The second Rosebourne opened this weekend and GTN Xtra joined the invited local VIP's and press to a preview day on Thursday to bring you our photo tour of the new centre.

The management team behind this latest opening are (L-R above) Jon Kitching, Salim Sajid, Centre Manager Dan Adams, Neville Prest and Val Kempster.  

Rosebourne Aldermaston has been developed on the site of White Towers Nursery, which had been there for 26 years previously, using EIS funding.  The same model used by Rosebourne for Weyhill and also being used by Carol Paris’ Somerton business.

Carol Paris is joining the Rosebourne team temporarily to help with the integration of Wyevale Solihull into the Rosebourne group.  Solihull, a former Blooms of Bressingham centre, hence very well known to Jon Kitching, is a leasehold site and that purchase has been financed via bank lending.

As you'll see from our photo tour below, Rosebourne Aldermaston follows the successful template of Weyhill Andover very closely, with just a few differences: 

• A local butcher, based in Tatcham.
• Rosebourne are doing the deli themselves. 
• Planteria double the size.
• Restaurant not so long and narrow to reduce the distance and time from the pass to the table.

In the waitress served restaurant servers use Corby + Fellas mobile systems to take orders, print bills and take payments direct at the table without having to go back to any till point.

Rosebourne Aldermaston key facts:

• 5,000 sq m
• 220 main car parking spaces + 60 in overflow
• Retail food sales 20% of turnover, catering 25%
• Bigger planteria than at Andover – double the size
• 23 retail food freezers
• 200 covers in waitress served restaurant

St Johns Garden Centre in Barnstaple, Devon, has bought Ashford Barnstaple Garden Centre from Wyevale.  "We took the site over on Friday 28th September and started trading over the weekend," Nick Oliver told GTN Xtra.  "Ashford is a great site to the west of Barnstaple and compliments our trading at St Johns which is in the east of the town."

"We have a good crew at Ashford who are champing at the bit to make changes and improvements.  Our plan is to get the centre clean and tidy for winter trading and to be fully ready horticulturally by Feb 1st 2019."

A spokesperson for Wyevale Garden Centres said: “We are pleased to have agreed the sale of Ashford Barnstaple. 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 our colleagues well under the new ownership.”

Wyevale Ashford, a 5.1 acre site, was advertised for sale at £2.1m freehold when all 146 Wyevale Garden Centres were put up for sale in May this year.  Previously Ashford was owned by Trelawney Garden Centres who sold it to Wyevale in November 2014.  At the time it became Wyevale's 142nd garden centre.  See GTN Xtras story about the sale to Wyevale here

The sale of Wyevale Garden Centres continue with more announcements anticipated later this month.

See links to GTN Xtra stories of the sales so far below

St Johns Garden Centre in Barnstaple, Devon, has bought Ashford Barnstaple Garden Centre from Wyevale.  "We took the site over on Friday 28th September and started trading over the weekend," Nick Oliver told GTN Xtra.  "Ashford is a great site to the west of Barnstaple and compliments our trading at St Johns which is in the east of the town."

"We have a good crew at Ashford who are champing at the bit to make changes and improvements.  Our plan is to get the centre clean and tidy for winter trading and to be fully ready horticulturally by Feb 1st 2019."

A spokesperson for Wyevale Garden Centres said: “We are pleased to have agreed the sale of Ashford Barnstaple. 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 our colleagues well under the new ownership.”

Wyevale Ashford, a 5.1 acre site, was advertised for sale at £2.1m freehold when all 146 Wyevale Garden Centres were put up for sale in May this year.  Previously Ashford was owned by Trelawney Garden Centres who sold it to Wyevale in November 2014.  At the time it became Wyevale's 142nd garden centre.  See GTN Xtras story about the sale to Wyevale here

The sale of Wyevale Garden Centres continue with more announcements anticipated later this month.

See links to GTN Xtra stories of the sales so far below

The horticultural industry is leading the battle against single-use plastics and plans were announced in August to introduce the first kerbside recyclable plant pots in 2019, which will completely replace the current black plastic pots that cannot be recycled.

One nursery has worked tirelessly in recent weeks to bring this date forward. Hillier Nurseries in Hampshire took delivery of their first pots last week, making it the first nursery in the UK to grow a commercially potted crop in a recyclable pot. Hillier plants will be the first product through any UK retailer to be available in a kerbside recyclable pot giving customers the environmentally friendly option they’ve been looking for.

Hillier Nurseries constantly strives to explore sustainable alternatives to single-use plastic and the new taupe kerbside recyclable plant pot will be used across the entire Hillier wholesale nursery business, replacing the old black plastic pot.

Chris Francis, Hillier Garden Centres and Wholesale Nurseries Director, commented: “This is a real breakthrough in the industry and we are delighted to be the leading the way as the first UK nursery to commercially use the new taupe recyclable pot. Hillier has always been a pioneer within horticulture and the introduction of the new kerbside recyclable plant pot throughout our Nurseries will have a considerable impact as we forge ahead towards finding sustainable solutions to this global issue.”

Currently 76% of Local Authorities collect pots, tubs and trays as part of their kerbside recycling schemes but not many collect the black plant pots. This is because the plant pots contain carbon black pigment which absorbs Infra-Red from detection systems, hindering recycling. The new pot will use a carbon black pigment free polypropylene solving this problem.

Hillier is committed to driving positive change and working in partnership in the horticulture industry and each year makes a concerted effort in developing new plants, new ways of growing and utilising new technology to ensure the growth of the industry in a safe and sustainable way for generations to come.

For more information please visit www.hillier.co.uk.

The horticultural industry is leading the battle against single-use plastics and plans were announced in August to introduce the first kerbside recyclable plant pots in 2019, which will completely replace the current black plastic pots that cannot be recycled.

One nursery has worked tirelessly in recent weeks to bring this date forward. Hillier Nurseries in Hampshire took delivery of their first pots last week, making it the first nursery in the UK to grow a commercially potted crop in a recyclable pot. Hillier plants will be the first product through any UK retailer to be available in a kerbside recyclable pot giving customers the environmentally friendly option they’ve been looking for.

Hillier Nurseries constantly strives to explore sustainable alternatives to single-use plastic and the new taupe kerbside recyclable plant pot will be used across the entire Hillier wholesale nursery business, replacing the old black plastic pot.

Chris Francis, Hillier Garden Centres and Wholesale Nurseries Director, commented: “This is a real breakthrough in the industry and we are delighted to be the leading the way as the first UK nursery to commercially use the new taupe recyclable pot. Hillier has always been a pioneer within horticulture and the introduction of the new kerbside recyclable plant pot throughout our Nurseries will have a considerable impact as we forge ahead towards finding sustainable solutions to this global issue.”

Currently 76% of Local Authorities collect pots, tubs and trays as part of their kerbside recycling schemes but not many collect the black plant pots. This is because the plant pots contain carbon black pigment which absorbs Infra-Red from detection systems, hindering recycling. The new pot will use a carbon black pigment free polypropylene solving this problem.

Hillier is committed to driving positive change and working in partnership in the horticulture industry and each year makes a concerted effort in developing new plants, new ways of growing and utilising new technology to ensure the growth of the industry in a safe and sustainable way for generations to come.

For more information please visit www.hillier.co.uk.

Zest 4 Leisure launched nine new products this spring for the 2019 garden trade market and has now launched a further six new products for the season at this year’s Glee trade show.

The company has added to its award winning product range with six new timber products, which include decorative furniture as well as planters and climbing support.

Zest is proud to launch the new Colorado Arbour Swing which provides both a sheltered seating area and a focal point for the garden.

With lattice panels and seating for two people, the Colorado Arbour Swing is an attractive and practical addition to any outdoor space.

Also new to Zest’s extensive decorative furniture range, The Horizon Arch Large, is a bigger version of the company’s existing Horizon Arch product, designed in response to customer feedback.

The Horizon Arch Large adds height and perspetive to any outdoor area and can be used to frame garden paths. An attractive product, it features a pergola style roof and diamond trellis side panels.

Another addition to Zest’s range of arches is the Starlight Arch, which has a modern convexed roof with trellis sides that would be perfect when placed over a garden path.

The trellis sides provide support for climbing plants, which will truly transform this garden arch.

Zest has also launched a new product, offering sheltered seating for two, support for climbing planters, and storage.

The Lincoln Arbour with Storage Box features back and side trellis, ideal for decorating with climbing plants.

Not only is this arbour a beautifully crafted product, it is also practical, coming complete with an under-seat storage box for storing cushions and covers or gardening tools.

New to Zest 4 Leisure’s planters and climbing support range, the Grosvenor Planter Set is a stylish trio of planters in different sizes. Perfect for plants, flowers, or growing your own vegetables the Set is manufactured from pressure treated timber and will look great on patios and in gardens of all shapes and sizes.

