After the devastating fire that caused the loss of over £20m of stock and the complete Daventry warehouse last week, Gardman are planning first shipments for week commencing 26th March...
After the devastating fire that caused the loss of over £20m of stock and the complete Daventry warehouse last week, Gardman are planning first shipments for week commencing 26th March. In a statement issued to GTN Xtra this morning Gardman say:
"Following the fire at our warehouse in Daventry on 12th March, we can confirm that we will use our warehouse at Kings Lynn to supply customers until a permanent warehousing solution has been identified. Through next week, we will divert our stock sat at UK ports and stock arriving from overseas to the Kings Lynn site. We are also planning to supply an essential range of Wild Bird Care products from our UK and European suppliers, again through our Kings Lynn facility. We estimate it will take us five days to get our operation up and running. Therefore, we are planning first shipments w/c 26th March. We will confirm the exact details of the range next week."
"In the meantime, we continue to liaise with Northamptonshire Police and the other emergency services and remain thankful that there were no injuries."
"We have received many expressions of support from our customers and suppliers and we would like to thank you all for your patience during this difficult period as we put our recovery plan into action."
"We will continue to update you as we progress via our website www.gardman.co.uk"
A Gardman spokesman added: "We're going to work through the detail of orders tomorrow and through the week. We'll communicate daily to ensure we're giving our customers the most up to date information. Sorry we can't be more specific until we regroup tomorrow."
GTN Xtra Comment
We send our sincere support to the team at Gardman as they work through their business recovery plans. When we met with the Gardman team in February they told us they had £21million of stock in their 414,000 sq foot warehouse at the time, £5m more than usual to allow for the change in warehousing. The building which cost an estimated £30 million had spaces for 75,000 pallets and there were 25 vehicles arriving every day with deliveries from the UK and Europe and containers from the Far East.
Looking through the gallery of photos we took that day (see some below) it's easy to see how the fire spread once it took hold as just the stocks of bamboo canes, rolls of screening and bird tables alone would create an inferno, let alone the thousands of cardboard boxes full of products.
There is no way the rest of the industry can make up for over £20million of stock lost in the fire just like that so there will undoubtedly be some shortages of products until stocks and supplies are re-plenished.
Fortunately garden centres are great at selling plants, coffee, cake, gifts, clothing and much more, creating wonderful retail experiences, so we’re sure there will be plenty of creative thinking going on to make sure sales opportunities are still maximised and customers satisfied.
On behalf of all at Garden Trade News and the whole UK garden retailing industry we wish the Gardman team well.
Mike Lind, Chairman of The Garden Centre Association (GCA) said: “The GCA are devastated for Gardman following the recent fire at their Daventry HQ. The GCA extends its heart-felt thoughts and sympathies to all the company’s directors and staff and further offers its support and best wishes to the company in restoring its full business activity as soon as is practically possible.”
Mike Lind, Chairman of The Garden Centre Association (GCA) said: “The GCA are devastated for Gardman following the recent fire at their Daventry HQ.
“The fire has completely destroyed Gardman’s main UK warehouse and distribution centre.
“Gardman have worked extremely hard over the last few months to ensure they were able to provide the best products and services to all their customers in time for the busy spring season.
“Gardman are a long-standing and active member of the GCA who have always been fully engaged in the association’s activities as well as supporting a large number of GCA members’ businesses.
“The GCA extends its heart-felt thoughts and sympathies to all the company’s directors and staff and further offers its support and best wishes to the company in restoring its full business activity as soon as is practically possible.”
Following the success of the relaunch in September 2017, Garden Pride have taken on several new lines of hanging baskets, coco liners, jute liners and pre lined troughs...
Following the success of the relaunch in September 2017, Garden Pride have taken on several new lines of hanging baskets, coco liners, jute liners and pre lined troughs.
Maxine Vincent from Garden Pride has said: “We have always stocked large ranges of standard and premium hanging baskets however over the last couple of years we have begun to dabble in a lot more pre lined products and replacement liners.
"The success of those items has led us into investing in a much larger range for 2018 which is now all in stock and ready for immediate delivery.
"We have introduced the Hens Mesh range, this consists of 7 products all of the same style ranging from hanging baskets, to herb planters and wall planters.
"Having an array such as this allows garden centres to stock our whole range whilst still having a variety and for customers to be able to continue a theme throughout their gardens. We also have a new ‘Gothic’ range which is more contemporary featuring 3 hanging baskets. A round, square and tear drop style basket.
"Focusing on the more traditional garden essentials we have 3 new trough planters, all coming pre lined and with replacement liners available to buy separately.
"After speaking to customers, we have determined the 3 most used sizes are 24”, 30” and 36”.
"We also have a pre lined wrought iron hanging basket which comes in 12”,14”,16”,18” again with replacement liners available. All of our individual liners come separately labelled and many have merchandisers for ease of displaying them."
Order fast for delivery before Easter.
Sales Office: 01903 761222 Luke Finnegan (Sales Manager): 07764 225870
A sunny day, you'd almost think it was spring, greeted nearly 100 Greenfingers Charity supporters at Wyevale Worlds End on Friday for the fourth annual Garden Re-Leaf Day sponsored walk and first ever Garden Re-Leaf Day sponsored cycle ride...
A sunny day, you'd almost think it was spring, greeted nearly 100 Greenfingers Charity supporters at Wyevale Worlds End on Friday for the fourth annual Garden Re-Leaf Day sponsored walk and first ever sponsored cycle ride.
This year 70 people took part in The Great Garden Re-Leaf Day event, some taking the 10 mile walking route, some the 20 mile route and a group of cyclists completed up to 100 miles on the day riding a 25 mile lap.
Wyevale Worlds End Garden Centre hosted this years event providing food and drinks for the walkers, riders and supporters during the day. Huge thanks to all of the Wyevale team for making the day so enjoyable.
As you'll see from our gallery of photos below the walkers had to endure very muddy conditions along the Chiltern footpaths but all arrived back safely and in good spirits on their way to the day raising an expected £75,000 for Greenfingers.
By the evening as the last walkers and riders were returning the planteria staff at Worlds End were fleecing up their plant benches ahead of the expected weather we've ahd to endure again this weekend.
Thank goodness the sun shone once again on Garden Re-Leaf Day.
Green cakes, plantathons galore, quiz nights and more sponsored walk photos are among the many twitter and facebook posts we've seen that have helped raise the profile of gardening with Garden Re-Leaf Day...
Green cakes, plantathons galore, quiz nights and more sponsored walk photos are among the many twitter and facebook posts we've seen that have helped raise the profile of gardening with Garden Re-Leaf Day 2018.
Some industry folk even turned green for the day!
