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GTN Bestsellers - garden centre sales data every week
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Solus Garden and Leisure have today issued the following statement in response to the rumours that have been circulating in the market over the last few days. Solus would like to reiterate that the company is very much focused on building for the future under the leadership of Nick Davies, Ross Yealland and the senior executive team.
“There are a number of positive changes underway at Solus Garden & Leisure, and I would like to reassure staff, customers, suppliers and business partners that I am very much at the helm as managing director of the company. “I’m delighted that Ross Yealland has joined us as Commercial Director. Along with the senior executive team, we are both greatly looking forward to guiding and growing Solus Garden & Leisure in the future. The business is in great shape and we are actively investing in new talent to take Solus forward into the future. We have a number of exciting developments in the pipeline which we will be announcing shortly, including some superb new products from our different brands. “Solus is one of the most important players in the garden products industry and we are determined to build on this and raise the company to even greater heights. We have a magnificent and dedicated team of staff, all of whom are committed to making Solus the best in the business. I would like to thank them for their support and know that Solus can rely on all our people for their enthusiasm and professionalism, now and in the future.”
In an interview with GTN Xtra this afternoon, Nick Davies confirmed the rumours about several senior team members leaving. Andy Roe (Garden Centre Independents) and Andy Abraham (National Accounts) have resigned, but are still working their notice within the business. As reported yesterday, Colin Smart has already left the business. "We've sadly lost three very good guys, but we're already in the process of recruiting new talent to replace them."
Ross Yealland's role as Commercial Director will focus on the development of the brand side of the business and it's marketing. "It's good to have a progression from with in the Yealland family. Solus is after all a successful family business," added Nick.
Solus claim to be the largest distribution company for garden products in the UK, supplying to 95% of garden centres alongside large multiples including B&Q, Tesco, Homebase, Wilkinson and Amazon. Based in Worcestershire, Solus has many own brands including Yeoman Tools, Joseph Bentley Heritage Tools, Botanico and ChapelWood.
The company distributes a wide variety of third party brands, including Scotts Miracle-Gro, Cuprinol, Fiskars and Bayer and its water gardening brand, Bermuda.
Solus has won many 'Best in Category GIMA awards', including the prestigious GIMA 'Sword of Excellence' in 2008, and GIMA 'Supplier of the Year' 2010-2012.
If you have a comment about the changes at Solus, please use the comments link below or e-mail trevor.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk
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 Martin Cowell is set to complete a challenge of a lifetime to mark his 40th birthday by cycling unsupported from John O'Groats to Land’s End in aid of the North East Children’s Charity Heel & Toe.
Starting on Friday June 28 2013, Martin aims to complete his gruelling journey in just eight days, finishing in time to celebrate his 40th birthday. Martin aims to raise £5,000 by completing the End 2 End cycle challenge for the Heel & Toe Children’s Charity. The Durham-based organisation provides free conductive education to children suffering from Cerebral Palsy and other physical disabilities, and is a cause close to Martin’s heart after seeing how his daughter Macey, 10, has benefitted from its work. Martin said: “As a family we have witnessed first-hand the fantastic work that Heel & Toe do to support children throughout the region. I wanted to do something really special to mark my 40th birthday and I couldn’t think of a better way to give back to the organisation which has made such a difference to my daughter’s life. “I know this isn’t going to be easy - to start at one end of the UK and get to the other end in only eight days is quite a challenge, especially when most riders take around 14 days and that’s with support. But I’m confident I’ll succeed and I’ll just have to keep reminding myself why I’m doing it – Heel & Toe is a truly marvellous charity. “I am grateful for any donations, however big or small, and would like to thank everyone who has donated so far, particularly the Strawberry Foundation based at The Strawberry Pub, Newcastle which has kindly contributed £500.” By visiting Heel & Toe’s weekly group sessions Macey’s confidence has grown dramatically as she has receives support with everyday practical skills which has helped to improve her interaction with others, coordination and balance. Martin, who also has an eight-year-old son Finley, began his training in November 2012 and has currently cycled 3 back-to-back 120 miles in final preparation for his challenge. He has set up a blog to log all of his training efforts which will be used throughout the eight day ride to track his progress. To support Martin’s End 2 End cycle challenge in aid of Heel & Toe Children’s Charity, donations should be registered via his Just Giving page www.justgiving.com/GeordieJogle or TEXT - DAFT50 £5 to 70070. To follow Martin as he completes his training and during his challenge, visit his blog http://geordiejogle.blogspot.co.uk/p/blog-page_21.html.
