With the continued good weather, don’t let your stocks run too low, by re-ordering your favourite products from Bathgate Horticulture.

We provide an extensive range of quality products for professional growers, landscapers, garden retailers and dedicated horticultural enthusiasts.

Whatever your requirements, you can be assured that we only use the finest ingredients combined with the latest technology, to produce consistent, high quality products every time.

Deliveries can be made nationwide, from a single pallet to a full load. All Bathgate horticultural retail products are attractively packaged in conveniently sized, recyclable bags.

Sales volumes dropped off as we moved into June but it was a much better start to the month than last year.  Compared to 2017, week 23 saw volumes up by 32%, driven mainly by plant sales and growing media.

If gardeners keep being active, then there is still time to get sales back closer to parity by the half year.  In a year of such dismal retail news from the ‘high street’, sales performances for garden centres close to static year on year are testament to the strength of our entrepreneurship and unique offerings.

Fleet of foot decision making by management teams who are very close to the business will have been the reason garden centres will have made more of May and early June trading than big groups, DIY and supermarkets who because of their size are slower to react to market changes. We will be watching their trading statements over the coming weeks.

GTN Bestsellers Top 50 sales volumes compared to the same week last year (week 23)
Garden Products - up 32%
Growing Media - up 54%
Veg-2-Gro - down 7%
Wild Bird Care - down 7%
All Plants Index - up 51%
All Items Index - up 32%

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

Plant sales were up 51% compared to last year for the first week of June pushing overall plant sales volumes in the GTN Bestsellers data to a position of up by over 5% year to date.

• Roses were the star performers with sales more than doubling to move up 10 places to No 5.
• Hydrangea were the highest chart climber, up 13 places to No 25.
• Chrysanthemum sales also jumped to re-enter the Top 50 at No 46.

All Plants volume sales change: Week on week DOWN 23.2%.  Year to date UP 5.3% on 2017

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

Staff at one of the UK’s leading nurseries are celebrating this week after announcing it had the best May ever in its recorded trading history with sales up by 14%.

Wyevale Nurseries in Hereford, which was founded in 1930, also reported year-on-year (2017-18) growth of 17% in shrub sales and 19% in herbaceous and 60% in the sales of ferns.

Adam Dunnett (pictured), Sales & Marketing Director at Wyevale Nurseries, explained: “After a very challenging start to the year, with sales affected by the long winter and adverse weather conditions, we will be in a positive situation year-on-year by the end of June.

“We revamped and increased our fern range last year, due to seeing a surge of interest for the plant, and this has paid off. We found this year that there has been a demand in both retail and amenity/garden design markets, which has definitely helped increase our sales. The late spring also meant we got several months’ sales for ferns in one month.

“Early June sales have continued at record levels and it looks set to be another record breaking month. This is fantastic news and the sunny weather is certainly helping.”

A cheque for £2,550 was presented to children’s hospice garden charity Greenfingers, as a donation from decorative aggregate specialist Deco-Pak at the GIMA Charity Golf and Activity Day.

The money was part-raised over the last 18 months through a play pit sand promotion that is to continue throughout 2018, with the goal of raising over £10,000 by 2020.

Linda Petrons, Head of Corporate Partnerships at Greenfingers Charity, said: “We’re delighted to be partnering with Deco-Pak this year through the sale of play pit sand. The money raised through this range will help pave the way for more magical gardens for childrens hospices nationwide, enhancing the care to children and families living with terminal illness.  We’re incredibly grateful to have the support of Deco-Pak and look forward to working with them in the future.”

Deco-Pak director, GIMA council member and Greenfingers ambassador Craig Hall recently presented the cheque to the charity and outlined the family company’s fundraising commitment for the next year.  "Greenfingers is such a fantastic cause which is needed by, and resonates with, everyone in our industry. At Deco-Pak, we plan to raise £10,000 for greenfingers by 2020 through the sale of our charity play pit sand, fundraising and other activities. Through the sales of our charity products through consumers and our retail partners, we aim to leave a lasting impression for the charity, and help provide more gardens for children with life limiting illnesses and their families.”

Deco-Pak’s Greenfingers Play Pit Sand, large pack retailing at £3.99, is ideal for young children taking their first steps in creative outdoor play. A smaller 10kg pack is also available with a retail friendly easy carry handle, at £2.99 RRP.

Find out more

Visit www.deco-pak.co.uk, connect via Twitter @deco_pak, or call the sales office on 01422 204394.