See our gallery below of images on twitter and facebook. If your's isn't there send it to us on an e-mail: trevor.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk and we will gladly add it.10 minutes ago
Mother’s Day and some warmer weather helped the bounce back after the “Beast from the East” but sales levels didn’t get back to previous years’ levels so there is now plenty of ground to make up as we move towards Easter. And then we get this today...
Mother’s Day and some warmer weather helped the bounce back after the “Beast from the East” but sales levels didn’t get back to previous years’ levels so there is now plenty of ground to make up as we move towards Easter. And we didn't need the snow this weekend
The fire at Gardman’s Daventry warehouse now adds an extra dimension to this year’s sales. We send our sincere support to the team at Gardman as they work through their business recovery plans. There is no way the rest of the industry can make up for the £millions of stock lost in the fire so there will undoubtedly be some changes in the Bestsellers charts this year until stocks and supplies are re-plenished.
Fortunately garden centres are great at selling plants, coffee, cake, gifts, clothing and much more, creating wonderful retail experiences, so we’re sure there will be plenty of creative thinking going on to make sure sales opportunities are still maximised and customers satisfied once the snow has gone away.
On behalf of all at Garden Trade News and the whole UK garden retailing industry we wish the Gardman team well.
GTN Bestsellers Top 50 sales volumes compared to the same week last year (week 10)
Thank goodness it didn’t snow over Mother’s Day weekend! The warmer weather had a good effect on plant sales but they were still short of total sales levels for the same week last year...
Thank goodness it didn’t snow over Mother’s Day weekend! The warmer weather had a good effect on plant sales but they were still short of total sales levels for the same week last year.
Pre-planted arrangements and pots sold particularly well so there were plenty of plants given as gifts even if not so many were bought for planting outside.
Highlights were:
Primula proved the most popular plant for Mother’s Day with sales up 313% on the previous week.
Pansy sales recovered to move back up to No 5.
Young Petunia plants proved very popular, climbing 29 places to No 16.
All Plants volume sales change: Week on week UP 390.7%. Year to date DOWN 4.2% on 2017.
Anthea McIntyre, Conservative agriculture spokesman in the European Parliament, has been appointed to a special committee on pesticides and will lead as Coordinator for the European Conservatives and Reformists group. The committee has been set up in the wake of an attempt by some MEPs to ban the popular weedkiller glyphosate.
Anthea McIntyre, Conservative agriculture spokesman in the European Parliament, has been appointed to a special committee on pesticides and will lead as Coordinator for the European Conservatives and Reformists group.
The committee has been set up in the wake of an attempt by some MEPs to ban the popular weedkiller glyphosate.
Sitting for nine months, it will examine the scientific evaluation of glyphosate, the world's most commonly-used weed killer, which was eventually relicensed for five years by the EU in December after months of uncertainty.
The committee will also consider wider issues around the authorisation of pesticides and how the EU applies scientific advice in weighing risk.
Miss McIntyre, Conservative MEP for the West Midlands, said: "My message will be that the science must come first, last and always in deciding the safety and effectiveness of pesticides.
"Scare stories and rogue studies must never lead the process. Instead we need to weigh the full body of scientific research and heed the advice of our own experts.
"The glyphosate controversy was a prime example of people putting scaremongering before science for reasons of political convenience. It nearly resulted in farmers losing their most effective weapon against plant pests, with zero gain for public health.
"A ban would have been bad for rural livelihoods, bad for food prices and bad for the environment - because alternatives methods to using glyphosate harm biodiversity."
Miss McIntyre will be joined on the Committee by her fellow West Midlands MEP Daniel Dalton.
Grafter is a new and easy digital solution for business to rapidly engage project, short term and seasonal workers, and has already attracted over 12,000 registered users...
Grafter is a new and easy digital solution for business to rapidly engage project, short term and seasonal workers. The concept was conceived by Tom Cape and co-founded with Richard Knight in June 2017.
Following a 156% overfunding raise in October 2017, Grafter has already attracted over 12,000 registered users.
With a range of skills and experience in technology, digital startups, business development and finance, the Founders also share a passion for building and property development which in turn helped shape their insights for the Grafter business.
Tom Cape recognized an opportunity when he tried to find people to shift concrete on a small building project. To his great frustration, he couldn’t find anybody to fulfill the job - despite knowing there were local people out there. A similar challenge was experienced by Richard so they resolved to tackle the problem together.
Through further research, it became apparent that a large number of business sectors including farming and building required a faster route to find non-specialist workers. Coupled with the fact that flexible working has become a positive choice for millions of people - from millenials to the retired - the Grafter business was born.
Grafter is designed for businesses seeking project, short term or seasonal workers in building/construction, farming, landscaping, delivery, warehousing, leisure, events and factory/light industry and self-employed workers seeking flexible or short term work that doesn’t demand qualified skills or past experience.
As Tom Cape explains, Grafter is fit for the demanding needs of business and workers both now and the future. “We recognise the way people want to work and the type of work available is changing rapidly. Grafter is the first digital service that engages all types of flexible workers with local business in just a few steps – making the process of finding work and workers, swift, cost-effective and trustworthy too”.
Whether its labourers seeking their next building project, students looking for holiday income or older workers searching for gardening or driving work, Grafter offers a simple sign up process. ‘Grafters’ are able to upload their profiles detailing who they are, where they are located and what they are able to do.
In the case of businesses seeking workers – Grafter offers a managed service including additional value-add services such as tracked messaging, digital contracting, reminder emails and a cashless payment system. At the payment stage, Grafter charges the business a usage fee of 5% plus VAT.
In a fast growing culture of flexible working, Grafter is committed to supporting good practice and fair work. The service only allows jobs to be posted and priced at or above the minimum wage.
The Grafter team is growing – focusing efforts on the brand and its global reach through digital marketing, PR, social media, events, partnerships and direct to market tactics.
As true digital disrupters of the traditional employment marketplace, Grafter plans to amplify its platform in the future making the website a destination for additional services such as tax administration, accounting and a platform for charities to find volunteer workers.
Grafter is available at www.Grafternow.com and the Grafter app is available on iOS and Google Play.
The UK domestic garden products distribution market was worth an estimated £4.9bn in 2017 at retail selling prices (RSP), representing an increase of 3% compared to the previous year...
The UK domestic garden products distribution market was worth an estimated £4.9bn in 2017 at retail selling prices (RSP), representing an increase of 3% compared to the previous year.
Both the weather and the state of the economy influence growth rates within the garden products distribution market. A strong interest in home improvement, which extends to the garden, has also stimulated growth in this sector.
“The DIY sector and garden centres account for the majority of sales of garden products, reflecting their diverse product range, especially in garden equipment and leisure products, but these are facing increasing competition from other channels - in particular online specialists, but also discount chains and grocery stores” said Fiona Watts, Editor at AMA Research.