Finally, Zest introduced the Delamere Planter, which offers an easy, low maintenance solution to transforming any outdoor space.

The Delamere Planter comes in two lengths and is perfect for patio areas or to use under windows.

All of Zest 4 Leisure’s new products are FSC ® Certified and pressure treated, to stand the test of time.

Our year of extremes has continued into the Autumn. So far this September we’ve had two reasonable weeks and then the weather turned cold and wet and that resulted in the third week of the month reporting a record low for September sales volumes over the past 5 years. 

According to GTN’s Bestsellers records only the third week in September 2012 saw fewer items sold in UK garden centres.

However, the return to warmer, drier weather this week should ensure that overall September will be another month of the year when sales at garden centres are up year on year.

Then, with Christmas starting to open and go on sale across the country we’re all looking forward to more extremes with perhaps more records being broken as we move towards the end of the year.  Happy Christmas trading everyone!

GTN Bestsellers Top 50 sales volumes compared to the same week last year: week 38

• Garden Products Top 50 – up 6%
• Growing Media Top 50 – down 16%
• Veg 2 Gro Top 50 – up 12%
• Wild Bird Care Products Top 50 – down 18%
• All Plants index – down 12%
• All Items index – down 14%

To subscribe to GTN Bestsellers email karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk

Thought out structured and eye-catching presented, the newly developed shop-in-shop concept from WAGNER offers to the consumer a unique product diversity on just a few square meters of selling space.

There is the fitting plant trolley model for every user requirement, from proven classics up to modern design rollers. A selection of bestselling doorstops of the German manufacturer completes the assortment of the compact brand shop.

A lucid presentation offers quick orientation to the customer: it is clearly structured into colour worlds, sizes and materials. The ingenious shop-in-shop island offers maximum diversity on small space, from low-priced all-rounders made out of natural wood, weather-resistant WPC rollers, modern design models from glass and metal, nostalgic retro and vintage varieties up to extremely heavy-duty premium rollers in highest material and workmanship quality. Top innovations, such as innovative combination rollers and trendy plant trolleys from concrete, are eye-catching integrated in the ready for sale equipped “Basket” placement.

Fast-moving doorstops complete the shop-in-shop assortment: a mobile presenter as well as a grid sell a wide range of the take-away products for every kind of application demand.

The new shop-in-shop concept is available in two size varieties for every market situation. It offers to retailers and consumers maximum benefits: the trade is profiting from a high-revenue product range, the customer finds quick and easy his desired product.

Contact: Wagner System GmbH, www.wagner-system.de/en

Santa’s Secret Elf, in the top 5 of the GTN Bestsellers Charts on the run up to last Christmas, is back for Autumn 2018.

Santa's Secret Elf is an unforgettable Christmas adventure that gives the child an up close and personal look at the magic behind Christmas Eve.

Read this story together and share in the excitement of getting Santa out of a tricky situation. Personalised with the child's name in the text and colourful illustrations, this Christmas storybook also has space to draw themselves as Santa’s Secret Elf.

When the little ones are snuggled in bed they hear strange noises coming from downstairs. Santa is stuck in the chimney! The holly, jolly mix-up that follows puts your child in Santa's sleigh as he delivers presents to all the good little boys and girls.

Personalised products are outstanding performers and these wonderful books cover boys and girls names from Alfie to Sophia. Sales are focused on the 33 most popular names for each of boys and girls plus a generic book for each makes a total of 68 titles. Initial stock fill comes with a sturdy, proven, space efficient spinner which delivers excellent sales per foot.

These great little personalised hardback story books retail at only £3.99 so are great for stocking fillers. They are available to order from Baker and Taylor and can be replenished weekly by B&T.

Contact B&T by Web at baker-taylor.co.uk by email customer.service@btol-uk.com or by phone on 01869 363500.

B&T UK is the Uk’s leading supplier of Books and Gift Stationery.

The stormy weather of last weekend produced the first week of plant sales down year on year after three consecutive weeks of increases. 

Hopefully this week when the Indian Summer weather has returned will renew gardener’s enthusiasm to get out, buy some plants and decorate their gardens in readiness for late autumn and winter.

• Erysimum proved very popular despite the storms, increasing sales by 36% to move up to No 5.
• Primula sales continued to grow too.  Up by 12% to No 6. 
• Bellis sales doubled as they moved 25 places up the chart to No 18.

To subscribe to GTN Bestsellers email karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk

The bottom line when moving in to a new garden centre is to make the takeover seamless, almost invisible to the customer – apart from the obvious improvements that being ‘under new management’ promises to bring. That means hiding, as far as possible, a whole load of hard work behind the scenes.

At 5.30pm last Monday, the Bourne family at Perrywood Garden Centre officially took over the Sudbury centre acquired from Wyevale Garden Centres. On Tuesday morning, Hannah Powell tells GTN Xtra, the centre was able to trade as normal – thanks to advance preparations. The first customer is pictured right.

“The work included a communications plan (temporary roadside signs up Monday night, website live on Tuesday, some internal signs replaced, ahead of a full signage audit planned for this week), facilities and health and safety (new fork lift truck, electrical checks etc),” said Hannah. “A new epos system and tills went in on Monday night, linked to our stock system although they won’t be fully integrated for a while. Then we made sure we had staff from the Tiptree site available for training on the till system through the week.

“We did some work to ensure that from week one, it felt more like Perrywood and had similar standards, so we brought plants across from Tiptree, moved houseplants to near the entrance and so on.

“The restaurant is closed, and will reopen as a coffee shop once we have done some work to improve it. We are having one-to-one meetings with all staff this week and next to get to know them and to map out where any skills or rota gaps might be. Next week we will look at resourcing. Publicity and PR will follow when we are confident we have the staff and stock in place.

“We will start to bring in stock from existing Perrywood suppliers from next week. So it’s been a busy week – but we’ve loved the enthusiasm and positivity from the team there, who are excited about being part of the Perrywood family. We didn’t know what to expect as we have not done this before, and we have certainly learnt a lot!

There are lots of decisions to make, but our suppliers of stock and services have been brilliant too, helping us along the way. Having trusted partners definitely helps.”

The bottom line when moving in to a new garden centre is to make the takeover seamless, almost invisible to the customer – apart from the obvious improvements that being ‘under new management’ promises to bring. That means hiding, as far as possible, a whole load of hard work behind the scenes.

At 5.30pm last Monday, the Bourne family at Perrywood Garden Centre officially took over the Sudbury centre acquired from Wyevale Garden Centres. On Tuesday morning, Hannah Powell tells GTN Xtra, the centre was able to trade as normal – thanks to advance preparations. The first customer is pictured right.

“The work included a communications plan (temporary roadside signs up Monday night, website live on Tuesday, some internal signs replaced, ahead of a full signage audit planned for this week), facilities and health and safety (new fork lift truck, electrical checks etc),” said Hannah. “A new epos system and tills went in on Monday night, linked to our stock system although they won’t be fully integrated for a while. Then we made sure we had staff from the Tiptree site available for training on the till system through the week.

“We did some work to ensure that from week one, it felt more like Perrywood and had similar standards, so we brought plants across from Tiptree, moved houseplants to near the entrance and so on.

“The restaurant is closed, and will reopen as a coffee shop once we have done some work to improve it. We are having one-to-one meetings with all staff this week and next to get to know them and to map out where any skills or rota gaps might be. Next week we will look at resourcing. Publicity and PR will follow when we are confident we have the staff and stock in place.

“We will start to bring in stock from existing Perrywood suppliers from next week. So it’s been a busy week – but we’ve loved the enthusiasm and positivity from the team there, who are excited about being part of the Perrywood family. We didn’t know what to expect as we have not done this before, and we have certainly learnt a lot!

There are lots of decisions to make, but our suppliers of stock and services have been brilliant too, helping us along the way. Having trusted partners definitely helps.”

Former Gardman and Solus CEO Mark Pearson has taken the helm at Primrose following the online garden retailer’s acquisition by investors Rockpool.

The £6.5m deal was facilitated by bankers OakNorth. Primrose is the UK’s largest online pureplay garden retailer.

With Rockpool’s support, Primrose, with Pearson as CEO,  aims to expand its product offering across new categories, invest in its website and further penetrate European markets

OakNorth deals with with private equity firms this year include those for Lonsdale Capital’s acquisition of Simmons Bars and Literacy Capital’s acquisition of Dartmouth Partners.

Rockpool has invested around £350m in 70 companies across a diverse range of industries since its inception in 2012.

Founded in 2003, Primrose has an active customer base of more than 2.5m people with its products sold in the UK, US, and Europe.

Rockpool has appointed highly-experienced private equity industry chairman David Brock as non-executive chairman and will appoint a further non-executive director to support the business, with one of their partners, Darran Green, attending Primrose board meetings as the investor representative.

While Rockpool hold a majority stake, the management team have also invested significantly.

