Westland has reported this morning that the acquisition of Gardman, taking it from administration, is developing well and that real progress is being made. “Acquiring Gardman from administration has been a complex and challenging process, but what is clear is that the loyalty and support the customer is showing Gardman is beyond all expectations..."
Westland has reported this morning that the acquisition of Gardman, taking it from administration, is developing well and that real progress is being made.
Westland’s Operations Director, Peter Madden, Sales Director John Mcdowell and Crest Managing Director Nick Davies are working tirelessly to bring the Gardman business within the Westland structure and ways of working. They have issued the following statement to update all on the progress over this period.
“Acquiring Gardman from administration has been a complex and challenging process, but what is clear is that the loyalty and support the customer is showing Gardman is beyond all expectations. Within just a few short weeks order volume is returning and is now close to that of last year’s levels, highlighting the industry support for Gardman and the relevance of the product offer.
Gardman has a strong product range with exceptional positioning and quality, which is sector leading in many areas. The opportunity across all categories is significant in each and every area, from lighting, garden decoration to bird food. We can already see that the products have far exceeded our expectations and have a strong fit into the Westland ethos. There is an exciting future ahead for all our categories.
For the past few years, retailers and customers have not been able to maximise the Gardman portfolio to its full potential. It is our job now to turn this around and make every brand from Cole & Bright, Grow-it, Gardman bird through to Eden Bloom a success for all retailers and consumers.
We have already made significant progress in key areas - stock availability is getting stronger by the day and we are in a strong financial position to secure stock when required. This initial progress and the support from our suppliers will deliver over 95% availability for the coming season.
We feel very confident that our customers’ day-to-day requirements are ready to be serviced by the existing Gardman sales team. We have spent a significant amount of time with the team and a strong emphasis is now placed on pre-season and delivering the 2019 plan. The team is very well equipped to fully support retailers and all the inaccurate gossip in the trade around Gardman can now be put to bed!
We are also pleased to announce our ongoing support of the Royal British Legion Poppy appeal. It is a fantastic initiative and we, as an industry, should maximise the opportunity to support such a worthwhile cause.
We have an outstanding and dedicated Gardman team and we are fully focused on delivering the best possible for 2019 season.”
For more information about Westland please visit www.gardenhealth.com.
With about £135m raised out of a target £442m and time dragging on even the national newspapers are now speculating on the future of the remaining 115 Wyevale Garden Centres...
With about £135m raised out of a target £442m and time dragging on even the national newspapers are now speculating on the future of the remaining 115 Wyevale Garden Centres.
The Financial Times last week reported: "There have been several offers on the table, including from aggressive turnround specialists such as Alteri Investors, a unit of Apollo Global Management, according to people familiar with the matter.
"One person close to Terra Firma said so-called vulture funds were unlikely to prevail in the bidding, however, as breaking up the business and selling off the rest of its sites individually would recover more value."
Westland Horticulture further enhanced its position in the UK growing media market last month when it acquired Erin from parent company LeisureGrow...
Westland Horticulture further enhanced its position in the UK growing media market last month when it acquired Erin from parent company LeisureGrow.
LeisureGrow Group CEO Richard Grimmer said the strategic challenges facing the industry meant the businesses would be stronger together and would allow LeisureGrow to focus on developing its Petface, NOMA and LG Outdoor brands.
“I’ve been involved with the Erin brand for almost 40 years, but I believe this is the right time for change and the best thing for both LeisureGrow and the Erin brand moving forwards,” he added. “We would like to thank all of our customers for their support over the years in helping Erin to become one of the most trusted growing media brands in the industry, and we look forward to their continued support with the other brands in the LeisureGrow family.
Erin Horticulture was established in the early 1980’s, evolving from a peat pot company that started trading in 1960. It manages more than 300 acres of peatlands in the Irish midlands but as an active member of the Growing Media Association, also supports the development of suitable peat alternatives.
GTN Xtra understands the negotiations for the purchase of Erin have been taking place since the summer with completion taking place just after the rescuing of Gardman.
Garden Centres who stock and sell Erin products have been told that the brand will continue as a separate business.
Westland acquired the Sinclair growing media business in 2015, consolidating the Dungannon company’s position at the forefront of the sector.
We spotted this ad on TV and social media last week. Is your houseplant area ready to serve the needs of people who are inspired by this?
We spotted this ad on TV and social media last week.
Is your houseplant area ready to serve the needs of people who are inspired by this?
As The Joy of Life website says: "Plants do so much for us, so it's nice when we do something in return, isn't it? Give them a lovely home. Make an effort to get to know these living things. Play classical music for them and say nice things to them. They really will flourish. And take care of them as if they were your dog or cat. They are a life. They are life itself.
The Pot Company has helped BBC One's 'DIY SOS: The Big Build' create a stunning garden for a disabled father-of two, whose life was changed in a split second by a freak accident...
The Pot Company has helped BBC One's 'DIY SOS: The Big Build' create a stunning garden for a disabled father-of two, whose life was changed in a split second by a freak accident.
The leading wholesaler of planters and pots was contacted by the TV show last summer for help in creating a stunning outside space for Ben Wernham’s family home in the Cotswolds.