“Although most larger DIY outlets have embraced the internet as a distribution channel, there is significant scope for existing retailers to develop internet sales, particularly in the garden centre sector.”
The UK is undergoing a period of political and economic uncertainty, as negotiations for Brexit continue. This has created a number of issues, such as potential seasonal labour shortages within the horticultural sector and the rising costs of imported garden products and components. Price competition will, however, constrain market value to some degree, despite any price increases, due to the rising cost of imports.
Our market forecasts assume moderate growth within the garden products distribution sector, from 2018 – 2022, underpinned by sustained demand for housing and interest in home improvement. The market is forecast to grow by around 2% per year until the end of the forecast period, assuming UK weather patterns over this period are not severe.
The ‘Garden Products Distribution Market Report – UK 2018-2022’ report is published by AMA Research, a leading provider of market research and consultancy services with over 25 years’ experience within the construction and home improvement markets. The report is available now and can be ordered online at www.amaresearch.co.uk or by calling 01242 235724.
To celebrate one of the UK’s favourite flowers, Haskins Garden Centre has re-launched an exclusive ‘Name the Rose’ competition across all four of its centres...
To celebrate one of the UK’s favourite flowers, Haskins Garden Centre has re-launched an exclusive ‘Name the Rose’ competition across all four of its centres.
The competition, which is now open, closes on Saturday March 31. Customers are encouraged to visit haskins.co.uk/rose-of-the-year and fill in the entry form for the chance to win the rose and see the name used in all Haskins’ centres.
This year’s rose is a scented floribunda with apricot coloured semi-double flowers. The rose produces sprays of flowers from June to September, growing up to heights of 1.5m. The variety is fully hardy and can handle full sun and partial shade. This particular rose grows on average 25 petals each.
Lisa Looker, brand director at Haskins Garden Centres, said: “This was one of our most popular competitions last year, with over 400 entries and we are delighted to bring it back for 2018. The rose is such a versatile flower and means so many different things to people. Suiting any type of garden, the rose is grown in a vast amount of colours and varieties.”
The winner of the competition will be notified by the end of April and will be invited into their local centre and presented with the rose.
The garden centre group’s renowned Rose Festival returns from May 17 to July 26 and will see the winning rose go on sale to the public. Haskins will also sell 200 other types of roses, including the new range of roses from Peter Beales Roses and David Austin Roses.
Alasdair Urquhart, Haskins’ in-house plant expert, said: “Roses are hungry plants that respond well to generous feeding. They grow well in almost any well drained soil and benefit from a mulch of well-rotted manure during the winter.
“To keep the rose in good condition, regular dead heading is advised. Ideally, roses should be planted in an area exposed to sunlight, but with partial shade.”
Haskins has centres in Ferndown in Dorset, West End in Southampton and Roundstone and Snowhill in West Sussex. For more information visit www.haskins.co.uk
PATS Sandown will be packed with more than 150 companies showcasing an amazing number of new pet products when the two-day exhibition opens its doors to visitors on Tuesday (9.30am, March 20). Register for free entry by clicking here.
PATS, the UK’s number one pet trade exhibition, enters its 10th year with two major shows lined up in 2018, starting at Sandown Park in Surrey next Tuesday (March 20) and followed by a second event at Telford in Shropshire in September.
PATS Sandown will be packed with more than 150 companies showcasing an amazing number of new products, and it promises to be a highly successful event for both exhibitors and visitors alike. Register for free entry by clicking here.
Meanwhile, plans for PATS Telford, being held on September 23-24, are well advanced and the show aims to be bigger and better than ever this year.
Inspired Pet Nutrition were the first company to book a stand with PATS in 2009 under the Wagg brand and have been exhibiting ever since. Trade Sales Director Ben Anderson summed up the importance of a show like PATS by saying: “At IPN we believe in the concept of a trade show – how else can you fully display your entire range of products to your customers under one roof? As our brands and ranges expand, we will continue to utilise the PATS event to showcase these to our customer base.
“The PATS team are experienced, knowledgeable, approachable and go out of their way to ensure the show is a success each and every year. We’re looking forward to another successful 10 years and thanks to all the team at PATS for their hard work in organising such a well run trade show.”
Award-winning Pedigree Wholesale have also supported the PATS team from the outset. “The show is an excellent platform for showcasing new products and brands, as well as meeting both existing and new customers from the specialist independent pet trade,” said Ann Hodson. “The quality of visitors is excellent and we are always delighted with the high number of worthwhile enquiries we get at each show.”
PATS Sandown opens its doors at 9.30am on Tuesday, March 20, and visitors will be greeted by key brands, household names and 37 exhibitors new to PATS Sandown, with potential bestselling items displayed on their stands as well as in the New Product Showcase.
The New Product Showcase, sponsored by pbwnews, is a great opportunity for visiting retailers to see and touch the new products they will be stocking for the coming season.
The Showcase is designed to help buyers to view the latest and most exciting products to hit the pet trade, as they are gathered together in one, extensive display in Surrey Hall’s Brasserie Bar.
All entries in the Showcase will judged by a panel of retailer judges for the New Product Awards on the first morning of the show, so the results will be known and highlighted throughout the Surrey and Esher Halls for the rest of the exhibition.
There will also be a full programme of free retailer-focused seminars during both days of the show, covering a wide range of topics. These include: how to drive sales of pet products using expertise, engagement and ethics; all you need to know about licensing in 2018; getting more online visitors to your website; and the strength of independent retail.
There will also be a chance to earn Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points for those people attending a special seminar on flea and tick control and prevention, by Beaphar UK. The CPD points will go towards the ongoing development of Suitably Qualified People (SQP) working in the pet industry.
To help make the visitor experience even more enjoyable and rewarding, both the Surrey and Esher Halls have their own entrances and registration points, with visitors benefitting from free show entry, free parking, a free catalogue and many special offers.
There will also be a wide range of food available from all the various outlets and visitors will receive a free cup of tea or coffee voucher, which will be redeemable all day.
To register for free entry to the show and to view the full list of exhibitors visit www.patshow.co.uk
Petface is introducing four magical stories to a winter wonderland of new products in its Christmas 2018 range...
Petface is introducing four magical stories to a winter wonderland of new products in its Christmas 2018 range.
Henry’s Christmas is the most traditional collection to enter the Petface range. We have carefully chosen some beautiful pieces to coordinate the Grey Tweed line and ‘Little Robins’ range into a selection of bedding, toys and accessories to give that cute seasonal boost. If you’re a lover of tradition and want to spread the holiday joy – Henry’s Christmas is the one for you!
