The Federation of Garden and Leisure Manufacturers Limited incorporating Gardenex, PetQuip and the CHA will no longer be trading with immediate effect. Post pandemic it became increasingly clear that it was an uphill struggle to get the Federation on a firm financial footing to continue to offer a value service to members.  

The Federation team have worked tirelessly to improve the situation and to continue to provide export advice and services to British businesses. However, the perfect storm of Brexit, the pandemic and President Trump’s market disruptions have made that task extremely difficult. The Federation has lost all semblance of financial support from the government over the years which has had a detrimental effect on many British businesses in our sector who want to explore exporting options. 

Certain industry leading lights stepped up to join as Patron members paying more than their share to try to assist. Their support was invaluable over the last 6 months. 

Exhibition bookings made through PetQuip for Interzoo 2026 will now be handled directly by the Interzoo show organiser and any company deposits and payments have been passed to Interzoo. Bookings are safe and exhibitors will be contacted by the show organiser in due course. They will receive a separate email shortly with contact details and further information. 

For the future, Prairie Limited will be working closely with Interzoo in order to offer the UK pet sector overseas exhibition services going forwards. They will also be taking over the operation and delivery of the Annual PetQuip Awards which will be renamed The Pet Excellence Awards. 
 
GIMA will be offering a new export member service, providing exporting support to their members. Gardenex members will be contacted shortly so that the remaining term of their membership will be transferred to GIMA. 

This is a very sad day for the industry. Gardenex, PetQuip and the CHA have been stalwarts of their relative sectors helping hundreds (if not thousands) of businesses to generate millions in export income for the UK over the years.  
 
The Federation Team wish all the members every success in their businesses.  

Allbrighton BGC, Munro’s, Sunshine, Birkacre, Gates Oakham, Caulders Linlithgow and Longacres Bagshot have picked up Greatest Garden Centre Christmas Team golds in GTN’s Greatest Christmas Awards, presented at Spring Fair on Monday. Kaemingk walked away with The Greatest Christmas Supplier gold...

Here are all the winners:

The Greatest Centre Christmas Teams, as voted for by Customers

EAST GOLD AWARD: Fakenham

EAST SILVER AWARD: Summerhill

EAST BRONZE AWARD: Blofield Garden Centre@ Norwich Camping & Leisure, Perrywood Tiptree

Finalists

• Blofield Garden Centre at Norwich Camping & Leisure 
• Fakenham Garden Centre 
• Perrywood Buckhatch 
• Perrywood Sudbury 
• Perrywood Tiptree 
• Summerhill Garden Centre

HOME COUNTIES & SOUTH GOLD AWARD: Longacres Bagshot

HOME COUNTIES & SOUTH SILVER AWARD: Keydell

HOME COUNTIES & SOUTH BRONZE AWARD: Ransoms Jersey

Finalists

• Chessington Garden Centre 
• Conkers Garden Centre 
• Dobbies Ashford 
• Haddenham Garden Centre 
• Henry Street Garden Centre 
• Keydell Nurseries 
• Longacres Bagshot 
• Ransoms Jersey 
• Wolvercroft Garden Centre

MIDLANDS GOLD AWARD: Allbrighton BGC

MIDLANDS SILVER AWARD: Garden King

MIDLANDS BRONZE AWARD: Wolseley Bridge BGC

Finalists

• Albrighton BGC 
• Botany Bay Garden Centre 
• Byrkley Park Klondyke 
• Garden King 
• Newton Regis BGC 
• Planters Tamworth 
• Rowena Leicester 
• Rugby BGC 
• Trowell Garden Centre 
• Wolseley Bridge BGC

NORTH GOLD AWARD: Birkacre

NORTH SILVER AWARD: Bents

NORTH BRONZE AWARD: Woodbank

Finalists

• Arcadia BGC 
• Bents 
• Birkacre 
• Harrogate BGC 
• Langlands BGC 
• Owl Lane Farm Nurseries 
• Woodbank Garden Centre

SCOTLAND & NORTHERN IRELAND GOLD AWARD: Munro’s

SCOTLAND & NORTHERN IRELAND SILVER AWARD: Hillmount Belfast

SCOTLAND & NORTHERN IRELAND BRONZE AWARD: Gouldings, Kirktown

Finalists

• Glendoick Garden Centre 
• Gouldings Valley View 
• Hillmount Bangor 
• Hillmount Belfast 
• Hillmount Carrickfergus 
• Kirktown Garden Centre 
• Mains of Drum 
• Munros

SOUTH WEST GOLD AWARD: Newquay

SOUTH WEST SILVER AWARD: Monkton Elm

SOUTH WEST BRONZE AWARD: Trevena Cross

Finalists

• Bow Garden and Aquatic Centre 
• Chacewater Garden Centre 
• Monkton Elm 
• Newquay Garden Centre 
• Old Well Garden Centre 
• Trevena Cross Nurseries

WALES & WEST GOLD AWARD: Snowdonia

WALES & WEST SILVER AWARD: Trioscape

WALES & WEST BRONZE AWARD: Fron Goch

Finalists

• Brockworth BGC 
• Fron Goch 
• Gloucester BGC 
• Old Railway Line 
• Snowdonia Nurseries 
• Trioscape Garden Centre

The Greatest Centre Christmas Teams, as voted for by Customers

OVERALL UK GOLD AWARD: Allbrighton BGC

OVERALL UK SILVER AWARD: Birkacre

OVERALL UK BRONZE AWARD: Fakenham

Finalists

• Snowdonia
• Newquay
• Munro’s
• Birkacre
• Allbrighton BGC
• Longacres Bagshot
• Fakenham

The Greatest Small Garden Centre Christmas Teams (Sponsored by Woodmansterne)

GOLD AWARD: Munro’s

SILVER AWARD: Cooks

BRONZE AWARD: Pengelly, The Garden Society

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Snowdonia

Finalists

• Cooks
• Munros
• Pengelly
• Poundbury
• Snowdonia
• The Garden Society

The Greatest Mid-Sized Garden Centre Christmas Teams (Sponsored by Kaemingk)

GOLD AWARD: Sunshine

SILVER AWARD: Jacksons Boutique

BRONZE AWARD: Brimsmore

Finalists

• Bosworths
• Brimsmore
• Coolings Lifestyle
• Fakenham
• Glendoick
• Haddenham
• Jacksons Boutique
• Kirktown
• Morris of Usk
• Moss & Moor
• Newquay
• Parkers
• Pughs Wenvoe
• Silverbirch
• Southwood
• Sunshine
• Trioscape

The Greatest Large Garden Centre Christmas Teams (Sponsored by Smart Garden Products – Three Kings)

GOLD AWARD: Birkacre

SILVER AWARD: Castle Gardens, Henry Street, Old Railway Line

BRONZE AWARD: Summerhill, Wentworth

Finalists

• Birkacre
• Castle Gardens
• Fron Goch
• Henry  Street
• Old Railway Line
• Perrywood Sudbury
• Poplar Nurseries
• Pughs Radyr
• Raemoir
• St Peters
• Stewarts
• Summerhill
• Wentworth
• Woodbank

The Greatest Giant Garden Centre Christmas Teams (Sponsored by Kaemingk)

GOLD AWARD: Gates Oakham

SILVER AWARD: Bents

BRONZE AWARD: Bronze

Finalists

• Bents
• Garsons Esher
• Gates Oakham
• Perrywood Tiptree
• Simpsons
• Webbs

The Greatest Group Small Garden Centre Christmas Team 

GOLD AWARD: Caulders Linlithgow

SILVER AWARD: Harrogate BGC

BRONZE AWARD: Burford House BGC

Finalists

• Allbrighton BGC
• Burford House BGC
• Caulders Cupar
• Caulders Linlithgow
• Charlecote BGC
• Daleside Klondyke
• Harrogate BGC
• Squires Reigate

The Greatest Group Large Garden Centre Christmas Team (Sponsored by Festive)

GOLD AWARD: Longacres Bagshot

SILVER AWARD: Van Hage Blue Diamond

BRONZE AWARD: Garden King

Finalists

• Barton Grange BD
• Gloucester BGC
• Langlands BGC
• Blackdown BD
• Brigg BGC
• Byrkley Park Klondyke
• Derby BD
• Garden King
• Haskins West End
• Morton Hall Klondyke
• Longacres Bagshot
• Squires Twickenham
• Van Hage BD

The Greatest Winter & Christmas Houseplant Team (Sponsored by Melcourt)

GOLD AWARD: Webbs Wychbold

SILVER AWARD: Hayes BGC

BRONZE AWARD: Gates Oakham, Knights Betchworth

Finalists

• Gloucester BGC
• Hayes BGC
• Langlands BGC
• Brimsmore
• Byrkley Park Klondyke
• Daleside Klondyke
• Deans of York
• Derby BD
• Duchy of Cornwall
• Fron Goch
• Garden King
• Gates Oakham
• Morton Hall Klondyke
• Knights Betchworth
• Notcutts Solihull
• Poplar Nurseries
• Snowdonia
• Sunshine
• Webbs Wychbold

The Greatest Outdoor Plant and Christmas Tree Team (Sponsored by Doff/Pelsis)

GOLD AWARD: Barton Grange Blue Diamond

SILVER AWARD: Bosworths

BRONZE AWARD: Castle Gardens, The Old Well

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Sunshine

Finalists

• Barton Grange BD
• Bosworths
• Botany Bay
• Byrkley Park Klondyke
• Castle Gardens
• Caulders Linlithgow
• Coolings Rushmore hill
• Deans of York
• Fron Goch
• Garden King
• Millbrook Staplehurst
• Munros
• Notcutts Solihull
• Old Railway Line
• Old Well
• Pengelly
• Perrywood Tiptree
• Polmont
• Pughs Wenvoe
• Ruxley
• St Peters
• Sunshine

The Greatest Gardening as a Christmas Gift Sales Team

GOLD AWARD: Planters Tamworth

SILVER AWARD: Gates Oakham

BRONZE AWARD: Castle Gardens

Finalists

• Castle Gardens
• Fakenham
• Gates Oakham
• Old Railway Line
• Planters Tamworth
• Wentworth

The Greatest Christmas Gifts Team (Sponsored by Museums and Galleries)

GOLD AWARD: Birkacre

SILVER AWARD: Gordale

BRONZE AWARD: Duchy of Cornwall, Gates Oakham

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Haddenham

Finalists

• Birkacre
• Duchy of Cornwall
• Fron Goch
• Gates Oakham
• Glendoick
• Gordale
• Haddenham
• Holt
• Old Railway Line
• Raemoir
• Notcutts Rivendell
• Squires Twickenham
• Trentham BD
• Wentworth

The Greatest Christmas BBQ & Outdoor Leisure Team – The SOLEX Sizzle (Sponsored by SOLEX)

GOLD AWARD: Polhill

SILVER AWARD: Knights Betchworth

BRONZE AWARD: Trioscape

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Gordale

Finalists

• Blofield Garden Centre @ Norwich Camping & Leisure
• Cambridge Home & Garden
• Fakenham
• Fron Goch
• Gordale
• Knights Betchworth
• Polhill
• Trioscape

The Greatest Christmas Food & Drink Pop up (Sponsored by Food @ Glee 2026)

GOLD AWARD: Bents

SILVER AWARD: Gates Oakham

BRONZE AWARD: Ruxley Manor

Finalists

• Bents
• Birkacre
• Codsall & Wergs
• Gates Oakham
• Gates Stapleton
• Henry  Street
• Ruxley

The Greatest Festive Retail Food Team (Sponsored by Pleydell Smithyman)

GOLD AWARD: Poplar Nurseries

SILVER AWARD: Gates Oakham

BRONZE AWARD: Morris of Usk

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Barton Grange Blue Diamond, Ruxley Manor

Finalists

• Barton Grange BD
• Bents
• Derby BD
• Gates Oakham
• Longacres
• Morris of Usk
• Notcutts Solihull
• Poplar Nurseries
• Pughs Radyr
• Raemoir
• Ruxley
• Stewarts
• Wentworth

The Greatest Christmas Wild Bird Care & Pet Team

GOLD AWARD: Haddenham

SILVER AWARD: Fairways Ashbourne

BRONZE AWARD: Fakenham

Finalists

• Barton Grange BD
• Castle Gardens
• Fairways Ashborne
• Fakenham
• Haddenham
• Howden Klondyke
• Munros
• Notcutts Solihull
• Old Railway Line
• Ruxley
• St Peters
• Webbs

The Greatest Garden Centre Grotto Team

GOLD AWARD: Gouldings

SILVER AWARD: Chessington

BRONZE AWARD: Hayes BGC, Ruxley Manor

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Coolings Lifestyle, Keydell

Finalists

• Barton Grange BD
• Baytree
• Hayes BGC
• Burford House BGC
• Chessington
• Coolings Lifestyle
• Dobbies Chesterfield
• Garden King
• Gordale
• Gouldings
• Keydell
• Planters Tamworth
• Rosebank
• Ruxley
• Wentworth

The Greatest Garden Centre Christmas Promotion

GOLD AWARD: Henry Street

SILVER AWARD: Trioscape

BRONZE AWARD: Botany Bay

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Glendoick

Finalists

• Allbrighton BGC
• Langlands BGC
• Botany Bay
• Bow Aquatics
• Glendoick
• Gordale
• Henry  Street
• Morton Hall Klondyke
• Monkton Elm
• Pughs Radyr
• The Garden Society
• Trioscape

The Greatest Christmas Supplier

GOLD AWARD: Kaemingk

SILVER AWARD: Gisela Graham, Smart Garden – Three Kings

BRONZE AWARD: Festive

Finalists

• Festive
• Gisela Graham
• Heaven Sent
• Kaemingk
• Premier
• Smart Garden

Watch out for The Greatest Christmas Awards photo tours of the centres in future issues of GTN Xtra and in the next issue of GTN magazine.