Project manager Ben, 33, had been living in a nursing home after a swimming pool accident left him paralysed from the neck down while on holiday in Cyprus in 2016.
On hearing his story, DIY SOS host Nick Knowles and his team galvanised support from local residents in the village of Avening and an array of industry experts to transform his ex council house into a stunning, wheelchair-friendly home and garden so Ben could move back in with his young family.
The Pot Company stepped in to donate some of their popular corten steel Atlas cylinders and clayfibre Chelsea boxes and cylinders for the new cleverly-adapted outside space, with the Kent-based firm’s general manager Tom also joining the 100-strong team of volunteers for “the big reveal”.
Viewers watching the show, which aired on BBC One on October 3rd, saw disabled Ben looking overwhelmed at the transformation, saying it had “made my life worth living again”.
Katie Weller of The Pot Company said: “We were so pleased to be involved in this amazing project with DIY SOS for Ben and his family in Avening.
“The show contacted us with a wish list and fortunately we were able to provide them with exactly what they were looking for.
“Although our planters were a very, very tiny part of the rebuild, it was really lovely to be able to help out and it’s great to see what can be achieved when enough people give what they can and collectively make a big difference to someone’s life. We wish Ben and his family all the best.”
DIY SOS: The Big Build - https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006pnjk - launched in 1999 and takes on ambitious, life-changing projects which are completed in nine days often with 60 trades on site at once.
Former English rugby player and coach Sir Clive Woodward OBE has been announced as the first speaker booked for the Garden Centre Association’s annual conference, taking place in Luton on January 20-23 2019...
Former English rugby player and coach Sir Clive Woodward OBE has been announced as the first speaker booked for the Garden Centre Association’s annual conference, taking place in Luton on January 20-23 2019.
Garden centre owners, managers and their teams can now book their places for the conference at Luton Hoo Hotel, Luton via www.gca.org.uk and will be able to hear from Clive on Tuesday, January 22.
Iain Wylie, Chief Executive of the GCA, explained: “Sir Clive Woodward famously guided England to victory in the 2003 Rugby World Cup and three Six Nations tournaments, including an elusive Grand Slam. He has since served as Director of Sport at the British Olympic Association, working in partnership with UK Sport.
“During his presentation, Clive will be speaking about the four attributes needed to create a winning team – talent, teachability, pressure and will. Helpful points, which we believe managers and team leaders can take away with them and use in their garden centres.”
Early in his career Clive enjoyed success on the pitch, winning 21 caps as a player and twice touring with the British Lions. He also worked in business, first with Rank Xerox in the UK and Australia. He then became sales director of a leasing company within the Ford Group, before forming his own successful leasing operation.
Clive was universally credited with bringing professionalism, cutting edge techniques and new management skills to English rugby. As he explains in speeches, the squad’s achievements were built on back-room expertise, close attention to detail, thorough mental and physical preparation, competitor analysis and ruthless decision-making.
After leaving rugby Clive became Technical Director and Director of Football at Southampton, and a UEFA qualified coach, before joining the British Olympic Association with a mission to integrate coaches and athletes from all sports into Team GB. London 2012 produced the most successful British performance of the modern era, with 65 medals including 29 golds.
Iain added: “Carefully crafted to inspire, motivate and challenge, Clive’s presentations blend practical advice with inspiring videos from his career as a businessman, athlete and coach, so it’s shaping up to be a momentous conference once again!”
Smart Garden has announced further investment in its New Product Development and Supply Chain teams, with the appointment of Michelle Lee as Category Management Co-Ordinator and Darren Bailey as Supply Analyst & Planner...
Smart Garden has announced further investment in its New Product Development and Supply Chain teams, with the appointment of Michelle Lee as Category Management Co-Ordinator and Darren Bailey as Supply Analyst & Planner.
The new recruits will provide much needed support as the company ramps up its programme of range and category extensions.
Jonathan Stobart, Managing Director, comments: “Bringing Michelle and Darren into the team will help us to accelerate development of new items, build on the strong relationships which we have with our suppliers and maximize stock availability.
"We are predicting strong growth in 2019 so we need to expand our head office team to ensure we can maintain high levels of service and fully satisfy customer demand."
Thermoflor, whose parent company Grimbergen went bankrupt in October, is to continue trading as Thermoflor Construct BV under the proprietorship of KSPL, owners of leading commercial glasshouse makers Deforche.
Thermoflor, whose parent company Grimbergen went bankrupt in October, is to continue trading as Thermoflor Construct BV under the proprietorship of KSPL, owners of leading commercial glasshouse makers Deforche.
Thermoflor counts Bents, Rosebourne and Garsons (below) among its UK garden centre customers.
KSPL Holdings, whose brands include Deforche, Deforche Construct and Forzon, reached agreement with administrators to re-launch three of Grimbergen’s four divisions under the Thermoflor Construct name.
Steven Deforche, director of the KSPL holding company, said: “The acquisition of Thermoflor is a nice addition for us on the Dutch, German and Scandinavian market as well as in the United Kingdom. The intention is to further develop and expand these markets under the name Thermoflor. We also see good opportunities for synergy between our various companies within the holding company.”