Leo’s Christmas is an inspired heritage line; the range features a Red Tartan design that spreads across plush bedding, snuggly comforters, cosy pillows and charming toys. What makes this selection the ultimate package is our beloved ‘Reindeer Cord Toy’ – one of Petface’s star buys! This toy is perfect for all breeds of dog who like to play fetch and have a tumble, it will be this year’s number one Christmas present.
How about something chic? Cassie’s Christmas embraces the world of contemporary sophistication. This range brings a modern day feel with a natural tone of Christmas class. From ‘White Plush Oval Beds’ to Tan Tweed collars, leads and toys be assured that this collection is the lifestyle of luxury!
Petface hasn't forgotten about our feline friends! Petface presents a brand-new collection featured in Alice’s Christmas, ‘Angry Mouse’. This selection is cheeky and fun featuring items such as; the Angry Mouse Igloo and the ‘Xmas Mad Mouse’ that your pet will be continuously entertained this winter. Due to heightened popularity the range will become permanent in the catalogue.
Alongside the four Christmas stories Petface has come up with great tasting treats and innovative toys. To find out more visit the Petface blog or contact the Sales Team for more information.
The Agapanthus (or African Lily), with its elegant stems, long green leaves and stately blue or white flowers, has been chosen as the Terrace Plant of 2018...
The Agapanthus (or African Lily), with its elegant stems, long green leaves and stately blue or white flowers, has been chosen as the Terrace Plant of 2018.
This is an initiative of Bloemenbureau Holland. Every year a media jury consisting of editors of lifestyle, interior and garden magazines, vloggers and bloggers choose, from five candidates, the terrace plant that appeals most to the imagination. This places Agapanthus very much in the spotlight for the April & May planting season.
So with Agapanthus named as the Terrace Plant of the Year for 2018, what is the best option for a show stopping display in containers?
The Best Flowering of All Agapanthus!
Agapanthus are all about the flowers, with the showy flower petals and architectural form of the flower, and Storm™ Agapanthus series provide some of the best options to enrich any terrace garden for today’s gardener as they are selected for their exceptional flowering characteristics, uniformity and appearance - all of which means they will look great in a container on any terrace.
The Storm Rages on!
Storm™ Agapanthus are available in a variety of colours: Snow Storm (White), Blue Storm (Lilac Blue), Thunder Storm (variegated foliage), and the newly released Sea Storm which has cobalt blue flowers. All are compact bushes up to 30cm in height with uniform flower stems of approx 45cm above the bush.
Earlier & Extended Flowering Another benefit of the Storm series for terraces is that they are earlier flowering than most other varieties of Agapanthus and they also flower for up to four weeks longer than traditional varieties, thereby extending their show on the terrace. In essence, Storm Agapanthus deliver more blooming stems, an extended flowering period and a uniform growing profile, all of which ensure they will be a standout on any terrace. Storm Agapanthus are widely regarded as among the best flowering of all agapanthus.
Rigorous Testing & Evaluation Tesselaar Plants ensure all plants considered for commercialisation are put through a rigorous testing and evaluation process in their own trial gardens and testing sites around the world. This is part of their commitment to ensure plant performance meets (or exceeds) expectations and is proven to perform.
Woodlodge is delighted to announce it will be partnering with the garden retail industry’s charity, Greenfingers, and also the UK’s leading terminal illness support charity, Marie Curie, throughout 2018 to raise vital funds and awareness...
Woodlodge is delighted to announce it will be partnering with the garden retail industry’s charity, Greenfingers, and also the UK’s leading terminal illness support charity, Marie Curie, throughout 2018 to raise vital funds and awareness.
Two special Woodlodge plant pots will be launched into the retail market in the coming months, with a percentage from each pot sold set to be donated to each charity.
Greenfingers, the charity dedicated to creating inspiring gardens for children who spend time in hospices around the UK, is set to benefit from sales of a new terracotta pot from Woodlodge. Retailing at £9.99, 50p from every pot sold will go directly to the charity. The pot will also be backed by a social media campaign where customers will be encouraged to post a photo of their finished planter with the hashtag #greenfingerspot. Those that engage on social media platforms will have a chance to win a garden makeover.
The Marie Curie charity pots are available as stackable pots, available in three different colours all showcasing the charity’s well recognised daffodil logo. The promotion will commence in May 2018, with Woodlodge donating 75p per pot sold to the charity.
Woodlodge Managing Director, Michael Wooldridge said: “We are delighted to be working with Greenfingers and Marie Curie to raise money for such deserving charities. We are hoping both pots will be popular with our customers who will join us in supporting both valuable causes. As always we shall supply all stock with supporting POS, with our in-house merchandising ensuring the displays continue to look their best throughout the season to help drive sales instore.”
Over the years Woodlodge has been successful in raising considerable amounts of money for many worthwhile causes including The World Owl Trust and The Honeypot Children’s Charity following sales of its themed planters. Woodlodge are also a licenced partner to The National Trust, where for each product sold a contribution is made to the National Trust to help look after and conserve their properties and gardens.
To find out more about Woodlodge’s market leading product offering please visit www.woodlodge.co.uk
Garden lighting, mini cutters and potting on lines were the biggest beneficiaries in sales terms as customers came out again and shopped in garden centres...
Garden lighting, mini cutters and potting on lines were the biggest beneficiaries in sales terms as customers came out again and shopped in garden centres.
While growing from seeds under cover is still occupying gardeners’ time, as we come out of the short enforced hibernation, thoughts of pruning ready for the new growth are driving sales.
Also more decorative lighting lines are being snapped up.
Highlights of the week were:
Burgon & Ball’s Micro Secateurs are new entries at the top end of the GTN Chart this week.
Gripsnipz Mini Cutting Tool, Pink, is also a re-entry at No 9.
Gardman’s Nickel Solar Marker Light moves up to No 1.
Buyers of veg seeds and plants made up for lost time after the freeze with volumes up by 172% on the previous week and only 29% down on the same week last year, the smallest deficit of any GTN Bestsellers indecies this week...
Buyers of veg seeds and plants made up for lost time after the freeze with volumes up by 172% on the previous week and only 29% down on the same week last year, the smallest deficit of any GTN Bestsellers indecies this week.
Young veg plant sales saw particularly good sell through.
Highlights were:
Beetroot Boltardy seeds from Suttons re-entered at No 2.
Suttons Swiss Chard Bright Lights is the highest placed new entry at No 33.
Quantil Tomato Supersweet 100 8cm is the highest placed young veg plant after the freeze, back in at No 16.
Sales of growing media picked up considerably after the snow but still fell way short of last year’s levels for the same week, down 51%. That’s most likely because of soil that is still either too cold or now waterlogged...
Sales of growing media picked up considerably after the snow but still fell way short of last year’s levels for the same week, down 51%.