There have been several investments by private equity firms in the UK garden sector over the past few years - Foresight Private Equity’s acquisition of Hobbies Direct in June, Midlothian and Hattington Capital’s acquisition of Dobbies Garden Centres in 2016, and Rutland Partners’ acquisition of Gardman Group in 2015.

Commenting on the deal, Adam Agius, debt finance director at OakNorth, said: “Primrose is a well-run online business with an excellent reputation for providing high-quality garden products, service and support. In Rockpool, they’ve found a partner who can help take the business to the next level and ensure it’s prepared for a future that’s increasingly digital and increasingly international. Mark Pearson has been working alongside senior management at Primrose for a year so is well positioned to transition to CEO. We’re delighted to have supported the business with this acquisition and look forward to working with Rockpool on future transactions.”

Darran Green, Partner at Rockpool Investments, said: “Online sales of garden products account for approx. £650m of overall UK garden retail sales (13% share) and are expected to increase to £840m by 2020. Primrose is in a prime position to take advantage of this with a dedicated and growing customer base, solid partner and supplier relationships, and a market-leading product range. Mark has a strong track record of profitable business growth, strategic planning, and operational change management in SME and blue-chip US multinational organisations. He is the perfect candidate to lead this business into the next stage of its growth and we’re excited to help Primrose on its journey.”

Former Gardman and Solus CEO Mark Pearson has taken the helm at Primrose following the online garden retailer’s acquisition by investors Rockpool.

The £6.5m deal was facilitated by bankers OakNorth. Primrose is the UK’s largest online pureplay garden retailer.

With Rockpool’s support, Primrose, with Pearson as CEO,  aims to expand its product offering across new categories, invest in its website and further penetrate European markets

OakNorth deals with with private equity firms this year include those for Lonsdale Capital’s acquisition of Simmons Bars and Literacy Capital’s acquisition of Dartmouth Partners.

Rockpool has invested around £350m in 70 companies across a diverse range of industries since its inception in 2012.

Founded in 2003, Primrose has an active customer base of more than 2.5m people with its products sold in the UK, US, and Europe.

Rockpool has appointed highly-experienced private equity industry chairman David Brock as non-executive chairman and will appoint a further non-executive director to support the business, with one of their partners, Darran Green, attending Primrose board meetings as the investor representative.

While Rockpool hold a majority stake, the management team have also invested significantly.

There have been several investments by private equity firms in the UK garden sector over the past few years - Foresight Private Equity’s acquisition of Hobbies Direct in June, Midlothian and Hattington Capital’s acquisition of Dobbies Garden Centres in 2016, and Rutland Partners’ acquisition of Gardman Group in 2015.

Commenting on the deal, Adam Agius, debt finance director at OakNorth, said: “Primrose is a well-run online business with an excellent reputation for providing high-quality garden products, service and support. In Rockpool, they’ve found a partner who can help take the business to the next level and ensure it’s prepared for a future that’s increasingly digital and increasingly international. Mark Pearson has been working alongside senior management at Primrose for a year so is well positioned to transition to CEO. We’re delighted to have supported the business with this acquisition and look forward to working with Rockpool on future transactions.”

Darran Green, Partner at Rockpool Investments, said: “Online sales of garden products account for approx. £650m of overall UK garden retail sales (13% share) and are expected to increase to £840m by 2020. Primrose is in a prime position to take advantage of this with a dedicated and growing customer base, solid partner and supplier relationships, and a market-leading product range. Mark has a strong track record of profitable business growth, strategic planning, and operational change management in SME and blue-chip US multinational organisations. He is the perfect candidate to lead this business into the next stage of its growth and we’re excited to help Primrose on its journey.”

Self-watering planter manufacturer, Lechuza, has undergone a significant re-branding project, captured in their brand new catalogue, which features the exciting 2019 assortment.

Lechuza planters combine practicality and style for both novice gardeners and professionals. Each planter features a sub-irrigation system, which uses a water reservoir and water level indicator to ensure the correct amount of water and nutrients are delivered to plants. The planter takes 12 weeks to establish, then can be left for up to 12 weeks without the need for watering. For outdoor use, planters also include a drainage system as a solution to waterlogging due to rainfall. When the drain plug is removed, this allows excess water to flow out, whilst the water reservoir remains full and ready to hydrate plants.

Lechuza ’s new, sophisticated branding focuses on high quality and style. The Glossy collection, for example, adds a hint of modern glamour to the home, the Orchidea is designed to accommodate the most popular of houseplants – orchids - and The Green Wall Home Kit is a great space-saving solution to incorporating stylish planters into even the smallest of spaces.

With the new image, Lechuza continues to focus on variety, with current and new collections being available in many different colours, sizes and finishes, making sure that there is a planter to complement any room, garden and balcony. For outdoor use in particular, Lechuza ’s 2019 assortment also features the new BALCONERA Stone collection in sizes 50 and 80. This design reflects core elements of contemporary architecture and showcases plants in an attractive way. There is no limitation with Lechuza planters, so there is also a CANTO Stone available from mid-December 2018, which is great for adding a wow-factor to the home. Its handy size means that the planter is ideal for small surfaces such as shelves or desks, adding an urban-industrial touch.

The ‘it-piece’ of 2018, the YULA, also sees a brand new addition in the new year. Now available in a harmonious white/pearl rose semi-gloss finish, the two planters and accessories can be integrated into any arrangement and create a small, bespoke paradise at home.

For more information, please visit www.lechuza.co.uk

Two new forums have been launched to help homeware, garden and DIY manufacturers tackle the challenges presented by ongoing retail industry woes and a looming Brexit.

Leading supply chain and logistics consultancy SCALA believes the key to thriving in a rapidly changing market is collaboration. It has launched two new forums as part of its Supply Chain Best Practice programme to encourage businesses in the homeware, and garden and DIY sectors to share best practice and enhance their understanding of customer requirements, industry developments, trends and new regulations.

As well as providing an opportunity for greater collaboration and learning, the upcoming Homeware and Garden & DIY Forums will provide advice and support for attendees looking to achieve supply chain best practice, particularly in the wake of Brexit.

The inaugural meeting will take place on 22 January 2019 at the Leicester Marriott Hotel. The formation of the Homeware and Garden & DIY Forums follows on from the success of SCALA’s renowned events in the Home Appliance and Grocery and FMCG sectors whose attendees include Dyson, Kenwood De’Longhi, Russell Hobbs, Karcher, Birds Eye, Tetley, Unilever, Dr. Oetker and Fox’s Biscuits.

Most recently, its 15th Annual Supply Chain Debate – a key highlight in the logistics calendar – saw over 150 delegates gather to discuss who is driving innovation in the supply chain. High-profile speakers came from a range of renowned companies, including Sainsbury’s, Coca-Cola European Partners and Wincanton. 

John Perry, managing director of SCALA, said: “As we fast approach Brexit, there’s no better time than the present to come together and discuss the best ways forward in supply chain and logistics.

“Our Best Practice Forums offer a unique opportunity for suppliers in this sector to learn from one another through discussion and debate, and these two additional forums will further extend the offering. As many of the challenges currently faced in the run-up to Brexit are shared by many, collaboration is key to ensuring best practice across the board.

“This will not only help manufacturers better adapt to the changes to commerce, manufacturing and distribution pre and post-Brexit, but also encourage continued innovation.” 

Suppliers interested in attending any of SCALA’s Forums can call 01484 437486 or visit the website.

The number of visitors attending the two-day PATS Telford show has broken the 2,000 mark for a fourth successive year.

A total of 2,047 visitors went through the doors at the impressive Telford International Centre, making it the second highest PATS attendance figure ever.

The successful show closed with visitors and exhibitors agreeing it had been a great success, with the event delivering an unrivalled platform for the launch of hundreds of exciting new pet product innovations. 

Organiser Gordon Thomas said many of the companies exhibiting at PATS Telford were eager to point out the quality of people visiting their stands had been of the highest standard.

“Exhibitors told us they met with the key decision makers and buyers, and that was good to hear because we put in place measures that ensured the right people attended.

“Overall the response to PATS Telford 2018 has been excellent and positive, and proves that the pet industry is firmly behind this show.”

Mark Robinson, the Senior Business Development Manager at Smurfit Kappa, summed up the mood of the exhibitors, saying: “We thoroughly enjoyed the show. It was very well organised and we had some really good engagement with visitors and other exhibitors. This was our first time showing at PATS and we would certainly consider attending again.”

And Karen Scott, of Purely Fish, commented: “Thank you PATS Telford for another awesome show. It has been a jam-packed 48 hours but an excellent platform to meet and talk to pet trade wholesalers, retailers and independent stockists, both new and current.”

The number of visitors attending the show is clear evidence that PATS is the only pet trade exhibition where retailers and buyers can view all the latest launches under one roof.