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As 2013 is Coolings Centenary year Chairman Paul Cooling and his team are doing many things in a bigger and bolder way than ever before and one of those things is charity! On 3rd July, Paul, along with a dozen of his colleagues from Coolings, will be flying to Glasgow to start climbing the highest mountain in Scotland. Then once they are back down they hop into a minibus and head South to climb the highest mountain in England, then travel West to climb the highest mountain in Wales. As if this wasn’t strenuous enough, the biggest challenge is that they are aiming to climb all three peaks in just 24 hours! Paul and his team are raising money for Harris Hospicecare which aims to improve people’s lives by providing care in their own homes, for those who have debilitating illness or are nearing the end of their lives. For details of how Harris operate and the care they provide please see www.harrishospicecare.org.uk Paul told GTN Xtra: "Personally I have been training hard (sometimes) and I have been known to walk as much as five miles in a week. On this basis I should complete the three peaks in twenty four days rather than twenty four hours so a little extra effort is needed in the coming days. Of course you could provide added incentive by sponsoring an amount per peak to ensure I don’t give up part way through. I’ll keep reminding you about this if you don’t respond but my life would be so much easier if you just do it now!" "I do hope that you might feel inclined to help sponsor me or the Coolings team in our challenge (and believe me for someone as unfit as myself, it is a BIG challenge) in which case please feel free to send a cheque made out to Harris Hospicecare or find your credit/debit card and visit www.virginmoneygiving.com/team/coolingsthreepeaks "
"Collectively the team are confident that we can raise at least ten thousand pounds. However some are less confident that we can reach the bigger target of fifteen thousand that I proposed. Any amount you can give will be put to very good use – even small amounts add up to make big amounts - and don’t forget that the very generous taxman will add 25% if you tick the gift-aid box." "IIf you can help I’d like to thank you in anticipation of making a really big donation!"
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Quantil's Mark Clementson will be taking part in the 60-mile Manchester to Blackpool Bike Ride to raise money for Chrisitie's in remembrance of friend and colleague Sean Pawley who died last December.
Sean had been in the industry for over 25 years in both retail, as a plant manager for a number of centres in the North-West, and in a sales roll for Webbs and Keith Butters.
If you would like to sponsor Mark visit his fundraising page http:/uk.virginmoneygiving.com/markclementson
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Poplars Garden Centre general manager Alastair Jackson and leisure assistant Mikala Cornwell are doing a charity skydive in July to raise funds for charity.
Mikala’s godson Rhys Kiernan was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2011 so the Children’s Cancer Charity CLIC Sargent seemed the perfect charity to support. The skydive will take place at Sibson Airfield near Peterborough on Saturday, July 20.
Both Alastair and Mickala have always wanted to do a skydive – it was one of the things Mickala said she'd do before turning 40 while Alastair admits to having a midlife crisis.
 Rhys was diagnosed with a slow growing, cancerous brain tumour at the age of four and he has undergone several life-saving operations.
After the tumour was successfully removed, Rhys had other complications. He developed a form of Meningitis and also Hydrocephalus (water on the brain). He then had a shunt inserted directly into his brain, which controls the fluid and disperses it into his abdomen.
Rhys spent many weeks in hospital and for most of this time, he was bedridden. It was a very difficult time for his family but he still managed to smile and make everyone laugh!
Thankfully, Rhys is now a healthy, happy and very lively five-year-old. He still has to have 6 monthly check-ups and for his family, every little ache or pain is a constant worry!
While Rhys was in hospital, money was very tight for his family. Mum Keely lived at the hospital and dad Leigh ran the family home, looking after their two other sons Ethan and Harvey and holding down a job.
They were introduced to the work of CLIC Sargent, and were given a grant which helped Leigh to afford the two-and-a-half hour journey to the hospital every day.
CLIC Sargent also offered support, advice and someone to talk to.