Spring Fair 2026 continued to set the agenda for modern retail on day two, delivering powerful insight, lived experience and future-facing thinking through the themes of Leadership & Legacy and Commerce & Community. As the industry navigates ongoing transformation, the day reinforced Spring Fair’s evolution into an experience-led platform where retailers don’t just source product, but gain the knowledge, confidence and connections needed to lead through change.

Under Leadership & Legacy, the programme explored what it takes to build resilient, culturally intelligent businesses in an era of uncertainty. A standout session came from Liberty, as Alice Molyneaux, Head of Licensing and Brand Partnerships, shared how the iconic brand transforms 150 years of heritage into contemporary commercial opportunity. Speaking in the Licensing Lab, Molyneaux demonstrated how design-led licensing, from archive-inspired artwork to cross-category collaborations such as adidas Originals x Liberty London, strengthens loyalty, unlocks new audiences and delivers long-term value for retail partners. “Heritage only has power if you know how to evolve it,” she noted, highlighting how thoughtful collaboration turns legacy into relevance. She added, “At Liberty, our archive isn’t something we preserve behind glass, it’s a working tool that allows us to create new relevance, new partnerships and long-term commercial value. By treating our heritage as a living resource, we’re able to build partnerships that feel authentic, commercially strong and relevant to modern consumers.”

The focus on leadership was amplified in a packed POWER TALK with Theo Paphitis at The Hidden Forum, who delivered a candid and energising session on resilience, realism and growth. Drawing on his experience across Ryman, Robert Dyas, Boux Avenue and London Graphic Centre, Paphitis addressed the realities of running businesses under pressure, the shifting balance between old and new retail models, and the enduring importance of entrepreneurial thinking. His message resonated strongly with independent retailers and emerging brands alike: leadership today demands adaptability, emotional intelligence and the courage to think differently. He said, “We are in this mad, fast, changing world. Don’t think even if you’ve been in business for a long time, that it’ll carry on forever, because it won’t unless you change your business with it. Look at how many well-known names that we’re losing from the high street – just this year alone, because those businesses have lost their reason to exist. Keep challenging yourself. Just because it was right 3-4-5 years ago, is it right this year or next year? The answer might be yes, but it might actually be, we’re seeing a deterioration. Do we need to start changing and repositioning our business? And this doesn’t happen overnight; it requires time and planning. You need to start before it needs to happen, that’s very important. Do your homework. Make sure you absorb as much knowledge as possible about your market, your business, your competitors. If you have this knowledge it’ll help to empower you to make the right decisions to grow your business.”

On the subject of AI and new technology, Paphitis advised small businesses to ignore it at their peril. “Something has happened in the last 12 months that’s for real and isn’t going away. It’s going to be even more imperative if you’re in business – AI. My first piece of advice, everyone here: it’s a rash statement but I think it’s true: you will not survive unless you keep up with the rate of technological change that’s going on at the moment. It’s by far the most accelerated in my working life, by this time next year it’ll be at least twice as strong. But as a small business, ignore it at your peril, because it can make such a difference to how you can be successful in your business. It’s like having on hand your own marketing executive, or your own accountant. Treat it as an advisor, don’t treat it as the oracle quite yet.”

The theme continued with practical insight in “The Growth Map: Scaling from One Shop to Seven”, where Richard Austin, Managing Director of Vinegar Hill and Michael Apter, Owner - Paper Tiger shared the realities of expansion, from instinct-led decision making to maintaining momentum without burnout. Meanwhile, at The Style Atelier, Gill McCulloch, Buying Director at Anthropologie Europe, sat down with fashion commentator Caryn Franklin MBE to unpack the buyer’s evolving role in Curating Relevance, exploring how cultural signals, data and intuition combine to shape compelling, commercially successful ranges across fashion, home and lifestyle. On customer experience McCulloch said, “Everything starts with the customer – who they are now and who they might become. We listen closely through focus groups and social media feedback, but nothing replaces seeing customers in-store: how they interact with the space, the product and each other. Our stores are designed to be heartwarming, multigenerational places for mothers and daughters, friends shopping together, and that sense of joy is unforgettable. People always remember the first time they walk into an Anthropologie store.”

Alongside leadership, Commerce & Community took centre stage on day two, celebrating the human side of retail and the power of physical spaces to connect, inspire and endure. In The Faire Forecast 2026, Charlotte Broadbent, International Marketing and Partnerships Director at Faire, offered buyers a forward-looking lens on the stories, styles and cultural shifts shaping demand in the year ahead. The trend presentation revealed that intentional self-expression shaped consumer behaviour in 2025 and beyond, with “fitting in” firmly out of fashion. Shoppers are making more considered purchases, gravitating towards products that tell personal stories.

Looking ahead to 2026, Faire’s consumer predictions point to a retail landscape driven by experience, personality and human connection. Live stream shopping is emerging as the new shop window, with independent retailers perfectly placed to lead through authenticity and expertise. Retailers are also being encouraged to think in seasons rather than moments, extend key calendar events, and engage all five senses in-store, recognising the powerful role of scent, texture and atmosphere in brand memory. Nostalgia, comfort and ‘little treats’ continue to resonate strongly with shoppers, while the rise of AI in product discovery makes the human touch more important than ever. Broadbent emphasised that Spring Fair provides the ideal moment for retailers to define their goals, understand their customer and translate trends into strategies that feel both relevant and achievable.

Talking on the practicalities of adopting the trends into retail and merchandising, she said, “Know your customer and put them at the heart of the decisions you make around trends. Starting the new year at Spring Fair is the perfect opportunity to set your strategy for the year ahead. Your goals for your business will help you filter out what is and isn’t right for you. Set your price architecture, review whether this year is about growth or consolidation, then build your merchandise and marketing plan. Be clear on your definition of success.”

This was followed by Invisible Influence, where Alison Battisby of Avocado Social revealed how shoppable and AI-enhanced content is quietly redefining discovery and purchase, giving retailers actionable strategies to harness social commerce without losing authenticity. Battisby said, “The intersection between social and commerce is now multi-channel. Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Pinterest and even WhatsApp is redefining how customers shop. Social commerce sales will approach ?12 billion in 2026, having almost quadrupled since 2023, with social shopping usage jumping 32% since 2022. 69% of UK consumers report making a purchase after discovering a product on social media.”

The GTN Greatest Christmas Awards, brought the garden retail community together to celebrate creativity, commitment and festive excellence. Presented by Trevor Pfeiffer, Editor of Garden Trade News, the ceremony highlighted how physical retail continues to thrive through experience, storytelling and emotional connection.

Fay Tranter, Event Director, Spring Fair said, “Day two has really underscored Spring Fair’s growing role as a trusted source of market-changing insight, a place where leadership is shared, communities are strengthened and retailers are equipped not just to survive, but to shape the future of the industry. I have had so many thought-provoking and inspiring conversations with our exhibitors and buyers over the last two days which have mirrored our outlook and confirmed our desire to create an experience-led space for retail to come together.”

Retailers in attendance included NEXT, F Hinds, Frasers Group, TJX, Dobbies Garden Centres, Age UK, Target Corporation, ALDI, Hot Topic, Otter Garden Centre, Merlin Entertainments, Scribbler, British Heart Foundation, Cardfactory,  Starbucks, The Perfume Shop, Dunelm, The National Trust, Habitat & Argos, DFS, Tesco, Peacocks, Currys, Blue Diamond, Clear Pharmacy, Cash Converters, Waterstones, RNLI, Hobbycraft, QD Commercial Group, British Garden Centres and thousands more.

Buyers and exhibitors continued to praise the show for its scale, depth of product, community and opportunities to learn and connect. Jilly Joe and Ed Aspie from Slate Clothing in the Cotswolds said “We came to Spring Fair specifically to look for additional lines to supplement our gift market, both for forward order and for in season buying. We were very pleasantly surprised once we mastered the scale of the show. We have picked up four or five really lovely lines while we've been here. On top of that, the value for us of these two days has been meeting other retailers, independent boutiques from all over the country, and having an absolutely ideal chance to network, share our experiences, both positive and less positive, and for that, we're very, very grateful. It's been, overall, a very valuable experience.”

Samantha Buck, Senior Buyer at Ragdale Hall, Leicestershire said, “Spring Fair is so important for us to attend to source new products for our retail outlets, and it's been fantastic as it covers all exhibitors from gift, interiors, fashion, jewellery and accessories. It is always lovely to connect and build upon existing relationships at the show, as well as network and find new suppliers, to help enhance our business. We always find something new and interesting at Spring Fair. It is a key trade show where we do the majority of our gift buying as well as our orders for Christmas.”

Claire Wright, owner of stripesfashion.co.uk said, “Trade shows are a great opportunity to see a wide range of diverse products in one place. They give us a chance to touch and feel the products, speak to suppliers and to be inspired by new trends. The presentations by industry experts are also incredibly useful, we watched Swipe,Sell,Scale; Winning on TikTok and visited the Faire stand to hear tips from Catherine Erdly, Retail Strategy Consultant. We have come to Spring Fair to source new home, gift and fashion brands and we found a new homeware brand and range of candles. It’s a good chance to see a diverse range of products in one place.”

Helen Allen, owner of Luvvit in Bishops Waltham, Hampshire said, “I have been coming to Spring Fair for 15 years, it’s nice to shop for lots of different products under one roof. I always find something new and have found some beautiful glassware; Oli Olsen and have bought some nice water carafe bottles for summer. We are launching a baby room in the store, so I am working my way around the show for that. As a small independent boutique with returning customers, I need to find newness and products on trend, and I have felt that there are lots of fashion accessories here and definitely more clothing here than last season.”

Encouraged by the mix of retailers and number of new accounts opened, Jeremy Minchin from Kids, Toys & Play exhibitor Hippychick said, “I’ve been really pleasantly surprised knowing the trading conditions currently, but I'm really upbeat and encouraged by the number of visitors and the positive approach to trading and the willingness to try new products. It’s been one of our most successful shows ever. We’ve been pleased to develop connections with a lot of new retailers, shops diversifying into new sectors, and our existing customers.”

Spring Fair re-opens tomorrow at 9am. Don’t miss a day of transformation, innovation, purpose and planet with:

• Jen Maude-Roxby, Head of Licensing and Business Development at Victoria and Albert Museum for Art, Design and Innovation - Highlights from the V&A’s Brand Licensing Programme at 12pm – 12:45pm, Licensing Lab.
• 1pm head to The Hidden Forum for a POWER TALK with Ray Clacher, Chief Executive, Morleys Department Stores, on Leading the Next Generation of Department Stores - Heritage, Place and Modern Relevance.
• 3pm join Jo Seddon, Design Manager of Dunelm, Helena Mansell-Stopher, CEO from Products of Change on Design Without Permission: Rethinking Design at Scale at The Design Studio.

Register now at www.springfair.com.

Spring Fair 2026 opened its doors at the NEC Birmingham with a clear statement of intent: this is no longer just a buying event, but a future-facing retail experience delivering the insight, partnerships and creativity retailers need to succeed in a rapidly evolving market.

Day one set the tone with a powerful programme shaped around two defining themes: Partnerships & Possibilities and Craft & Creativity, both highlighting how Spring Fair is evolving to place experience, collaboration and market intelligence at the heart of the show.

Jackson Szabo, Portfolio Director, Spring Fair, said, “Successful buyers today do far more than place orders, they curate culture. At Spring Fair, we see retail as a creative partnership, where buyers, brands and designers come together to experiment, blend categories and unlock new possibilities. Home meets fashion, gift meets lifestyle, design meets functionality, that’s where the future of retail lives. Spring Fair 2026 has been reimagined to reflect how retail works now, creating spaces that spark collaboration, fuel creativity and empower buyers to become the masters of the mix.”

Under Partnerships & Possibilities, the show explored how collaboration, licensing and new commercial models are reshaping the way brands connect with consumers. A standout moment came with the POWER TALK from Koreen Fader, CEO of QVC, who charted the brand’s evolution from a traditional TV retailer to a multi-platform live commerce powerhouse. Speaking to a packed audience at The Hidden Forum, Fader highlighted that QVC’s transformation has been driven by clarity of focus and a deep understanding of its audience. By expanding across websites, apps, streaming, podcasts and social platforms – while keeping live commerce at its core – QVC has created new opportunities for collaboration between presenters, creators, brands and audiences. From a mobile-first mindset to the successful launch of TikTok Shop Live, the business demonstrates how choosing the right platforms, partners and priorities can unlock growth, trust and long-term relevance without losing sight of its founding purpose of entertainment, education and commerce.

