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Who are the men behind the Dobbies deal?
 
For months Wyevale Garden Centres were the front-runners in the race to buy Dobbies from Tesco but they were finally pipped at the post on Friday by an investor group led by Midlothian Capital Partners and Hattington Capital in a deal worth £217 million. So who are the men behind this dramatic turn of events? GTN Xtra takes a look into the backgrounds of the deal makers...
For months Wyevale Garden Centres were the front-runners in the race to buy Dobbies from Tesco but they were finally pipped at the post on Friday by an investor group led by Midlothian Capital Partners and Hattington Capital in a deal worth £217 million. So who are the men behind this dramatic turn of events? GTN Xtra takes a look into the backgrounds of the deal makers...
Barney Burgess, of Hattington Capital, is well known to Tesco. He was previously Commercial Director at Tesco in the UK, responsible for a portfolio of food categories with annual sales of £5bn and prior to that spent 5 years running Tesco.com, Tesco’s grocery home shopping business.
In that capacity, Barney led the business to double-digit annual sales growth and improved profitability. Tesco.com has annual sales over £2bn, over 3,000 delivery vans, and one of the busiest websites in the UK.
Barney led the creation of the ‘click and collect’ service for groceries in the UK as well as building Tesco’s portfolio of automated picking facilities to serve the London market.
Barney was also a member of Tesco’s Corporate Responsibility Committee and initially as Business Development Director, led public and private M&A transactions.
Before joining Tesco, Barney spent 6 years working for McKinsey & Co management consultants, ultimately as an Associate Principal, with experience in both retail and others industries. He worked on operational, organizational, strategic and transaction-related engagements.
Barney also co-founded and was Development Director for Acturis, a company providing Internet-based back-office software for insurance brokers. Acturis now employs over 200 people and has over 10,000 users of its software.
Barney has an MBA from Insead, as well as MEng and MA degrees in Manufacturing Engineering from Cambridge University.
In yesterdays Guardian they reported that Barney will work on expanding Dobbies online platform.
Andrew Bracey is a Partner at Midlothian Capital Partners. Prior to founding MCP Andrew had a 24-year career in corporate finance, private equity and public companies.
Most recently, Andrew was Chief Financial Officer of Michael Page PLC. Prior to this, he was CFO at Ocado Group PLC, helping the company through its IPO in 2010. Before joining Ocado, Andrew was head of Barclays Capital PIA, where he led a number of transactions, including Somerfield and Alliance Boots.
Prior to this, Andrew held senior banking positions at UBS and Credit Suisse, where he focused on retail M&A.
According to the Aberdeen Press and Journal Midlothian Capital Partners is run out of offices in London and Connecticut in the US and was set up last year specifically for the purpose of acquiring Dobbies.As well as Andrew Bracey there are two other directors: Connecticut-based retail specialist Neil Currie and Royal Bank of Scotland corporate development director Aidan Clegg, who has previously held senior management roles at UBS, BNP, Nomura International and BNP Paribas. Mr Clegg said on Friday that the successful deal for Dobbies was 18 months in the making and involved mainly UK-based “wealthy families”.
An approach last year was rebuffed, he added.
Andrew Bracey has been quoted in other national press as saying "Dobbies is a truly iconic Scottish business." GTN Xtra believes there are more people behind this Dobbies deal, some of which are closely connected to the garden industry. We'll keep you posted when we find out more.
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Tesco has morning confirmed the sale of its Dobbies Garden Centres business to an investor group led by Midlothian Capital Partners and Hattington Capital.
The sale represents the entire share capital of Dobbies Garden Centres Ltd. Tesco will receive £217m in cash, which will be used for general corporate purposes. Tescos announcement on the Tesco plc website states: Tesco bought Dobbies Garden Centres in 2007, and since then it has grown to become the UK’s second largest specialist garden centre retailer, operating 35 garden centres across Scotland, England and Northern Ireland. Tesco Chief Executive Dave Lewis said: “Through their hard work and dedication to customer service, Dobbies colleagues have built a great business, and I would like to thank them for everything they have done. It was a difficult decision to sell the business, but we believe this agreement will give Dobbies a bright future, while allowing our UK retail business to focus on its core strengths.” Andrew Bracey and Barney Burgess, of Midlothian Capital Partners and Hattington Capital respectively, said: “We are delighted to have been chosen by Tesco to take ownership of the Dobbies Garden Centres business. It is a great business with fantastic colleagues. We’re very optimistic about the potential of the business, and we look forward to growing the business across the UK from its base in Scotland.”
On the Hattington Capital website the following statement gives more details about the aquisistion and the new Dobbies Board of Directors:
"The group that has acquired Dobbies will invest to secure the long-term growth of the business. It has committed to protect jobs, keep the head office in Scotland and grow the business throughout the UK from its base in Lasswade. The group has been brought together by Midlothian Capital and Hattington Capital, and includes a number of highly experienced retail industry investors. Commenting on the deal, Andrew Bracey of Midlothian Capital said: “Dobbies is an iconic brand and we believe that Dobbies can be the market leader in the garden centre sector. It has a superior team that, with our long-term vision and capital, will grow this business across Britain.” “Together we have committed capital and expertise to drive the future growth of Dobbies. All of us are passionate about the custodianship of this business: Dobbies has found a good home with our group.” He added: “We have been treated very professionally by Tesco and its advisory team.” Barney Burgess, of Hattington Capital, explained: “We are delighted to have been chosen by Tesco to become the new owners of Dobbies. We inherit a strong company with some of the best stores in the industry and fantastic colleagues who, together with Tesco, have been good stewards of the Dobbies brand.” He added: “The prospects for Dobbies are excellent: it has significant potential for growth in an under-served and under-developed sector. This is one of the most exciting opportunities in British retail.” Mr. Bracey will be joined by Aidan Clegg and Neil Currie of Midlothian Capital, as well as Mr. Burgess and Frederick Goltz of Hattington Capital on the Dobbies Board. The acquisition has received financing from Ares Capital Partners. The acquiring group was advised by Rothschild and Slaughter and May." Tesco plc who bought Dobbies for £155m in 2007 when Sir Terry Leahy was CEO, will continue to offer customers a wide selection of Home and Garden products through its own stores and online. Gross assets relating to Dobbies Garden Centres Ltd. included in the Tesco PLC accounts as at 27 February 2016 were £255m. Dobbies Garden Centres Ltd. made a contribution of £17m to Tesco PLC’s reported profit before tax for the year ended 27 February 2016.