That’s most likely because of soil that is still either too cold or now waterlogged.
As a result the big movers were multipurpose composts with John Innes, which will mainly be used for seed sowing and transplanting of early seedlings.
Highlights were:
Scotts Miracle-Gro Organic Choice Premium Garden Soil was the highest re-entry.
Westland Multi Purpose with John Innes, 60 litres, is the highest new entry this week, in at No 6.
Scotts Levington Multipurpose + John Innes, 56 litres, moves to No 1.
Westland Jack’s Magic All Purpose Compost, 60 litres, moves up 2 places to No 3.
Wild Bird Care Top 50 sales volumes dropped by 9% as the freeze ended and sales volumes dropped back to levels below last year once again. Tom Chambers Coconut Half saw the biggest percentage increase...
Wild Bird Care Top 50 sales volumes dropped by 9% as the freeze ended and sales volumes dropped back to levels below last year once again.
Highlights were:
Tom Chambers Coconut Half saw the biggest percentage increase, re-entering at No 33.
Westland Peckish Robin Seed & Insect Mix, 1kg, is the highest re-entry at No 25.
The HTA has launched a Recycling Scheme for its members which will enable businesses of all sizes to responsibly recycle their plastic and other waste and enhance their green credentials...
The HTA has launched a Recycling Scheme for its members which will enable businesses of all sizes to responsibly recycle their plastic and other waste and enhance their green credentials.
Partnering with Ecogen, based in Winchester, the scheme will provide a cost saving solution for most by reducing the need for skips and amount of waste going to landfill.
For those that have the ability to accumulate volume, ideally through bailing, it could even provide a source of income.
Ecogen, who is fully accredited, registered and licensed in all aspects of specialist waste recycling, already work with a number of garden centres and wholesale nurseries across the country.
There are a number of solutions on hand depending on the size of the business and the amount of plastic generated.
The small volume solution – where members collect plastic trays and pots from their own use and stack onto a pallet (up to 2 m high and shrink wrapped). Ecogen will then pick up the pallets (minimum uplift of 1 pallet) for which the business is charged a set haulage fee (depending on geographical location).
The stockpile solution – for members who are able to collect and store larger volumes of recyclable materials (hard plastics, cardboard and plastic wrap). Once haulage costs are taken off there may be a surplus depending on volume, waste type and site location.
Bailing is the most effective way of returning the greatest volume of waste to Ecogen whilst minimalizing haulage costs. Whilst bailers can be hired for around £15 a week the HTA is currently negotiating a national deal which will aim to produce a cost effective solution for members – to run alongside the plastics recycling scheme.
Martin Simmons, HTA Director of Operations, comments: “Plastics and recycling have become even higher on the national agenda since the coverage on Blue Planet II showing how waste plastic impacts our natural world. Within the garden industry we do have a responsibility to recycle what we currently use, as well as develop innovative alternative solutions.
He adds: “This is an issue that we take very seriously as do our members and their customers. Whilst plastic recycling has been more economical for our larger members this is the first time that we have been able to offer a national recycling solution for members of all sizes.”
Members wishing to take part in the HTA Plastics Recycling Scheme should visit www.hta.org.uk/recycling for further information.
As part of the Horticultural Trades Association’s (HTA) industry exhibit at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, ‘The Great Escape’, garden retailers have the opportunity to enter a ‘Build a Compost Robot Competition’...
As part of the Horticultural Trades Association’s (HTA) industry exhibit at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, ‘The Great Escape’, garden retailers have the opportunity to enter a ‘Build a Compost Robot Competition’.
The Robot Composter will be one of the key features on the exhibit, which will be situated within the Discovery Zone in the Great Pavilion at the show. ‘The Great Escape’ will highlight some of the ways in which people of all ages enjoy their outdoor space – for relaxing, growing, playing and engaging with nature with supporting information about the health and wellbeing benefits that this brings.
Garden retailers are encouraged to gain inspiration from their centres and use materials found in it. These could be mini propagators, gardening tools and plant pots - the only limit is their imagination. There is opportunity to involve their kids gardening club or encourage staff to take part.
For more information about the competition and how to enter please visit www.hta.org.uk/chelsea_compost_robot. The closing date is Sunday 15 April 2018 at 9pm. The winning robot will be chosen by designer of ‘The Great Escape’ and National Children’s Gardening Week Ambassador Chris Collins, alongside Matthew Appleby, author of The Children’s Garden.
HTA Director of Operations Martin Simmons comments, “This is a really fun initiative that ties together industry involvement in both the Chelsea exhibit and National Children’s Gardening Week. With the RHS Chelsea Flower Show having such a high profile this represents a great opportunity for garden retailers to get involved and link to the Chelsea activity.”
The winning garden centre will receive two tickets to attend RHS Chelsea Flower Show for the day as guests of the HTA and have the opportunity to talk on the stand about their contribution to the exhibit. They will also feature in the exhibit leaflet and accompanying PR. All other entries will have a great robot composter exhibit to showcase instore and demonstrate their link to the Chelsea exhibit.
This project will help showcase the role of UK garden centres and initiatives such as National Children’s Gardening Week, in helping to spread the message about the wider benefits of plants, gardens and gardening. Through the National Children’s Gardening Week website (https://www.childrensgardeningweek.co.uk/), the HTA are encouraging the retailers to host events in their centres to inspire visitors to build their own compost robots and be more creative in their outdoor spaces.
For further information please contact events@hta.org.uk.
Darlac, the cutting tools experts, have announced the arrival of Richard Bedingfield as an agent for the Central England area...
Darlac, the cutting tools experts, have announced the arrival of Richard Bedingfield as an agent for the Central England area.
Commenting on the appointment, Darlac MD Tim Jeffries, said: “This continues a process aiming to give Darlac national sales coverage and follows the appointment of the Denholm Agencies last year to cover Scotland, Ireland and the north of England.
"Richard brings a wealth of experience to the company having been in the horticultural trade for most of his working life, starting at Ferndale Garden Centre in Dronfield as a 16-year-old Sunday lad.”
Richard took up his first sales representatives job in 2001 with Solus Garden & Leisure and spent 9 years there covering the East Midlands and then Yorkshire and followed this up with a role with Tom Chambers Ltd.
Richard started Bedingfield Agencies Ltd in March 2016 and now adds Darlac to an impressive list of gardening companies.
In his spare time, Richard is a keen sportsman and regularly plays football and squash. He likes a sporting challenge and last year completed the London Marathon while 3 years ago he completed a 300-mile cycle challenge over 4 days. Both events enabled him to raise over £1,500 for charity.
The Plant Heath Coordinator at one of the UK’s leading nurseries has created an information pack on biosecurity to help address the recent concerns related to the topic within the industry...
