the Year initiative include Yorkshire Air Ambulance, Forget Me Not Children's Hospice, Luke's Lads, Butterflies Mental Health, The Cellar Trust, Candlelighters and National Literacy Trust.

Chartered surveyors Quinton Edwards is marking 35 years as the UK’s foremost expert in the sale and valuation of garden centres, horticultural nurseries and farm shops – and is forecasting huge opportunities in the sector for investors willing ‘to buy small and build big’.

With family leisure becoming an increasingly popular and profitable market for the industry, companies investing in food halls and farm shops, restaurant and coffee shops, children’s soft play and even adventure activities can reap the rewards of running successful retail and leisure one-stop destinations. 

Director Simon Quinton Smith of Quinton Edwards, said: “I believe there is huge scope for new entrants to come into the industry, who can start small and grow their independent businesses over the coming years. It is widely recognised that having successful independents is important to ensure diversity and continued innovation within the sector.  The large groups obviously offer lots for customers but innovation tends to start at the grass roots level with smaller, independently-owned businesses.”

Quinton Edwards was founded by specialist chartered surveyor Simon in autumn 1989 and over the last three decades, Simon and his team have supported the garden centre and horticultural industries through three recessions, various retail booms, a pandemic and the successful completion of millions of pounds worth of sales and valuations. This has included landmark valuations of some of the UK’s largest garden centres, including Bents, and Webbs of Wychbold and garden centre groups such as Dobbies, Hurrans and Wyevale.

The business is part of Quintons (Commercial) Ltd, which manages commercial sales and lettings and also has a successful property management arm Deal Varney Management – where the team currently manage two garden centre sites, in addition to commercial and residential property.  Simon is MD of Quintons (Commercial) Ltd.

Simon (pictured left) is an Associate Member of the Horticultural Trades Association, Garden Centre Association and Farm Retail Association, and he is recognised as the leading specialist garden centre and horticultural Chartered Surveyor, having over the last three decades helped clients buy, sell and lease more garden centres, horticultural properties and associated businesses, than any other UK company. 

He has also been an industry expert witness for over 20 years, acting for individuals, businesses and the courts in valuations, and is a registered business valuer.

Over the 35 years, Simon has seen many changes and developments in the horticultural industry.  He said: “Over the years the changes in the garden centre industry have been enormous.  In the 80s, garden centres were starting to take the form that they have now but without a lot of catering, without Christmas, without concessions, and without leisure.

Originally plants were 35%-50% of the turnover of the average garden centre but now, although the volumes haven’t changed, the overall percentage has dropped as other departments have increased.

Catering started small, becoming 10% of overall turnover.  Now it is 20% to 25% and growing, with many garden centre restaurants having between 200 and 300 covers and with the main restaurants becoming so popular, coffee shops are being opened to cater for those customers who just want a coffee and a sandwich or cake, rather than a full meal. 

Clothing has also become big in garden centres with Blue Diamond stating that clothing is their best performing department. 

In the past, May was probably the highest turnover month; now it can be November or December because of Christmas – and Christmas does not just revolve around selling product, it revolves around leisure experiences; curling, ice rinks, simulated train rides, roundabouts, circuses, and this leisure now continues at other times of the year too.”

Crazy golf, Dino Park, Go Ape, all feature in garden centres, and one of the more recent trends are farm shops/food halls, and those garden centres who had successful farm shops or food halls, did particularly well during Covid. These continue to grow and often now have a cook shop alongside with Lakeland opening as concessions at some garden centres.”

Concluding Simon said: “It has been a fascinating 35 years for the industry and we have enjoyed supporting our clients through the many changes and advances that have taken place in the sector over those years. The future is looking extremely positive for garden centres, horticultural nurseries and farm shops and we are excited to be a part of this evolving and exciting market.”

G Plants has announced the appointment of Andy Lewis as the newest member of their sales team, taking on the role of Regional Account Manager. 