By deeply understanding its Gen X audience and working with the right creators, experts and internal teams, QVC has built trust at scale, proving that the greatest possibilities emerge when businesses prioritise who they are serving, communicate clearly, and choose to do fewer things exceptionally well rather than everything at once.  Fader said, “You can do anything, but you can’t do everything. Everything we do at QVC starts with the customer. Get really clear on who your target customer is, understand what is most important to that target customer, and do it better than anyone else.  Serve that customer’s needs better than any of your competition. Really know your who and stay true to that!”

The Licensing Lab continued the Partnerships & Possibilities theme with BAGPUSS: Family Fandom – How Comfort Brands Are Winning with Consumers in “Unusual” Times. Michael Ford, CEO and Creative Director of Threewise Entertainment, explored how nostalgia brands are evolving to meet changing consumer expectations while retaining their emotional core, and why timeless IP continues to resonate amid shifting shopping habits and growing sustainability demands.

More than five decades on, Bagpuss remains a powerful example of how family brands can endure by building meaning rather than chasing trends. Ford explained how comfort brands transcend age by creating familiarity, trust and emotional connection, inviting nostalgia while still offering opportunities to engage new audiences. In a global licensing market worth ?280 billion and growing, Ford emphasised that long-term success comes from building fandoms rather than fads, expanding IP thoughtfully across generations and treating creativity as a shared, evolving process. He said, “Family fandom can work on all levels, picture parallel franchises for the whole family – expanding your IP for all ages. There was a time where brands believed that characters belonged to certain ages, but we’ve expanded beyond that. It’s about building cradle to grave franchises, the key is brands we feel at home with, brands we know and love.”

That philosophy underpins the exclusive Sourced by Oxfam Bagpuss partnership, which launched at Spring Fair. Designed to celebrate nostalgia with purpose, the responsibly made range demonstrates how licensing partnerships can deepen emotional connection while delivering cultural and commercial relevance. Ford added, “The most powerful partnerships don’t just extend a brand, they deepen it. Bagpuss and Sourced by Oxfam show how creativity, community and care can come together to build something meaningful, nostalgic and future facing all at once.”

The Licensing Lab also welcomed Anne Bradford, Commercial Director at DIFUZED for Beyond the Brand Slap: What Do Authentic Collaborations Look Like? The session challenged brands to rethink partnerships beyond surface-level logo placement, instead focusing on shared values, storytelling and long-term value creation.

With over 4,000 buyers registered with a specific interest in licensing, the discussion reinforced the growing importance of strategic alliances and cross-sector creativity in unlocking new audiences and revenue streams. Bradford said, “We’re the bridge between imagination and execution. Every collaboration or brand partnership stems from an idea, a concept, a moment of nostalgia or pure genius.” Spotlighting collaborations including the likes of Lego and Star Wars and their new partnership with F1; to Primark x Simms, Lush x Wicked, and Marks & Spencer x The National Gallery, Bradford continued, “Collaboration enables consumer interest that crosses audiences; ideas that can create a phenomenal demand for product put a retailer on a map. Brand collaborations are more memorable than singular brand campaigns.”

Another new partnership launched at the show. Widdop & Co is the exclusive giftware supplier for Parisi, the lifestyle brand fronted by media personality and broadcaster Kelly Brook and her husband, model and actor, Jeremy Parisi. The new collection, which spans a wide range of categories including fragrance, home, food and beverage, textiles, and apparel, plus outdoor and garden, was launched on the Widdop & Co stand with a meet and greet with Kelly and Jeremy. Brook said, “I find Spring Fair one of the most inspiring places to be. When you’re launching a brand, it really opens your eyes to the potential, how far it can go and what you can do. Walking around the show makes you realise that the possibilities are limitless.”

In parallel, the Craft & Creativity theme celebrates retail as an art form driven by design, storytelling and emotional connection. At The Merchant’s Corner, Ibrahim Ibrahim, Managing Director and Principal at Portland Design, delivered a compelling Future Vision session, urging retailers to move from materialism to memory-making. Highlighting that 63% of consumers would rather talk about something they’ve experienced than something they’ve bought, Ibrahim explored how sensory environments, cultural relevance and community-led retail are shaping the next generation of stores. Ibrahim said, “Intimacy is the holy grail of all branding. Retail is no longer about architecture; it’s about authentically understanding the needs of our audience through content. How do we ritualise the commercial experience?” Guiding the audience through four pillars of Future Readiness, Ibrahim explored the difference between a ‘buy’ brand and a ‘join’ brand to shift from a mere retailer to a host of meaningful curated experiences.

That sentiment was echoed in ‘Independent and Irreplaceable: Building Shops People Want to Support’, where Priya Aurora-Crowe, Owner, Lark London, Niloufar Noorbakhsh and Terry Newton, Co-Owners of Jumping Bean, and Graham Soult, Retail consultant from CannyInsights.com spoke about the growing consumer appetite for independents, with 85% of UK shoppers wanting more local businesses on their high streets. The session explored placemaking, sourcing closer to home and creating identities and relationships that online competitors simply can’t replicate, reinforcing the enduring power of human connection in physical retail. 

Rounding off the day at The Merchant’s Corner, Pitch Live: Gift Products brought innovation to life, with emerging brands pitching new concepts directly to buyers in a fast-paced, experiential format that perfectly embodied Spring Fair’s evolution. The session showcased how the show is creating new platforms for discovery, dialogue and opportunity, with commentary from both the winning brand and judge Ami Rabheru, Retail Strategist and Founder of co.lective and Retail Huddle underlining the commercial value of seeing ideas come to life beyond the stand. Rabheru commented, “Pitch Live is always very exhilarating, we love seeing the new brands and innovative products.”

Winners, Natalie Duvall and Alison Burton of March Muses said, “We’re diversifying special occasions. Our collection of inclusive Christmas decorations and expanded gifting range has one mission; to make everyone feel they belong to something. We’re very surprised to win, and to receive the amazing feedback from the judges. We’re here to learn, that’s what we love about coming to these shows, we always make great connections and learn something new.”

As the day came to a close, Fay Tranter, Event Director of Spring Fair said, “Day one marked a clear step change for Spring Fair, positioning it as a catalyst for market-changing insight, meaningful partnerships and creative inspiration. As the industry continues to navigate transformation, Spring Fair is proving itself not just a reflection of retail’s future, but an active force shaping it.”

The feedback from the show floor mirrored this. Thousands of retailers including TJX, Elphicks, Haskins Garden Centre, Baldwins Department Store, Budgens, Portmeirion Shops, Robert Dyas, After Noah, Nest, Mercado, Age UK, Alexander Kent Interiors, Denby, Bladons, Alligator Pear, Wilkies, Boyds Stores, Plumo, Paper Tiger, National Trust, Jarrolds Department Store, Cards Galore, Wild at Heart, and Oxfam, flocked to the show and the aisles buzzed with enthusiastic buyers.

Ella Cru, Owner of Shrewsbury-based shop Lucy Hinds said, “After 15 years in business, I’ve learned that standing still isn’t an option. We’ve had to creatively evolve the store, introducing Home and Gifts to stay relevant and inspired. Visiting shows like this is essential, they help you discover new brands, find inspiration and keep your business moving forward. Spring Fair’s been busy, and it’s a lovely easy show to visit.”

Claudia Bovingdon, Director of Coach House, said, “Spring Fair has been incredibly busy for us – at points we’ve barely been able to move on the stand, which is a great position to be in. We’re very pro-fair and pro-exhibition, and Spring Fair is something we work towards all year. It’s a fantastic opportunity to see so many customers in one place, reconnect with people we may only see once a year, and strengthen existing partnerships while forming new ones. With some customers unable to travel to our Northwest showroom, Spring Fair is a vital chance to catch up and talk through pre-orders face to face.”

Shaun Keir-Tomalin, Director, Shoeless Joe added, “Spring Fair has been non-stop busy for us from the moment the doors opened. Buyers haven’t just been browsing, they’ve been placing orders across both main seasons, including Christmas and non-event stock, which has been fantastic to see. This is our 32nd Spring Fair, and we keep coming back because it’s the biggest show in the UK, it’s well located and it works logistically. While overseas buying has changed, we’re still seeing strong international interest alongside a really solid domestic audience. Around 60–65% of visitors are returning customers, but each year we also see a healthy mix of new buyers, including people starting out or taking on existing businesses, which shows just how important and relevant Spring Fair continues to be for the trade.”

Register now at www.springfair.com.

STV has acquired the intellectual property and assets of Wildlife World, including both the consumer and commercial supply divisions. 

Wildlife World was founded in 1998 and grew to be the UK’s foremost designer and manufacturer of sustainable wildlife products.

The consumer range includes habitats and feeders for insects, birds and mammals and more recently the business has expanded into educational and commercial designs which are installed in hotels, schools and hospitals and housing developments.

STV will relocate the business, including UK manufacturing, to their site in Norfolk.

Edwin Allingham said: “I’ve known the founder, Norman Sellers, for many years and have admired his innovative designs, manufacturing quality, ethical sourcing, and customer service excellence.

"These values fit well with those of STV, and I am looking forward to adding our established and successful operations, sales, customer service and marketing teams to the already well known and respected Wildlife World brand.”

Lows, your dedicated and trusted ISO 9001 registered wholesale importers, are proud to unveil over 600 brand-new products at Spring Fair 2026. Alongside an exciting new stand layout, their latest collections promise a fresh and inspiring showcase across all of their brands.

Visitors can expect a wide and diverse range of new designs from Plazzo Planters, Glenweave, Artisan Weave, Buri Art, Classic Lanterns, Seasons Deco, and The Vintage Reindeer Company-all thoughtfully developed to meet current trends and customer demand.

Lows look forward to welcoming their valued long-standing customers and new visitors to their stand at Spring Fair, where innovation, quality, and inspiration come together.

www.lows.co.uk

Toro U.K. Limited, home of the iconic British lawnmower brand Hayter, will appear on BBC’s Inside the Factory on Tuesday 3 February 2026, at 8.00 pm. In Season 10 on BBC One, presenters Paddy McGuinness and Cherry Healey go behind the scenes at the Hertfordshire factory to discover how the famous Hayter Harrier mower is made.

Filmed over three days, Paddy follows the full build journey—from raw materials to assembly of the finished rear-roller mower—and even tests his craftsmanship by mowing his own lawn stripe.

Founded in 1946 by Douglas Hayter, the brand celebrates its 80th anniversary this year. What began in a small workshop in Spellbrook with a handmade rotary mower has grown into a British engineering success story. Toro U.K.’s Spellbrook factory which produces thousands of mowers each year for both homeowners and professional users worldwide. Hayter received its first Royal Warrant in 1960, a seal of approval it continues to hold today, now granted by His Majesty King Charles III.

The Harrier, first launched by Douglas Hayter in 1970 and still going strong 55 years later, takes centre stage in the episode, showcasing the craftsmanship that has sustained its popularity for over half a century. Viewers will follow Paddy through each stage of its build as components are laser‑cut, welded, painted and assembled on the production line, before the finished mowers are dispatched across the UK and Ireland—from Inverness to Penzance.

Craig Hoare, Sales & Marketing Manager, Toro U.K. said: “We’re extremely proud to feature on BBC’s Inside the Factory. The Harrier is a much‑loved mower with fans across the country, and it was a pleasure to welcome Paddy, Cherry and the film crew to show how it’s made.”

About Toro U.K. Limited

Toro U.K. Limited (UK subsidiary of The Toro Company), is the UK manufacturer of the Hayter & Toro brands. It has been designing and producing premium quality lawn care products at its headquarters in Hertfordshire since 1946 and celebrates its 80th year in business in 2026. Toro U.K. Limited products are used by homeowners and professional contractors across the UK. With a choice of electric and petrol products in a range of sizes, there is a mower suitable for most gardens. 

Toro U.K. Limited is proud to be part of the Made in Britain campaign and for the Hayter brand to have continuously held the Royal Warrant for the supply of horticultural equipment, now officially awarded by His Majesty the King, since 1960.

Sipcam Home & Garden is delighted to begin 2026 with two significant developments that reflect the company’s strong momentum and continued growth in the UK home and garden care market.

The business has officially moved into a new office within Derwent Business Centre, but with a considerably larger footprint. The expanded space provides the capacity needed to support a growing team, improve collaboration, and create a more efficient working environment. In addition, the new office includes a showroom that shows off the full Sipcam Home & Garden product and point of sale offering, ideal for hosting customers. This move marks an important step forward as the company continues to scale its operations and strengthen its service to retailers nationwide.

Alongside the office expansion, Sipcam Home & Garden is pleased to welcome Coralia Maingene as Supply Chain Assistant. With the company’s customer base increasing year on year, additional resource within the buying department has become essential. Coralia’s appointment will support the team in managing procurement, maintaining stock flow, and ensuring the business continues to deliver the high level of service its partners expect.

Outside of work, Coralia is most often seen out and about with her family, enjoying walks, exploring the outdoors, or heading to the cinema. Speaking about her new role, she said:“I am excited and grateful for the opportunity to join Sipcam Home & Garden, and I am looking forward to getting to know the team, working together to supply the best service to our customers.”