The Plant Heath Coordinator at one of the UK’s leading nurseries has created an information pack on biosecurity to help address the recent concerns related to the topic within the industry.
Kyle Ross from Wyevale Nurseries in Hereford has created a Plant Health Information Pack to hand out to customers to raise awareness of potentially damaging pests and diseases that are currently threatening the horticulture industry.
Twenty-four-year-old Kyle explained: “We feel it is important that businesses working within the sector are aware of these threats and how we can minimise the risk of these entering the country.
“There are various pests and diseases spreading across the world as a consequence of our mobile lifestyle. In recent years Xylella fastidiosa has become a high-risk disease and one we all need to work together to keep out.
“Our Plant Health Information Pack contains information on Xylella fastidiosa, Xanthomonas arboricola var. pruni, Phytophthora ramorum, Longhorn Beetles and Fireblight. We hope our customers find the pack helpful and informative. I am also on hand to answer any customer queries regarding plant health and would be happy to chat to our customers over the phone if needs be. I spend a significant amount of time giving talks to both customers and our own staff on these hot topics.”
Kyle joined Wyevale Nurseries in 2016 as part of Wyevale Nurseries’ Management Trainee Scheme after completing a degree in horticulture at Worcester University. After 14 months Kyle entered in to his role as the company’s Plant Health Coordinator. Within this role he focuses on all aspects of biosecurity, pest and disease and plant quality.
Kyle added: “My day consists of keeping up-to-date with any pest and disease outbreaks in Europe and further afield, as well as any advancements in technology or practices in the industry that could enhance production.
“Wyevale Nurseries is also part of a group of nurseries organised by the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) to design and implement a nationwide Plant Health Assurance Scheme (PHAS), which is designed to mitigate the risks of potentially harmful plant health incidents.
“I was nominated as the coordinator for Wyevale Nurseries participation in this scheme. I collected all the appropriate evidence in preparation for an audit and amended existing protocols to further strengthen our stance on biosecurity.” If you would like a copy of the Plant Health Information Pack, please contact enquiries@wyevale-nurseries.co.uk.
The best of last week's
If you missed last week's GTN Xtra, below are the most-read stories...
Drone footage from Northamptonshire Fire & Rescue, filmed on Monday, shows the extent of the fire at the Gardman warehouse in Daventry and the company have issued a statement saying: "the fire has destroyed both the stock and the building"...
Drone footage from Northamptonshire Fire & Rescue, filmed on Monday, shows the extent of the fire at the Gardman warehouse and the company have issued a statement saying: "...the fire has destroyed both the stock and the building".
Shortly after midnight on 12th March a major fire broke out at the Gardman warehouse in Daventry.
As communicated yesterday, thankfully there were no casualties and the emergency services remain on site as they continue to investigate. Northamptonshire Police have confirmed they have arrested a man on suspicion of arson connected with the fire.
Whilst we do not yet have full access to the site, our initial assessment is that the damage sustained by the fire has destroyed both the stock and the building. We are now working tirelessly on a business recovery plan to restore our supply position and help our customers.
According to the Northamptonshire Fire & Rescue website this afternoon (Tuesday) the man previously arrested on suspicion of arson has been released on bail pending further enquiries.
Northamptonshire Police have just issued a bulletin on their website stating that a man has been arrested on suspicion of arson in connection with the fire. Roads in the industrial estate remain closed while firefighters continue to tackle the fire and work closely with the police and other agencies to maintain public safety....
Northamptonshire Police have just issued a bulletin on their website stating that a man has been arrested on suspicion of arson in connection with the fire. Roads in the industrial estate remain closed while firefighters continue to tackle the fire and work closely with the police and other agencies to maintain public safety.
The bulletin goes on to report: Deputy Chief Fire Officer David Harding, from Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “We expect to have fire officers at the scene for at least the next couple of days while we continue efforts to extinguish the fire.
“This was an extremely large building on fire which required more than 50 firefighters, 10 pumping and two aerial appliances along with other specialist vehicles, to tackle it during the early hours of this morning.”
It will be some time yet before investigators can gain access to the building however, police have launched an arson investigation and would like to speak to anyone who may have information about the fire or who may have witnessed anyone acting suspiciously near to the warehouse late last night.
Anyone in the area affected by smoke from the fire is advised to close doors and windows as a precautionary measure.
Witnesses or anyone with information should call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Gardman CEO, Pete Utting spoke to GTN Xtra earlier this morning about the fire at their Daventry warehouse which broke out last night.
"All of the people on the night shift have been accounted for but we can not gain access to the site yet. When I left at 6:00am the fire was still burning." Speaking from the Peterborough head office Pete was devastated after a week when their pick rate had exceeded the 100,000 mark for the first time in their efforts to catch up on delivery problems from earlier in the year. "Staff are very shaken here. We are setting up crisis management teams but until we can gain access to the site we have no idea as to the extent of the damage."
As soon as we receive any further information from Gardman or the fire service we will publish more updates.
Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue @northantsfire tweeted overnight: 23:41 Currently in attendance at serious High Bay Warehouse fire, 10 pumps, 2 aerials and 2 High Volume Pumps in attendance, Parsons Rd,
Then at 4:25am they added: More than 50 firefighters are in attendance at a warehouse fire in Daventry. Fire crews were called the unit in Parsons Road, Drayton Fields Industrial Estate just before midnight on Sunday, March 11.
At 10:59 AM, today they have tweeted: Incident Daventry - Firefighting operations are still continuing using High Volume Pumps and Aerial appliances, assistance is being given to @northantsfire by @OxonFireRescue & @WarksFireRescue
Rafal, @Rafal05836236 who was working on the night shift has tweeted some video footage of the fire: https://twitter.com/Rafal05836236
BBC News reported on the fire that broke out last night at Gardman's Daventry warehouse and distribution facility.
According to the BBC website the fire broke out at 23:41 GMT on Sunday. They go on to report that firefighters are still at the scene and police said at this time there are not believed to be any casualties.
It was a bad week for garden centre trading with sales almost falling off our GTN Bestellers All Sales index graph but not the worst start to the year in recent history...
It was a bad week for garden centre trading with sales almost falling off our All Sales index graph but not the worst start to the year in recent history.
Despite last week’s lost days trading, GTN Bestsellers records show that total sales volumes for the first nine weeks of the year were 9.1% higher than in 2013.
As with the garden centres below we are keeping everything crossed for sales to get back to normal this week so that the nation gets gardening before Easter.
We asked garden centres across the country how things are getting back to normal?
Martin Stewart, Stewarts Garden Centres: “Yes, almost certainly the worst weeks trading to budget in my time.
“Our 3 centres were down 39% first 7 days of March. Down 12% since the start of our financial year (1st Feb).