In recent times, there has been a growing awareness and increasing resonance regarding environmental concerns, with suppliers and end users now recognising the importance of environmental responsibility and sustainability. One company that is taking steps to improve its impact upon the environment is Woodlodge - the UK’s leading supplier of garden pots. Here, the company’s Director, Michael Wooldridge, explains how sustainability is increasingly important for implementation within the business.

Renewable Energy

“Nestled in the Gloucestershire countryside, the Woodlodge operation has taken a number of steps to tackle issues such as energy efficiency and waste reduction as well as reduce its environmental impact and save money.   One of our green initiatives on site is renewable energy. All the energy we use to power our warehouses and offices on our 100,000-sq. ft. site comes from a renewable source, with energy generated from our own wind turbine supplemented by energy purchased from a renewable electricity supplier.  Wind turbines have become one of the most cost-effective forms of renewable energy and in 2016, we generated enough energy from our wind turbine to brew 1.4 million cups of tea!”

Recycling

“Woodlodge has always put an emphasis on efficient waste management and recycling and uses suppliers who share our efforts to minimise waste. The cardboard and plastic packaging from our picked products is separated and made into bails on site for recycling.

“We collect used second-hand pallets from garden centres and re-use them for distribution of our own picked products. As wooden pallets are essential to transport, distribution and storage of our goods, it makes sense to work with the industry and reuse pallets that would have otherwise been discarded, we are also helping garden centres with their waste management too so it’s a win-win situation.   We are always on the lookout for more garden centres who would like to join this scheme. If you would like to donate then please get in touch.

“One of the key components of a successful recycling campaign is staff engagement. With employee numbers having almost doubled in the last five years, we now have a substantial workforce and have been working with them providing guidance on what materials can be included in each recycling bin makes it easier for people to do the right thing.

“Where possible, we now reuse or recycle all of our office waste which included paper, ink cartridges, computer supplies, redundant equipment and plastic such as milk bottles and food packaging.  A fun fact for you - 832 milk bottles are recycled by Woodlodge staff on site each year - we love tea!

Sustainable sources

“There is a clear acknowledgment in the industry and public conception that we now need to be more ethically conscious, and suppliers and manufacturers should offer both greener and safer alternatives.   Woodlodge’s Feather recycled range offer brightly coloured, striped, metallic or stone designs that are suitable for outdoor or indoor garden planting.   Each pot on the Feather range is constructed from 100% recycled but lightweight and durable plastic.  With millennials more environmentally and socially conscious than older generations, Feather has been the ideal range in terms of being both sustainable and aesthetically pleasing in balconies or small plots.

“We also ensure that our timber products are from well-managed, sustainable sources and are Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified. This includes our garden furniture, which is made of FSC certified eucalyptus and our tree stakes, available in 4ft, 5ft, 6ft, 7ft and 8ft, made from certified hardwood for maximum durability and colour coded for easy identification at cash registers.

“For garden retailers, our plant stands and benching are made from FSC tantalised timber to ensure long term usage and to avoid any unnecessary waste.”

To find out more about how Woodlodge’s market leading product offering, please visit www.woodlodge.co.uk

West Somerset Garden Centre launched its own gin called Solstice yesterday (Saturday). It has been distilled by  a local company based on Exmoor who produce the award winning gin "Wicked Wolf" that is the top seller in the centre's farm shop.

Shop manager Fiona Johnson said: "We have been involved in the whole process, tasting various samples until we were happy that the flavour was perfect – it was a tough
job but someone had to do it! We also came up with the label design, colour and even the wax top to compliment the company colours."

Jayne Webber, Managing Director, came up with name "Solstice" as the summer one is a celebration for the coming harvest and the winter one is for rebirth of the sun, a life giving light and regrowth.

It is a limited edition, just 149 bottles have been produced. They are individually numbered and several have been reserved already. It is priced at £33.95, very reasonable for an Artisan Gin and is available instore or through the centre's web shop.

Smart Garden Products Ltd have been included in London Stock Exchange Group’s “1000 Companies to Inspire Britain” report.

The report is a celebration of the UK’s fastest-growing and most dynamic small and medium sized businesses across the UK.

To be included in the list, companies needed to show consistent revenue growth over a minimum of three years, significantly outperforming their industry peers. More detail on the methodology can be found in the report online at www.1000companies.com.   

“We’re both flattered and delighted to be included in such a prestigious report” stated Jonathan Stobart, Managing Director of Smart Garden Products.

“The business has grown fourfold in as many years, and we are focussed on trying to double the business in size again over the next 3-5 years.”