Sipcam Home & Garden continues to build a strong presence in the market through a diverse and innovative brand portfolio. The company owns and distributes a range of trusted names across garden care, pet deterrents and household solutions. Their portfolio includes ecofective®, a leading child and pet safe gardening range; Fito®, specialists in houseplant care, and GET OFF® a well‑established pet training and deterrent brand. Sipcam Home & Garden are also the UK retail distributor for Block Blitz®, who offer the ultimate patio care range which includes weedkillers and outdoor cleaning technology. Together, these brands give retailers a compelling mix of sustainability, performance, and consumer appeal.

With a new office, new talent, and a powerful brand line‑up, Sipcam Home & Garden is entering 2026 with ambition and welcome the trade to see their full brand portfolio at their new facility. Please contact the team at enquiries@sipcamhg.co.uk to book in a meeting today.

2026 growth continues for British Garden Centres as it takes on Downtown Garden Centre.  British Garden Centres has announced the acquisition of Downtown Garden Centre in Grantham, Lincolnshire, a move that continues the group’s dynamic start to 2026 and extends its national portfolio to 75 centres across the UK.

The site will now trade as Grantham Garden Centre, becoming the latest addition to the British Garden Centres family. The centre will close temporarily for refurbishment and is scheduled to reopen in early spring. The investment will see upgrades to the retail space, restaurant facilities, and outdoor plant areas, while the existing Downtown team will remain in place to ensure continuity for customers and staff.

This latest acquisition comes just a couple of weeks after Ferndale Garden Centre in Derbyshire joined the group as Dronfield Garden Centre, strengthening British Garden Centres’ presence in the Midlands region and signalling continued momentum in its strategic growth plans.

It follows an exceptional year of expansion for the group in 2025, which included the acquisition of several former Dobbies locations and the iconic Hayes Garden World in Cumbria. These strategic additions have significantly increased the group’s regional reach and set a strong foundation for further investment in 2026.

Charles Stubbs, Director of British Garden Centres, said: “Bringing Grantham Garden Centre into the group marks another important step in our ongoing growth plan. Grantham is a thriving market town with a strong gardening community, and we're excited to invest in a centre that has served local customers well for many years. Our refurbishment will enhance what's already there while introducing the wider product range and services our customers expect. Most importantly, we're keeping the experienced team who know their customers and their community. We’re delighted to welcome Grantham into the British Garden Centres family.”

Peter Isaac, Managing Director of Downtown, added: We are delighted to be leasing the Garden Centre to British Garden Centres and are pleased that the team will remain in place. The planned upgrades will further strengthen the Grantham site as a destination for visitors, alongside the current department store. It’s a ‘win win’ for both British Garden Centres, Downtown and our customers, and we wish British Garden Centres every success.

Hillier Nurseries is celebrating an outstanding achievement after winning three prestigious awards at this year’s AIPH International Horticultural Industry Awards, including the highly sought-after title of International Grower of the Year.

The family-run nursery also scooped awards for Best Finished Plants and Trees and for its commitment to sustainability, marking a landmark moment for the Hampshire-based business and its dedicated teams.

Recognised by an international panel of industry experts, the awards celebrate excellence, innovation and best practice across global horticulture. Judges praised Hillier Nurseries for its long-term commitment to plant quality, forward-thinking innovation and sustainable nursery practices, highlighting the company’s leadership and influence across the horticultural and landscape sectors.

The International Grower of the Year accolade is regarded as one of the highest honours in global horticulture, recognising growers who consistently demonstrate excellence across all areas of their operation. Hillier’s additional wins further reflect its focus on producing high-quality plants and trees, while continually investing in more sustainable - ways of growing for the future - from reducing environmental impact to championing responsible nursery practices.

These awards add to Hillier’s long history of horticultural excellence and reinforce its reputation as one of the UK’s most respected growers, trusted by gardeners, landscapers and garden centres alike.

For Hillier, the triple win is not just a celebration of success today, but a reflection of decades of expertise, passion and care for plants, and a commitment to growing greener for generations to come.

The Young People in Horticulture Association has announced David Salisbury, Director at Farplants, as its newest Ambassador, as the organisation continues to strengthen its foundations and prepare for long-term sustainability beyond its founding team.

David brings extensive leadership experience from both within and outside horticulture. Alongside his role at Farplants, he holds two non-executive positions in the not-for-profit sector: one with a health and social care organisation supporting adults and children with special needs and autism, and another with Think Equal, an international social and emotional learning organisation operating in over 80 countries worldwide.

David has supported YPHA for a number of years, and his formal appointment as Ambassador recognises the mentorship and sounding-board role he has already been providing. He joins Chris Moncrieff, Liz Dowling, Pippa Greenwood, Michael Perry, Boyd Douglas-Davies and Jane Lawler, who each play an integral role in advising the association’s committee.

“David is someone whose opinion we have always relied on and valued,” said YPHA/MorePeople’s Sarah Want. “His experience in business development, strategy and long-term planning brings a perspective that helps us make better decisions. Having someone who can coach and challenge us as we strengthen the organisation is incredibly valuable.”

David Salisbury added:
“I am delighted to be joining the Young People in Horticulture Association as an Ambassador. In a short time, YPHA has united over 1,300 young professionals, encouraged collaboration across the sector, and championed the future of horticulture with real passion and purpose. Their commitment to education, innovation and creating a supportive community for under-35s is genuinely inspiring, and I am proud to play a part in supporting their next phase.”

As part of this wider programme of change, YPHA has begun to move member communications from Discord back to WhatsApp, using the platform’s Communities feature. All members have now been sent a link to join the new Community. Any members who have not received this are encouraged to check their junk folder and then email admin@ypha.org.uk if they have any further questions.

YPHA Committee Member and HTA Membership Engagement Manager Jeremy Costello added:
“When YPHA first moved away from WhatsApp, the Communities feature did not exist and the group had grown beyond the platform’s limits, meaning access could have been restricted or removed at any time. Discord provided a necessary solution and bought us valuable time during a period of rapid growth.

Now that WhatsApp Communities is established and here to stay, we believe it is the right moment to bring conversation back to a space people already check every day. The new structure is designed to be a happy medium between the lightning-speed responses - but sometimes overwhelming pace - of the original WhatsApp group, and the more diluted, slower-moving environment that Discord could sometimes create. This will help members connect more naturally, reduce fragmentation, and recentre the community in a single shared home as YPHA enters its next phase.”

With strong industry support, trusted mentors and clearer foundations for the future, YPHA continues to position itself as a long-term force for the next generation of horticultural professionals.

It's your chance to take part in another unforgettable evening of celebration and support as the Greenfingers Charity Summer Ball returns to the beautiful Coombe Abbey Hotel in Coventry.

The Summer Ball, which takes place on Thursday 2nd July 2026 is a black tie event with a touch of floral. A drinks reception is sponsored by Vitax.

For details of sponsorship packages available, to reserve your table or to book  tickets email: Fundraising@greenfingerscharity.org.uk.

Westland Horticulture, home to brands such as Jack’s Magic, Boost, Kent & Stowe, Big Tom and Unwins, is expanding its mulch offering with the launch of Organic Gold, a premium fine mulch that’s perfected with organic nutrition.

As gardeners turn their attention to soil preparation ahead of the busiest growing months, Westland is encouraging retailers to capitalise on the seasonal demand for mulches with its expanding and trusted portfolio, including the launch of the new Organic Gold Fine Mulch.

Organic Gold Fine Mulch is a premium organic mulch designed to deliver a rich, healthy and structured soil, ready for the growing season ahead. Made with care, and matured over time, it’s been crafted with Westland’s strong expertise in soils and is OF&G approved. Westland Organic Gold Fine Mulch offers a back-to-basics approach with a modern appeal, creating a stable, nourishing surface layer that helps improve soil structure, retain moisture, gradually release natural nutrients and help supress weeds. It is suitable for use around young and sensitive plants, edibles and ornamentals, therefore making it ideal for organic growers and home gardeners alike.

The launch of Organic Gold Fine Mulch also reflects a wider shift in consumer behaviour, with gardeners seeking products that are rooted in traditional growing principles.

Dympna Carron, Senior Brand Manager at Westland, commented: “Mulching is one of the most important steps gardeners should take to prepare their soil for the season ahead. By launching our brand-new Organic Gold Fine Mulch, alongside our trusted products like Farmyard Manure, we’re giving retailers a strong, relevant range that meets the needs of today’s gardeners, and supports sales during this crucial trading period. This launch directly addresses the growing consumer appetite for natural, sustainable gardening solutions, and provides garden centres with a strong opportunity to meet that demand in-store.”

Complementing the new Organic Gold Fine Mulch is Westland’s classic Farmyard Manure, a long-standing favourite with gardeners looking to enrich soil naturally. Together with the Organic Gold Fine Mulch, the two products give retailers a simple way to merchandise a complete mulching and soil conditioning offer at a time when consumers are actively preparing beds and borders.

As with all Westland products, Organic Gold is available to order 24/7 via Westland Live. If you don’t yet have a trade account with Westland Live, call +44 (0)28 8772 1080 to have your account set up, or speak to your account manager.

Brimsmore Gardens in Yeovil has been named Local Garden Centre of the Year at the Garden Centre Association’s (GCA) 60th annual conference.

Part of The Gardens Group, Brimsmore Gardens was presented with the award on Tuesday 27 January at Carden Park Hotel in Cheshire, during a Champion of Champions awards ceremony, which celebrated the very best in the industry.

Following a year that saw the garden centre build upon its sustainability initiatives, such as introducing solar panels, biomass heaters and rainwater harvesting, Brimsmore Gardens was recognised on a national scale for its outstanding dedication to delivering excellence. As well as achieving the highest score in the Local Garden Centre Category across the whole of the UK, it also came 15th out of all of the garden centres in the country, including the larger destination garden centres.

Karen Hillard, manager of Brimsmore Gardens, commented: “The whole team works incredibly hard to create a warm and inviting space for gardeners of all ages and abilities to visit, while also striving to minimise our own impact on the environment. To have this hard work and dedication recognised on a national scale is just brilliant, and is an achievement that we can all be proud of. We will display our trophy with enormous pride in the garden centre, and it will provide further motivation for us to continue demonstrating how gardening can be a force for good when it comes to both people and planet.”

Brimsmore Gardens was also presented with another highly coveted trophy at the GCA Annual Conference, after taking the top title in the Christmas Display Competition in Local Garden Centre Category during December, while Castle Gardens in Sherborne and Brimsmore Gardens took second and third place respectively for the Paul Cooling Environment and Sustainability Award.

In the Local Garden Centre Category, Brimsmore Gardens also took the top award for Best Farm Shop / Food Hall and came second for Catering, the Ian Boardman Indoor Plants Cup and The Outdoor Living Award – Best Outdoor Living Retailer. In addition, Poundbury Gardens near Dorchester came third in the Local Garden Centre Category for the Ian Boardman Indoor Plants Cup and The Outdoor Living Award – Best Outdoor Living Retailer, meaning all three of The Gardens Group’s garden centres went home with a host of hard-earned accolades.

The Old Railway Line Garden Centre, located in Three Cocks between Brecon and Hay-on-Wye, is celebrating an outstanding night of success after being crowned ‘Best Garden Centre in the UK’ at the Garden Centre Association’s prestigious annual awards.

The winners were announced at the GCA’s Annual Conference, held at the Carden Park Hotel in Cheshire, as part of the association’s 60th anniversary celebrations. Alongside the top honour, the Old Railway Line Garden Centre also scooped awards for Best Farm Shop and Best Garden Products Retailer, while once again achieving Centre of Excellence status, placing it firmly within the Top 10 Garden Centres in the UK.

Peter Burks, Chief Executive of the Garden Centre Association, praised the winners, saying: "We had a wonderful evening celebrating the very best of our industry, crowning our overall Champion of Champions alongside our Garden Centres of Excellence winners. Each of them has been recognised for their outstanding dedication to delivering excellence, and they are truly deserving of these fantastic awards.”

Liam Cleary, Garden Retail Director at the Old Railway Line Garden Centre, said: “To be named Best Garden Centre in the UK is an incredible honour and something we are immensely proud of. Winning across multiple categories, including Best Farm Shop and Best Garden Products Retailer, is a real testament to the hard work, passion and commitment of our entire team. Achieving Centre of Excellence status once again reinforces our drive to continually improve and deliver the very best experience for our customers.”

The Garden Centre Association represents over 200 garden centres nationwide, with awards determined through a rigorous programme of unannounced inspections carried out throughout the year. These assessments cover all aspects of a garden centre’s operation, including customer service, retail standards, product range, and overall experience.

For more information about the Old Railway Line Garden Centre, visit www.oldrailwaylinegc.co.uk or contact 01497 847055.

Zest has presented cheques to both MS Society Cymru and North Clwyd Animal Rescue (NCAR), the company’s joint charity commitments for 2025, Zest’s 20th anniversary and P&A’s 40th year in business.  Totals raised were £12,823.97 and £3,320.65 respectively, and the funds were received by Andy Green, Fundraising Manager at MS Society Cymru and Nicky Owen from NCAR.