With Andy’s extensive experience in sales and customer relations, he will play a pivotal role in expanding our reach in the garden centre market, particularly with our popular Bee Friends Range and Indoor Grow Sets.

Andy brings a wealth of experience in sales and account management and although he is new to the sector his customer focus, drive and enthusiasm are second to none. Andy will be responsible for nurturing existing partnerships and forging new ones, ensuring that G Plants continues to provide exceptional service to garden centres in the North.

“I am excited to be joining the G Plants team and look forward to connecting with our valued customers,” said Andy. “Together, we can inspire more people to embrace gardening as a fulfilling hobby.”

“Having previously worked with Andy, we are thrilled to have him join our team,” said Carly Jackson Group Managing Director at G Plants. “His background and dedication to customer service align perfectly with our mission to provide growing products that inspire and engage both novice and experienced gardeners.” 

About G Plants
G Plants is a premier garden centre gifting and seed products company committed to enriching the gardening experience for enthusiasts of all levels. Our diverse product range includes the Seed Packet and Seed Shaker display stands, Indoor Grow Sets, Novelty Planters all designed to inspire and engage customers in their gardening journeys. 

For more information and to see what else G Plants has to offer, please don’t hesitate to contact Andy on 07939 950734 or e mail: andy.lewis@gplants.com

GTN will be publishing its Sustainability Directory again and this year's theme will be 'Where next for Garden Centres?'.

The garden retail sector has made huge strides with sustainability over the last five years setting the pace for eco-standards in retailing so this year we will be looking at what can be done next to re-affirm garden centres sustainability credentials and keep us as a sector ahead of the market.  We will be covering services, facilities, customer interaction and education, plus of course, products for garden centres to sell that have a sustainable back story and that deliver eco benefits for their customers.

This year the printed Directory will be delivered to the GTN mailing database towards the end of December, when planning starts for the season ahead. We also produce a digital version which is promoted each week for the whole of next year via GTN Xtra at www.gardentradenews.co.uk. Over the past five years the digital versions of GTN’s Sustainability Directory have now been opened 29,597 times with an average issue read time of 5:35 minutes.  The Sustainability Directory is well read and regularly referred back to each year.  Together with the 3,500 printed issues and the weekly readership of GTN Xtra that means the GTN Sustainability Directory is the largest and most accessible single source of Sustainability related information for our industry.  It would be great if you were a key part of that.

Please see the 2024 Sustainability Directory here

New Products for the UK Garden Trade for 2025 from GIMA Members: Ames, Auto Pot Global, Avocet Hardware – Greenman Tools, Azpects, Bulldog Tools, Burgon & Ball, Capi Europe, Coir Products, Durston Garden Products, elho, Evergreen Garden Care, Fandango Fire Tools, Fargro, Forest Garden, Gardena, Glee, Greenkey, Greenleaf Horticulture, Handy Distribution, Harvest Pet Products, Hortiwool    , Hozelock, Johnsons Lawn Seeds, Kleen-Tex, LBC Ultralight Boots, Marriages, Meadow View Stone, Museums & Galleries, Panacea Products, Phoenox, PlantWorks, POTR, Primeur, Primus, Sipcam, Smart Garden Products, Sorbus, The Solar Centre, Tildenet, Treadstone, Vitavia, Vitax, Witt UK & Ireland, Woodmansterne, Zest Outdoor Living, GIMA Member Directory, Join GIMA.

GTN October 2024. In this Glee Review Issue: RocketGro – Towards Climate Positive, Open for business in Shetland - GTN visits the new centre in Lerwick, It’s Christmas – Entry details for GTN’s Greatest Christmas Awards 2024, Glee 2024 – The Buzz is back, Making an impact at Glee, Potr - GIMA Seed Corn Fund Winner, Glee Hero’s – Influencing the past 50 Years, Glee New Product Award Winners, Floral Thursday at Glee sets new records, Hold on tight – Wing walkers for Greenfingers, GTN Planteria – Seasonal picks for 2025 and beyond, Navigating change at the HTA Conference, HTA Viewpoint – Presidential reflections