Thermoflor will continue to operate from Heerlen in the Netherlands.
October 2018 volume sales were above the average for the previous seven years by 3% but fell below last year by 7%, according to statistics produced by GTN Bestsellers. Star performers for the month were growing media, up by 12%...
October 2018 volume sales were above the average for the previous seven years by 3% but fell below last year by 7%.
Star performers for the month were growing media, up by 12%. Plants were down by only 2%. Early Christmas sales, which now account for a large proportion of October sales, were down by 8%, according to the GTN Bestsellers EPOS data analysis.
So after a spooky October everyone will be looking forward to high volume Christmas sales and footfall as the festive season gets underway.
GTN Bestsellers Top 50 sales volumes compared to the same week last year (week 44):
Wyevale Nurseries has this month unveiled its new amenity crop range for 2020. Eight new plants have been carefully selected based on their habit, colour and functionality.
Wyevale Nurseries has this month unveiled its new amenity crop range for 2020.
Eight new plants have been carefully selected based on their habit, colour and functionality.
Kyle Ross, Production Manager at Wyevale Nurseries based in Hereford, explained: “We have been trialling and testing these plants over the past two years to ensure the crops we put forward are the absolute best for our customers.
“Trialling consists of reviews of the plant’s hardiness, comparing different growing and pruning methods and monitoring susceptibility to pest and diseases.”
The selection includes:
Amelanchier ‘Rainbow Pillar’ – a compact, upright small tree, which is mildew tolerant.
Teucrium fruticans ‘Selection’ – round and tough silver foliaged with purple flowers, an excellent Lavandula alternative.
Sycoparrotia ‘Purple Haze’ – a rare new introduction. A low growing and spreading shrub, autumn foliage colours of purple, yellow, red and orange.
Viburnum nudum ‘Brandywine’ – an excellent, branching plant with glossy red leaves.
Viburnum dentatum ‘Blue Muffin’ – eye-catching, upright with diamond leaves. Multi-functional use within planting schemes or hedges.
Dianella ‘Blue Stream’ – a clumping Dianella, strong and vigorous with Glaucus blue foliage.
Anthyllis Barba-jovis – Jupiter’s Beard – this coastal specimen boasts an incredible upright habit, with feathery silver foliage. Perfect as a focal plant.
Euonymus ‘White Spire – brand new to the trade and a Wyevale Nurseries’ exclusive, this compact shrub has some of the best variegation Euonymus has to offer. It can be used as hedging or for border planting.
John Lawrence, Amenity & Landscape Sales Key Account Manager at Wyevale Nurseries, added: “We’ve seen a growing demand from our customers looking to bring added value to their plant schemes, be it different colours, different textures or the need to respond to challenging site conditions like we saw with this year’s hot summer.
“That coupled with increased scrutiny of plant health means it’s a great opportunity to be able to explore and offer new high-quality solutions to an ever-changing landscape from our own production and offer these to the UK landscape market.”
The former Huntley Garden Centre in Gloucestershire has re-opened as Leaf Creative under the ownership of award-winning garden designer Peter Dowle...
Above: Peter Dowle on his Chelsea Gold Medal garden for L'Occitane.
The former Huntley Garden Centre in Gloucestershire has re-opened as Leaf Creative under the ownership of award-winning garden designer Peter Dowle.
The site had fallen into disrepair following its closure three years ago. Mr Dowle has spent the summer preparing the centre for its re-launch as a design-orientated garden retailer with an emphasis on specimen trees and shrubs. “Of course we will have some smaller plants as well, but there will be plenty there for people who do not want to wait 25 years for a bush or a shrub to grow,” he told Gloucestershire Live last week.
The Ross-on-Wye-based designer, who has won several Gold Medals at the RHS Chelsea and Malvern Flower Shows, had his first Saturday job at the centre in the 1970s. His father Julian also worked there.
Peter says he wants Leaf Creative to grow into something “a little bit different” in a part of the country where the demand for large plants has not been well catered for up to now.
“We want to create a new style of plant retailing which is firmly rooted in design,” he explained. “People will be able to come along, see the plants and have the opportunity to talk to our people who are trained in horticulture and design.”
The six-acre site, which has created six new jobs, will complement his respected Howle Hill Nursery near Ross-on-Wye and is already well-stocked. Its new coffee shop, The Ferns, is open for business. Future plans include a shop, indoor plant department and displays showing planting combinations.
Peter’s famous Chelsea Golds (of which there are 11) include gardens for companies like L'Occitane and Renault.
Tong Garden Centre will mark the opening of Santa's grotto and its new pop-up Polar Bear Café with a two-day family event that begins on Saturday November 17th...
Tong Garden Centre will mark the opening of Santa's grotto and its new pop-up Polar Bear Café with a two-day family event that begins on Saturday November 17th.
The team at Tong are celebrating the festive family fun weekend with a reduced price of £10 for the 30 minute magical journey through Santa's new grotto together with a packed schedule of activities for all the family, including festive entertainers, face painting, charity donkey rides and an appearance by Mrs Claus in the Food Hall.