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 Alyson Haywood has started her new role as General Manager of Van Hage, Great Amwell, and is looking forward to taking on this prestigious position in the garden industry.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity,” Alyson told GTN Xtra. “I’m sure there will be many challenges ahead but I’m determined to put Van Hage Great Amwell back at the forefront of the garden centre industry where it belongs."
Alyson has over 25 years of knowledge and experience in the industry. Over the years she has been Managing Director of Moreton Park Garden Centre plus Regional Operations Manager and Head of Horticultural Quallty Control for Wyevale Garden Centres.
Managing Director Chris Roberts said: "I am delighted that Alyson has joined us."
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Astronauts have discovered Gro-Sure Lawn Seed is so good, it can even grow in space!
The experiment, which confirms the brand’s ‘Grow With Certainty’ promise, has been conducted by NASA astronaut Jeff Williams on the International Space Station.
It was conceived by secondary school students as part of the International Space School Education Trust’s (ISSET) Mission Discovery programme. The programme enables ordinary secondary school pupils to carry out research with NASA Astronauts, rocket scientists and trainers.
Daniel Reid, Daniel Sullivan, Joseph Lynch and Jenna Leigh Morris all took part in ISSET’s programme at the King’s College, London.
 Julie Keeble, Lecturer in Pharmacology at King’s College, said: “It is incredible to see how much Gro-Sure Fast Acting Lawn Seed has grown aboard the space stations, considering how difficult it is to grow any form of plant within a micro-gravity environment.
“The student’s experiment and has been a great success and we’d like to thank everyone who made it possible.”
Daniela Constantine, Brand Manager for Gro-Sure Lawn Seed said: “We produce Gro- Sure Lawn Seed with a ‘Grow With Certainty’ promise to reassure consumers it will grow anywhere, even in difficult conditions....however, even we didn’t realise it could grow in space!“
Pictured: The experiment which shows grass growing in zero gravity (around ball of compost).
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Gardman will present a cheque for more than £47,000 to Greenfingers this summer as part of the company’s continued support of the charity.
The success of this fundraising activity is due to five strategic product promotions which Gardman ran across three of their best-selling categories; Cole & Bright lighting, Blacksmith hanging garden and Gardman doormats.
With stand out on-pack labelling and in-store point of sale to promote the charitable donations, this campaign has generated a significant uplift in sales and, as a result has proven to be a huge success for Gardman, their customers and most importantly for Greenfingers.
The donation, one of the industry’s largest to date raised through product promotions, will be handed over as a giant cheque at the GIMA Awards on Thursday 14th July at Celtic Manor Resort in South Wales.
The money raised will help Greenfingers to create more magical, inspiring and therapeutic gardens for children who spend time in hospices across the UK.
The charity’s Head of Fundraising, Linda Petrons, said she was thrilled to hear that Gardman had raised such an impressive amount. “I would like to thank the whole team for getting right behind the partnership and the product promotions,” she said.
“This phenomenal amount will make a huge difference and will enable us to ensure that across the UK, more children living with life limiting or life threatening illnesses, along with their families, will be able to benefit from a Greenfingers garden.”
Gardman’s CEO, Pete Utting, added: “With gardening at Gardman’s heart, we hugely support the significant work Greenfingers does in order to create such amazing outdoor spaces. We are delighted to be able to grow our sales, our customers’ sales and support some amazing work.”
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Deborah Skillicorn steps down at Greenfingers
Deborah Skillicorn is to step down from her position as Charity Director of Greenfingers. After over eight years in the role Deborah is leaving to pursue consultancy work across the charity industry and beyond...
 Deborah Skillicorn is to step down from her position as Charity Director of Greenfingers. After over eight years in the role Deborah is leaving to pursue consultancy work across the charity industry and beyond.
Deborah first started working with Richard Jackson, the Founder of Greenfingers in 2008, bringing her significant experience in charity management to help him and the founder trustees to focus and grow the charity within the gardening and horticulture industry.
During her tenure Deborah has played a pivotal role in helping Greenfingers develop and grow both in its reputation within the horticulture industry and beyond, and in terms of actually creating many more gardens for children in hospices around the country. Deborah successfully led the charity through its ambitious Rosy Cheeks Appeal and went on to oversee the launch of the charity’s latest A Million Moments Appeal.
Deborah said of her time at Greenfingers “Having originally come in to write a fundraising and marketing plan eight years ago, it feels the right time to step down as Director and hand the batten over to others to continue this fantastic and highly inspirational work. My heart remains with Greenfingers but this decision enables me to create the space to focus my own personal interests and ambitions including my passion for blending artisan fragrance.
"I have thoroughly enjoyed working with, and learning from, such vibrant and creative colleagues in the gardening and horticulture industry and I will continue to take a very keen interest in Greenfingers as it creates gardens into the future.”
Richard Jackson, Founder President of Greenfingers, added: “Greenfingers was at a low ebb when Debs joined us. Her vision, enthusiasm and skill enabled us to re-build the charity. She has been amazing! Debs has grown our reputation as a charity, established many long-term supporters and donors, and most importantly overseen the creation of all of our gardens over the last eight years. She has been absolutely crucial to our success and we couldn’t have achieved so much without her. We are extremely grateful to Debs for transforming Greenfingers and we’re all very sad that she is leaving but we wish her every success in the future ”
Deborah will step down after the opening of the charity’s 51st garden – the relocation of Matthew Wilson’s 2015 Chelsea Flower Show garden to the Earl Mountbatten Hospice on the Isle of Wight – which will take place on 18th July 2016.