A year of fundraising saw employees from the family company participate in a wide variety of activities.  Achievements included marathons and half marathons, the MBNA Chester 10K, a walking steps challenge, cycling, the Born Survivor authentic military obstacle course, the highest bungee jump in the UK at Tatton Park and the Welsh Three Peaks Challenge, which involves conquering Pen y Fan in the Brecon Beacons, Cadair Idris, and finally the most iconic peak—Y Wyddfa (Snowdon). 

The range of initiatives were not just for the sporty however as there were also plenty of inclusive activities, baking and ‘month without’ challenges, raffles, a community quiz night and a community yard sale. Colleagues also gave their time to directly support North Clwyd Animal Rescue, volunteering 194 hours of hands-on support, including dedicated dog walking at the charity’s Trelogan site near Holywell.

Nicky Owen from North Clwyd Animal Rescue commented: “The commitment and generosity shown by everyone at Zest throughout the past year has been truly outstanding. The funds raised will make a significant difference, helping us rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome animals in need across North Wales. Beyond the fundraising, the time and energy given by employees has been invaluable, and we are incredibly grateful for the positive impact this partnership has had on both our charity and the animals we care for.”

Andy Green, Fundraising Manager at MS Society Cymru, added: “We are incredibly proud of what Zest has achieved through their fundraising efforts. The commitment shown throughout the year has been outstanding, and the funds raised will have a lasting impact, enabling us to continue providing vital services and support to people living with MS across Wales. This support brings us a step closer to our shared goal of stopping MS.”

Commenting on the fundraising achievements, Andrew Baker, Managing Director of Zest, said: “This has been an incredibly proud year. I’ve seen real teamwork, resilience, and encouragement, with colleagues supporting one another to achieve something truly meaningful. Our fundraising is about more than raising money, it’s about building a culture of care, community, and wellbeing.

“We believe strongly in the positive impact of spending time together, getting outdoors and taking part in shared experiences and challenges, not only for physical health but for mental wellbeing too.”

Over the past 16 years, employees across P&A Group have raised and donated more than £190,000 for a wide range of local and national charities, including Dementia UK, British Heart Foundation, Macmillan Cancer Support, Hope House and Tŷ Gobaith Children’s Hospices, Cancer Research UK, Action for Children, Alzheimer’s Society, Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, Meningitis Now and MIND.

Zest was established in 2005 to bring high quality, sustainable timber garden products to garden centres, online retailers, builders’ merchants, and major purchasing groups across the UK. 

For further information about Zest’s GYO, decorative and furniture products, visit www.zestoutdoorliving.co.uk

A leader in the cordless outdoor power equipment market, this year, EGO Power+ is pushing the boundaries of its innovation further than ever before. With battery-powered solutions growing in popularity among commercial users and with more consumers adopting autonomous mowing solutions, the industry can expect unique new developments from the brand in 2026.

Spearheading the enhanced product range, is EGO’s first boundary-wire-free robotic mower range, the AURA-R2.

With EGO’s PATH IQTM technology, the range combines advanced navigation systems, precision cutting technology, and user-friendly smart features to deliver industry-leading performance, reliability and versatility in even the most complex of gardens. Compatible with the EGO Connect App, users can control their AURA-R2 from anywhere, giving them the time back in their busy routines to do other things while the AURA-R2 handles the lawn.

Steve Roskell, Marketing Director EMEA for EGO Power+, said: “2026 is a momentous year for us as we continue our entry into the autonomous mowing space, and we’re excited to be bolstering our residential product offering with the enhanced innovation, intelligent features and efficiency of the AURA-R2.

Another first for EGO this year, is its move towards Tabless Cell technology with the development of its BA4480X 8AH 56V ARC Lithium MAXTM Battery. Compatible with EGO’s full portfolio of products, the Lithium MAXTM provides users with a 40% higher power output, longer battery lifecycle and longer warranty compared to the standard lithium-ion battery range, benefitting both residential and professional users.

“Battery overall is the fastest-growing innovation on the market, and while there will always be a place for standard batteries, Tabless Cell technology is ahead of the game, giving customers a power source that is lighter in weight and quicker to charge. Professional users will also benefit significantly from reduced charging times and minimal downtime with the Lithium MAX™, which is engineered to charge immediately after use, removing the need for a cooling phase.”

The brand is also expanding its domestic and professional ranges with a new 45cm CS1810E chainsaw that was designed with ergonomics and performance in mind, the HT5110E 51cm and HT6510E 65cm hedge trimmers, which have been upgraded with 33% longer runtime, increased cutting speed and 40% less vibration. And four of its domestic lawnmowers – two in push and two in self-propelled – have also been upgraded with new features, including an intuitive LED screen, improved grass collection and power performance.

Meanwhile, the robust PRO X Series, built specifically for commercial users, is also being enhanced with five new products. Leading the portfolio is the LMX7600SP 76cm PRO X Self-Propelled Mower, designed to deliver exceptional performance, durability and efficiency for commercial users and grounds maintenance teams. It boasts the widest cutting width for high efficiency and two battery ports for Peak PowerTM technology for incredible performance and all-day working.

The brand is also introducing its first front-mounted direct-drive motor Line Trimmer – the 42cm STX4200 – which has its motor positioned at the cutting head for optimal power-to-weight ratio and balance. Ideal for larger and ornamental hedges, the all-new HTX7500S 75cm single-sided Hedge Trimmer balances power and precision to help the professional make light work of any task.

And for an extra performance boost, EGO is introducing the BHX2001 PRO X Backpack Harness and the PGX2500PB Power Bank. Compatible with any EGO 56V ARC LithiumTM or MAXTM batteries, the power bank provides professionals with super-fast, efficient charging for all-day working – charging the 8Ah Lithium MAXTMbattery in only 20 minutes – and reduces the need to carry more batteries. Meanwhile, the Backpack Harness is designed with the professional in mind, providing exceptional comfort, enhanced performance and more runtime. The ABD1000 adapter enables the harness to be used with all EGO tools. 

Steve Roskell continues: “With more commercial users adopting battery power, we want to ensure that our offering provides them with the power and runtime that they need to get on with their work without having to constantly recharge or swap out batteries. We’ve listened to what our customers need, and with the PRO X Series, they get a complete ecosystem of pure power.”

The EGO Power+ portfolio also boasts a Lifestyle range of tech, ideal for those wanting to get more use out of their batteries. This year, the brand is introducing a 3-in-1 Inflator perfect for quickly inflating anything from car tyres to air mattresses, and a compact pressure washer and compact wet/dry vacuum as alternatives to the standard-sized models it launched in 2025.

To learn more about the AURA-R2 robotic mower, visit: https://www.egorobotmowers.eu/en-gb, and to see the full 2026 product line, go to: https://egopowerplus.co.uk/

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Lava-Lite is redefining the garden and pet care market with a range of innovative, sustainable products that deliver real results. Backed by bold design, proven performance, and growing national retailer support, we’re now expanding our UK sales network.

We’re seeking experienced, motivated sales agents to represent Lava-Lite across:

• London
• Home Counties & Midlands
• North Wales
• Scotland

If you’re entrepreneurial, relationship-driven, and commercially focused, this is your opportunity to join a brand with genuine momentum.

What we offer:

• Competitive commission structure
• Expanding portfolio across garden, home & pet sectors
• Full marketing and POS support
• Established success with national retailers
• Strong pipeline of new product development
• Partnership with a dynamic, fast-growing brand

This is more than a sales opportunity — it’s your chance to grow with a brand transforming the future of garden and pet care.

Contact Dominic or Kieron: enquiries@lava-lite.co.uk

Yorkshire Garden Centres has appointed Charlotte Watson as its full-time buying director.

In her new role, Mrs Watson will lead the buying team across all categories at all seven sites.  An experienced buyer and retail consultant, she previously held senior buying roles at ASDA and Wilko and will oversee key seasonal ranges and represent the business within the Tillington Buying Group. She will also play a central role in shaping the business’s sourcing strategy, developing its teams and supporting long-term commercial growth. Her appointment will also support former commercial director Sharon McNair’s transition into her new role as retail director, with a period of structured handover to ensure continuity across buying and retail functions.

Mrs Watson is looking forward to the opportunities her new role presents: “I’m excited about working with the team to improve processes and procedures and working with our supplier base to bring new and exciting products to the Yorkshire Garden Centres’ customers.

“I've recently renovated a house, so I can't wait to spruce up the outside space with lots of lovely Yorkshire Garden Centres’ products this summer.”

“This newly created role reflects our continued focus on strengthening our buying capability and range proposition across the Group,” said Yorkshire Garden Centres’ MD, Mark Farnsworth.

“We'd like to thank Sharon McNair, who has led the buying team alongside our retail team for the last 10 years. Sharon has been instrumental in our growth, but it became clear as the business grew that the role needed to be split, and I'm delighted Sharon has chosen to focus on our stores and will work closely with our managers to keep improving our offer.

“Charlotte brings extensive buying and commercial leadership experience across Home, Kitchen, Lifestyle and Seasonal categories, with a strong track record in developing profitable product strategies, driving supplier partnerships, and leading high-performing teams.

"Charlotte’s knowledge and experience will also be vital as we keep developing our business and our team. I'm really looking forward to working with her".

Outside work, Mrs Watson enjoys watching her sons play rugby and property renovation.

The Yorkshire Garden Centres group comprises Tong, Tingley, Otley and Bingley Garden Centres, plus Dean’s York and Scarborough and the recently acquired Pennine Garden Centre in Huddersfield.

GIMA has confirmed full details of its 2026 Day Conference and Annual General Meeting, taking place on Thursday 26th March at Stratford Manor Hotel, bringing the garden industry together to examine The Future of the Supply Chain for Garden Products.

Set against a backdrop of changing buying patterns, increasing commercial pressure and evolving routes to market, this year’s conference will unite GIMA members, industry leaders and supply chain specialists for a focused day of insight, discussion and shared learning. Voices from across the sector, including wholesalers, distributors, agents, logistics experts, suppliers and retailers, will come together to explore how supply chains are adapting and what this means for businesses across the industry.

Insight, discussion and real-world perspectives

Through a programme of panel discussions, keynote insights and interactive conversations, delegates will examine the shifting roles within the supply chain, the challenges businesses are facing today, and the trends shaping tomorrow’s models – from resilience and efficiency to collaboration and innovation. With dedicated time built in for networking, the conference also offers valuable opportunities to strengthen relationships and gain a clearer understanding of where the industry is heading.

The morning will begin with the GIMA Annual General Meeting, open exclusively to fully paid-up members. The AGM will include the confirmation of new Council members, with nominations invited from members interested in playing an active role in shaping GIMA’s future. The closing date for Council nominations is 25th February.

Bookending the day will be Mark Farnsworth of Yorkshire Garden Centres, the most recent member of the Tillington Buying Group. Closing the conference, Mark will offer a retailer’s perspective, sharing first-hand insight into how supply chain decisions are being shaped at retail level and what suppliers need to consider as routes to market continue to evolve.

This year’s event is supported by Toucan, GIMA’s newest Associate Member, as headline sponsor, alongside a strong presence from across GIMA’s Associate membership, many of whom will be exhibiting on the day.

Talking ahead of the Day Conference, GIMA Director Vicky Nuttall, said: “By bringing the industry together around one table, the GIMA Day Conference provides an important opportunity to share insight, challenge thinking and encourage collaboration. As supply chains continue to evolve, these conversations are more important than ever, and we look forward to welcoming members and guests in March.”

Book now

Anyone interested in attending is encouraged to book now to secure your spot. For more information or to register, visit https://gima.org.uk/events/gima-day-conference-2025/. The cost of the event includes a buffet lunch and refreshments.

Find out more

Businesses interested in joining GIMA are invited to contact the GIMA team on (01959) 564947 or info@gima.org.uk. Full details of GIMA’s member benefits can be found at www.gima.org.uk

The HTA and GIMA have announced a full speaker programme for the Garden Press Event, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year.

The must-attend event for garden press and media professionals is held at the Business Design Centre in Islington on 17 February 2026. This year, more than 90 exhibitors will showcase their wide range of gardening products to visitors, making the event SOLD OUT.

Hundreds of members of the press and media have already pre-registered to attend the event, giving them the unique opportunity to meet and connect with the horticultural industry and to plan content for the year ahead.

Speaker programme

The speaker line-up for the Collaboration & Innovation Zone at the Garden Press Event 2026 is as follows:

9.30am - Welcome and Introduction to the 20th Anniversary Garden Press Event

With Fran Barnes, HTA Chief Executive and Vicky Nuttall, GIMA Director

10.30am - Jonny Hincks (@GardenWithJonny) - From Firefighter to Content Creator: Building an Audience Through Authenticity

A full-time firefighter and ITV Content Creators Award-winning gardening influencer, Jonny’s humorous, self-deprecating approach has won him a devoted online following. He’ll share highlights of his journey and reveal what’s in store for 2026.

11.30am - Step-by-Step Gardening with David Domoney at Blue Diamond’s Bridgemere Show Gardens

Chartered Horticulturist and broadcaster David Domoney and Managing Director of the Blue Diamond Garden Centre Group, Alan Roper, have joined forces to produce a new programme, exclusively available on YouTube. Each episode of “Step-by-Step Gardening with David Domoney” explains all aspects of gardening in an easy-to-follow format, with the goal of engaging and empowering viewers to tackle and enjoy the pursuit of gardening.