Nikhil Rathi, CEO, London Stock Exchange Plc said: “We warmly congratulate all of the companies identified in this year’s ‘1000 Companies to Inspire Britain’ report. Five years on, the report continues to demonstrate the strength and diversity of British businesses across the country.

"These dynamic companies are the backbone of our economy, playing an important role in the UK’s ability to innovate, export and grow.

"This report is a significant part of London Stock Exchange Group’s broader campaign to support UK high growth companies. We are committed to championing British businesses and Britain’s dynamic entrepreneurial spirit.”

To find out more about Smart Garden’s market leading product offering please visit www.sgpuk.com

The Garvinea Pyramid, from Florist Holland made a big impact when Peter Seabrook presented a spectacular display at BBC Gardeners' World Live.

To give you some idea of the scale of the pyramid just take a look at the pictures below.

The auction for a limited-edition piece of artwork from the RHS 2018 Chelsea Flower Show is now live.

At the heart of the Great Pavilion sat Kieron Williamson, a 15 year old art phenomenon whose work has sold for hundreds of thousands of pounds, despite his young age.

Kieron is one of the world’s most sought after professional young artists with a global waiting list of art enthusiasts that eagerly look forward to his next masterpiece. His first painting sold for a phenomenal £14,000 when he was just six years old; he has featured extensively on worldwide television, websites and in newspapers and his work has been secured for many prestigious private collections, including Royalty.

Kieron latest masterpieces were created at the Chelsea Flower Show having been commissioned by Hillier Nurseries to capture scenes from its “Stihl Inspiration” garden. Hillier, which holds the world record for having the most consecutive gold medals in the history of the show, received its 73rd gold medal at this year’s Chelsea and has now launched the auction to raise proceeds for its charity partner, Wessex Cancer Trust.

Kieron has created two paintings which are part of the charity auction. “Lupins at Chelsea” is the young artist’s depiction of a scene from the garden which he painted on press day of the show whilst being watched by visitors exploring the Hillier garden.

His second piece, entitled “Blue Waves and Goldrush” focuses on the stars of the Hillier 2018 garden, Eryngium ’Blue Waves’, which was one of the new plants launched by the company at this year’s show and was subsequently runner up in the Plant Of The Year competition, alongside Hydrangea aspera ‘Gold Rush’ which Hillier also launched at the show.

Each piece has been valued by Picturecraft Gallery in Holt in Norfolk where Kieron’s next exhibit will be held in July, and bidding will start at £3,995.

Discussing the partnership with Hillier, Kieron commented: “Working with Hillier has been fantastic. I was so inspired by the Stihl Inspiration garden that it was hard to choose what to paint! I chose to paint the area that had the most colour diversity. The two new plants offered contrasting shape colour and form, and provided their own challenges due to their own colour-changing qualities. I love painting the outdoors and nature scenes so being part of the Chelsea Flower Show was an experience I’m never going to forget!”

George Hillier, Head of Property at Hillier and one of the fifth generation of Hillier family members to be involved in the business, said: “Kieron is such an amazing talent. It was fascinating watching him painting at the show, he certainly pulled in a crowd and people were amazed by him. We’re delighted to be working with Kieron to offer people the chance to own his next piece of artwork, not to mention something from the Chelsea Flower Show gold medal world record holders!”

Wessex Cancer Trust, based in the south of England, helps and supports anyone affected by a cancer diagnosis – regardless of age, gender or type of cancer they have – during diagnosis, treatment, recovery, remission or end life.

To view the auction please visit www.hillier.co.uk/chelsea-auction.

The second edition of Orchid Inspiration Days, the orchid event for the specialist to the customer and end customer, is now behind us.

Once again, all the participants joined together with the same focus: to inspire and inform the customer and their end customer about their range, innovations, concepts and various uses of the product. One of the goals was to double the number of visitors compared to last year.

This goal was achieved with more visitors than in 2017 and all 14 orchid specialists can reflect on a successful event.

The number of participants in this event has grown this year, with as many as 14 participants in three regions opening their doors for customers and end customers. This growth has ensured a greater collective reach.

In addition to domestic relationships, Orchid Inspiration Days also focuses on overseas relationships because the event is organised during a period when other flower and plant events take place. So overseas visitors can organise their visit to the Netherlands efficiently.