“In the last 11 days that's £192,000 down on budget, money out of our cash flow during a VAT week too. Not fun.
“But on a positive note, yesterday all 3 centres were up on the same day last year and today (Thursday) it looks like all 3 will do budget! So, there is life in the old banger yet!!
“Our coffee shops have been rammed so we are clearly still on peoples radars.”
Julian Winfield, Haskins Garden Centres: “Not a good start for Spring. It has been a long-time since we have had snow so late, but not the first or I suspect the last! Last week was the first week of our financial year, so not a good start. However, I am confident that we will have good weeks again, historically if you look at spring trade for March, April, May and June we have only had 7 - 8 good trading weeks.”
a tough few days and we closed early Thursday afternoon but we just about might as well have not been opened. We just couldn't get any staff in on Friday at any of the centres so were closed all day Friday but we started getting ready to be able to open Saturday. Again a very poor day but Sunday was much better and had we not had the snow Sunday would have been a bumper day as it felt very much like Spring!
Mike Burks, The Gardens Group: “It’s been a slowish start to the week but getting busier all of the time.
“Luckily we had a very strong start to the year and it’s only the last few days of Feb and the first few of March that have been poor. Although we are now behind 2017 it’s not by too much in terms of sales but as those sales are dominated by January the margin for YTD won't look great at this stage.
“Luckily, we also missed out on the snow that many centres had before Christmas which was much more damaging and so we can't moan too much!
“We have no plans for additional promotional effort because it will be the weather that turns it around - just a bit of normal stuff and it should straighten out.
“The good news is that tea breaks have been outside all this week and so all is right with the world!”
Steve Searle, Monkton Elm Garden Centre: “We lost two and a half days last week and only opened Sunday because we had a digger in Saturday morning and a handful of staff to clear the car park.
“Taunton was hit harder than some of our close areas as we are in a valley and it seemed none of our roads were cleared once you came off the motorway that only had one lane opened until Saturday and then it was only 2.
“The week so far has been picking up but still 25% behind last year but more comparable to 2016 as last year was exceptional for a mild start.
“We feel Mothering Sunday should be a busy day as normal but it seems to be coming around way too quick this year as it is so early and even customers are saying they did not know it was this Sunday already. Our Spring offer goes out to customers from the 19th of March and runs through April so we are hoping this will be as successful as it was last year but we will wait and see how the weather performs as that is one of the key elements in all garden centre sales!”
James Ducker, Langlands Garden Centres: “We were 42% up on the same day last year for Wednesday.
“Our Sheffield coffee shop had to close due frozen pipes and both Sheffield and Leeds were hit again by snow today (Thursday.)”
Gerald Ingram, Planters and Garden King Garden Centres: “We were fairly lucky in that we lost at most 1 hour of trade.
“Trade is well down but positives are wild bird food, rock salt and coal. Customers have returned this week in the sun but still not spending like they did last year.
“The ground is now wet and cold which will delay a start. But I would rather have a bad March and a great April and May than the other way around.”
Adam Wigglesworth, Aylett Nurseries: “We lost 45% of turnover, but I’m sure we were lucky compared to others. We only had to close early on one day.
“By Wednesday trading had got back to the same as last year. There is huge enthusiasm out there, with customers out in their droves when the sun shines. Independent centres have a great advantage now as we are able to switch on promotions and turn things around quickly.”
“I really feel it for plant suppliers. This makes like very difficult for them.”
Tam Woodhouse, Millbrook Garden Centres: “It has been horrible. Crowborough has been without water for the last 4 days after the snow so we haven't been able to open the cafe. Sales figures seem to be taking a long time to recover even though the weather has improved.
“We have a big weekend of promotions planned for Garden Re-Leaf including a half price plant voucher which we hope will kick start spending on plants for this spring.
“We just need the sun to come out now please!”
Alan Roper, Blue Diamond Garden Centres: “Obviously the weather hasn’t had the impact we experienced in December and it is what it is we have had poor starts to the season before. An early Easter with this weather pattern could deliver another trading blow though.
“It could be a season where we are forever playing catch up, not overly concerned though. Been here many times before!”
And Bunker, Alton Garden Centre: “For us it is a little of a double edge sword firstly because of location on a main road. The road is cleared as a matter of priority but the down side of not being in a town means very few venture out. Especially as the message unless essential journey don't travel!
“We’ve not had problem with pipes or such like and as one of us gets in as normal regardless at around 7.30am so ready and tills open from 9am as usual. Also we have our own security on site 24 -7 overnight so any problems flagged up rather than coming in, in the morning to a flood.
“Trade of course has been non-existent apart from the usual snow shovels, salt and sledges.
“Business has improved this week but probably trading as a February rather than March and the big problem is a little like fresh bread: Say you buy bread every 3/4 days but the first loaf has not been eaten nothing wrong with it but do you throw that away knowing your fresh one is on its way or eat it making the fresh one a day or so old. That’s what could be happening with spring plants just now. Primroses look okay and saleable but not as vibrant as the new stock. Surely you dump them and bring in the new especially as its mother's day weekend BUT there’s nothing really wrong with existing plants!
“We need some good press and soon - although Chris Evans on BBC Radio 2 is great and talks very often about gardening. Today he talked about a mum who wants a lawnmower for Mother's Day present not a meal or chocolates.
“For Mother's Day we will do our usual give away and I am doing some good offers on NEW stock from now until Sunday with a definite finish Sunday night. For example 2 spike orchid £8.99 on a 2.4 .1 now going out at £6.99. Planters already good value at £16.99 I’m going to drop to £9.99 just for Saturday and Sunday on that one also Primrose possibly 6 for £2 to drive sales and move some stock.”
“Happy Spring”
Boyd Douglas-Davies, Hillview Garden Centres: “Great recovery this week so looking to be +10% v LY
“We were 75% off budget for the week as a result of the snow and the freezing conditions
“Monday after the snow was slow but Tuesday and Wednesday are trading back above budget and significantly up on the same days last year.
“Our spring flyer was distributed at the end of last week. We are re-running our hugely successful plant-a-thon at every store on Garden Re-Leaf day.
“Mothers Day lunches are selling really well along with afternoon tea bookings for Saturday and Sunday.”
Meanwhile in the North West, which usually tends to fair worst when we have bad weather, Russell Winteridge from Barton Grange tells us: “We didn’t lose any trading time. Business has been typical of a cold start to the season.
“We are a bit protected from by the Lakes to the north, the Pennine’s to the east and Bents Garden Centre to the south!
“Hardy plant sales were 50% down but indoor areas faired much better, our farm shop for example was only 9% down.
“The Flower Bowl building is covered now and rain proof so we had no effect there other than the cold wind blew a bit of rubbish around.”