Current Greenfingers Chairman, John Ashley, said: “I would like to say a big thank you to Deborah for developing Greenfingers into the success it has become during her period as Director. The charity’s reputation is ever growing and certainly within the gardening industry we are extremely well thought of thanks to Deborah - her enthusiasm and commitment has made working with Greenfingers a great pleasure for many people.”
Greenfingers will now begin the process of appointing a Charity Director to replace Deborah. If you have any thoughts about, or interest in this post, please contact John Ashley - john@Ashleys.me.uk or Sally Whitaker - sallyn8whitaker@gmail.com
To contact Deborah Skillicorn directly please email debs.skilly@gmail.com
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Wyevale Garden Centres are celebrating reaching their £750,000 fundraising target for charity partner Marie Curie, the UK’s leading charity for people living with any terminal illness and their families, more than 12 months ahead of schedule.
The partnership, which launched in 2014, is part of Wyevale Garden Centres’ “Gardens for Good” community initiative, supporting good causes where the garden or the act of gardening can bring benefits to people. It had aimed to raise £750,000 by July 2017 but thanks to tireless fundraising activities backed by tremendous support from their staff and customers, they have reached their target already.
No one is happier than Wyevale Garden Centres employee, Linda Facey, whose mum and niece were cared for by Marie Curie Nurses. She said: “No one knows what it is like caring for a loved one who is dying until it happens to them and what the Marie Curie Nurses do is amazing. It makes so much difference having this specialist support and meant we could get some rest when we were at our most tired, and we could go home to our families for the night knowing our loved ones were in safe hands.
“I jumped at the chance of raising funds for Marie Curie after we chose them to be our charity partner in the staff vote. It is fantastic how much we have raised over the last two years. Marie Curie has been there for my family when we needed them most and we are so appreciative. I still continue to support the fundraising at Wyevale Garden Centres as I know it will ensure that more families get the vital help my family did.”
The money has been raised in a variety of ways such as £274,000 raised via a 25p donation from entrance fees to the children’s play area, £90,000 raised from donating 10 percent from certain of products as well as playing an active role in Marie Curie’s flagship fundraising campaign each March, the Great Daffodil Appeal, which this year totalled £70,000.
Wyevale Garden Centres’ support for the charity shows no sign of slowing and centres will be brewing up for Marie Curie’s Blooming Great Tea Party between 20-29 June. All centres with a restaurant or café will also be donating 20p from every hot drink sold over the weekend of 25/26 June as part of the event with the aim of raising £10,000*.
Jude Bridge, Marie Curie’s Director of Marketing, Fundraising & Public Affairs, said: “We believe everyone living with a terminal illness should get the care and support they need to get the most from the time they have left. We want to provide the right nursing care and support to help them stay at home, which is where people want to be, surrounded by the things they love. For many people that includes their gardens which they have cherished and nurtured over the years, and can bring them comfort through happy memories.
“It’s tremendous that our partnership with Wyevale Garden Centres has raised £750,000 and the money raised will make a real difference in enabling the charity to help even more people, like Linda’s family, at a time when they need us the most. We all look forward to our successful partnership continuing and having such a lasting impact on people across the UK.”
Stephen Murphy, Chair of Wyevale Garden Centres, said: “It is a fantastic achievement by our colleagues and customers who have helped raise an incredible £750,000 for our charity partner over the last two years – reaching our target more than a year early. The money can help fund over 37,500 hours of Marie Curie Nurses who support people with a terminal illness and their families.
“We have set ourselves a new aim of reaching £1 million for the charity and I know that we can count on everyone at Wyevale Garden Centres to step up to the challenge and do everything possible to support this amazing cause.”
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The horticultural trade has embraced the new flagship ‘Al Fresco Fortnight’ event as part of the Love the Plot You’ve Got campaign, which starts today (Father's Day, June 19).
The event aims to get as many people as possible eating outside at least once over the two-week period which also covers the summer solstice, allowing for the optimum number of daylight hours in which to be outside.
Marketing materials have been made freely available to promote the event nationwide, as retailers, suppliers and manufacturers of horticulture and outdoor furniture prepare to take part in the event. The industry and consumers alike are being encouraged to host their own Al Fresco events and share on social media tagging @goeatalfresco and using the hashtag #alfrescofortnight.
Chris Day from Buckingham Garden Centre, which will be running daily offers throughout Al Fresco Fortnight said:
“The purpose of this event is very simple: by showing people how much fun they can have eating and socialising outside, it will get them using their outside space more and in turn they will want to improve their patio, roof terrace or garden.
“It’s not about making major changes as there are lots of different small things people can do to enhance their outside space – from hanging new lights to going potty with planters to updating their garden furniture.
“If people are stuck for ideas or would like some advice, they can visit the website www.loveyourplot.com or simply pop along to their local garden centre where the staff will be happy to help.”
Cleeve Nursery have teamed up with the Big Green Egg BBQ Company who are holding a demo with product sampling on Father’s Day. Alan Down, partner, said:
“This event is a great evolution of Love Your Plot, it is something tangible that the industry can get behind. It also comes at a time when we are less busy, and hopefully will give us momentum to continue to drive footfall through garden centres and engage with a younger potential audience.”
Neil Grant, Managing Director of Ferndale Garden Centre, said:
“For families, the garden is part of the home and eating outside is fun. The long days and warm afternoons are ideal for bringing friends and family together.