The success of Orchid Inspiration Days 2018 was immediately visible during the first week, because visitor numbers were so much higher than the previous year. The high turnout during the inspiration days is also related to the involvement of the target group. 'Various exporters and people working at cash & carry's, wholesalers and garden centres had already heard about Orchid Inspiration Days prior to the event. Many registrations were made in advance.

The first registrations for the orchid event came from Australia, and we have seen different nationalities at the event ', according to the communication manager of one of the participating companies.

In the Aalsmeer, Bleiswijk and Westland regions, participants made use of the event to introduce new products to their customers and end customers. From new varieties, striking (in-store) concepts to an orchid perfume; each nursery provided a unique program that took us by surprise.

A review of these and all the other participants can be found on the website, and orchid inspiration will also be shared on our social media channels: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Linkedin.

Next week, the after movie can be seen on the website: www.orchidinspirationdays.com. The organisation and participants; Aphrodite, the Vreede Holland, GreenBalanZ, Lansbergen Orchids, Levoplant, OK Plant, Opti-flor, Orchids4All, Pannekoek Orchids, Piet Vijverberg, Stolk Flora, Van der Hoorn Orchids and the two new participants De Hoog Orchids and Wooning Orchids, would like to thank all visitors and look forward to the 2019 edition!

A passionate Leeds gardener celebrated her 90th birthday with ITV's Love your Garden presenter Katie Rushworth after winning a personal shopping experience with the celebrity plantswoman.

Born and bred in Leeds, Ivy Dobson was one of ten winners ranging from five to 91 years of age who enjoyed Katie's company and benefited from her gardening expertise at Tong Garden Centre last Saturday.

In addition to choosing low maintenance plants for all year round interest in pots, Ivy was presented with a surprise birthday cake and a planter bursting with summer colour.

A delighted Ivy said: "I love to come to Tong and this was a special experience on my birthday! I didn't want any fuss to celebrate but I've had a lovely day meeting Katie and choosing plants for my garden."

Ivy's daughter, Coral Wheatley, was equally enchanted with the experience: "I'm writing on behalf of both my mum and myself to ask if you could pass on our thanks to all involved in the VIP Shopping Experience. It really made my mum's 90th birthday very special.

"Everyone at Tong was so nice to her and I know she thoroughly enjoyed every minute. The cake and Laura Ashley planter were a lovely and unexpected surprise - so thoughtful of you all. Thank you!"

The VIP Shopping Experience forms part of the ongoing partnership between the television presenter and Tong Garden Centre.  Tong's Marketing Manager, Jo Dales, commented: "Katie loves inspiring people and sharing her plant knowledge and garden design expertise, so we devised a competition to give people the chance to spend some time with Katie for a personalised shopping experience!

"It was a fabulous, family friendly day that has created some lovely memories, and ironic that Katie, known as the Queen of Spades, treated our winners to a wonderful experience on the Queen's official birthday!"

Other winners included five year old Olivia who watches Love your Garden on repeat and chose plants to decorate the front of her Wendy House; foster carer Janey who was looking for plants to create a miniature fairyland garden; community gardener, Paul who helps people with depression and was looking for grow your own edible plants and Lynne, who entered on behalf of her father to find an evergreen tree for a semi shaded spot.

Katie has also given her Show Garden, which is open to all at Tong Garden Centre, a fresh new look this year and will be advising people how to achieve year round colour, flowers and texture with her monthly plant picks to create a garden with annual interest.

The Wyevale Garden Centres ‘Solutions Garden’, by award-winning designer Professor David Stevens, is a huge walk-through garden designed to show panicky planters stylish solutions to some of the UK’s most common gardening problems.

With 31 per cent of British gardeners admitting to feeling guilty when their plants die*, long Latin names and a seemingly endless choice of plants which all require different conditions and care, gardening can seem overwhelming and confusing. The Wyevale Garden Centres ‘Solutions Garden’ solves many gardening difficulties in a thoroughly practical, easy to understand and elegant way.

Each area of the crisply contemporary composition is given over to a different problem and the correct answer is clearly explained. So, whether it is how to deal with tricky spots such as dry shade or alkaline soils, stylish solutions to growing your own and getting water into your garden or what permeable surface is right for your space, the Wyevale Garden Centres ‘Solutions Garden’ has the answers.

Forty students from the Wyevale Garden Centres Horticultural Student Academy worked with Professor David Stevens on the build of this garden and will also be manning it over the next four days. Two of the Academy’s first year students were asked two days before the event to design and build a small border (6m x 2m) at the show, for which they won a bronze award.