Wendy Appleby, of Wentworth Pet Supplies in Surrey said: “This show is perfect because it showcases everything a pet store could possibly want,” and Robert Bell, of Gladwells Pet and Country Store, added: “The exhibition has a lovely layout, is very easy to navigate and I can find everything I want.”

Debby Knight, of The Bristles Dog Grooming, commented: “It was the best PATS I’ve attended. The ambiance of the whole event was excellent and as usual very well laid out. I stayed for both show days and it was well worth it.”

And Nikki Harris, Director of TFM Countrystore, Lincoln, said: “It was the best PATS show I’ve attended. The effort put into some of the displays was outstanding and very eye-catching, and we met so many enthusiastic and passionate suppliers.”

The focus now turns to PATS Sandown in Surrey, which is being held on Sunday and Monday, 10^th-11^th February 2019.

Damers First School in Poundbury has been awarded second place in the School Garden category at this year’s Cultivation Street Competition, receiving £1,500 and 100 Calliope geraniums from the scheme, which recognises community garden projects across the UK. Created by the pupils, teachers and volunteers from the local community, who used seed, plant and compost donations from Poundbury Gardens, the garden was created in one year and now provides vital habitats for wildlife, as well as producing fresh fruit and vegetables for the school’s food technology classes.

Featuring a wildflower meadow, wildlife hideouts and a greenhouse made out of recycled plastic bottles, Damers First School’s garden was commended for its eco-friendly initiatives. With judges including David Domoney, Neil Fishlock, Jeryl Stone, Chair of the WI, and Simon Sadinsky from The Prince’s Foundation, the panel also made particular note of the fact that all pupils are encouraged to garden whatever the weather. 

Lisa Bond, Cultivation Street Ambassador at Poundbury Gardens, explains: “It has been an absolute pleasure to share my gardening knowledge with Damers First School to help create this wonderful outdoor learning space and I would like to congratulate everyone who has been involved. Gardening is a very rewarding activity, both for the environment and our own wellbeing, and gaining recognition from such high profile judges gives us a great opportunity to help spread the word and inspire as many people as possible to get growing, whether at home or in shared community spaces.”

Edd Moore, teacher at Damers First School, adds: “This is a fantastic achievement for the whole school and wider community, and I would like to say a big thank you to Poundbury Gardens for its kind donations and for allowing Lisa to get involved in this project to support our work with the children. She did a fantastic job in sharing her expertise with the children and I hope this partnership can continue into the future.”

For more information about the Cultivation Street Campaign, sponsored by Calliope Geraniums, please visit cultivationstreet.com

Kelkay have turned the sales and merchandising of aggregates into a retail art with their range of branding, packaging and PoS developments that have driven the category value ever upwards in recent years. It remains a seasonal business, however, with the cold winter months relatively quiet in the aggregates category.

In seeking to grow and smooth this seasonality, Kelkay have also developed added value pot toppers and coloured aggregates that extend onto the patio and into the home where they have become an added purchase around pots and plants.

Now they have developed a new range of products and unique brand proposition that will take aggregates into the heart of the seasonal indoor decorative market. The Stone Co. is a range of versatile decorative stones and other natural materials that are designed to complement the Christmas décor category.

Available in White, Gold, Copper, Silver, Red and Green collections, the range is ready merchandised on a quarter pallet display that comes with a dual sided header – making the PoS appropriate for both festive seasonal and standard merchandising.

Sarah Winn, group head of marketing, says the market for decorative accessories is set to grow by over 20% by 2021. “We understand that garden centres will continue to invest in this growing market – and we think there’s a gap for The Stone Co,” she added.

The Stone Co. product is supplied on a quarter pallet with each stackable tray removable to allow product (SRPs £4.99) to be displayed in colour themed areas.

Application closes: 15 Oct 2018

Location: Manchester
Hours: Full Time
Contract: Permanent

We are looking for an experienced sales representative to join our extensive team helping us to maximise our growth within the north west. Reporting directly to our Manchester branch manager, the ideal candidate will be comfortable targeting new business opportunities and growing sales from our existing customer base.

We’re looking for someone with a proven record for driving sales who has great interpersonal skills. You will be highly self motivated, organised and professional. Outstanding communication skills are essential as you will be required to speak with a variety of customer types, as well as other staff on a regular basis.

Whilst sales and customer service will be the primary function of this role, the ideal candidate will also display a high standard of personal conduct, and deliver detailed and accurate monthly reports. You will be comfortable taking responsibility for the security of all company property, such as company car and electronic devices.

Apply online using this link: https://www.staxtradecentres.co.uk/careers/vacancy/181/sales-representative-north-west.htm

Contact:
Paula Ellis
Stax Trade Centres
Holloway Drive
Wardley Industrial Estate, Worsley
Manchester
M28 2LA

0161 728 8000

jobs.manchester@stax.uk.com

Following our recent significant expansion, we are actively looking to recruit an experienced and energetic Retail Managers to lead our Furniture and Christmas Departments within a number of our centres across the UK. 

We currently have vacancies at the following centres:

• Derby Garden Centre
• Bicester Avenue Garden Centre, Bicester
• Endsleigh Garden Centre, Plymouth
• Sanders Garden Centre, Burnham-on-Sea
• Nailsworth Garden Centre, Gloucestershire

As a Retail Manager you can make a real difference from day one as you will be directly involved in driving sales and maximising profit, creating inspirational visual displays, managing stock levels and leading and developing your team. Your attention to detail and commercial acumen will ensure our AB1 customers enjoy a shopping experience with a point of difference that encourages their loyalty and satisfaction.

To be successful in this role you will:

• be an experienced retailer with a background in similar product categories
• be able to perform under pressure and operate in a fast pace environment
• have the ability to create an exciting and inspiring environment for customers, using your visual merchandising skills and commercial awareness
• have good IT skills and be competent using our weekly sales and profit reports to effectively optimise sales and manage stock
• have the ability to achieve results by effectively leading, and motivating your team to ensure they perform to their best and provide outstanding customer service
• ensure store standards are maintained and floor layout meets the company guidelines

As well as a competitive salary and benefits, you can also expect to receive training and further career development opportunities.

Blue Diamond Group is the 2nd largest Garden Centre Group, with 30 centres throughout the UK and in the Channel Islands and we are continuously growing. Our centres are widely regarded as some of the best in the country and we have won many retail and restaurant awards. Our extensive refurbishment programme ensures that our centres and restaurants offer style and innovation in an aspirational environment which encourages loyalty and satisfaction from our customers. We invite you to look at our website and view pictures and videos of recent developments such as East Bridgford and Redfields.

If you like the sound of a fantastic fast-growing company with a great heritage and want to make a positive contribution to a business which in return helps all employees to maximise their full potential, then we would like to hear from you!

For further information please see our website at www.bluediamond.gg\careers or to apply please send your CV and covering letter to tom.grinnall@bluediamond.gg.

Home Retail Manager

Blue Diamond Group

40 Hours per week, Full Time Permanent Position

Following our recent significant expansion, we are actively looking to recruit an experienced and energetic Retail Managers to lead our Home and Indoor Living Departments within a number of our centres across the UK. 

We currently have vacancies at the following centres:

• Cardiff Garden Centre
• Endsleigh Garden Centre, Plymouth
• Percy Thrower Garden Centre, Shrewsbury
• Sanders Garden Centre, Burnham-on-Sea
• Weybridge Garden Centre, Surrey
• Nailsworth Garden Centre, Gloucestershire

As a Group, Blue Diamond generates more profit per customer than any other garden centre retailer in the ‘Home’ category and with product ranges including kitchen, bathroom, room fragrance, home accessories, children’s, books and cards we are the garden centre industry leader.

As a Home Retail Manger, you can make a real difference from day one as you will have responsibility for driving sales and maximising profits, creating stunning and aspirational visual displays, managing stock levels and motivating and developing your team.  Using our profit per customer benchmarking tools you will draw on your commercial acumen and experience to identify potential profit opportunities and to correct any missed opportunities.

To be the ideal candidate you will:

• have experience of working in a fast-paced retail environment
• be able to quickly gain an in-depth knowledge of our Home product range
• have a track-record for achieving targets and KPIs
• have a meticulous eye for detail, ensuring that our high retail standards are consistently maintained in terms of product placement, presentation, visual elevation and overall look and feel
• possess good commercial insight with an ability to take performance data and translate into sound retail action points
• have a clear understanding of the needs of our AB1 customers and constantly striving to ensure their expectations are always exceeded

Blue Diamond Group is the 2nd largest Garden Centre Group, with 30 centres throughout the UK and in the Channel Islands and we are continuously growing. Our centres are widely regarded as some of the best in the country and we have won many retail and restaurant awards. Our extensive refurbishment programme ensures that our centres and restaurants offer style and innovation in an aspirational environment which encourages loyalty and satisfaction from our customers. We invite you to look at our website and view pictures and videos of recent developments such as East Bridgford and Redfields.