“June is often the first real time many families get out into their gardens, and a few planted containers on the patio lifts a BBQ to your own mini summer festival! Al Fresco Fortnight is a great opportunity to extend the season and reach younger garden users with tempting offers and simple ideas.”
Consumers will be encouraged to undertake different stages of the journey to preparing for their Al Fresco event across multi-channel communications:
- Plan: Do you want your Al Fresco event to be a party on the patio, romantic dinner for two, a family get-together or dinner for Dad?
- Prepare: Visit your local garden centre to see what offers are available for Al Fresco Fortnight. Get advice and products on how to refresh your outdoor space to make it suitable for entertaining.
- Enjoy: Host your Al Fresco event and stay out till the sun goes down.
- Share: Go on social media and send us some snaps of your Al Fresco event to win prizes.
Keith Nicholson, Chair of the Garden Industry Marketing Board and Marketing Director at Westland Horticulture, said: “It is fantastic to see how the industry has embraced this event with a variety of on and offline offers to entice customers through the door. It’s such a simple, yet effective concept – inspiring customers to enjoy their outside space simply by eating in it!
“We believe that by eating outside this all-important consumer group will look at their outdoor space and start thinking about how they want to improve it. This is the all important first step to becoming a regular garden centre visitor.”
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The HTA National Plant Show takes place at Stoneleigh Park near Coventry in Warwickshire on Tuesday and Wednesday (June 21-22). Discover five reasons why you should be there.
- Be wowed by a record number of new plants...The HTA National Plant Show is guaranteed to be bursting to the brim with lots of innovative and exciting new plants. Make sure you stop by the New Plant Area to be inspired by the record number of entries in the New Plant Awards, sponsored by the Royal Horticultural Society and visitor vote sponsored by Floramedia.
- Educate yourself and improve your business... Make sure you visit the Seminar Area to watch the free seminars to learn more about inspiring topics and to leave your colleagues amazed as you bring new and exciting ideas to your business. Including a special preview of our New Plant Award winners.
- Visit the new HTA Village...The HTA Village offers a place for you to meet a wide range of experts to ensure you are maximising the benefits of your HTA membership. Why not take a break, meet with colleagues and suppliers, talk, learn, think and plan in the village!
- Get inspired...Visit our Retail Concept Experience and retail displays around the show to get ideas for retailing in your store and how you can use display to target your market spender segments.
- Most exhibitors yet...There are more exhibiting companies than ever before so make sure you give yourself plenty of time to work the show and make new contacts as well as catching up with existing suppliers!
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Wyevale Nurseries enters New Plant Awards at HTA Show
Wyevale Nurseries has submitted a range of plants including Hydrangea Magical Four Seasons ‘Ruby Tuesday’, Hydrangea ‘Wedding Gown’, Ligustrum ‘Sunshine’ and Lupin ‘Purple Emperor’ to the National Plant Show’s New Plant Awards, which take place on June 21 and 22 in Warwickshire...
 Wyevale Nurseries has submitted a range of plants including Hydrangea Magical Four Seasons ‘Ruby Tuesday’, Hydrangea ‘Wedding Gown’, Ligustrum ‘Sunshine’ and Lupin ‘Purple Emperor’ to the National Plant Show’s New Plant Awards, which take place on June 21 and 22 in Warwickshire.
Ben Gregory, Product Development Coordinator at Wyevale Nurseries in Hereford, said: “We have also entered a range of Dahlias in to the awards including Dahlia ‘Lemon Sherbet’, Dahlia ‘Rhubarb & Custard’, Dahlia ‘Strawberry Bon Bon’ and Dahlia ‘White Cockatoo’.
“Three of the Dahlias – ‘Lemon Sherbet’, ‘Strawberry Bon Bon’ and ‘Rhubarb & Custard’ are part of a series we have named Dahlia Sweet Candy.
“All of the Dahlias, including Dahlia ‘White Cockatoo’, are brand new to the market and are exclusive to us. They have also all been produced by New World Plants in Herefordshire.
“The New Plant Awards are at the heart of the show as they showcase the best in new plant introductions from UK suppliers. We’re looking forward to seeing how our plants fair and what the industry experts have to say about them. Fingers crossed we come back with a win.”
The Dahlia Sweet Candy Series have a uniform height across the whole series and are very floriferous. They have sturdy stems and are strong, vigorous plants. The Dahlias have a long flowering time across the summer until the first frosts and as they are tall growing are ideal for mid-back borders.
Dahlia ‘White Cockatoo’ has very large ivory white flowers that contrast against dark, almost black foliage. It is compact in habit, only 60cm tall with flowers held tightly just above the foliage.
Ben added: “Hydrangea Magical Four Seasons ‘Ruby Tuesday’ is also naturally compact and ideal for pots. It grows up to 80cm tall and has good mildew and disease resistance. Its large, tough flower heads develop colour throughout the season offering a long sales window.
“It is a great garden plant and will guarantee a summer full of colour on the patio or balcony and will continue to flower well into the autumn.
“Hydrangea ‘Wedding Gown’ has a large number of early fully double white flowers, which develop on strong stems. These flower heads explode in early spring as ivory white mopheads and develop into lacecap as the flower rings grow. ‘Wedding Gown’ is also a repeat flowering Hydrangea, with the first flush of flowers in the spring and will continue to flower on same season growth throughout the rest of the year until autumn.”
Ligustrum ‘Sunshine’ is a low-growing hedge that doesn’t bloom. It is quick growing but compact in size and performs best in full sun to obtain the best yellow colour and does not scorch. Ligustrum ‘Sunshine’ is very hardy and responds very well to trimming and can be used to create an array of topiary.
Lupin ‘Purple Emperor’ is a vigourous grower with multi spike flower heads. It is a high impact plant with thick flower spikes of rich purple and cream. This Lupin has a long flowering time from early summer onwards and tolerant of a wide range of soils.
To view the plants, please visit the Wyevale Nurseries stand at the show, which is 152/161.