Professor David Stevens, designer of the Wyevale Garden Centres ‘Solutions Garden’ at Gardeners’ World Live 2018, says:

“I’m delighted to have won a Platinum award for the Wyevale Garden Centres ‘Solutions Garden’. Gardening doesn’t need to be overwhelming or confusing – it’s supposed to be enjoyable and the aim of this garden is to give our nation of panicky planters the confidence to take control of their outdoor space. I hope is will help demystify many gardening questions such as planting in different soil types, tricky spots such as dry shade, dealing with weeds, lawn care and more.”

Mark Sage, Head of Horticulture at Wyevale Garden Centres, says:

“I was delighted to hear about the Platinum award for our ‘Solutions Garden’ at Gardeners’ World Live this year. We wanted to work with Professor David Stevens to create this garden in direct response to what we know our customers need, which is practical solutions around common garden issues such as planting in shade, in alkaline soils and even things like dealing with weeds and lawn care. I hope this garden will boost the confidence of those that visit it and they are able to take away these tips to use in their own outdoor spaces.”

Here are some of the common problems that Professor David Stevens addresses in the Wyevale Garden Centres ‘Solutions Garden’ at Gardeners’ World Live 2018:

Acid Soils: There are many plants such as Acers, Pieris, Camellias, Azaleas, Iris and summer flowering Heathers that enjoy an acid soil, which may not be present in your garden. The secret to growing them can be in a raised bed, where you can create the right soil mix by using an ericaceous compost. Such compost can also be used in pots and containers to grow your favourite acid loving plants.
Alkaline Soils: Work with what you’ve got instead of trying to change your soil type. Alkaline, or chalky soils will be ideal for many species including shrubs such as Lavender, Ceanothus, Buddleja, Cytisus and Hibiscus. Some of the hardy perennials that enjoy these conditions are Dianthus, Agapanthus, Delphiniums, Alstromeria and Campanulas.
Shade: Don’t let it be a problem! Soil can retain moisture and provide ideal growing conditions for a wide range of plants. Hydrangeas, Choisya, Hypericum, Ribes, Tiarella, and many grasses such as Miscanthus and Molinia will be perfectly happy.
Dry Shade: Dry shade can provide difficult growing conditions for plants, but with the right treatment there are many perennials that will do well. Species such as Fatsia, Skimmia, Viburnum tinus, Sarcococca and Hypericum calycinum will be ideal. Perennials that will do well include Anemone japonica, Euphorbia robbiae, many Ferns, Alchemilla and Hellebores. Make sure you add as much organic material to the beds as possible, which will help retain moisture and improve soil condition.
Drought Tolerant Planting: Summers are tending to become hotter and drier and we are often able to use plants that thrive in such conditions to bring added colour and interest to our gardens. Species to choose from could include such shrubs as Abelia, Perovskia, Jasmine and Ceanothus while many herbs such as Rosemary, Lavender and Sage will thrive. Hardy perennials such as Euphorbias, Sedum, Nepeta, Pennesetum and Heucheras will all be particularly suitable and don’t forget to apply a thick mulch after planting to help retain moisture in the soil.
Moisture Loving Planting:  If you can create or already have a damp area in the garden you can grow some wonderful and really show stopping plants. Hydrangeas, Spirea and Kerria will benefit greatly while there is a wealth of hardy perennial planting with old favourites such as Hosta, Astilbe, Iris and Aruncus. Add to this more unusual species such as Rheum, Rogersia, Ligularia and Lobelia cardinalis and you will have a feast of colour and interest.
Weed suppression:  While a well-planned border is knitting together, weeds can be a problem and it can make sense to minimise this both by thorough cultivation before planting to remove any perennial weeds and by using a mulch of chipped bark once everything is in position, which will also help keep the soil moist. Should you want to create a ‘gravel’ garden with plants growing through then a carefully laid ‘weed mat’ can be invaluable carefully positioned below the finished surface.
Soil Preparation: Good soil means good plants. Thorough cultivation using the right tools will be the order of the day as well as incorporating both soil conditioners in the form of composts and maintaining ongoing nutrition using the correct fertilisers. Remember that good husbandry and regular soil treatment is an ongoing and satisfying job and your plants will benefit enormously from it.
Lawn Care: A good lawn is the crowning glory of many a garden and while you may not want a bowling green it will make sound sense to keep your sward in the best condition possible. Aeration and scarifying will help maintain healthy growth and combat moss while a regular ‘weed and feed’ will quickly show real benefits. Choosing the correct seed mix will ensure that the finished surface suits the purpose for you and your family and a well-chosen mower will save you time and keep maintenance to a sensible minimum.
Permeable Surfaces:  With the increasing risk of flood caused by ‘run off’ it is essential that we think of using more permeable surfaces in the garden, such as gravel ‘hoggin’ paths that allow water to percolate through. Paving should be laid to gentle fall away from the house and into beds or a lawn area. A decked area is another good choice and will naturally allow water to drain through to the ground below, as will planted areas of gravel within a border.
Water Features and water conservation: While the overuse of water should be discouraged in a garden it can certainly provide real benefits to wildlife and of course provide a wonderful focal point. Features can range from a simple ‘millstone’ fountain to ponds and pools of all shapes and sizes. If incorporating the latter, be aware that frogs and other creatures need an escape route so a beach or a few well-placed stones at the margins will easily allow this. Should you have a shed or other garden building it can be a great idea to collect water from the roof in a water butt, great for irrigation in dry weather.
Wyevale Garden Centres will also be demonstrating tips and examples of ‘planting in the shade’ as part of its ‘Solutions Garden’ at Gardeners’ World Live, 14-17 June 2018 at Birmingham NEC. For more information, visit www.bbcgardenersworldlive.com.