Festive ‘Merry Makers' will be taking to the Christmas Cabaret stage at the Tong Lane centre for hourly performances from 11am on both Saturday and Sunday to show visitors the wonder of the start of Christmas at Tong.
The new for 2018 pop-up Polar Bear Café will feature sharing ice creams and slushies and there will be speciality hot chocolate and mugs of soup to accompany hot dogs and sandwiches.
The team at Tong are anticipating the first of many busy pre-Christmas weekends, Marketing Manager Jo Dales said.
"We're delighted that many families join us at Tong to mark the start of the festive period and are excited to host a fun weekend to celebrate the opening of the grotto and our pop-up Polar Bear Café that will be serving themed food including Big Bear and Little Bear hot dogs right up until Christmas Eve.
"In addition to the special festive family fun weekend grotto price of £10, all of the children's grotto tickets will be entered into a prize draw to win a £50 Tong gift voucher.
"The festive family fun weekend is just the start of Tong's wonderful journey through November and December that includes festive tasting events in the Food Hall every weekend until Christmas."
Hot food, snacks and drinks will be also be available in the Restaurant throughout the weekend.
With less than two months until Christmas, how excited are different regions of the UK about the festive season – and who is going to spend the most?...
With less than two months until Christmas, how excited are different regions of the UK about the festive season – and who is going to spend the most?
New research among more than 2,000 UK adults by events marketing company Evvnt suggests that more than half of those questioned said they were ‘excited’ or ‘very excited’ about Christmas, with women (58.4%) are far more excited than men (47.7%).
Meanwhile, on average, UK adults are looking to spend £412 on average on Christmas related activities this year – amounting to a total combined spend of £20.5bn across the country.
It varies by region, the survey discovered:
Scotland (58.8% of respondents said they are excited or very excited)
London (58.5%)
North East (57.5%)
Yorkshire (56.5%)
North West (54.6%)
South East (54.1%)
South West (51.5%)
East Midlands (50.4%)
East of England (48.9%)
West Midlands (48.2%)
Wales (47.3%)
Northern Ireland (40.7%)
And so does the expected Christmas spend:
London (adults in London expect to spend £512 on Christmas presents and activities this year)
Northern Ireland (£486)
Wales (£446)
North West (£440)
West Midlands (£432)
North East (£426)
East of England (£417)
Yorkshire (£382)
Scotland (£375)
South West (£372)
South East (£356)
East Midlands (£335)
Richard Green, CEO and Founder of Evvnt, commented: “It’s still many weeks away, but Christmas is starting to consume people’s attention. Today’s research shows just how many people are already excited for the Christmas period, with Scots and, perhaps more surprisingly, Londoners topping the list of places where the festive spirit is really taking hold.
“More impressive is the sheer amount of money that will be spent by the UK public over the Christmas season. From presents and parties to pantomimes and puddings, the country is estimated to spend a whopping £21 billion over the festive season this year – the trick for those organising Christmas events and activities is to ensure their marketing efforts lure in merry crowds to make the most of this busy time of year.”
Two years after a fire completely devastated Ansells Garden centre near Heathrow Airport the business fully re-opened yesterday, Saturday November 10th, with a sparkling new shop...
Two years after a fire completely devastated Ansells Garden centre near Heathrow Airport the business fully re-opened yesterday, Saturday November 10th, with a sparkling new shop.
Managing Director Paresh Raithatha told GTN Xtra: "It was a great day and with only Social Media Advertising we pulled in a lot of customers and as word spreads today we are expecting a busy Sunday. The Garden Centre was empty 8 days ago, so the team and suppliers have done a fantastic job to get the stock in and on the shelves in that time. The project still has 14 weeks to go but the progress so far has been amazing and we are happy to be out of the elements and to be trading for Christmas!"
A market leading gift product company which has been operating successfully for over 20 years is seeking two well organised and professional field sales representatives with great interpersonal skills and the drive required to grow sales in their territory. The company itself is renowned for quality service, a high performing impulse purchase range and product innovation. We have a great team of friendly staff, both internal and externally based.
The Field Sales Representatives are responsible for maintaining relationships with an extensive existing client base, introducing new lines to them and ensuring sales from existing ranges are optimised. In addition, they will be responsible for pioneering new clients within the territory with the support of sales management and our customer service department. Travelling to clients is a daily function with the role and there is an element of overnight travel and trade fair attendance.
Reporting to the Sales Director this is an ideal position for a sales person looking to truly manage a territory and play a critical role in business development. The company is projecting strong growth and opportunities for career progression will exist.
Experience of selling into the gift /garden centre/tourist attraction sectors is a distinct advantage but not essential. Most important is a proven track record of business development and a positive can-do attitude.
Salary Circa £26k plus commission plus company car and the standard business tools.
Interested parties should send a CV and covering letter explaining why they are the right candidate for the role to: tony@tjpmarketingservices.com
Garden Product Top 50 sales held their own in October, year on year, but are still on a downward trend over the past four years...
Garden Product Top 50 sales held their own in October, year on year, but are still on a downward trend over the past four years.