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Squire’s Garden Centres are celebrating their 80th anniversary this year, and what better way to celebrate then by creating a Show Garden at The RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show, which is on from 5th-10th July 2016.
The Show Gardens are the jewel in the crown of any flower show, and this year will be no exception with “Squire’s 80th Anniversary Garden” (Stand Number HC431) - a beautifully designed yet very achievable garden, the idea being that you can take a lot of the elements from the garden and recreate the look at home.
Squire’s have taken a linear rectangular space (a very similar size to an average back garden), and the brief was to create an elegant yet practical design for a couple with grown-up children.
The garden will include a relaxing entertaining area, a lush lawn, sculptural trees and hedges, a water feature going across the garden, and a productive area at the end of the garden for growing your own.
It will also have an innovative pergola/terrace covering with a bladed roof system that can be operated by remote control to allow the sunlight in, or to close the roof completely if it rains.
Two sumptuous deep-seated armchairs for the garden will complete the stylish look.
The garden will feel private and enveloping, with soft and structural planting, using a warm summer colour palette of whites, reds, oranges and yellows – a nod to the colours in the Squire’s logo.
Key plants are likely to include Cirsium ‘Frosted Magic’, Echinacea ‘Big Kahuna’, Cosmos ‘Xanthos’, as well as a selection of trees and shrubs. The garden is designed by Catherine MacDonald of Landform, who has 10 years experience at Chelsea, as well as 5 years experience at Hampton Court, where her two Show Gardens have both won Gold and Best In Category.
Sarah Squire (Deputy Chairman at Squire’s) commented: “We are very excited about our Show Garden at Hampton Court this year. This is a very special show to us. It is very local so it gives us the opportunity to meet lots of our customers face-to-face in a relaxed atmosphere.
"At the same time it showcases some really top quality garden design and fantastic plant material all against the amazing backdrop of the Palace.
"It is a truly enchanting location for a flower show. Our thanks must go to Catherine MacDonald and Mark Gregory of Landform for interpreting our brief so well, and also to Garden House Design for their pergola/terrace covering, and to London Stone for the paving.”
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Due to a family bereavement it was not possible to produce the GTN Bestsellers charts for week ending Sunday 12th July and the GTN Bestsellers weekly newsletters last week.
Normal service will be resumed this week. Apologies to all of the GTN Bestsellers subscribers.
GTN's Greatest Plant Retailing Team Awards will be presented at 2:00pm on Wednesday 22nd June in the Seminar Theatre at the HTA National Plant Show, Stoneleigh.
Our team of experts has been travelling the length and breadth of the UK to meet all of the nominated plants team in the search for The Greatest for 2016.
Garden centre plants teams have also been nominating and voting for The Greatest Plant Supplier of the Year Awards which will also be presented on Wednesday.
See you there!
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Plantarea Assistant Bedding Plants (ref:DS8419)
Location: Essex
Salary: Depending on experience
Date: 03 Jun
Job Type: Full-Time
Duration: Permanent
Our client is seeking a Plant Area Assistant (Bedding Plants) to be a full-time member of their Plant Area team that has won numerous awards. They grow the majority of their bedding and seasonal plants on site in the nursery, and set high standards for the quality of plants which they grow and sell.
They create displays which help their customers to purchase, and thus increase sales. They are looking for someone who can combine knowledge of bedding plants and gardening with excellent customer service skills. As part of this role you will be working in the greenhouses moving and displaying plants, plant care & maintenance and of course delivering great customer service.
The Role
Key duties:
- You will undertake daily watering, maintenance and stocking up of the bedding plant areas.
- You will confidently answer customer queries and be knowledgeable about planting combinations and looking after plants.
- You will create commercial displays, which inform and inspire customers and encourage linked sales. When needed you will assist in other areas of the business, including nursery production.
The Candidate
Your capabilities:
- You'll have a passion for plants. You must be able to thrive in a fast paced environment, be commercially aware and understand how to care for plants in a retail environment.
- You understand what makes a high quality shopping experience for your customers.
- You are creative, and know effective planting combinations.
- Ability to bend and lift plants, and to pull/push trolleys and barrows requirements.
- Horticultural experience essential, whether that's in the form of a relevant qualification and/or experience of working in a garden centre, plant retail or a similar environment.
- Good plant knowledge essential
- Good customer service & communication skills - essential
- You'll need to work five days a week, including one day at the weekend.
- You'll need to work some bank holidays (as part of a rota with other assistants), but will be given a day's holiday in lieu and paid time and a half.
- Report into the Assistant Supervisor (Bedding).
- Work closely with Assistants in the Plant Area (Outdoor, Bedding & Houseplant), Nursery and Retail areas.
- Occasionally work with other supervisors and office staff.
Package:
- Hourly wage to be discussed (paid time and a half at weekends). In addition you will receive the following benefits:
- Discount after one year - employees are entitled to receive discount for the garden centre (some exceptions apply).
- Paid holiday holiday entitlement is 20 days per year, plus bank holidays. Restrictions apply.
- Bonuses are discretionary according to business performance, in Summer and at Christmas.
- Part-uniform provided
- Training & development, as required
To apply for this role click here
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Sales & Marketing Exec Landscape Amenity Sector (ref:DS8417)
Location: Lincolnshire
Salary: £30,000 - £35,000
Date: 03 Jun
Job Type: Full-Time
Duration: Permanent
Based in Lincolnshire but working across the UK, this newly established Tree & Shrub Nursery is currently looking to recruit a Field Sales & Marketing Executive to sell their plants into the Local Authority, Amenity and Landscaping Markets. They strive to grow and supply exceptional quality plants to the landscape sector and garden centres, while providing outstanding customer service.
The Role
- The successful candidate will be part of this expanding team and will be responsible for increasing the customer data base around the country by cold calling and business developing.