Employees from a local horticultural nursey, including its 80-year-old Chairman, leant their support to this year’s York Cares initiative that aims to improve outdoor spaces at various local community organisations.

Johnsons of Whixley staff members Ellie Richardson, Corrina Mills, Vicky Newell, Darren Fawbert and Chairman John Richardson, volunteered their time and expertise to support this year’s Big Community Challenge, organised by York Cares, which aims to showcase the positive impact a green environment can have on health, wellbeing and social inclusion.

York Cares is a partnership of the city’s leading employers committed to making the city a better place through employee-volunteering.

This year’s activities included growing and caring for plants, while improving York’s green spaces to benefit different communities in the city, including older people and adults with learning disabilities at Gale Farm Court Independent Living Community; young people experiencing acute mental health issues at Mill Lodge NHS Community Unit, and patients, staff and visitors that use Clarence Gardens at York Hospital.

The Johnsons team of volunteers helped improve the outside space at Mill Lodge, a mental health community unit for 12-18-year olds. The morning involved unloading the plants they supplied, digging and creating stepping stones in the garden, whilst other volunteers made raised beds for vegetables and sensory plants, removing weeds and old plants.

Johnsons of Whixley’s Ellie Richardson said: “This is our second volunteering project with York Cares. It’s great to offer our support and help a local charity by not only offering volunteers but donating plants to help improve the outside spaces too. We had a mixture of staff attend from Johnsons including our Chairman John Richardson, who at 80 was just as involved in digging and weeding as the younger ones.

“As workers within the horticultural industry, we’re very much aware of the positive impact a green environment can have on those who use it, and we were pleased to lend our time and knowledge to the project, as part of a fantastic team from a range of backgrounds.”

Johnsons of Whixley is a family business first established in 1921 and one of Europe’s largest horticultural suppliers to the commercial sector.

TV, film and stage actor Stephen Mangan has been announced as the host of the 2018 GIMA Awards.

Best known for his role as Sean in the hit transatlantic comedy series Episodes and Guy in surreal comedy-drama Green Wing, his most recent work includes highly acclaimed TV dramas Bliss and The Split.

As a RADA trained stage actor, Stephen has performed all over the world, most recently appearing in The Norman Conquests (at the Old Vic and Broadway) for which he was nominated for a TONY.  His films include Billy Elliot, the James Hunt biopic Rush, and Festival - for which he received a BAFTA nomination.

GIMA Director Vicky Nuttall said: “I’m very excited to announce Stephen Mangan as our host this year. A warm, welcoming and fun character, last year he hosted the BAFTA TV Craft Awards so we’re very lucky to have him host our awards this year.”

Stephen will host the awards ceremony, sponsored by Glee, entries for which are now closed.  The winners will be announced at the GIMA Awards Gala Dinner on Thursday 12th July, once more held at the Celtic Manor Resort in Newport South Wales.

To find out more about how to book one of the few remaining seats at the GIMA awards 2018 please visit http://gima.org.uk/gima-awards/. Why not also join in the conversation on Twitter by using the hashtag #GIMAAwards18.

Fleuroselect, the international organisation for the ornamental plants industry, has announced that the FleuroStar Award 2018/19 goes to Osteospermum ecklonis Purple Sun from Selecta one.