If you like the sound of a fantastic fast-growing company with a great heritage and want to make a positive contribution to a business which in return helps all employees to maximise their full potential, then we would like to hear from you!

For further information please see our website at www.bluediamond.gg\careers or to apply please send your CV and covering letter to tom.grinnall@bluediamond.gg.

Plant Area Manager – Hardy Plants

Blue Diamond Group

40 Hours per week, Full Time Position

Following our recent significant expansion, we are looking for driven, experienced and entrepreneurial Hardy Plant Area Managers at a number of our centres across the UK.

We currently have vacancies at the following centres:

• Percy Thrower Garden Centre Shrewsbury
• Endsleigh Garden Centre, Plymouth
• Weybridge Garden Centre, Surrey

Our plant teams pride themselves on not only giving our customers the very best in product quality and choice, but also on providing them with an aspirational shopping experience through creating stunning visual displays. They work hard to constantly ensure stock availability, that our high standards of plant care and quality are always maintained and that our customers enjoy exceptional service and specialist advice.

As a plant area manager, you would be responsible for managing and leading your team in pulling all of this vital activity together so that our customers have a truly unique and memorable shopping experience. Your focus will always be on the customer and meeting their expectations, but you will also have responsibility for driving sales and profitability – so you will have a real sense of ownership and empowerment!

Our ideal Plant Area managers will:

• have experience of working in Garden Centres, although we are open to talking to candidates from any horticultural background
• have an energetic personality with an ability to easily engage with and connect with our AB1 target customers
• have a creative and entrepreneurial attitude towards plant retailing
• have excellent knowledge of hardy plants, plant care and maintenance
• be able to recognise and act on sales opportunities
• be meticulous to the detail in terms of product placement, standards, presentation, visual elevation and overall look and feel
• have an ability to manage and develop a team

As well as a rewarding career with potential for career development, you can expect a competitive salary, attractive staff discount and paid holidays.

Blue Diamond Group is the 2nd largest Garden Centre Group, with 30 centres throughout the UK and in the Channel Islands and we are continuously growing. Our centres are widely regarded as some of the best in the country and we have won many retail and restaurant awards. Our extensive refurbishment programme ensures that our centres and restaurants offer style and innovation in an aspirational environment which encourages loyalty and satisfaction from our customers. We invite you to look at our website and view pictures and videos of recent developments such as East Bridgford and Redfields.

If you like the sound of a fantastic fast-growing company with a great heritage and want to make a positive contribution to a business which in return helps all employees to maximise their full potential, then we would like to hear from you!

For further information please see our website at www.bluediamond.gg\careers or to apply please send you CV and covering letter to james.nuttall@bluediamond.gg.

Buyer/Category Manager (Home)

Blue Diamond Garden Centres

Based at:Any of our Garden Center locations

40 Hours per week, Full Time

Salary: Pay competitive with attractive rates for the right candidate. Includes profit related bonus, Heath care and Pension

Following our recent significant expansion we are looking for a driven Buyer/Category manager to join our Home team. 

Our aim on our Home and Indoor Living range is to deliver a point of difference to an AB1 consumer to trigger those impulse buys from customers who visit our centres for a multitude of reasons. Kitchen, Bathroom, Room fragrance, Home accessories, Children’s, books and cards are just some of the categories within our Home department. Our Group generates more profit per customer than any other garden centre retailer on ‘Home’ and we are looking for a person who is numbers driven analytical and passionate about driving profit. If you just want to select product and not control the retailing and execution in store this is NOT the job for you!

You will report to the Head of Home and your responsibilities will include:

• Range selection and implementation through allocations and merchandising briefs.
• Identifying opportunities to develop Own Brand/exclusive ranges.
• Using our profit per person benchmarking system to identify missed and potential profit opportunities within store for, correcting missed profit and delivering potential profit.
• Center visits alongside merchandising colleagues to support in driving profitability for the categories you manage.

Blue Diamond Group is the 2nd largest Garden Centre Group, with 30 centres throughout the UK and in the Channel Islands and we are continuously growing.  Our centres are widely regarded as some of the best in the country and we have won many retail and restaurant awards. Our extensive refurbishment programme ensures that our centres and restaurants offer style and innovation in an aspirational environment which encourages loyalty and satisfaction from our customers. We invite you to look at our website and view pictures and videos of recent developments such as East Bridgford and Redfields.

If you like the sound of a fantastic fast growing company with a great heritage and want to make a positive contribution to a business which in return helps all employees to maximise their full potential, then we would like to hear from you! Please send your CV to alan@bluediamond.gg.

with all the news direct to your e-mail inbox.  The best news service every weekend and all the breaking news as it happens.

Subscribe for free using this link

Keter and its sister brand, Stewart Garden, have both unveiled new ranges for the 2018 season.

New from Keter is the Newton garden shed, available in three sizes from April 2019. It is made from innovative composite fade-resistant multi-layer panels combining resin and wood for durability and zero maintenance but with a traditional look (and smell). It is light enough for easy assembly.

Special features include steel bar reinforcement for snow loads of up to 150kg/m²-30 PSF (way in excess of UK conditions). Built-in ventilation offers ample airflow, a heavy-duty floor panel supports a riding lawn mower and the walls are of a durable double-wall construction. A window plus full-length skylight provides plenty of natural light.

Keter is so confident of the technology employed that they're offering a limited lifetime warranty.

New Stewart Garden planters include the Beton, available in garden centres from February 2019. The range echoes a consumer design trend towards contemporary minimalism, capturing the aesthetic of a modern concrete texture but light enough to move around the garden. There are Square and Round styles, each in two sizes, in Light Grey and Dark Grey.

Sequoia planters, also new and available from October 2018, feature exclusive DUOTECH technology – a paintable textured surface that perfectly imitates natural wood grain, with a strong and durable double walled resin construction.

The range comes flat-packed for simple assembly and includes wheels for portability plus a built-in irrigation system with water-level indicator.

Garden lighting, tree ties and plant supports were the big winners during storm week. 

Lawn care continued to sell well but gardeners appeared more concerned with correcting storm induced issues and lighting their gardens into the evening as the nights draw in.

• Premier Decorations Coloured Led Pull Light & Bulb, which also doubles as a Christmas line, stormed back into the GTN Chart at No 1.
• Smart Solar’s Cornish Jar Lantern also returned at a high position, back in at No 7.
• Highest new entry of the week were Garland 61cm Tree Ties.  In for the first time at No 14.

To subscribe to GTN Bestsellers email karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk

Local newspapers in Essex were reporting last week that Perrywood Garden Centre in Tiptree had been fined over £100,000 for failing to protect its employees from hazardous chemicals.

The fine was imposed by Basildon Magistrates’ Court as a result of an investigation by environmental health officers after an official complaint was raised by an employee in September 2017.

Alan Bourne, managing director of Perrywood Garden Centre and Nurseries Ltd, told the Essex County Standard: “We take the health and safety of our team and customers extremely seriously and have a number of policies and procedures in order to safeguard everyone at the garden centre.

“Unfortunately, an incident did occur in 2017 concerning a current member of staff.  Since then we have put additional policies and training in place to ensure that an incident like this does not occur again.”

Read the full Essex County Standard report here

Local newspapers in Essex were reporting last week that Perrywood Garden Centre in Tiptree had been fined over £100,000 for failing to protect its employees from hazardous chemicals.

The fine was imposed by Basildon Magistrates’ Court as a result of an investigation by environmental health officers after an official complaint was raised by an employee in September 2017.

Alan Bourne, managing director of Perrywood Garden Centre and Nurseries Ltd, told the Essex County Standard: “We take the health and safety of our team and customers extremely seriously and have a number of policies and procedures in order to safeguard everyone at the garden centre.

“Unfortunately, an incident did occur in 2017 concerning a current member of staff.  Since then we have put additional policies and training in place to ensure that an incident like this does not occur again.”

Read the full Essex County Standard report here

The weather didn’t deter gardeners from buying their onion sets, shallots and garlic last week. 

Veg to Gro sales were 12% up on the same week last year bucking the sales of plants overall.

• Taylors Onion Sets Electric moved up 1 place to be the No 1 Bestselling Veg to Gro line of the week.
• Taylors Garlic Carcassonne Wight was the highest re-entry, back in at No 4.
• Kapiteyn Garlic Fokhagyma moved up to No 5 after a 50% increase in sales.

To subscribe to GTN Bestsellers email karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk

VELCRO® Brand is strengthening its home and garden product offering with a new range of mounting tapes, suitable for a wide variety of DIY requirements.

The new VELCRO® Brand FIX-PRO® mounting tape range features four adhesive options - Indoor, Removable, Outdoor and Extreme - to allow consumers to find simple solutions to mount items easily to walls or surfaces in the house, garden, shed or garage.