- The Field Sales Executive will be required to work a 50/50 split between field /office so may be based partly from home. Though they will need to be present in the office during the week as well so should be no more than one and a half hours from the office.
The Candidate
The Ideal candidate will need to have: - Good plant knowledge and business acumen to develop the business with existing and new customers.
- Ideally they will already have a portfolio of clients to start with from previous roles.
- Additionally, candidates should have the ability to put together and deliver professional presentations.
- The position could require a large amount of travelling visiting clients or representing the company at trade shows so they must be prepared to get out on the road and also stay overnight if necessary.
- A good level of computer literacy in Microsoft office would be required.
- Candidates must also have a full driving licence.
Salary: £30,000 -£35,000 DOE + Car & Commission
To apply for this role click here
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Soft Landscaping Team Leader (ref:DS8398)
Location: Hertfordshire
Salary: £18,500 - £22,500
Date: 26 May
Job Type: Full-Time
Duration: Permanent
Based out of their Ware Depo in Hertfordshire, this UK based Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance Company is looking for a skilled and experienced soft landscaping Team Leader to work on various projects around Herfordshire and the neighbouring counties.
Reporting to the Landscape Contracts Manager
The role
- Supervise a team of staff carrying out landscaping schemes on corporate and commercial sites. Mainly soft plantings but there may be some elements of hard, such as paths, paving or fencing as well.
- Be responsible for all equipment on site
- Be responsible for ensuring that Health & Safety standards are observed and reporting any issues to the Contracts Manager
- Liaise with the client on site and also the Contacts Manager to ensure that projects are carried out in accordance with the clients wishes.
The candidate
For this role they are seeking an experienced supervisor with good hands-on skills within the soft landscaping sector who has experience managing teams of 3 or more operatives.
Good plant knowledge and the ability to read planting plants / design schematics
Full Driving Licence and Trailer/towing Licence
Salary
£9-11.00 per Hour depending on skills and experience
Overtime is also available and expected
To apply for this role click here
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Garden Centre Plantarea | Horticultural Manager (ref:DS8390)
Location: Cheshire
Salary: £20,000 - £22,000
Date: 26 May
Job Type: Full-Time
Duration: Permanent
We are seeking an outstanding Plantarea Person with great merchandising and retail skills to take the role of Horticultural Manager of this Cheshire based garden centre which is part of a Nationwide group that are continually growing and developing their leading garden centres across England and Wales.
The Role
Horticultural / Plantarea Manager based Cheshire
The role will be to take responsibility for one of the largest departments within the centre. As Horticulture / Plantarea Manager you will look after the day to day merchandising and maintenance of the plant stock as well as motivating the team to provide the highest standard of customer service. The role will also have duty management responsibility across the entire centre.
The Candidate
For this role we are seeking a leader with superb retail experience to head this busy department.
Candidates MUST HAVE strong horticultural knowledge both practical and academic and be able to demonstrate a very high level of plant knowledge.
The plantarea is the focus point of any garden centre and your standards for customer service, merchandising and the little details that make a department special will make you stand out. Experience within a garden centre is desirable as is supervisory skills.
To apply for this role click here
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The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has announced that Carol Klein is to be an Ambassador for the new fifth garden, RHS Garden Bridgewater in Salford, Greater Manchester. In this new role, the renowned gardener will champion RHS Garden Bridgewater as it evolves and eventually opens to the public in 2019.
Speaking yesterday at the site in Worsley, Salford, Klein said: “When I heard about the future RHS Garden Bridgewater I couldn’t believe it: my grandfather's first job was as a garden boy at the garden - it felt like real serendipity. I am thrilled to be an RHS ambassador for this unique place, and I cannot wait to see how it develops.”
Klein, a much-loved presenter of BBC Gardeners’ World
and gardening writer, joins Floella Benjamin, Alan Titchmarsh, Mary Berry, Nick Knowles, Chris Beardshaw, Jekka McVicar, Adam Frost, George Hassall and Jamie Butterworth as RHS Ambassadors.
Klein continued: “I hope everyone loves this garden as much as I know I will and I look forward to the people of Manchester and Salford having somewhere close at hand to celebrate gardening.”
The 154-acre RHS Garden Bridgewater is planned to open in 2019 as part of the RHS wider 10-year £160 million investment programme to achieve its Vision to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.
World-class landscape architect Tom Stuart-Smith, who was appointed to create the garden masterplan in November, has already shared his initial proposals for the 154-acre garden, which include:
o An arrival experience planted as a perennial meadow with a network of web-like paths guiding visitors to the historic walled garden.
o The magnificent ten-acre walled garden, one of Worsley’s most impressive original features.
o A new lake, linking the visitor building to the heart of the historic landscape of the garden which is formed by the Nesfield terraces and the original lake.
o A large open café terrace to the east which will allow visitors to enjoy refreshments while looking over the water and into the heart of the garden.
All plans at this stage are subject to lease and planning permission. The RHS is working with the owners of the historic estate, Peel Land and Property, and Salford City Council to bring the historic garden to fruition.
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One of the UK’s fastest growing trade shows – Harrogate Christmas & Gift – appointed Malcolm Naish, managing director of Lema Publishing, as its new chairman during its AGM in London.
Malcolm (pictured left) is a well known figure in the gift industry publishing magazine titles such as Gifts Today; Christmas in January and February; Toys n Playthings and Greetings Today to name just a few. The role of chairman was handed over by Robert Anslow (pictured right) who was thanked for his contribution and commitment to the show during his two-year term. Malcolm commented: “I am delighted and honoured to represent Harrogate Christmas & Gift as chairman. The show has gone from strength to strength in recent years and is fast becoming one of the most important trade events of the year not only for companies in the Christmas sector, but those in gift, garden and home ware too. Robert has done a sterling job as chairman and I look forward to contributing to the continuing success of the show.” Harrogate Christmas & Gift is at the Harrogate International Centre from 8th to 11th January 2017. For more information visit: www.harrogatefair.com
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Growers of ornamental young plants with business excellence are encouraged to enter the International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH) International Grower of the Year Awards (IGOTY) 2017.