Breeder Maike Boxriker accepted the prize from FleuroStar Committee Chairman Heike Gronemann and Fleuroselect President ad interim Jean-François Ignasse.
 
Osteospermum Purple Sun from Selecta one was competing against Begonia Bossa Nova Night Fever Papaya (Floranova), Fragraria Summer Breeze Rose (ABZ Seeds), Salvia Mysty (Florensis) and Tagetes Little Duck Orange (Ameriseed).

Heike Gronemann, Chairwoman of the Jury:"Purple Sun convinced the jury with its impressive visual impact at point of sale and commercial potential. Purple Sun will be a true Winner with the Wow Factor for the entire industry."

Purple Sun, a warm summer glow in the garden
Like the summer sun setting over the ocean, such is the colour play of the latest Osteospermum ecklonis Purple Sun from Selecta one's FlowerPower series. Several shades of orange fade into a deep purple ring that surrounds the heart of the flower. Growers will love the good branching and the easily controllable plant habit. Purple Sun can perfectly be integrated in any existing Osteo production scheme and the enchanting orange-purple colour combination will genuinely shine at point of sale. Consumers will love the non-fading colours and excellent outdoor performance.

FleuroStar Evening - Breeding meets Retail
The new 'Winner with the Wow Factor' was announced at the FleuroStar Evening on Thursday 14 June at Florensis in Hendrik-Ido-Ambacht (NL). Attended by approx. 120 persons, the second edition of the event was a big success. Jean-François Ignasse, President ad Interim of Fleuroselect: "Tonight, I saw breeders, young plant producers, distributors and retailers exchanging views on the latest pot and bedding introductions. FleuroStar truly connects the entire industry, a beautiful evolution indeed." 

Jardiland joins FleuroStar Jury
Laurent Foucault of the French garden centre chain Jardiland joined his colleagues from the Dutch Intratuin and German Obi in the 2018 FleuroStar jury. In total, over 30 professionals in breeding, production, trade and retail evaluate each entry on point of sale attractiveness and commercial potential.

Marketing boost
The new FleuroStar winner will receive considerable marketing support. Next to conducting an international press campaign, Fleuroselect promotes the new winner at trade fairs and industry events. Contest sponsors Pull Position, a marketing agency specialised in retail promotion, offers a tailor made marketing project whereas DeschPlantpak dedicates a full spread in its next lifestyle brochure to the new winner. Stokvis, the production house behind various Dutch gardening television programmes, offers a free product placement feature in its star show 'de Grote Tuinverbouwing'.

Selecta one does it again: Richard Petri, Andrea Dohm, Maike Boxriker, Henk Dresselhuys and Belinda Mager.

The first week of June delivered a massive uplift in Garden Product sales compared to the same week last year but not up to the levels of early June in 2016, 2015 or 2014.

Rose related products, feeds and pest control were the category with the biggest movement while Solar light sales also picked up.

Highlights this week were:

• Scotts Miracle-Gro Rose & Shrub Concentrated Plant Food, 1 litre, was the highest new entry of the week, in at No 28.
• Smart Solar’s Eureka Omega Solar Light makes an immediate impression on the GTN Chart at No 35.
• Doff Slug Killer, 800g + 200g Free, leapfrogs above Neudorff Sluggo to No 2 as the bestselling slug product last week.

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

A bumper week of growing media sales at the start of June has reduced the year on year deficit to less than 4% now as top soil and bark products increased sales week on week while compost sales dropped.

Highlights in the chart this week were:

• Scotts Miracle-Gro Organic Choice Premium Garden Soil, 25 litres, increased sales by 4% and moved up to No 3.
• Scotts Levington Essential Top Soil, 35 litres, was the highest re-entry at No 36.
• Westland Top Soil (Value Bag), 35 litres, moved up seven places to No 7.
• Westland Landscape Bark, 100 litres, moved up nine places with a 5% sales increase.
• Westland Decorative Mini Bark, 100 litres, was the highest new entry.

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

BBC’s Springwatch has had a positive effect on Wild Bird Care sales at the start of June 2018. 

Sales for the past two weeks have been 20% higher than the average for the previous 12 weeks despite all the ‘bad’ weather during March and early April. Sales are, however, still down on last year, but the gap is closing.

Highlights were:

• Gardman get back to holding nine of the top 10 places in the GTN Bestsellers chart with Fat Snax, packs of 50, back at No 1 for the 4th consecutive week.
• Tom Chambers Insect Suet Treat is the highest re-entry of the week, in at No 30.
• Smart Garden Chapelwood Everyday Seed Mix 1kg is the only new entry, in at No 50.