"We are so happy to be able to help raise funds and awareness for this fantastic charity to enable them to continue helping families deal with cancer," said Alastair and Mikala.
Donations can be made at www.justgiving.com/alastair-jackson1 or www.justgiving.com/mikala-cornwell
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Garden product sales continue above last year
The GTN Bestsellers Garden Products Top 50 volume sales are up 18% on the same week as last year, and are now 10% higher on the year to date. They are even up 9% on the same week from two years ago and now only 5% behind 2011 levels...
The GTN Bestsellers Garden Products Top 50 volume sales are up 18% on the same week as last year, and are now 10% higher on the year to date. They are even up 9% on the same week from two years ago and now only 5% behind 2011 levels.
Tree planting has driven two of the main week-on-week sales increases – Tree Ties and Stakes from Gardman. Tree compost also moved up 13 places in the growing media chart. Gardman’s Bamboo Canes have also re-entered the chart.
Orchid care is another area of sales growth – Growth Technology’s Orchid Myst is the highest climber, moving up 31 places to No 14.
Volume sales of garden lighting have dropped, suggesting lower footfall, but there are still 10 lines in Top 50. The Revolution Basket Candle Lantern from Solus is the highest new entry at No 20.
Slugs are a big sales category with five lines in the chart this week – Westland Earth Matters Slug Blocker Granules are a new entry at No 35.
Scotts Levington Tomorite (1-litre) remains the bestselling garden product.
See the full GTN Garden Products Bestsellers Chart here. Subscribers Only
To Subscribe to the full GTN Bestsellers Weekly Charts for only £120.00 per year click here
WARNING the GTN Bestsellers Charts can seriously improve your business. Only subscribe if you want to invest 15 minutes each week in improving your turnover and customer satisfaction.
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Veg sales run at record levels
Veg-2-Gro volume sales are at their highest weekly levels since the launch of GTN Bestsellers for the eighth consecutive week...
Veg-2-Gro volume sales are at their highest weekly levels since the launch of GTN Bestsellers for the eighth consecutive week. Year-to-date sales are now 10% up on last year and only 2.7% down on 2011 volumes.
Running ahead at the top of the chart is Quantil Runner Bean – it was also No 1 this week last year. Meanwhile Gardeners Kitchen Runner Bean White Lady has had a good week, up 19 places to No 4.
It’s surprising there weren’t more 2.4m bamboo canes and Bosmere Sweet Pea and Bean Rings sold – are you missing some linked sales opportunities?
The highest climber this week is Quantil Courgette, jumping an impressive 38 places to No 11. A place above is the highest re-entry in Gardeners Kitchen Cucumber Delta Star. There are six cucumber/courgette lines in the Top 50 plus three squash plants. Marrow Green Bush is a new entry at No 39.
Are you running a veg show later this year? It’s worth considering as it’s a great way of building even more veg sales business for next year.
See the full GTN Veg-2-Gro Bestsellers Chart here. Subscribers Only
To Subscribe to the full GTN Bestsellers Weekly Charts for only £120.00 per year click here
WARNING the GTN Bestsellers Charts can seriously improve your business. Only subscribe if you want to invest 15 minutes each week in improving your turnover and customer satisfaction.
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We’ve now had eight out of the last nine weeks where Growing Media Top 50 sales volumes were up on last year. And all that positive movement means year-to-date volumes are now only 4% below last year. But a word of caution: they are still 20% down on 2011.
As volumes fall from the Bank Holiday peak, only three lines showed increased week-on-week sales.
- The highest climber is Westland West+ Rose, Tree and Shrub Compost, moving up 13 places to No 27. It coincides with increased sales of tree ties and tree stakes.
- The highest re-entry is Growth Technology Orchid Focus Medium Compost at No 36.
- Westland Decorative Mini Bark (70 litres) is the only new entry at No 48.
See the full GTN Growing Media Bestsellers Chart here. Subscribers Only
To Subscribe to the full GTN Bestsellers Weekly Charts for only £120.00 per year click here
WARNING the GTN Bestsellers Charts can seriously improve your business. Only subscribe if you want to invest 15 minutes each week in improving your turnover and customer satisfaction.
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