As usual the first serious frosts and dark early evenings resulted in increased sales of fleece and garden lighting.
Highlights of week 43 (week ending October 28) were:
Woodlodge Small Pot Feet remain at No 1 for a second week.
The Smart Eureka! Zone Multi-Light Grey climbs up 34 places to No 2.
Gardman Frostgard 17gsm 8m x 1.5m roll moves up 24 places to No 6.
The first week of November saw big increases in lighting sales, including torches, and fleece lines while there was a change at the top of the chart with a seasonal garden decoration line from Vivid Arts flying up to take the No 1 perch.
Highlights of week 44 (week ending November 4) were:
Vivid Arts Plant Pals Robin On Stick moves up to No 1.
Tildenet 1.5m wide Fleece is a new entry at No 5.
Creative Products Zoom Torch also debuts in the Top 10.
Growing media was a star performer in October, ending the month up 12% year on year for the Top 50 Bestsellers Chart sales volumes...
Growing media was a star performer in October, ending the month up 12% year on year for the Top 50 Bestsellers Chart sales volumes.
Although down on October 2016 the overall trend for Autumn growing media sales is upwards, which is probably driven by continued increases in planting in pots.
Highlights of week 43 (week ending October 28) were:
Westland Landscape Bark, 100 litres, moved 27 places up the chart to No 10.
Growth Technology Cactus Focus Repotting Mix, 2 litres, increased sales to move up to No 17.
Evergreen Garden Care Miracle-Gro Moisture Control, 40 litres, was the highest re-entry, back in at No 25.
Sales of smaller bags of growing media are proving very popular at the moment.
Last week saw half of the lines in the GTN Bestsellers Growing Media Top 50 being 30 litres or less.
Highlights of week 44 (week ending November 4) were:
Westland Ericaceous + John Innes, 30 litres, moved up 22 places to No 18.
Westland Gro-Sure All Purpose Compost, 25 litres, increased sales moving up to No 29.
Evergreen Garden Care Levington Multipurpose with John Innes 20 litres more than doubled sales to re-enter at No 44.
GTN’s Christmas Bestsellers Top 50 shows a drop of 8% for October year on year, but still riding high compared to October Christmas sales volumes from three or four years ago...
GTN’s Christmas Bestsellers Top 50 shows a drop of 8% for October year on year, but still riding high compared to October Christmas sales volumes from three or four years ago.
Personalised products continue to dominate, accounting for seven of the Top 10 most popular Christmas items.
Highlights of week 43 (week ending October 28) were:
History & Heraldry Angel/Snowman Hanging Decoration stays at No 1.
Armitage’s Dog Advent Calendar moves up to No 9 and is the only Advent calendar in the Top 50.
Festive’s Luxury Holographic Thick Tinsel 2m is the highest re-entry, back in at No 14.
With the GTN Christmas Products Top 10 continuing to be dominated by personalised products there have been some big movements from chocolate and other confectionary lines to push them up the chart.
Tree decorations continue to sell well along with window decorations.
Highlights of week 44 (week ending November 4) were:
Kinnerton Chocolate Sprouts Net 75g moved 17 places up the chart to reach the Top 10.
IC’s Window Gel Christmas Tree is the highest re-entry at No 18.
Paper+Design Twist & Sprout Toilet Roll is a new entry at No 49.
Plant sales volumes have slowed through October into November according to the GTN Bestsellers Plants Chart analysis. October sales volumes were 2% down on last year...
Plant sales volumes have slowed through October into November according to the GTN Bestsellers Plants Chart analysis. October sales volumes were 2% down on last year.
However, overall plants sales for the year are still running at 8% up. Not bad for a year when March and April were so bad!
Cyclamen continue to dominate at the top of the chart.
Gaultheria move 6 places up the chart to No 12.
Houseplants continue to sell well. Fittonia’s re-entered the Top 50 at No 29.
The David Colegrave Foundation scholarship season is open for student horticulturists...
The David Colegrave Foundation scholarship season is open for student horticulturists.
This year sees the launch of three new scholarships providing even more fantastic opportunities to students who have a passion for trees, sustainability or research.
NEW - The Majestic Trees Sponsored Travel Scholarship is offering up to £3,000 to fund a placement abroad at a tree nursery. This also includes the opportunity for a work placement at Majestic Trees, which could become a permanent position. The owners of Majestic Trees, Steve and Janet McCurdy, first met in California whilst Steve was working as an exchange student. Steve’s work experience opportunity greatly influenced the way they run Majestic Trees and it is for this reason that Majestic Trees would like to provide this scholarship for a student passionate about tree production.
NEW - The John Gibson Environmental Scholarship will award £1,500 to a student with a keen interest in environmental solutions and sustainable applications as applied to commercial horticulture. John Gibson worked at Colegrave Seeds with the late David Colegrave and was at the forefront of the development of the market for hybrid seeds and seedlings. This scholarship recognises John’s keen interest in environmental solutions that can advance commercial horticulture in a sustainable manner.