VELCRO® Brand FIX-PRO® mounting tapes are made using high quality acrylic foam tape and acrylic adhesives, giving them a superior performance compared to similar products on the market.   All four mounting tape options come in 2m or 6m rolls starting from £4.99 RRP, which offers consumers excellent value for money across the range.

The Indoor and Removable options are ideal for consumers who want to mount lightweight items such as pictures, clocks and decorative items to surfaces indoors. The Removable product, which is transparent, leaves no residue or damage to the surface once removed.

The Outdoor product is perfect for garden projects, and works well on glass, stone and concrete. It is able to withstand extreme temperatures, making it a great solution for any season. Extreme can hold an incredible 55kg and works perfectly on glass, stone, tile, brick, wood, plastic and metal.  It has been specially formulated with permanent adhesive and can be used indoors and outdoors on heavy-duty projects that require extreme sticking power.

The VELCRO® Brand FIX-PRO® range boasts highly impactful packaging, which creates excellent stand out on shelf, and the VELCRO® Brand name carries an assurance of quality to consumers who are aware of the brand's history and product pedigree.

Retailers stocking this range of mounting tapes will have access to impactful floor standing display units for maximum stand out, and a range of bold clip strip display solutions to provide cross-merchandising options

throughout the store.

As with all VELCRO® Brand products, these new mounting tapes have been tested extensively and consumer feedback has been extremely positive.

To enquire about stocking the new VELCRO® Brand FIX-PRO® range, retailers and buyers can contact us on 0161 240 4516.

The weather did put a stop to a lot of actual planting activity.  GTN’s Growing Media Top 50 Bestsellers sales volumes dropped by 21% week on week and were 16% down on the same week last year. 

Judging by visits to centres this week, with the better weather and plenty of late season offers available the end of September could be a bumper one for growing media sales.

• Kelkay RHS Horticultural Potting Grit was the highest climber of the week as gardeners sought shelter in potting sheds and greenhouses.  Up 30 places to No 42.
• Evergreen Garden Care Levington John Innes No2 25L was the highest placed re-entry at No 28.
• Westland Gro-Sure Lawn Seeding Soil 30L saw a 70% increase, to move up 14 places to No 7.

To subscribe to GTN Bestsellers email karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk

Wild Bird Care sales also suffered from the week of storms, down 18% on the same week last year. 

Having seen plenty of new activity from suppliers in this category at Glee everyone will be looking forward to sale picking up after this warm spell and colder weather prompts gardeners to think about feeding their feathered friends.

• Gardman Seed Supreme 12.75kg is the highest re-entry at No 4.
• Jacobi Jayne Rowena's Hedgehog Mix 500g re-enters at No 24.
• Tom Chambers Insect Suet Logs saw a 170% sales increase to re-enter at No 43.

To subscribe to GTN Bestsellers email karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk

GIMA is accepting last minute bookings for the forthcoming ‘Sales Development & Territory Planning’ workshop that will kick-start its Knowledge Exchange autumn programme this Wednesday (3 October 2018).

Led by Cedar Associates, the one-day workshop will help participants to make better use of sales territory plans to generate more effective sales results. The day will arm sales personnel with advice and tips on how to implement new techniques that will enable them to prioritise tasks and better plan their time, both on the road and in the office.

All GIMA’s Knowledge Exchange Workshops take place at Horticulture House, Didcot, OX11 0RN.

GIMA director Vicky Nuttall says the session will suit anyone within a sales role who wants to implement changes to create a more effective and hardworking sales programme.

The day costs £195 plus VAT for members and £225 plus VAT for non-members.

For more information, visit the website.

The second Rosebourne opened this weekend and GTN Xtra joined the invited local VIP's and press to a preview day on Thursday to bring you our photo tour of the new centre.

The management team behind this latest opening are (L-R above) Jon Kitching, Salim Sajid, Centre Manager Dan Adams, Neville Prest and Val Kempster.  

Rosebourne Aldermaston has been developed on the site of White Towers Nursery, which had been there for 26 years previously, using EIS funding.  The same model used by Rosebourne for Weyhill and also being used by Carol Paris’ Somerton business.

Carol Paris is joining the Rosebourne team temporarily to help with the integration of Wyevale Solihull into the Rosebourne group.  Solihull, a former Blooms of Bressingham centre, hence very well known to Jon Kitching, is a leasehold site and that purchase has been financed via bank lending.

As you'll see from our photo tour below, Rosebourne Aldermaston follows the successful template of Weyhill Andover very closely, with just a few differences: 

• A local butcher, based in Tatcham.
• Rosebourne are doing the deli themselves. 
• Planteria double the size.
• Restaurant not so long and narrow to reduce the distance and time from the pass to the table.

In the waitress served restaurant servers use Corby + Fellas mobile systems to take orders, print bills and take payments direct at the table without having to go back to any till point.

Rosebourne Aldermaston key facts:

• 5,000 sq m
• 220 main car parking spaces + 60 in overflow
• Retail food sales 20% of turnover, catering 25%
• Bigger planteria than at Andover – double the size
• 23 retail food freezers
• 200 covers in waitress served restaurant

Wyevale Garden Centres announced the sale of four more garden centres to individual buyers.

The centres are: Croydon Purley Way, Sidmouth, Solihull and Windsor.

Sidmouth (above left) and Solihull (above right) have been sold to existing garden centre operators Kings Garden and Leisure Limited and Rosebourne Limited.

Windsor will continue to operate as a Wyevale Garden Centre whilst its new owner, Wates Developments Limited, progresses longer term redevelopment opportunities. Croydon Purley Way has been sold to a party related to the existing landlord, Ultratown Limited, and is expected to continue to operate as a garden centre for up to 2 months.

Here is the Wyevale Garden Centres announcement in full:

25th September, 2018 – Wyevale Garden Centres (“WGC”), the UK’s biggest garden centre operator, today announces the sale of four garden centres to individual buyers.

The centres are: Croydon Purley Way, Sidmouth, Solihull and Windsor.

Sidmouth and Solihull have been sold to operators who are expected to continue to run them as garden centres. Windsor will continue to operate as a Wyevale Garden Centre whilst its new owner progresses longer term redevelopment opportunities. Croydon Purley Way has been sold to a party related to the existing landlord, and is expected to continue to operate as a garden centre for up to 2 months.

Roger Mclaughlan, Chief Executive of WGC, said: “We are pleased to have agreed the sale of four more of our garden centres. Across all four centres we would like to thank our great colleagues, who have been central to our turnaround in the past few years. In the case of Windsor, we will continue to operate as a Wyevale Garden Centre with no immediate impact.

“For those centres being sold to garden centre operators we would like to wish our colleagues well under the new ownership, and in the case of Croydon Purley Way, which has been sold for alternative use, we are very pleased to honour our commitments to our colleagues and partners and will seek to redeploy our excellent colleagues to our other garden centres wherever possible”.

Anthony Jones, Chief Financial Officer of WGC, said: “The centres sold to date had been highlighted as ‘non core’ as part of our ongoing portfolio review, which pre-dated the sale process. The sale of these centres reflects our continued pursuit of positive outcomes for our colleagues, concession partners, suppliers and customers. We are very grateful for the dedication and commitment of the teams at these centres, and we’ll continue to support them through the transition.”

WGC has received a significant number of offers for all or part of the remaining WGC business from national, regional and financial operators as well as local entrepreneurs.
Croydon Purley Way has been sold to Ultratown Limited, Sidmouth has been sold to Kings Garden and Leisure Limited, Solihull has been sold to Rosebourne Limited, while Windsor has been sold to Wates Developments Limited.

Wyevale Garden Centres is the UK’s biggest garden centre chain, with 131 garden centres, ranging from local horticultural centres to major leisure destination venues. The garden centres include 127 restaurants and cafes and 600 concessions with 231 partners. These have been significantly developed during Terra Firma’s ownership and have been key to driving footfall and de-seasonalising the business, making the centres attractive all-year round destinations.

Wyevale Christmas Trees are the Best, that's the claim being made by Wyevale Garden Centres as they launched Christmas 2018 to the media last week.

Over 60 magazine and national newspaper journalists popped into the Wyevale Garden Centres Christmas Tree and Wreath Showcase in Marylebone, Central London on Thursday.

As well as showcasing some of their seasonal houseplant, gift and gardening lines the main feature was their real Christmas Trees, which will be marketed in store as The Best Real Trees.

"We believe our real Christmas trees are the best, so why go anywhere else!" They proclaim.  For the second year Wyevale Garden Centres will be preparing trees to fit in stands, supplying free tree food with every tree and offering free hot chocolate every weekend in December.

Wyevale Nurseries is searching for new employees this month to help meet demand as the business continues to grow. The company is looking to recruit a Sales and Marketing Director and an Amenity Sales Executive to enhance its already talented team and to boost its burgeoning sales going forward.

