Specialist business property adviser, Christie & Co has announced that Sturmer Nurseries in Essex has been sold to industry newcomers.

Located on the Essex-Suffolk border, the family-run plant nursery has been under the same ownership for two generations. The business features a contemporary garden centre and café building, as well as a large plant area and children’s play area.

The business was brought to the market as existing owners Robert and Samantha Mason looked to retire. Robert comments, “We would like to thank all our customers and suppliers over the past 42 years and wish Andrea and Flaviu every success in taking the business forward. We are delighted the business is staying as an independent, family-run enterprise.”

Sturmer Nurseries has been bought by Angela and Flaviu Andrea, who have extensive experience in the early years and wellbeing sectors.

Angela comments, “We aim to maintain the family-friendly atmosphere while rejuvenating the garden with a fresh nurturing approach. The vision being to engage all ages, including the youngest, in discovering the magic of gardening, aiming to transform the garden centre into a place offering not just a wide variety of plants but also a renewed sense of well-being.

“We plan to introduce interactive workshops, seasonal events, and educational programs that cater to both novice and experienced gardeners. Our hope is to create a vibrant community hub where everyone can share their passion for gardening and learn from one another.

“In addition, we are committed to sustainability and will focus on eco-friendly practices, such as promoting native plants, reducing waste, and encouraging organic gardening methods. We believe that by nurturing our environment, we can cultivate a healthier and more beautiful world for future generations. Together, let's grow, learn, and flourish.”

Tom Glanvill, Director at Christie & Co comments, “The garden centre industry provides an outstanding contribution to the national economy and fantastically diverse businesses that offer both retail and hospitality all on one site and are a great day out for the whole family. Sturmer Nurseries is another in the growing list of garden centres that have attracted entrepreneurs from other business sectors to come and run their own garden centre - indeed more than half of all the garden centres that we have sold in recent years have gone to buyers who have never owned a garden centre before.

“I would like to extend my congratulations to the new owners and look forward to seeing the new initiatives that they plan to introduce.”