NEW - The Horticultural Research Scholarship will award £2,500 to support applied research within the horticulture industry. Students who are keen to pursue a research career in the horticultural industry should apply. This includes undergraduates, postgraduates and those studying for doctoral degrees.
South West Growers Show Sponsored Regional Scholarship awards £1,500 to support a student studying any aspect of commercial or production horticulture. Preference will be given to those studying/working in the South West of England.
The British Protected Ornamentals Association – Peter Seabrook Bursary offers £1,000 to support one or more students studying commercial horticulture. The scholarship is also available to schools and horticultural colleges to finance trips for students over 16 years of age to leading commercial horticultural establishments.
The Ball Colegrave Sponsored Travel Scholarship awards up to £1,500 to fund travel to Europe in order to develop knowledge and experience in bedding plant production and marketing. An employee in the early stages of their career at a commercial bedding plant nursery, or a student studying horticulture with an interest in commercial bedding plants should apply.
The Student Scholarship awards £1,000 to each of up to 5 students to support their studies in horticulture. Preference is given to candidates who have an interest in ornamental commercial horticulture, especially with an emphasis on the bedding, container, pot plant and cut flower sectors.
Jeff Colegrave, DCF Chairman, says: “We are excited to introduce such fantastic new opportunities to students this season. Our scholarships cover different areas of interest such as bedding plants, trees, research and sustainability to enable DCF to have a positive influence across the commercial horticultural industry. We hope that many students with a passion for horticulture will apply.”
Scholarship Season runs until January 2019 and to enter applicants simply need to complete an application form which they can do online.
Lee Squires, a key member of staff at Neudorff since it launched in the UK in 2013, has retired...
Lee Squires, a key member of staff at Neudorff since it launched in the UK in 2013, has retired.
As southern area sales manager, he helped establish and grow the Neudorff brand, generating a huge amount of new business, including garden centre groups.
Jude Beharall, Neudorff’s sales director, said Lee had been a great advocate of Neudorff, bringing energy, enthusiasm and passion to his role. “Lee is well respected by our customers and our UK and European teams and we wish him all the best in his retirement,” he added.
Lee named archaeology and fishing among interests he plans to pursue during his retirement
.
Meanwhile, Neudorff’s operations manager Tony Loftus takes on a Midlands sales region that includes Birmingham, Staffordshire, Shropshire, Worcestershire and Warwickshire. Before joining Neudorff Tony was a buyer with a major garden industry wholesaler.
“Tony is well-known within our customer base and has a wealth of experience and knowledge to develop the West Midlands area further,” said Jude.
Having celebrated its first anniversary of trading at Glee, Jardinopia – designers and manufacturers of Potty Feet plant pot feet – is reflecting on a year of significant growth that started at Glee’s Spring Fair inaugural appearance in February...
Having celebrated its first anniversary of trading at Glee, Jardinopia – designers and manufacturers of Potty Feet plant pot feet – is reflecting on a year of significant growth that started at Glee’s Spring Fair inaugural appearance in February.
Jardinopia joined the Glee at Spring Fair line-up with only a few months trading behind it. It was the first time the brand had exposure to the exhibition’s garden centre and gift buying audience. The response to Potty Feet was overwhelming, and the company won the very first New Product Showcase award. Choice Marketing’s Mike Cook, one of the judges, said: “Potty Feet is a fab idea. It’s a new take on a traditional product, but done so in a way that is fun, and will have mass appeal. It’s an exciting product, and even more so when you consider that Jardinopia launched just five months ago!”
Since February, the company has enjoyed rapid commercial growth, with Glee in September rounding off a great year. Jardinopia is now stocked in more than 500 locations, including 350 garden centres. Internationally, there are distribution agreements in place in 10 countries including USA, Canada, Denmark, Sweden, Switzerland, Austria, Ireland, Germany and Japan.
The company has also secured relationships with the RHS, Sutton Seeds, high street retailers such as Waitrose (via Crocus) and gift catalogues such as Qwerkity. It will launch into more high street retailers in early 2019.
Founder Andrea Barnett says the past 12 months have been a whirlwind. “We certainly never expected to have achieved what we have in such a short timeframe – it’s been brilliant,” she added. “The exposure we gained at Glee at Spring Fair has opened so many doors for us, and helped to kick start this period of growth. We’re not, however, done! We have so many exciting plans for 2019 including some top-secret brand licenced Potty Feet products that we believe will provide some great design alternatives, as well as two new associated sister product brands.”
The Potty Feet TM range currently features 54 unique designs, including 25 new products as launched at Glee 2018. An additional 40 designs are set to launch in early 2019. Styles include cats, dogs, horses, an extensive wildlife collection, and a British Country Garden range. A new point of sale floor-stand has also been created, enabling retailers to display products out of the box for maximum in-store impact and without the need to dedicate a huge footprint to the range.
Glee at Spring Fair 2019 takes place on February 3-7.
The HTA has strengthened its executive team following a review of anticipated member needs...
The HTA has strengthened its executive team following a review of anticipated member needs.
HTA president Adam Taylor said the improvements would include enhanced communication with membership and the increased ability to influence government at a time of significant change.