Andy Johnson (pictured), Managing Director at Wyevale Nurseries, explained: “We’ve had a marvellous year so far, having had the best May ever in our recorded trading history with sales up by 14%. We’ve also seen year-on-year (2017-18) growth of 17% in shrub sales and 19% in herbaceous and 60% in the sales of ferns.

“Our early summer sales continued at record levels and it looks set to be another successful year for us all-in-all.

“Now we’re looking to embrace these results and take the business further in 2019. We’re looking for a Sales and Marketing Director to co-ordinate the development of our sales, marketing and trading activities across all our product and market sectors, promoting the Wyevale Nurseries brand, driving up customer satisfaction and profitability across the board.

“Keeping our customers’ happy is key to our success and we have forged many wonderful relationships down the years, so we’re keen to interview people with great interpersonal skills and industry contacts.

“We are also currently seeking an experienced Sales Executive to join the amenity sales department. They too will need to be customer-focused and facing, have a good knowledge of the industry and be an experienced plantsperson. Communication is key with both roles, so we’ll expect to interview people who have plenty to say and are excellent at getting their message across.

“As these roles are so vital to the business, I’d like anyone interested in applying for them to contact me direct via andy@wyevale-nurseries.co.uk. I am more than happy to chat to people about the roles or to simply receive covering letters and CVs. The closing date for applications is Friday, October 19.”

Wyevale Nurseries’ new Sales and Marketing Director will also be expected to manage, motivate and develop the company’s seasoned sales team, while identifying new opportunities and innovative ways to delight its customers.

“We’re looking for people who love our ethos and culture, embrace the heritage, but can also come in and give us plenty to think about, help us to expand further and move forward with a 21st century environment very much in mind.

“It’s paramount our new Sales and Marketing Director works in conjunction with all the other sections of the company to ensure the business continues to offer a market-leading product range and service that’s fit for the future.”

Writtle University College graduates celebrated the conclusion of their specialist courses at two ceremonies at Chelmsford Cathedral.

With many of the students embarking on study at Writtle, near Chelmsford, in order to bring their passion for their subject to life, they are now set with an applied qualification and practical experience for the industries and sectors they wish to work in.

According to the latest figures from the Higher Education Statistics Agency, 91% of Writtle University College graduates last year were in employment or further study six months after graduation – and the prospects look good for the class of 2018 too!

Emily Abrey, from Saffron Walden, graduated with a BSc Agriculture (Crop Management) and has already started a full-time position as a SoilQuest Account Manager with agronomy firm Agrii.

She said: “Experience in this industry is crucial when job hunting and I’m grateful for the flexibility Writtle provided, which enabled me to work two days a week with Agrii’s Research & Development team while studying for my degree.

“Working at Agrii has ground-truthed what we learnt in class and it was really useful seeing some of the issues in a real-life situation. It also enabled me to build key contacts within the industry and develop my knowledge to a higher level.”

Eleanor Hosegood, from Burnham-on-Crouch, graduated with a BSc (Hons) Landscape and Garden Design with First Class Honours. She said: “The course covered a broad range of skills that are needed in the industry, which allowed me to discover my passions and develop my skills in areas that were weaker. 

“Since graduating, I have been working at Liz Lake Associates, where I have been able see how all the skills I have learnt can come together in real-life projects, whilst working together in a team similar to the studio environment at Writtle.”

Adam Newson, from Brentwood, graduated with a BSc (Hons) Landscape and Garden Design with First Class Honours and is continuing to study at Writtle for an MA Landscape Architecture.

He said: “The graduation ceremony was a great way for us all to celebrate our achievements! The community you’re part of at Writtle, and the fact that you’re treated as an individual with lots of access to lecturers, has made my experience both fun and educational.”

Lauren Hunt, from Rayleigh, is one of the first graduates from the Integrated Masters in Veterinary Physiotherapy, which she passed with distinction. She said: “The course gave me confidence and the clinical, practical skills I needed to walk straight into a hydro/physio job at Buddies+ in Colchester. I am also lucky enough to remain at Writtle in a lecturing position, which I jumped at because of the amazing lecturers there, who I can continue to learn from, and the friendly environment. I love working in my dream job and look forward to the many challenges to come!”

Sophie Allen, from Kesgrave near Ipswich, also graduated from the Integrated Masters in Veterinary Physiotherapy, said: “My course gave me the skills and 'tool box' needed to approach cases successfully as a Veterinary Physiotherapist. I am currently working at K9HS as part of the team of Veterinary Physiotherapists, and also starting up my own self-employed business alongside this.” 

At the ceremonies, Baroness Jenkin of Kennington, Founding Chancellor, gave an address to inspire graduates, in which she drew on her extensive parliamentary and international charity experience.

Born in Hatfield Peverel and married to Bernard Jenkin, MP for Harwich and North Essex, she told graduates that she believed they had “the power to change the world” with technology at their command that no other generation could dream of.

This year’s Graduation Ceremonies were all the more special as it is the 125th anniversary of Writtle University College.

Established in 1893 as the County Laboratories, its portfolio of courses has branched out from its agricultural and horticultural roots, with a range of animal, equine, business, sport and design programmes as well as study in Bioveterinary Science and Veterinary Physiotherapy.

College-level courses, Apprenticeships, and short courses join degrees and postgraduate awards.

Vice- Chancellor Professor Tim Middleton recounted some of the year’s highlights, including a partnership with the agricultural engineering company Crawfords, a £2million investment in equine stud facilities, a new Higher Education Study Hub, and the launch of an Equine Academy.

“This year is our 125th anniversary and I am very proud to be Vice-Chancellor of an institution with such distinguished alumni,” he said.

“Those graduating this year now join this group, which includes government ministers and leaders of successful land-based businesses. We look forward to hearing about what they go on to achieve as the newest members of the worldwide family of Writtle graduates.”

·         Apply now and join a University College where 89.2% of final year undergraduates said they were satisfied with the teaching on their course with increases in overall satisfaction in every area of the National Student Survey 2018.

·          Find out which specialist course is right for you at writtle.ac.uk

Legendary horticulturist and journalist receives Honorary Degree!

Celebrating with graduates at the morning ceremony at Chelmsford Cathedral was Peter Seabrook MBE, the well-known horticultural journalist and consultant, who was given an Honorary Degree from Writtle University College.

Peter, who studied at Writtle in the 1950s, has gone onto a distinguished career. He is gardening editor at The Sun - after more than 40 years – and was a presenter on Pebble Mill at One on BBC 1, Gardeners World on BBC 2, the BBC’s Chelsea Flower Show coverage and, for 20 years, on Coast to Coast on PBS in North America.

“There are hundreds, indeed thousands, like me who have a debt of gratitude to Writtle for their education and their friendships,” he said.

In his address to students, he showed why he has had such success in broadcasting, provoking many laughs when he produced a spade: “As a ten-year-old at a village school when 50 of us were taught by one master, I never would have thought I would fly across the Atlantic on Concorde twice; hover over an active volcano in Hawaii with a producer urging me to say insightful things when I could only think of the incineration waiting below; meet most members of the royal family; fly to Los Angeles, meet up with the TV crew there and fly on to New Zealand, stay in six hotels, travel on seven more flights and return home at the end of the week  with six, 30-minute programmes on tape.

“And it’s all because of this. A spade. It just happens that I could use it better than most people!”

Every week GTN receives and analyses epos data from a number of UK garden centres to produce the GTN Bestsellers charts and weekly bestsellers sales tips.

The full charts which provide useful insight into product sales peaks, new trends and new link sales opportunities are published in the weekly GTN Xtra newsletter.

As the year goes on we give sales volume comparisons with 2016 as well as 2017 to allow your teams to see variations over a three year period.

Access is by subscription only.  For £145.00 per year you and your team can have access to the most up-to-date gardening sales analysis that has already helped many UK garden centres increase their sales.  To subscribe call 01733 775700, e-mail karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk or buy on-line using this link.

Highlights of the GTN Garden Products Bestsellers chart for this week are here

Highlights of the GTN Garden Plants Bestsellers chart for this week are here

Highlights of the GTN Growing Media Bestsellers chart for this week are here

Highlights of the GTN Veg 2 Gro chart for this week are here

Highlights of the GTN Wild Bird Care chart for this week are here

WARNING the GTN Bestsellers Charts seriously improve the business of our subscribers.  Invest 15 minutes each week in improving your sales using the GTN Bestsellers charts and your turnover and customer satisfaction will improve too.

Get the GTN Bestsellers charts in full every week in the GTN Bestsellers newsletters for only £145.00.

GTN Bestsellers is the only industry source of weekly garden centre sales information, collating Epos data from centres with an aggregate turnover in excess of £120m.

Use the weekly Garden Products and Growing Media Top 50 sales volumes charts to plan your hotspot and other promotions and ensure you have the right products in stock to satisfy the needs of your customers.

For further information contact karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk or call 01733 775700.

Buy your subscription today and start receiving the GTN Bestsellers charts this week.