If you'd like to add to this story with information about your trading last week, please use the comments button below or e-mail trevor.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk
GTN Bestsellers Top 50 sales volumes compared to the same week last year (week 9) Garden Products - down 63% Growing Media - down 69% Veg-2-Gro - down 69% Wild Bird Care - up 5% All Plants Index - down 75% All Items Index - down 61%
Dobbies have told GTN Xtra this week that Nicholas Marshall is still chief executive of the garden centre group following rumours that he'd left the company...
Dobbies have told GTN Xtra this week that Nicholas Marshall is still chief executive of the garden centre group following rumours that he'd left the company..
A spokesperson for the company said the position remained the same as a statement issued on the 12th January (see below).
"Dobbies announced a reshuffle of some of its senior leadership positions. Graeme Jenkins is the new chief operating officer, in addition to his present role as chief financial officer. He replaces Lorrie Robertson, who has left the company.
"Marcus Eyles, currently head of online and horticulture, will take the role of purchasing director, replacing Andrew West, who has also left the company for personal travel-related reasons.
Every week GTN receives and analyses epos data from a number of UK garden centres to produce the GTN Bestsellers charts...
Every week GTN receives and analyses epos data from a number of UK garden centres to produce the GTN Bestsellers charts and weekly bestsellers sales tips.
The full charts which provide useful insight into product sales peaks, new trends and new link sales opportunities are published in the weekly GTN Xtra newsletter.
As the year goes on we give sales volume comparisons with 2015 as well as 2016 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.
WARNING the GTN Bestsellers Charts seriously improve the business of our subscribers. Invest 15 minutes each week in improving your sales using the GTN Bestsellers charts and your turnover and customer satisfaction will improve too.
Get the GTN Bestsellers charts in full every week in the GTN Bestsellers newsletters for only £145.00.
GTN Bestsellers is the only industry source of weekly garden centre sales information, collating Epos data from centres with an aggregate turnover in excess of £120m.
Use the weekly Garden Products and Growing Media Top 50 sales volumes charts to plan your hotspot and other promotions and ensure you have the right products in stock to satisfy the needs of your customers.
Webbs Garden Centre in Wychbold has been shortlisted as a finalist in this year's Farm Shop & Deli Awards...
Webbs Garden Centre in Wychbold has been shortlisted as a finalist in this year's Farm Shop & Deli Awards.
Food at Webbs launched its new-look foodhall and restaurant last spring, featuring a butchery, cheese and deli counter, gelato bar, bakery and patisserie, chocolate library, a wall of wine, local beers and ciders, and a restaurant selling homemade dishes.
The facility has been nominated for 'Food Hall of the Year' in the 5th year of the Farm Shop & Deli Awards, which recognises the best of the specialist independent retail market.
"We’re absolutely thrilled to reach the finals of the Farm Shop & Deli Awards, which reflects how hard the team work to ensure our customers have the best food and drink shopping experience," said Webbs' executive chairman Ed Webb.
"We’re proud to be recognised by our industry peers and the voting public, and look forward to the finals."
Food at Webbs now attracts more than a million visitors every year.
Webbs will find out if they've won the Food Hall of the Year award at the Farm Shop & Deli Show at Birmingham's NEC on Monday, April 16.
The latest food trends, the war on waste and catering for vegans are just some of the topics on the agenda at the HTA Catering Conference which takes place on 5-6 June at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens...
The latest food trends, the war on waste and catering for vegans are just some of the topics on the agenda at the HTA Catering Conference which takes place on 5-6 June at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens.
This year themed ‘A Recipe for Growth’, this successful two-day event and dinner is aimed at all those in garden centre catering from business owners and managers to chefs and front of house staff. With a mix of speakers from inside and outside the industry there will also be panel sessions and the opportunity to highlight issues pertinent to your own operation. Alongside the conference and dinner there will be an exhibition showcasing garden centre catering suppliers with further opportunity for networking with peers across the industry.
Day one of the conference (Tuesday 5 June) focusses on strategy and operations and will be chaired by Neville Stein of Ovation. Keynote speaker on this day is Jim Cregan, Founder of Jimmy’s Iced Coffee’s. After getting incredibly frustrated with working as a labourer, shifting bricks in the winter and hosting major UK festival stages dressed as a mermaid in the summer, Jim realised enough was enough and decided to head to Oz. It was there he fell in love with iced coffee and returned home to start his own company. Jimmy’s Iced Coffee was formed in 2011 and with his sister as his business partner, a great deal of hard work and enthusiasm, they’ve built a successful business in the UK.
Josh Brown, Head of Commercial Development at Harris + Hoole will be talking about starting up, running and selling an independent coffee shop before joining Harris + Hoole.
At the conference dinner, we will be joined by the TV chef Rosemary Shrager. Rosemary endeared herself to the nation when she took part in 'I'm a Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here' where she proved she could cook just about anything, anywhere. Her latest programmes include The Big Family Cooking Showdown and The Real Marigold Hotel.
The second day of the conference (Wednesday 6 June) focusses on food. We will be joined by Paul Hargreaves, Founder and Chief Executive of Cotswold Fayre, a speciality & fine food wholesaler. Paul will be focusing his session on food trends to watch out for throughout 2018 and into 2019.
Jane Land, Founder of Veganuary, a charity which has encouraged over 200,000 people to try vegan for the month of January, will also be joining us on day two. With millennials moving towards meat free and free from foods, Jane will be talking about how you can make sure you are catering for all diets and why this shift in attitude towards plant-based diet is gaining momentum.
Eco Chef, Food Waste Activist and Author, Tom Hunt, is also founder of Forgotten Feast, a Social Enterprise working on projects throughout the UK to revive our cooking heritage and help reduce food waste and will give an inspiring talk on his learnings.
James Debbage from the award winning Green Pastures Garden Centre in Norfolk will provide an update on their innovative approach including their colourful home-grown salads, afternoon tea served in a trug and ice cream sundaes served in a ceramic welly boot!
Exhibitors booked to attend so far include Arden Coffee Ltd, BIRA, Citation, Frobishers Juices Ltd, Newbery International Produce Ltd, The Handmade Cake Company, Vision Commercial Kitchens, Matthew Algie & Co, Space Catering Equipment Ltd and Tea from the Manor.
Green cakes, plantathons galore, quiz nights and more sponsored walk photos are among the many twitter and facebook posts we've seen that have helped raise the profile of gardening with Garden Re-Leaf Day 2018.
Woodlodge is delighted to announce it will be partnering with the garden retail industry’s charity, Greenfingers, and also the UK’s leading terminal illness support charity, Marie Curie, throughout 2018 to raise vital funds and awareness.