“The Board is confident that this structure will drive HTA member value. I have no doubt that the HTA is in a position of great strength and that the executive team, headed by Alex Vick, will drive the association forwards.”
In the new role of Director of Membership, Martin Simmons will promote member engagement and satisfaction. Martin’s industry knowledge and his horticultural background will provide continuity and an experienced voice when working with the key sector Committees. He will be the main point of contact for membership and will ensure the members’ voice is communicated through to the HTA Board to influence the association’s activities. His team includes horticulture manager Alistair Yeomans.
The remits of Alex Vick (pictured), senior executive director and finance director, and Anne Clark, director of HR & learning, are widened to maximise member value across areas including improved learning and development and gifting.
A Director of Policy and Communication will also be recruited to effectively lobby government on members’ behalves and implement an improved communication strategy.
The best of last week's
If you missed last week's GTN Xtra, below are the most-read stories...
Wyevale Garden Centres has confirmed that the Old Barn Garden Centre has been sold to Tates of Sussex, who will continue to run it as a garden centre. Old Barn Nursery was included in the sale and will be operated under license by WGC for a period of at least 12 months..
Wyevale Garden Centres has confirmed that the Old Barn Garden Centre has been sold to Tates of Sussex, who will continue to run it as a garden centre. Old Barn Nursery was included in the sale and will be operated under license by WGC for a period of at least 12 months.
A spokesperson for WGC said: "We are pleased to have agreed the sale of Old Barn. We would like to thank our great colleagues at the centre, who have been central to our turnaround in the past few years, and wish them well under the new ownership."
Wyevale paid £7m for Old Barn in 2007. The published asking price for the 15-acre site was £5.2 earlier this year when Terra Firma announced they were selling the group.
It is the fourth garden centre for Tates, who own Paradise Park (Newhaven), South Downs Nurseries & GC (Hassocks) and Mayberry GC (Portslade). The group also owns the South Downs Heritage Centre at Hassocks, which boasts a Museum of Gardening.
The announcement on tatesofsussex.co.uk said: “We look forward to welcoming all new and existing Tates of Sussex customers at our new centre. A new look store is just around the corner, and we hope you will notice improvements to your shopping experience over the coming months. If you are already an Old Barn customer, we would welcome any comments and feedback you may have. You can get in touch with us by emailing enquiries@tatesgardencentres.co.uk or visiting the ‘Contact Us’ page on our website. Keep an eye on our website and social media to stay up to date with all our news and exciting future developments at Old Barn.”
The centre closed on for 2 days on 30 and 31 October while Wyevale branding was removed, re-opening on Thursday 1 November .
The Tates group, which also includes car dealerships, enjoyed a turnover of £68m last year. The Tate Brothers business had its origins in wheelwrights, car repairs and engineering. The current CEO and majority shareholder is Jonathan Tate, a horticulturist, who in 1982 established a nursery and then a garden centre business.
The Old Barn is the 31st Wyevale to be sold in the £450m sell-off. With most of the major destination sites now dispatched, attention is expected to turn to the destiny of the group’s remaining 109 centres. The hot money is on acquisition by private equity capital and the subsequent dispersal of sites to a mix of new operators and property developers.
Langlands Garden Centre, which trades from three sites in York, Leeds and Sheffield with 180 staff, is looking to the future as its ownership passes to the third generation of the same family...
A Yorkshire garden centre business is looking to the future as its ownership passes to the third generation of the same family.
Langlands Garden Centre, which trades from three sites in York, Leeds and Sheffield with 180 staff, has been acquired for an undisclosed sum by James Ducker, whose grandfather Walter Ducker founded the business in 1955. James’s parents Janet and Robert will continue to be involved in the business. The deal will see Walter’s son, John Ducker, retire after 54 years in the business whilst John’s son Ian, who has also worked in the business for many years, will leave to pursue other business interests.
For over 60 years Langlands Garden Centres have grown and sold millions of plants to customers throughout Yorkshire and the rest of the UK. The business started life as a small nursery in Bingley, before moving to the current site in Shiptonthorpe, outside York, which was purchased in 1964 to allow for expansion.
The business diversified, opening giftware departments and farm shops. Coffee shops, café bars and award-winning eating outlets completed the experience that has seen customers returning for over half a decade. Two further sites were acquired in Leeds and Sheffield. Then in 2016 the business bought a nursery in Holme on Spalding Moor to develop and expand the range and quantity of plants grown.
With Walter Ducker’s passion, skill and local acclaim meant the business went from strength to strength. This month, James Ducker became the majority shareholder, with his father Robert Ducker, retaining a minority shareholding.
James says “I would like to thank my parents, Robert and Janet, wife Rebecca and daughters for all their help and support over the last year. I am looking to the future and taking the business forward with the continued support of my parents. After almost 30 years in the business I can honestly say that I love coming into work every day, and this is down to our amazing team and loyal customer base.
“For our customers, it will be very much ‘business as usual’, and our enthusiastic, knowledgeable team will continue to be on hand to help and answer questions about our products and services.