12.00 - BBC Gardeners’ World Live & Fairs

Join the team to hear more new news and the upcoming delights to expect at the BBC Gardeners’ World Live & Fairs this year. Hear from BBC Gardeners’ World’s Claire Vennis as she shares the highlights across the Spring Fair, NEC Show and Autumn Fair.

12.30pm - Gardening with Alan Titchmarsh: One Year On. How we grew a digital channel from Zero to 25 million views

Matt Young is the Executive Producer of "Gardening with Alan Titchmarsh", Alan Titchmarsh's official digital channel. In just 10 months, the channel has been watched by over 27 million people worldwide on all platforms, has amassed over 235,000 followers and was recently named in The Times as one of the YouTube channels to watch in 2026. The channel is proud to represent brands within the British horticulture industry and in 2026 is partnered with 8 different suppliers.

1.30pm - Frank P Matthews: Celebrating 125 years of tree supply, trees for small gardens, and growing trees in pots

Stephanie Dunn James is the fourth generation of Frank P Matthews Trees, one of the UK’s largest and most respected fruit and ornamental trees nurseries, founded in 1901. With deep family roots in horticulture, she continues the company’s legacy of growing exceptional trees, focusing on quality, sustainability, and innovation. As they celebrate their 125th anniversary this year, Stephanie will share the fascinating history of the nursery’s growth and evolution, and its enduring commitment to trees and nature for more than a century.

2.30pm - Sustainable plant production for nursery growers & educating the next generation of growers

Guy from Architectural Plants presents the nursery’s blueprint for a sustainable horticultural future: circular nursery systems, homegrown and Plant Healthy certified production, peat-free trials, and innovative garden design. He shares how apprenticeships, education and open knowledge-sharing are growing resilient plants, skilled people, and a lasting UK horticultural legacy.

Exhibitor Events (at time of publication - check the online press portal for full details ahead of attendance)

• 10.00am - Durstons Garden Products: trial their new peat-free growing media, including houseplant compost
• 11.00am - STIGA stand: Press Call to showcase new products
• 11.00am - Taylors Bulbs stand: launch of the new ‘Hever Castle’ daffodil, grown by Taylors Bulbs
• 11.30am - 2.30pm - Buffalo/Dethlac stand: meet Carolyn Archer, daughter of the original creator of this iconic British pest control brand
• 11.30am - Greenfingers stand: Actor and patron of the charity, Jim Carter, will launch their new appeal Healing Hand, Helping Hearts 

New Product Awards

The Garden Press Event has served as a springboard for numerous successful companies and products. For 2026, more than 65 entries have already been submitted to the New Product Awards, reflecting the creativity, innovation, and growth in the sector over the past two decades. These awards are decided by visitor votes, and all entry fees support the charity Greenfingers. The winner of Best New Product will be announced at 4pm.

The Bob Maker Best Stand Award

In recognition of exhibitors’ efforts to make their stands interesting and informative for visitors, a special presentation is given to the best overall stand. This award is named The Bob Maker Best Stand Award in recognition of the show’s friend, who was involved with the inaugural event and who sadly passed away in 2006. The winner of the Bob Maker Best Stand award will be announced after the Best New Product award at 4pm.

The Press Portal and Exhibitor Map

The Press Portal contains the press diary for stand events and exhibitor press packs. It is designed for visitors to both plan in advance and refer back after the event, ensuring they don’t miss important stories, details or products relevant to their audience. The Press Portal goes live on 9 February for all registered attendees. Alongside this, the finalised exhibitor map will also be published on the GPE website: gardenpressevent.co.uk.

20th Anniversary Year

To mark the importance of the occasion, a specially designed logo has been created for the Garden Press Event’s milestone anniversary year. The orange flower now represents an aster; the traditional flower associated with a 20th anniversary. The design also features 20 petals, symbolising each year of growth, resilience, and collaboration across the sector.

Fran Barnes, Chief Executive of the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA), said: “We’re absolutely delighted to have such a strong line up of speakers and a sold-out exhibition area featuring the latest trends and must-haves in gardening. 

“With over 90 exhibitors, nearly 70 entries for the New Product Awards so far, and around 400 members of the media attending, the Garden Press Event continues to go from strength to strength and is an important date in the horticultural calendar.

“We cannot wait to welcome journalists and influencers to the Business Design Centre, so they can discover the very best of what our green industry has to offer.”

Vicky Nuttall, Director of GIMA, added: “It’s great to see so many members of the press and media, some familiar faces and some new, who have already signed up to the event.

“The Garden Press Event has grown and evolved over the last twenty years. I’ve personally attended since the beginning, so I’m looking forward to being there to mark this significant milestone.

“I know that this year there will be even more great stories and discussions to be had for the year ahead and another opportunity to network with colleagues.”

The Garden Press Event is exclusively for verified journalists, influencers, bloggers, vloggers, and members of the media. Entry is free, but registration is required.

Register BEFORE 6 February: gardenpressevent.co.uk/visitor-registration.

For more details about the event and entry requirements, visit: gardenpressevent.co.uk.

RECOUP, the UK’s leading independent authority and trusted voice on plastic circularity is pleased to announce the appointment of Adrian Whyle as Vice Chair of the Board.

In this role, Adrian will support and guide RECOUP’s strategic and practical initiatives, strengthen governance, and help drive genuine collaboration and forward thinking across the whole plastics value chain. Adrian brings over 35 years’ international experience in the speciality chemicals and plastics industry, across a wide variety of roles. The appointment reflects RECOUP’s ongoing commitment to leadership excellence and delivering the longstanding aims of the organisation.

Adrian commented ‘I have supported RECOUP for many years as a Board member, and really looking forward to seeing how far the network can push plastic circularity in the coming years. I hope to play a key role in working with industry and charity partners, members, and stakeholders to advance RECOUP’s mission.’

RECOUP chair Jim Armstrong added ‘Adrian is very well known and respected across business, academia and government, and I am delighted that he has taken on the Vice Chair role. His extensive experience and strategic perspective will be invaluable as we continue to build stronger connections across the plastics value chain and enhance our impact in delivering circular plastics systems while reducing impacts on the environment. I would also like to thank Glyn Staines who steps down as Vice Chair for his hard work and support over the past five years.’

The next key RECOUP event will be the Leeds Summit on 4th March, and they will also be exhibiting and presenting at the Packaging Innovations & Empack 2026 trade show on 11th and 12th February at the Birmingham NEC.

Solanum melongena (Pick-&-Joy® Aubergine) from Vreugdenhil Young Plants in De Lier was awarded the Show Your Colours Award IPM 2026 on Thursday (29 January) during the IPM 2026 trade fair in Essen, Germany.

The prize was presented to Petra Vreugdenhil at the Show Your Colours presentation in the BIZZ Holland stand by Eva Kähler-Theuerkauf on behalf of the IPM organization.

Upon receiving the award, Vreugdenhil said she was surprised that the Pick-&-Joy® Aubergine emerged as the winner among so many beautiful entries. “It is a wonderful reward for all the energy we put into the product,” said Vreugdenhil. The jury stated that the plant appeals to a broad target group and fits well with today’s garden trends. In addition, the Pick-&-Joy® Aubergine makes an attractive gift, for example for a birthday or a dinner with friends, with the included recipe providing a nice extra touch.

Second place went to Rhododendron Hybrid Grazeasy® Purple, submitted by Diderk Heinje Pflanzenhandelsges. mbH & Co. KG. The jury praised this plant for its beautiful leaf shape and attractive buds. The lasting green color was seen as an important plus, and the plant performs excellently both on the balcony and in the garden.

Third place was awarded to Salix candida ‘Jefberg’ (First Editions® ICEBERG ALLEY®), submitted by Joh. Stolwijk & Zonen. The jury appreciated the plant for its compact, strong growth. Its attractive grey color gives it a stylish appearance and makes it easy to combine with other plants in the garden.

The other nominees were Cercis canadensis ‘JN100’ Hearts A’Fire – Joh. Stolwijk & Zonen; Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Bailmaceight’ EUPBRAF (ENDLESS SUMMER® DREAMCLOUD®) – Endless Summer® (Bailey Nurseries International); NewGen® Buxus – Van Vliet New Plants BV; and Picea Magical Christmas – Magical Garden Plants.

The award winners with several jury members. In the center stands Petra Vreugdenhil holding the certificate

The nominated plants and concepts were on display during the trade fair at the BIZZ Holland stand in Hall 8. Visitors were able to cast their votes for their favorite plant or concept using special tokens until Thursday morning. A professional jury consisting of Sytse Berends of Blunt Communicatieadvies, Johan Debrabandere, Category Manager Green at GRS Inkoop, Eva Kähler-Theuerkauf on behalf of IPM Essen, and jury chair Helma van der Louw evaluated the entries on Thursday afternoon. The jury’s verdict, together with the votes cast via the tokens, resulted in Solanum melongena (Pick-&-Joy® Aubergine) receiving the Show Your Colours Award IPM 2026.

The Show Your Colours Award IPM 2026 is organised by IPM Essen in cooperation with BIZZ Holland.

Members of the Horticultural Trades Association attended this year’s European Nurserystock Association annual General Assembly at IPM Essen, setting out the sector’s asks on the shared ambition for a new Sanitary and Phytosanitary trade agreement between the UK and Europe.

Sally Cullimore, the HTA’s Technical and Trade Policy Manager, and Guy Massey from Joseph Rochford Gardens - the HTA’s representative for ENA – presented on the details of key issues of interest to European supply chains during the meeting, as well as attending ENA’s Green City celebrations, AIPH International Grower of the Year Awards and meeting HTA member exhibitors at the show.

ENA members from across Europe also heard how a new SPS agreement is expected to reduce trade barriers and facilitate a smoother flow of plant material between the UK and EU member states, while maintaining biosecurity and plant health.

Sally Cullimore, Technical and Trade Policy Manager at the HTA, said:

“The ENA General Assembly meeting is an important opportunity to champion UK horticultural growers and our international supply-chain relationships. As our nearest neighbours, our sister organisations across Europe share many common challenges, from skills to sustainability and trade. Connecting and learning from others, as well as collaborating, helps support a strong sector. As EU-UK reset negotiations continue and, we hope, swiftly conclude, we look forward to working closely with HTA members and their European supply-chains to support preparedness to maximise this opportunity, reduce costs, friction and grow the sector.”

Guy Massey, Production Manager at Joseph Rochford Gardens, added:

“As the HTA’s nominated representative to ENA, I continue to see real value in representing the UK industry - sharing best practice, learning from international colleagues, and strengthening constructive dialogue across Europe. I remain fully committed to developing our collaborative work within ENA, particularly around shared priorities such as the proposed new SPS agreement with Europe, the future role of peat in horticulture, the attraction and retention of a skilled workforce, inspiring the next generation, and the continued digitisation of our sector, while also recognising horticulture’s wider contribution in addressing climate change and supporting mental health and wellbeing by reconnecting people with the natural world.

“While optimism remains for the successful negotiation and implementation of a UK–EU SPS Agreement, we remain short on detail. The ENA General Assembly provides a valuable forum to share information with representatives from across Europe and to discuss practical solutions to current border issues, alongside other commonly shared priorities such as sustainability, grower protocols and trade barriers, while also promoting the wider benefits of horticulture in supporting environmental resilience and improving the wellbeing of the population.”

The Horticultural Trades Association has congratulated its members, Hillier Nurseries, on winning the prestigious International Grower of the Year Award 2026, and Henil Vashi of Robin Tacchi Plants on winning Young International Grower of the Year 2026.

The event, which is organised by the International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH), was held at IPM Essen in Germany on 27 January and hosted by Michael Perry, Mr Plant Geek - an ambassador for the HTA.

HTA member Hillier Nurseries is one of the UK's leading ornamental plant growers. Following their success at the HTA Grower of the Year Awards 2025, Hillier Nurseries entered the international competition that recognises innovation, sustainable practices, and excellence in the global horticultural industry.

In addition to winning the industry-coveted “Gold Rose” and becoming International Grower of the Year, Hillier Nurseries also picked up awards in the Finished Plants & Trees category and the Sustainability category.

Adam Dunnett, Production and Amenity Director at Hillier Nurseries, said:

“This is one of the most remarkable days of my life. I'm very proud of the team at Hillier Nurseries and I’m proud to be part of this amazing industry. To win International Grower of the Year and be recognised in this way is a real testament to the skill, dedication and care of our teams across the business, who work tirelessly every day to produce the highest quality plants and trees. From propagation through to delivery, their expertise and commitment underpin everything we do. It’s an honour to be named alongside so many outstanding growers from around the world, and we couldn't be prouder of our people and what they achieve together.”

Henil Vashi from HTA member Robin Tacchi Plants won AIPH’s Young International Grower of the Year award, which celebrates exceptional young professionals who are redefining what leadership looks like in modern ornamental horticulture. Henil entered the competition after previously winning the HTA Young Grower of the Year award.