In partnership with Founding Partner, FloraCulture International (FCI), the awards recognise best practice in horticultural production. There is a specific category for growers of cuttings, plugs, liners, seedlings etc., which are sold for growing on. Other categories include cut flowers and finished plants and trees.
Winning the gold award in 2016 was Florensis, Germany/Netherlands. Silver went to Kunming Hongzhihua Gardening Co. Ltd, China, and bronze to Shanghai Yuanyi Seedling Co. Ltd, China.
Florensis is an innovative, second-generation family business that has proven its success over the years. Since 1941 it has provided professional growers with new varieties and plant propagation material. More than 2,000 devoted and skilled employees in Europe (with its head office in the Netherlands) and throughout the world produce more than 900 million young plants from seed and cuttings each year. The company specialises in annuals, perennials, pot plants, primroses, pansies and cut flowers. It supplies growers with an unrivalled assortment of more than 4,000 different varieties of plants and flowers of the very highest quality, grown using the most innovative and sustainable technologies.
The jury commented that Florensis is “A global company which dominates in its area of expertise, and is an outstanding and professional performer in the young plant industry. The business focuses on continuous improvement by following a well thought out strategic program, with a broad, state of the art and high quality product assortment.”
Mr. Leo Hoogendoorn, CEO Florensis, IGOTY Young Plants Gold winner 2016, said about the win, “It’s feeling a bit like winning the gold medal in the Olympics. It’s a great way for a company and its staff to be rewarded. I recommend everybody who thinks they are out standing in our industry to apply for this award.”
Once again the awards will take place during IPM Essen, Germany. The event commences with a drinks reception followed by a gala dinner and ceremony hosted by Chris Beytes, Editor of US based GrowerTalks. After the awards there will be an evening of celebration with live entertainment and international networking.
The deadline for entries is 31 July 2016. Last year ornamentals growers from Canada, China, Germany, Netherlands, Turkey, UK and USA reached the finals.
For more information, including a video from the IGOTY 2016 awards, visit: www.aiph.org/groweroftheyear
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Stewart Garden’s Blenheim Half Barrels let you to establish your own container water garden and attract wildlife to your garden.
They’re made from high-grade plastic, yet look every bit like the authentic wooden barrels that inspired them. This means you can achieve the style with durability and you get a barrel that’s lightweight and easy to move around, even when full.
Container water gardens are one of 2016’s top garden trends. You can create one at any time of year as all you need is a permanently damp outdoor location where moisture-loving plants can thrive. A more suitable option than a pond for families with young children, it’ll also attract frogs and toads. Dragonflies and damselflies will perch on the taller grasses and other plants will attract bees and butterflies.
Getting started
Getting your container water garden started is easy – simply:
fill one third of your Stewart Garden Blenheim Half Barrel with gravel
put a mixture of 30 per cent sand and 70 per cent peat moss on top of the gravel to create your soil
wet the soil completely
leave the barrel to sit for one week, keeping the soil wet
place your plants where you want them and continue to keep the soil wet
Gunneras, water forget-me-nots, grasses, ferns, lilies and brightly painted wildflowers will help you create a colourful feature that’s uniquely yours.
The Stewart Garden Blenheim Half Barrel is available in two sizes and two new colours this season.
40 cm Copper or Pewter RRP (recommended retail price) £19.99
60 cm Copper or Pewter RRP (recommended retail price) £44.99
As with all Stewart Garden planters, the Blenheim Half Barrels are durable and resistant to frosts and ultra violet rays. This means they’ll keep their shape and their colour, whatever the seasons throw at them.
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The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) has been shortlisted in two categories in the Trade Association Forum (TAF) Awards 2016.
The categories shortlisted are:
- Exhibition of the Year for the HTA National Plant Show
- Magazine of the Year for HTA News
Now in its fourteenth year the Trade Association Awards recognise, reward and promote best practice amongst trade associations in the UK and are a chance for TAF members to showcase the hard work and achievements of the last 12 to 18 months.
Commenting on the announcement HTA Chief Executive Carol Paris said, “The TAF Awards present a great opportunity to benchmark our work against that of other trade associations and we are delighted to be finalists in two categories.”
She adds, “The HTA National Plant Show has gone from strength to strength and established itself as a milestone event in the horticultural calendar. It presents a great industry opportunity for growers and retailers to come together to do business. HTA News has established itself as a key trade title and is a ‘must read’ publication for news, information and inspiration.”
The winners will be announced at the Awards dinner in London on 6 July which follows the TAF Conference and AGM.
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The June issue of Garden Trade News is packed full of advice and information for garden retailing professionals.
- Exclusive SOLEX Preview.
- Rreview of Chelsea Flower Show - Spotlight on new plant varieties.
- Garden industry has its say on the EU Referendum.
- Look ahead to the HTA National Plant Show.
- Great retailing tips from Rising Stars.
- Insights into property and planning.
- How a GIMA Award can launch a product to great success.
To find out how you can receive your copy of Garden Trade News every month email karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk
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Every week GTN receives and analyses epos data from a number of UK garden centres to produce the GTN Bestsellers charts and weekly bestsellers sales tips. The full charts which provide useful insight into product sales peaks, new trends and new link sales opportunities are published in the weekly GTN Xtra printed newsletter.
As the year goes on we give sales volume comparisons with 2014 as well as 2015 to allow your teams to see variations over a three year period. Access is by subscription only. For £145.00 per year you and your team can have access to the most up-to-date gardening sales analysis that has already helped many UK garden centres increase their sales. To subscribe call 01733 775700, e-mail karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk or buy on-line using this link.