“Looking further ahead, I’m keen to make more of our nurseries and develop the food offering across the business, with more of a ‘field to fork’ focus. I know that with the team’s long-standing industry experience and expertise, customers will continue to benefit from the same high standards of service and support that we have endeavoured to provide throughout our 63-year history”.
On his retirement from the business, John Ducker said “Ian and I, together with our wives Sarah and Eileen, would like to thank all Langlands staff both past and present for all their hard work and support over the last 54 years. It is greatly appreciated, and we wish them and the business every success. Thanks also to Tony Farmer of Garbutt & Elliott and Martin Frost of Lupton Fawcett for all their help and support throughout the transaction.”
James, Robert and Janet Ducker were advised by RSM Accountants & Rollits Solicitors, with HSBC providing funding to support the deal. John, Ian and Eileen Sucker were advised by Garbutt & Elliott accountants and Lupton Fawcett solicitors.
Picture shows: James Ducker (centre) with his parents, Robert and Janet.
"The government needs to sit up and take notice of this sector. If it continues to be undervalued and overlooked and we carry on building houses without gardens it will have a devastating effect not only on our national economy but also on the environment and our living conditions as a whole."
"The government needs to sit up and take notice of this sector. If it continues to be undervalued and overlooked and we carry on building houses without gardens it will have a devastating effect not only on our national economy but also on the environment and our living conditions as a whole."
Alan Titchmarsh delivered a hard hitting speech to government and the industry as a whole, following the publication of the Oxford Economics report on the size and value of the UK Horticulture sector, of which garden retailing is a key component.
"A vital part of our national economy employing more than half a million people and making a contribution to the national GDP in the region of twenty four billion pounds. But they also recognize it as a vital part of the lives both physical and spiritual of those who live on our islands. We are rightly famed for our famous gardens, they attract tourists from all over the world enriching our economy to the tune of two point nine billion pounds.
"This report is a tremendous wake up call. But if it's recommendations are not acted upon, especially in the light of Brexit, when this country's own horticultural assets are capable of playing an even more important role than they have done before. It will be a waste of all our time and the squandering of our national assets. Without a buoyant gardening and landscaping industry we find ourselves living in a concrete wasteland without gardens green landscapes and parks. We won't be able to help the government make the environment better through their 25 year plan. We won't be able to nurture our children's interest in growing and give them some sense of the understanding of the powers of nature and the opportunities in life it can provide.
"We need the support of government in order to provide a worthy legacy for our children and for future generations to realise what today we so often forget that as nation we are supported by our landscape physically and emotionally. To squander what it offers us and to undervalue and to fail to support those who work in horticulture whether in gardens or in food production is both shortsighted and dangerous. This report is not a series of options it is a series of essentials."
Listen to the complete speech by clicking on this link: link to audio file
When it comes to supplying compost, there’s no better company you can rely on than UK based Durston Garden Products Ltd
When it comes to supplying compost, there’s no better company you can rely on than UK based Durston Garden Products Ltd.
Located in Somerset, the company supplies a wide selection of top quality growing media products to independent garden centres and retailers. Its range includes everything from Multi Purpose to Seed and Cutting Compost, Farmyard Manure and so much more.
At this year's GLEE the company rolled out its entire new look and identity as the brand took on a new make-over. The company also used the show as an opportunity to promote the fact that its sacks into which its compost is packaged are 100% recyclable, and urged other manufacturers to follow suit. They did this in a rather quirky way by dressing a model in a recyclable compost bag, and it has to be said she looked pretty amazing!
Durstons has a well established presence in Somerset as a family owned British business, and produces up to 12,000 bags of compost a day. Its growth has been steady over the years but it’s fair to say that since the introduction of its state-of-the-art facility some eight years ago, the business has taken on a new life and sales have grown significantly. It’s a brand that is particularly popular with the independents as retailers looking for a more personal touch find the level of customer service exceptional.
It’s also a company that prides itself on its environmental responsibilities which it takes extremely seriously, and in particular Land Management. The company knows only too well the impact of peat extraction, and has stringent work practices in place to work to; and whilst the carbon issue may well be a valid point on some raised bogs, at Durstons peat is only ever extracted from land that was drained centuries ago by the monks of Glastonbury Abbey so the carbon has already been released. In fact the company has created magnificent wildlife habitats by giving straight back to nature the land which has already been exhausted.
Durstons is one of those great British family business success stories which we all like to read about and is now being managed by fifth and six generation members of the Durston family.
It prides itself on its Britishness and doesn’t export overseas which makes it quite unique. A uniqueness that the company truly believes will give it an advantage going forward, and hopefully encourage more retailers to support British business.
For details about stocking Durston garden products you can call Durstons on: 01458 442688 or visit the website: www.durstongardenproducts.co.uk
The Pot Company stepped in to donate some of their popular corten steel Atlas cylinders and clayfibre Chelsea boxes and cylinders for the new cleverly-adapted outside space, with the Kent-based firm’s general manager Tom also joining the 100-strong team of volunteers for “the big reveal”.
Former English rugby player and coach Sir Clive Woodward OBE has been announced as the first speaker booked for the Garden Centre Association’s annual conference, taking place in Luton on January 20-23 2019.