Pippa Greenwood, Horticulture Manager at the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA), said:

“I’m absolutely thrilled for Hillier Nurseries and for Henil... not just one award but three for Hillier Nurseries and the top prize for Henil as well. Both are well deserving of their awards, and it proves that the work of growers in the UK is world-class. As the HTA's Horticulture Manager, I am delighted that two of our award winners are now also recognised at an international level. Outstanding achievements and another win for UK horticulture… Congratulations!”

Entries are now open for the 2026 HTA Grower of the Year Awards. For more details about the awards and how to enter, visit: hta.org.uk/goty

BHETA is alerting garden, tools, and DIY suppliers to a Government proposal to introduce a mandatory licensing scheme for all sellers and importers of bladed articles. For the purposes of the proposed legislation, knives are defined as bladed items, which includes products such as pruning knives and tile cutting knives.

While acknowledging that the Home Office’s objective is to help tackle knife crime, the trade association is warning that the proposals could create substantial cost, complexity, and time burdens for legitimate businesses.  BHETA’s General Manager, Steve Richardson says that garden, tools, and DIY businesses – suppliers, retailers, and importers - must engage with the current Government consultation. 

The Home Office consultation on knife licensing, which closes on 24^th February 2026, proposes a mandatory licensing regime for any business that sells or imports knives – defined for the purpose as bladed items.  While knife crime is driving the policy agenda, the proposals would apply directly to legitimate kitchenware and housewares businesses supplying everyday domestic knives.

Steve explained, “If implemented as currently outlined, the proposals would mean that manufacturers, importers, wholesalers, online sellers, and bricks-and-mortar retailers of bladed items could all be required to hold licences and meet new regulatory conditions.  Although legislation has not yet been drafted, the consultation will directly shape the final policy design. This makes the current consultation period the most important opportunity for the housewares industry to influence how any future licensing regime is structured and applied.”

Under the current proposals, the Government is considering:

• A mandatory licensing system for all retailers selling bladed items in the UK, both in-store and online
• Licensing for commercial importers of bladed items, with several structural options under review

Potential licence conditions could include enhanced age-verification requirements, more secure storage and handling procedures, and additional staff training. Enforcement measures may include licence suspension or revocation, as well as financial penalties.  Import licensing options range from authorised importer schemes to combined importer-retailer licences. These could increase costs, administrative complexity, and lead times for housewares businesses reliant on international supply chains.

Steve continued, “Understandably, levels of knife crime remain a major public concern, and the Government is under intense pressure to act, and believes that existing age-verification and enforcement measures are applied inconsistently.  So, the consultation is exploring whether licensing sales of bladed items could provide greater oversight and accountability throughout the supply chain, particularly for online and distance selling.

“While, BHETA fully supports responsible retailing, preventing access to knives by under-18s, and tackling criminal misuse we are concerned that a broad, one-size-fits-all licensing regime - could impose significant burdens on responsible housewares businesses without delivering proportionate crime-reduction benefits.” 

The BHETA campaign – and how to get involved

BHETA met with Home Office officials on 22^nd January for an initial discussion on the proposals and has also convened meetings with suppliers and retailers to assess the potential impact and agree shared priorities. 

The trade association is now organising a follow-up meeting between BHETA members and the Home Office, giving businesses the opportunity to raise practical and commercial concerns directly with policymakers.  Industry representation must be backed by individual responses, however.

Every business involved in the manufacture, import or sale of bladed items is strongly encouraged to respond to the consultation before 24 February 2026. Responses can be submitted via the Government’s online consultation or by email to KnifeLicensingConsultation@homeoffice.gov.uk.

Steve Richardson added, “Many suppliers and retailers of bladed items already operate robust age-verification systems and compliance processes. Additional licensing costs, new operational requirements and potential disruption to imports could be particularly challenging for SMEs, while doing little to address criminal misuse occurring outside legitimate retail channels. So, BHETA’s priorities are to ensure that any licensing regime is proportionate, workable, and evidence-based, and that it recognises the difference between legitimate  kitchen, garden and DIY tools and products associated with criminal misuse.”

BHETA is coordinating responses and supporting members throughout the process. Businesses seeking guidance or wishing to align their response with the wider industry position can contact Steve Richardson at sr@bheta.co.uk or on 07967 814192.

Link: Licensing for knife sales (accessible) - GOV.UK

Ruxley Manor ended an 18 year duopoly between Bents and Barton Grange to win GCA Destination Garden Centre of the Year, presented at the 60th Anniversary GCA Conference held at Carden Park Hotel in Cheshire this evening.

Old Railway Line won the Garden Centre of the Year award, with Brimsmore, part of The Gardens Group, winning Local Garden Centre of the Year.

See GTN Xtra's photos from the 60th Anniversary GCA Annual Dinner and Awards, including Honorary GCA membership for Guy and Carol Topping, in the gallery below,

Champion of champions garden centres unveiled at GCA conference

The winners of the Garden Centre Association’s (GCA) most prestigious awards including its Garden Centres of Excellence were announced at its annual conference yesterday (Tuesday, January 27, 2027).

The awards ceremony took place at the Carden Park Hotel, Cheshire, as part of the GCA’s 60^th anniversary year celebrations.

Chief Executive at the GCA, Peter Burks, says: “We had a wonderful evening celebrating the very best of our industry, crowning our overall Champion of Champions alongside our Garden Centres of Excellence winners. Each of them has been recognised for their outstanding dedication to delivering excellence, and they are truly deserving of these fantastic awards.

“We were also delighted to announce our Associate of the Year, as voted for by our member garden centres, and to present the Worrall Cup to the garden centre the judges felt delivered the strongest marketing entry.

“We had a great second day of Conference and I’d like to extend my sincere thanks to our sponsors for helping make it all possible. In particular, thank you to Taylors Bulbs for sponsoring the day, Bellis Brothers Farm Shop & Garden Centre for providing our lovely stage plants, Davidson Richards for keeping us well fuelled by sponsoring the morning tea and coffee break, Quinton Edwards for the Tuesday champagne reception, Bon Bon’s for the delicious after-dinner chocolates and Lyme Bay for the Gala Dinner wine.

“We’re very grateful to all our sponsors across the event including CSY Retail for our lanyards, Euro Plants UK Ltd for sponsoring our conference folders and pads, Clifton Coffee Roasters for our pens and Museums & Galleries for sponsoring our Associate’s Exhibition. Each played a vital role in ensuring our 60^th anniversary year was such a success – thank you all.”

The full list of winners announced on Tuesday, January 27 were:

Destination Garden Centre of the Year:

Winner

• Ruxley Manor Garden Centre

Second & third place winners

• Perrywood Garden Centre, Tiptree 
• Haskins Garden Centre, Snowhill

Garden Centre of the Year:

Winner

• Old Railway Line Garden Centre

Second & third place winners

• Poplars Garden Centre
• Fairways Garden Centre, Ashbourne

Local Garden Centre of the Year:

Winner

• Brimsmore Gardens – The Gardens Group

Second & third place winners

• Millbrook Garden Company, Staplehurst
• Fairways Garden Centre, Macclesfield

Garden Centres of Excellence– (below is in alphabetical order not order of inspection scores):

1. Barton Grange Garden Centre
2. Bents Garden & Home
3. Coolings Nurseries
4. Fairways Garden Centre, Ashbourne
5. Haskins Garden Centre, Snowhill
6. Old Railway Line Garden Centre
7. Perrywood Garden Centre, Tiptree
8. Ruxley Manor Garden Centre
9. Planters Tamworth
10. Poplars Garden centre

Associate of the Year (voted by GCA garden centre members):

Winner

• Woodlodge

Second & third place winners

• Smart Garden
• Allensmore Nurseries

The Worrall Cup:

Winner

• Bents Garden & Home

Second & third place winners

• British Garden Centres
• Gates Garden Centre

The GCA represents more than 200 garden centres nationwide.

Through sharing information and its inspection programme the GCA helps members to achieve high standards in customer service, plant quality and reliability.

For further information, please visit www.gca.org.uk.

Louise Lockwood from Planters Tamworth was named as the winner of 2025’s Westland Horticulture-sponsored Rising Stars programme at the Garden Centre Association’s 60th anniversary year Annual Conference.

Five individuals from member garden centres presented at the industry body’s annual conference after completing in a series of workshops in 2025.

Gordon Emslie, who mentored the workshops for the GCA, said: “Congratulations to our worthy winner Louise and all our outstanding finalists: Aaron Caffarelli from Thetford Garden Centre, Charlotte Sait from Haskins Ferndown, Jess Salter from British Garden Centres (BGC) – Gloucester and Lewis O'Neill also from BGC – Gloucester. I was very excited to see them showcase their talents at the GCA Conference yesterday. Every year, our finalists set the bar high, and this year is no exception.

“This initiative simply wouldn’t be possible without the fantastic partnership between the GCA and Westlands. My sincere thanks to both organisations for their enthusiasm, commitment, and unwavering support in helping develop talent across our sector.”

All the candidates undertook projects, within their garden centres, which ran from March to September. They then presented them to a Dragons’ Den style panel of judges including Gina Lewis, Head of Content at Westland Horticulture at Bell Plantation Garden Centre in October, who scored them – with the final five were the top scoring projects.

Gordon added: “This season’s Rising Stars have once again demonstrated the exceptional calibre of talent within the garden centre industry. Their commitment, enthusiasm, and tenacity in delivering sustainability and environmental projects has been outstanding. Every one of them should feel immensely proud of their journey through this year’s programme and of how confidently they presented at the Dragons’ Den.

“Each finalist tackled important issues around sustainability and the environment – topics that too often go overlooked – and approached their projects with impressive breadth and creativity.

“They faced challenges throughout the year, as the programme is designed to uncover strengths and weaknesses, yet their determination to see their projects through never wavered. Personally, I’ve found working with this year’s candidates a wonderful experience, and I am proud to have served as a mentor once again.”

Louise was voted for by conference delegates and crowned at the GCA Conference.

Gina Lewis, Head of Content at Westland Horticulture, said: “Garden centres – and the incredible teams behind them – are vital to the success and future growth of the UK gardening industry. At Westland, we are passionate about supporting the next generation of industry leaders, and we’re proud to have continued sponsoring and supporting this year’s Rising Stars throughout their 12-month journey to the GCA Conference.”

Garden centre teams from across the country are celebrating after receiving awards at the Garden Centre Association’s annual conference today (Monday, January 26, 2026).

They were presented to the highest scoring member garden centres during a special ceremony at the Carden Park Hotel, Cheshire, as part of the GCA’s 60th anniversary year celebrations.

Peter Burks, GCA Chief Executive, says: “Our annual inspection process, and the awards that follow, clearly demonstrate that our member garden centres operate to some of the highest standards in the industry. Year after year, members continue to raise the bar, with competition for the top accolades becoming increasingly competitive. We’re delighted this year to have also introduced three new awards – Clothing, Construction and Pots & Ornamentation.

“Every winner and runner-up across all categories should be immensely proud of the standards they set. I would like to warmly congratulate them all for their exceptional commitment to delivering a consistently positive and rewarding experience for customers.

“We are very grateful to Kaemingk for sponsoring our conference on Monday, as well as to our headline sponsors Evergreen Garden Care, Westland Horticulture and Smart Garden Products. I would also like to extend my thanks to all of our category award sponsors for their valued support this year.”

The full list of winners announced on Monday, January 26 were:

GCA GROW Training Award

Squire’s Garden Centre Hare Hatch

Dick Allen Award (Most Improved Garden Centre)

Winner: British Garden Centres – Tring

Second & third place winners: The Hertfordshire Garden Centre; Thompson’s Garden Centre, Canterbury

Barton Grange Trophy for Commercial Creativity and Innovation

Winner: Ruxley Manor Garden Centre

Second & third place winners: Haskins Garden Centre, Snowhill; Haskins Garden Centre, Forest Lodge

Paul Cooling Environment and Sustainability Award

Winner: Haskins Garden Centre, Snowhill

Second & third place winners: Castle Gardens, part of The Gardens Group; Brimsmore Gardens, part of The Gardens Group, and Perrywood Garden Centre, Tiptree =

Customer Service Award – Best Customer Service

Winner: Coolings Nurseries

Second & third place winners

• Fron Goch Garden Centre
• Old Railway Line Garden Centre

Catering Award 

Winners:

Catering Award (Destination Garden Centre Category) – Ruxley Manor Garden Centre 

Catering Award (Garden Centre Category) – Klondyke Garden Centre, Astbury Meadow

Catering Award (Local Garden Centre Category) – Raglan Garden Centre

Second & third place winners

Destination Garden Centre Category 

• Haskins Garden Centre, Snowhill
• Haskins Garden Centre, Ferndown

Garden Centre Category 

• Klondyke Garden Centre, Wilmslow, Tingley Garden Centre, Fairways Ashbourne, Poplars Garden Centre and Meadow Croft Garden Centre =
• Henry Street, St Peter’s Garden Centre, Old Railway Line Garden Centre and Thetford Garden Centre.