Highlights of the GTN Garden Products Bestsellers chart for this week are here
Highlights of the GTN Veg-2-Gro Products Bestsellers chart for this week are here
Highlights of the GTN Growing Media Bestsellers chart for this week are here WARNING the GTN Bestsellers Charts seriously improve the business of our subscribers. Invest 15 minutes each week in improving your sales using the GTN Bestsellers charts and your turnover and customer satisfaction will improve too.
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Get the GTN Bestsellers charts in full every week in the GTN Bestsellers newsletters delivered via the post for only £145.00.
GTN Bestsellers is the only industry source of weekly garden centre sales information, collating Epos data from centres with an aggregate turnover in excess of £120m.
Use the weekly Garden Products and Growing Media Top 50 sales volumes charts to plan your hotspot and other promotions and ensure you have the right products in stock to satisfy the needs of your customers.
For further information contact karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk or call 01733 775700.
Buy your subscription today and start receiveing the GTN Bestsellers charts this week.
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All the latest news from the world of garden centre catering
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Big name catering equipment buyers, specifiers, distributors, and consultants from across the UK were out in force at the NEC Birmingham last week on 7-8 June – checking out the latest new products and services on offer at Commercial Kitchen.
The UK’s first trade show designed to accommodate all of the many vertical sectors served by the commercial kitchen industry, Commercial Kitchen delivered on its promise to be the dedicated event that the dynamic catering equipment market had been waiting for.
Offering its visitors the opportunity to meet up with existing and potential suppliers, to network, discover new products, enjoy expert Keynotes and panel discussions, and keep up with changing market trends, the first edition of Commercial Kitchen attracted 1,723 attendees and has been hailed as a significant and overwhelming success by its organiser, Diversified Communications UK.
More importantly, feedback from across the show floor has been full of praise for the launch and the high quality of visitors in attendance; with over one in three visitors citing a corporate spend of over £500k (10% reported over £5million).
“It’s an amazing show and I’m sure it’s going to get bigger and bigger as the years go on. The quality of the equipment here is phenomenal,” says celebrity chef and restauranteur Theo Randall.
“As someone who wants the best equipment for our teams and customers, Commercial Kitchen was a good and very relevant show. I look forward to attending again and watching this important event grow over the coming years,” says Dirk Wissmann, senior equipment buyer at Pret A Manger.
“Great show, I really enjoyed it. It is always important to keep up-to-date with industry improvements and innovations. Commercial Kitchen was a compact and focused show, and I was able to network with some new and innovative suppliers for the future roll out of our restaurants,” says Jon Parry, construction manager at YO! Sushi.
“I enjoyed seeing what the Commercial Kitchen show had to offer, and meeting with various supply partners and potential new ones – it’s been a long time coming, a show that focuses on the kitchen or back of house, and it was a great opportunity to focus on many differing aspects of the ‘engine room’ of our various food businesses,” says Chez Gawen, technical manager at Pizza Hut, Yum Restaurants International.
Adam Mason, director general of CEDA, the show’s major association partner was also full of praise for the show’s launch edition "Commercial Kitchen proved to be a very rewarding partnership for CEDA in terms of business leads for our Members and Partners. We took enquiries from the end-user market in the UK and also for several international ventures targeting the UK and overseas. The CEDA Design Gallery, featuring the overall winners from our 2016 Grand Prix Awards, was a real hit with many of the visitors. CEDA was proud to be directly involved in the well-received seminars and we are already looking forward to building on our great relationship with the show's organisers to support the development of an even stronger event in 2017."
The show’s aisles were buzzing with a ‘who’s who’ of the sector, including many of the UK’s biggest foodservice, hospitality and leisure businesses. Among them were Pizza Hut, Pizza Express, Azzurri Group, TGI Friday’s, wagamama, YO! Sushi, JD Wetherspoon, Admiral Taverns, Fuller’s, Marston’s, Geronimo Inns, Bill's Restaurants, Hilton, Premier Inn, Travelodge, Bourne Leisure (Haven, Butlins and Warner Leisure Hotels), Searcys, Pret A Manger, Parkwood Leisure, Redcomb Pubs, Hall & Woodhouse, Macdonald Hotels & Resorts, Wahaca, Stonegate Pub Company, Luxury Family Hotels, Costa Coffee, and SSP Group.
Leading contract caterers were also there in force from Compass, Sodexo, WSH (BaxterStorey, Caterlink and Holroyd Howe), and Gather & Gather – plus key buyers from supermarkets (Waitrose, Tesco, and Sainsbury’s), universities, schools, hospitals, care homes, local authorities, and quality independent operators.
Visiting distributors included C&C Catering Equipment, Alliance, Gratte Brothers Catering Equipment, Brakes Catering Equipment, Bidvest Foodservice, Airedale Group, ScoMac Catering Equipment, Modo-CKD, Tailor Made CES, Direct Kitchen Equipment, Certa Catering Equipment Supply, BETTAquip, and YCE Catering Equipment.
“What makes Commercial Kitchen so unique is that it brings together operators from all types of kitchens, allowing everyone to learn from each other and to see the full spectrum of products available for all commercial kitchens, whatever their size or need,” says group event director Chris Brazier. “From our speakers and exhibitors to the visitors themselves – the who’s who of the commercial kitchen industry were at the show doing business.
“Big thanks really must go to all our exhibitors and partners who have supported the launch of Commercial Kitchen right from the start. We knew that expectations were going to be high – particularly because there’s been nothing quite like it before. But the way it has been so positively received has been truly amazing.
"We now have an exceptional foundation from which to grow and develop over the coming years,” he says.
Looking ahead to 2017, over 50% of the show’s 80 exhibiting companies have already rebooked (many have already requested to increase the size of their stands). In addition, there has been significant interest from a raft of new companies ensuring that exhibition space will be expanded for next year.
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