Leading specialist design and business consultancy Pleydell Smithyman is celebrating its 30th anniversary, marking three decades of collaboration with some of the UK’s most innovative and successful garden centres.

Since its founding in August 1995, the consultancy has worked closely with independent and family-run businesses to transform garden centres into thriving destinations. Combining strategic insight, creative design, and hands-on operational experience, Pleydell Smithyman has played a pivotal role in the sector’s evolution — from traditional plant retail to dynamic lifestyle destinations offering food, leisure, and community experiences.

“Garden centres have always been at the heart of our journey,” said Paul Pleydell, Founder and Director at Pleydell Smithyman. “We’re immensely proud to have supported so many businesses in realising their ambitions — whether through innovative design, business strategy, or guiding generational transitions.”

"This anniversary is not only a celebration of our story, but also a tribute to the incredible people and businesses we’ve been privileged to work with over the past three decades.”

Over the last 30 years, the multidisciplinary team at Pleydell Smithyman has delivered more than 3,000 projects across the UK and Ireland, receiving numerous awards for both design excellence and commercial success. Renowned for their sector expertise, the consultancy has helped garden centres, food retail, and rural businesses adapt to changing consumer trends — from sustainability and destination retailing to future-proofing strategies.

Looking ahead, Pleydell Smithyman remains committed to championing the garden centre industry, ensuring these businesses continue to flourish as vibrant, sustainable, and customer-focused destinations for generations to come.

Find them at Glee on 16th-18th of September on stand 11D80.