Local Garden Centre Category 

• Brimsmore Gardens, part of The Gardens Group
• Webbs West Hagley 

The GIMA Award for Best Garden Products Retailer

Winners:

• The GIMA Award for Best Garden Products Retailer (Destination Garden Centre Category) – Ruxley Manor Garden Centre
• The GIMA Award for Best Garden Products Retailer (Garden Centre Category) – Old Railway Line Garden Centre (pictured above)
• The GIMA Award for Best Garden Products Retailer (Local Garden Centre Category) – Fairways Garden Centre, Macclesfield

Second & third place winners

Destination Garden Centre Category 

• Planters Garden Centres, Tamworth
• Perrywood Garden Centre, Tiptree 

Garden Centre Category 

• Poplars Garden Centre
• Fairways Garden Centre, Ashbourne

Local Garden Centre Category 

• Klondyke Garden Centre, Daleside
• Millbrook Garden Centre, Staplehurst

Ian Boardman Indoor Plants Cup

Winners

• Ian Boardman Indoor Plants Cup (Destination Garden Centre Category) – Perrywood Garden Centre, Tiptree (pictured above)
• Ian Boardman Indoor Plants Cup (Garden Centre Category) – Cowell’s Garden Centre (pictured below)
• Ian Boardman Indoor Plants Cup (Local Garden Centre Category) – Knights Plant Centre, Betchworth 

Second & third place winners

Destination Garden Centre Category 

• Webbs of Wychbold
• Ruxley Manor Garden Centre

Garden Centre Category 

• Aylett Nurseries
• Fairways Garden Centre, Ashbourne, Millbrook Garden Centre, Gravesend, Ransoms Garden Centre, Squires Garden Centre, Milford and Meadow Croft Garden Centre =

Local Garden Centre Category 

• Millbrook Garden Centre, Stapelhurst and Brimsmore Gardens – The Gardens Group =
• Poundbury Gardens – The Gardens Group

The Indoor Lifestyle Award – Best Indoor Lifestyle Retailer

Winners

• The Indoor Lifestyle Award – Best Indoor Lifestyle Retailer (Destination Garden Centre Category) – Ruxley Manor Garden Centre

• The Indoor Lifestyle Award – Best Indoor Lifestyle Retailer (Garden Centre Category) –Fron Goch Garden Centre

• The Indoor Lifestyle Award – Best Indoor Lifestyle Retailer (Local Garden Centre Category) – Fairways Garden Centre, Macclesfield

Second & third place winners

Destination Garden Centre Category 

• Perrywood Garden Centres, Tiptree
• Barton Grange Garden Centre

Garden Centre Category 

• Garsons Garden Centre, Titchfield
• Old Railway Line Garden Centre 

 Local Garden Centre Category

• Brimsmore Gardens
• Webbs West Hagley

The Outdoor Living Award – Best Outdoor Living Retailer 

Winners

• The Outdoor Living Award – Best Outdoor Living Retailer (Destination Garden Centre Category) – Ruxley Manor Garden Centre  
• The Outdoor Living Award – Best Outdoor Living Retailer (Garden Centre Category) – Fron Goch Garden Centre and Poplars Garden Centre (pictured above)
• The Outdoor Living Award – Best Outdoor Living Retailer (Local Garden Centre Category) – Fairways Garden Centre, Macclesfield

Second & third place winners

Destination Garden Centre Category

• Bents Garden and Home, Webbs of Wychbold and Scotsdales Garden Centre =
• Haskins Garden Centre, Snowhill, Barton Grange Garden Centre, Cadbury Garden Centre and Gates Garden Centre =

Garden Centre Category

• Garsons Garden Centre, Titchfield and Fairways Garden Centre, Ashbourne =
• Haskins Garden Centre, Forest Lodge

Local Garden Centre Category

• Brimsmore Gardens – The Gardens Group
• Poundbury Gardens – The Gardens Group

Best Food Hall/Farm Shop Award – sponsored by Fieldfare  

Winners

• Best Food Hall/Farm Shop Award (Destination Garden Centre Category) – Ruxley Manor Garden Centre
• Best Food Hall/Farm Shop Award (Garden Centre Category) – Old Railway Line Garden Centre

• Best Food Hall/Farm Shop Award (Local Garden Centre Category) – Brimsmore Gardens – The Gardens Group

Second & third place winners

Destination Garden Centre Category

• Garsons Garden Centre, Esher
• Gates Garden Centre

Garden Centre Category

• Bellis Brothers Farm Shop & Garden Centre and Coton Orchard Garden Centre =
• Garsons Garden Centre, Titchfield

Local Garden Centre Category

• Dunbar Garden Centre and Pugh’s Garden Centre, Wenvoe =
• Pennells Garden Centre, Sleaford

Ruxley Rose Award for Best Overall Plantaria sponsored by Allensmore Nurseries Ltd

Winners

• Ruxley Rose (Destination Garden Centre Category) – Perrywood Garden Centre, Tiptree
• Ruxley Rose (Garden Centre Category) – Cowell’s Garden Centre
• Ruxley Rose (Local Garden Centre Category) – Thompson’s Garden Centre Welling 

Second & third place winners

Destination Garden Centre Category

• Planters Garden Centre, Tamworth
• Ruxley Manor Garden Centre

Garden Centre Category

• Squires Garden Centre, Hersham
• Planters Pacific Garden Centre

Local Garden Centre Category

• Knights Plant Centre, Betchworth
• Klondyke Garden Centre, Burnside

Christmas Competition – sponsored by Gisela Graham

Winners

Christmas Competition (Destination Garden Centre Category) – Bents Garden & Home

Christmas Competition (Garden Centre Category) – Garson’s Garden Centre, Titchfield

Christmas Competition (Local Garden Centre Category) – Brimsmore Gardens, part of The Gardens Group

Second & third place winners

Destination Garden Centre Category

• Gates Garden Centre, Oakham
• Garson’s Garden Centre, Esher

Garden Centre Category

• Sunshine Garden Centre
• Fron Goch Garden Centre

Local Garden Centre Category

• Poundbury Gardens, part of The Gardens Group
• Pugh’s Garden Centre, Wenvoe

NEW AWARD FOR 2026 – Clothing Award – sponsored by Klass

Winners

• Clothing Award (Destination Garden Centre Category) – Ruxley Manor Garden Centre
• Clothing Award (Garden Centre Category) – Fron Goch Garden Centre
• Clothing Award (Local Garden Centre Category) – Simpsons at Happy Plant

Second & third place winners

Destination Garden Centre Category

• Haskins Garden Centre, Snowhill
• Blue Diamond Garden Centre, Grosvenor

Garden Centre Category

• Garson’s Garden Centre, Titchfield
• Fairways Garden Centre, Ashbourne, Poplars Garden Centre, Hillier Garden Centre Three Legged Cross =

Local Garden Centre Category

• Thirsk Garden Centre
• Dunbar Garden Centre

NEW AWARD FOR 2026 – Garden Construction Award – sponsored by Meadow View Stone

Winners

• Garden Construction Award (Destination Garden Centre Category) – Chessington Garden Centre
• Garden Construction (Garden Centre Category) – Millbrook Garden Centre, Gravesend
• Garden Construction (Local Garden Centre Category) – Klondyke Garden Centre, Howden  

Second & third place winners

Destination Garden Centre Category

• Ruxley Manor Garden Centre
• Planters Garden Centre, Tamworth

Garden Centre Category

• Poplars Garden Centre
• Bell Plantation

Local Garden Centre Category

• Klondyke Garden Centre, Stringers and Klondyke Garden Centre, Livingston 

• Squires Garden Centre, Crawley

NEW AWARD FOR 2026 – Pots & Ornamentation Award – sponsored by Woodlodge

Winners                                                            

• Pots & Ornamentation (Destination Garden Centre Category) – Chessington Garden Centre
• Pots & Ornamentation (Garden Centre Category) – Poplars Garden Centre
• Pots & Ornamentation (Local Garden Centre Category) – Webbs West Hagley and Klondyke Garden Centre, Stringers =

Second & third place winners

Destination Garden Centre Category 

• Ruxley Manor Garden Centre
• Planters Garden Centre, Tamworth

Garden Centre Category 

• Squires Garden Centre, Hersham
• Fairways Garden Centre, Ashbourne and Thurrock Garden Centre =

Local Garden Centre Category

• Thompson’s Garden Centre, Newchurch and Plymouth Garden Centre =
• Pugh’s Garden Centre Wenvoe, Coolings Nurseries, Webbs of Wych Cross and Klondyke Garden Centre, Burnside =

The GCA Conference 2026, at Carden Park Hotel in Cheshire, got off to a Fundraising start with conference delegates taking part in an afternoon of activities including Clay Shooting, Archery and Axe Throwing followed by a Quiz night, compered by the inimitable Guy Topping.

GCA Sunday Charity Funday Results

• Best individual Clay Shooter – Ben Woodhouse
• Best individual Archer – Martin Cowell
• Best individual Axe Thrower – James Evans
• Winning Activity Team – Tammy’s Team!
• Winning Quiz Team – The Compost Kings

Greenfingers Chairman, Boyd Douglas-Davies told GTN Xtra: “Its’ been an amazing afternoon and evening, in aid of Greenfingers, supporting all the wonderful gardens in children’s hospices across the country. Thank you to Heidi Towse, who created the quiz, Guy Topping as a wonderful quiz master and auctioneer, Tammy Woodhouse for the afternoon events and the support from the Greenfingers team of Kirsty and Bev.  And of course, thank you to everybody who took part and gave so generously and had a great amount of fun raising money for Greenfingers.”

Conference starts in earnest on Monday morning with the GCA AGM, followed by presentations from the GCA Inspectors and the announcement of many GCA Awards.

Watch our for more GTN Xtra updates LIVE from Conference.

Associates Night at the GCA Conference 2026 took on a Fancy Dress theme of "Foods of the World" with new GCA Chairman Ben Harrison starring as Baby Spice of the Haskins Spice Girls.

See GTN's gallery of photos from the evening below including The Gardens Group's Flying Food around the World...

The Big Cheese Free To Go is a completely new way to control rodents without harming them. It’s a safe space with meals included – making it easy to simply Catch Them & Put Them Out! 

Not everyone wants to kill mice and rats when they invade the home. There’s a growing number of people seeking humane and welfare friendly ways of keeping rodents at bay – without harming them. The Big Cheese Free To Go is a new sustainable and welfare-friendly way to control mice and rats. 

Free To Go Biodegradable Mouse Traps provide a safe and secure space as well as a plentiful supply of irresistible mouse food. The ready-baited traps provide an attractive and safe space which the mice soon adopt and then its quick and easy to relocate them out into the garden. The trap then provides the shelter and food required until they are ready to move back to nature.

The sustainably produced traps are biodegradable too, so once the mice have finally vacated their temporary home, the FSC cardboard disintegrates to leave no lasting residue.

Free To Go Biodegradable traps are available in a multi-catch version for up to 8 mice as well as a twin pack of single catch traps. There’s also a durable metal version suitable for repeated use and cage traps designed to catch and relocate rats too. 

Free To Go Mouse and Rat food is also available to re-bait traps when required.

Edwin Allingham said “90% of all householders will seek out rodent control products each year, but we’ve seen an increasing number who don’t want to harm them. Free To Go provides a really easy way to capture and relocate them, whilst ensuring that they have the shelter and food required until they are ready to go back to nature.”

The Big Cheese Free To Go range of Biodegradable Mouse Traps is available on an In-store Problem Solved video promotion which includes a compact display and eye-catching video with a guaranteed 52% gross margin.

STV International Ltd Forge House, Little Cressingham, Thetford, Norfolk, IP25 6ND, GB

Phone 01953 881580               

Email info@stvuk.co.uk

Corby + Fellas are delighted to be working with Pyle Garden Village, one of South Wales’s most loved garden and lifestyle destinations, as they continue to evolve into a true experience-led venue.

This partnership has delivered a full installation across the site - bringing together retail, restaurant and hospitality systems, a dedicated loyalty and customer experience APP, events capability, and website integration. An all-in-one, embedded system with our award-winning, first-class support.

Pictured : C+F Head of Technical Operations Matt Chrisostomou, Pyle MD Rob James, EPOS Manager Richard Garlick and C+F Support Engineer Lee Ashpool.

GTN January 2026 - Christmas Awards Finalists & Sustainability Directory. In this Issue: Gardening for Good - Interview with Dr Richard Claxton, GTN’s Greatest Christmas Awards – The Finalists and Customer Vote Top 50 by Regions, Adapt or Die, a new, exclusive series from international experts including John Stanley, Spring Fair Preview – Christmas exclusives, GTN’s Sustainability Directory for 2026, GIMA’s sustainability champions  , Spotlight on sustainability from the Harrogate Christmas & Gift Fair, Get ready for Garden Re-Leaf Day on March 20th 2026, Gold Medal Standards – GTN Planteria , Picture your Future - HTA Viewpoint.

Blue Diamond Blackdown - GTN's Greatest Christmas Awards 2025 judges visit, 22nd October 2025

See the gallery of photos below

Ransoms Jersey - GTN's Greatest Christmas Awards 2025 judges visit, 20th October 2025.

See the gallery of photos below

Summerhill Garden Centre- GTN's Greatest Christmas Awards 2025 judges visit, 22nd October 2025.

See the gallery of photos below