Squire’s Garden Centre in Badshot Lea (Farnham) has a new look Café Bar. It features stylish décor and beautiful new furniture, with comfy seats and cosy corners to relax in.

There’s also a separate children’s area called ‘Young Gardeners’ with new child-sized seating, a wall full of games and activities, and a special menu just for little ones.

Adults can choose from a wide selection of drinks and freshly prepared food, including hot and cold meals, a salad bar, Swiss Movenpick ice cream, and there’s even a waffle station!

Sarah Squire, deputy chairman at Squire’s said “We are very pleased with our new seating areas in the Café Bar at Squire’s in Badshot Lea, and have had great feedback from customers already, which we really value.

"Our team is very passionate about what they do, and they pride themselves on offering delicious food combined with great customer service. We all look forward to welcoming customers, old and new, to our new look Café Bar ”

Toys and games – Assistant Manager Sam and Head Chef Emma.

Nearly 7,000 attendees – including all the UK’s major coffee shop and food-to-go operators and retailers – were out in force at lunch!

The UK’s biggest food-to-go showcase of the year – and an essential diary date for the sector it serves – lunch! enjoyed another successive record turnout, with total attendance up 9% on 2017’s figures and a significant 16% up since it moved to London ExCeL.

As in previous years, queues of enthusiastic visitors marked the start of the show.  While the packed aisles, vibrant and buzzing atmosphere, topical and engaging (and standing-room only) Keynotes, 1000s of world-class innovations, and exceptional quality of buyers in attendance, prompted many to call lunch! 2018 the ‘best yet’.

Tesco, McDonald’s, Subway, Sainsbury’s, Greggs, M&S Food, KFC, Boots, Costa and Waitrose – the top ten food-to-go brands in the UK (according to MCA) were there doing business.

As were key decision makers from AMT Coffee, Aramark, Bartlett Mitchell, BaxterStorey, Benugo, Bidfood, Booker Retail, Bourne Leisure Group, BP, Budgens, Cafe2U, Caffè Nero, Caterleisure Group, Center Parcs, Chartwells, CH&Co Group, Compass Group, Condor Ferries, Co-op Food, Debenhams, Dobbie Garden Centres, EAT, Elior UK, Eurostar, FCB Artisan Espresso Bars, Fortnum & Mason, GAIL's Bakery, Gather & Gather, Harris + Hoole, Harrods, Holland & Barrett, ISS Facility Services, itsu, LEON, Krispy Kreme, McColl’s Retail Group, Merlin Entertainments, Morrison’s, MRH Retail, Nisa, Ocado, Picturehouse Cinemas, Planet Organic, POD, Pret A Manger, Puccino's, Rail Gourmet, Roadchef, Sainsbury's, Selfridges, Serco Leisure, Shell, Small Batch Coffee Co, Sodexo, SPAR, SSP, Starbucks, Tortilla, Virgin Atlantic Airways, Whole Foods Market, WH Smith, Wild Bean Café, Wyevale Garden Centres, and more.

The visitor list also included over 1,820 independent cafés, coffee shops, sandwich shops, tea rooms, bakeries and delis, plus hundreds of contract and travel caterers, distributors, wholesalers, venues, attractions, and universities.

“It’s great to meet with new and old suppliers at lunch!.  I visit every year and always get to see new and different innovations – it has a brilliant vibe at ExCeL too!” says Cathy Port, head of category – sweet & impulse at Costa Coffee.

“lunch! 2018 exceeded all expectations!  It’s such an important industry event that combines new trends with great suppliers.  It's one you definitely need to attend!” says Shereen Ritchie, operations director at LEON.

“lunch! 2018 is the best trade show I’ve been to in years!  It has a brilliant atmosphere and it’s amazing to see all of the new trends,” says Philip Brown, founder of Philpotts.

“Another brilliant year at lunch! – it’s an absolute must attend for anyone in the industry,” says Aggie Morrell, head of food at Pod.

Food-to-go just got bigger

lunch! 2018 was a record-breaker in every respect.  From its record headline attendance figures of 6,882, to a record number of exhibitors rebooking onsite, to the record amount of stand space already reserved for 2019.

“lunch! 2018 was simply our best yet.  We really couldn’t be happier,” says Chris Brazier, lunch!’s group event director.  “There was a fantastic buzz across the show floor from the moment doors opened, and it was a very busy, valuable and productive two days for everyone involved.

“lunch! is the only UK event that annually attracts so many leading innovators, influencers, trailblazers and decision makers from across the food-to-go sector together in one place at one time.  And it just keeps getting bigger and better every year.

“We’d like to say a big thank you to all our exhibitors, visitors, speakers, associations, media partners and supporters.  We look forward to seeing you all next year,” he says.

Summing up their exhibitor experience, Amanda Grove, marketing manager at Magrini, says: “Having exhibited at lunch! for many years across different venues, we can honestly say that this year’s show was the best yet.  The quality of visitors was extremely high and we met a large number of senior buyers.  Re-booking was an easy decision and we already have some exciting plans for lunch! 2019.”

Hundreds of this year’s exhibitors will be back at the show when it returns to ExCeL on 19-20 September 2019.  Many have already opted for bigger stands to maximise their brand presence – among them are Bounce Foods, Primal Food, Propercorn, Radnor Hills Mineral Water Company, Kestrel Foods, Danora, KFF, Dalston’s, Volys Star, and Cakesmiths.

Plus, given the waiting list of new exhibitors ready to book their stands, lunch! 2019 is already on track to sell out months in advance.

“lunch! 2018 was the best show I’ve done for ten years!  Everybody came to our stand,” says David McLagen, founder of Ecoffee Cup.

“There was a great breadth of attendees at lunch! 2018 – from leisure centres, cafes, educational establishments, airlines and more.  lunch! is the show for food-to-go,” says Lee Cannon, category development manager at Lucozade Ribena Suntory.

“Hands down lunch! 2018 is the best trade show we’ve ever done,” says Will Cabedo from BRAVE Foods.

Keynote highlights

Alongside the show’s bustling exhibition, the two Keynote theatres were a hive of activity throughout.  Highlights included standing-room only Keynotes, interviews and panel debates featuring chief executives and senior managers from itsu, Caffè Nero, Costa Coffee, Pret A Manger, Greggs, KFC, LEON, EAT, Pod, Tossed, Tortilla, Taylor St Baristas, Krispy Kreme, GAIL’s Bakery, The Gentlemen Baristas, Daisy Green Collection, Boston Tea Party, and Small Batch Coffee Roasters.

“lunch! combines both the future, and the practicalities of winning today, into one great tasty mouthful.  The show’s total focus on food-to-go reinforces its place as the place to go for our sector,” says speaker John Upton, chairman of The Naked Deli and Mother Clucker (and former MD of LEON).

Fun, inspiring, informative, innovative, invaluable, exciting, busy, diverse, fantastic, and unmissable are just some of the words this year’s speakers have used to describe the show.  For 2019, visitors will have even more expert content to choose from with the addition of a third theatre; designed exclusively to host Keynotes from leading coffee shop operators.

Innovation Challenge Awards – results

New innovations by Flower & White, generationJuice, KALEIDO, Pocket Enterprises and Sandows were awarded Gold in the show’s prestigious Innovation Challenge Awards, which attracted 99 product entries this year.

The live final at the show saw 14 exhibitors (chosen by popular visitor vote on opening day) pitch their innovations to an expert panel of judges, including top food-to-go buyers from Caffè Nero, KFC UK&I, Pret A Manger, EAT, Krispy Krème, Pod, Tortilla, Pure, The Gentlemen Baristas, Crussh, Small Batch Coffee Roasters and En Route International.

The results were announced before show close.

Flower & White’s Raspberry Meringue Bar, the T300 juice dispenser from generationJuice, KALEIDO’s Kaleidoscope Salad Rolls, Pocket Enterprises’s pokito pop up cup, and Sandows’ Citrus Cold Brew Soda were the winners of Gold awards.

ButterflyCup by ButterflyCup, Magrini’s Life Coffee Machine and Olly’s Olives Lemon & Thyme variant took home Silver.

While Bronze awards went to Born Tasty (Snackamolé™ Avocado Dip), Burts Potato Chips (Burts Jim Beam Original BBQ Chips), Deli Lites Gourmet Sandwiches (DELI LITES Asian Bespoke Bowl), The One Brand (One Less Bottle), Point Blank Cold Brew (Point Blank Cold Brew), and Simplee Aloe (Aloe Vera Water With Pulp).

“lunch! has served up another hugely successful show, showcasing innovation and bringing together the best in industry to create a not-to-be missed date in any buyer’s calendar,” says Martin Hambleton, head of procurement at En Route International and a founding Innovation Challenge Awards judge.

Save the date for lunch! 2019

lunch! will return to London ExCeL next year on 19-20 September.  For further information and to keep up-to-date with the latest news, please visitwww.lunchshow.co.uk.