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

Veg plant sales continue to be the most hit plant sales area as a result of the late start this year.

Our GTN Bestsellers Top 50 index now sits at 24% down year on year.

Highlights were:

• Nursery Fresh Plants Strawberries in 9cm pots hold on to the No 1 spot for the third week.
• Quantil Runner Bean White Emergo Strips, last year’s No 1 Bestseller at this time of year, stay at No 2.
• Farplants Tomato Tumbling Tom Red, 1 litre pots, are the highest new entry at No 23.

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

Hydrangea paniculata 'Breg14' (POLESTAR) has been voted Best Novelty at Garden Trials and Trade 2018. The plant was submitted by Breedersplants VOF, Gouda.

Hydrangea pan. 'Breg14' is a very early blooming Dharuma crossbreed. Very well cultivated and presented. Flowers very abundantly. Does not seem to be invasive. According to the jury, the light green colour of the flowers is a definite innovation. The jury also awarded five silver and six bronze medals.

28 plants judged

At the first edition of Garden Trials and Trade, 31 plants were submitted for the novelty showcase. Ultimately, 28 of these were judged. The novelties are judged by a professional judging committee from the Koninklijke Vereniging voor Boskoopse Culturen (The Royal Society for Boskoop Cultures).

The first edition of Garden Trials and Trade is being held from 12 to 14 June 2018 in the Plantarium building at the International Trade Centre in Hazerswoude-Dorp.

The opening hours are from 09:00 to 18:00 on each day. Sufficient parking spaces (free parking) are available close to the trade fair location.

Entry is free for trade visitors with a promotional ticket and/or through digital pre-registration via www.gardentrials.com.

In a season that has been challenging it appears that plant sales are holding up which is great news for the HTA National Plant Show and Nursery Supply Show which take place next week (19 and 20 June) at Stoneleigh Park in Warwickshire. With over 140 companies represented across the two shows (198 stands) is it the place to visit for all your plant needs.

The National Plant Show, sponsored by Hortipak, brings together plant producers from across the UK, providing an unprecedented opportunity to view the very best plants from the UK supply chain. As ever there is a big focus on new plants enabling visitors to view the very latest plants that will be available for next season. This year’s New Plant Awards, sponsored by the RHS, have attracted in excess of 100 entries and so this year’s judges will be spoilt for choice. Visitors can have their say in the Visitor Vote, sponsored by Floramedia, – and so make sure you speak up for your favourite!

This year sees the return of the award for Best Plant Concept for Retail. This will showcase creative concepts that will help retailers sell more plants. The 2017 winner of the award was the Plantbutler plastic cover pot and Water Wick from Javado.  Visitors are also able to vote for their most inspiring stand in the ‘Planting the Seed’ Award last year won by Profit Plant for their Bohemian room setting which saw the innovative display of plants at different levels.

We are delighted that this year Hortipak are also supporting the Retail Concept Experience. Adjoining the Hortipak Hub this area will be filled with inspiring retail ideas for visitors to takeaway.

The seminar theatre, sponsored by Sinclair, provides some added interest covering a variety of topics – make sure not to miss out on these free, interactive and inspiring seminars.

Tuesday 19 June
10 am - the Forest Research team will be on hand to update everyone on the phytothreats project findings so far (to be repeated on day two).
11 am – New Plant Awards announcement – a talk through the winning plants and their attributes
1pm – A plant health update from HTA Director of Horticulture Raoul Curtis-Machin
3pm – A panel session led by George Bullivant of Garden Forum who will explore ideas around sustainability and the environment in the context of horticulture.

New for 2018 the Nursery Supply Show introduces a series of free mini workshops, led by headline partner, ICL. Head to the ICL Grow, Nurture, Protect Hub to find out more about the stops on the tour which cover ‘The key to healthy plants,’ Pest and disease controls’, Printing trends and developments’ and ‘Business knowhow’.  They will run at 10, 12 and 2 on each day of the show. Workshop participants will receive a voucher for a free hog roast roll.

HTA has announced the appointment of two new recruits to strengthen the policy and horticulture teams.

Sally Cullimore joins as Policy Executive and brings many years of experience from the grower sector after completing her studies at Pershore College. Sally has spent time at Ball Colegrave and the Newey Group in sales and marketing roles. She has a strong interest in the political landscape surrounding horticulture and will support the lobbying and policy campaigns that the HTA is involved in.

Sally comments, “I’m very excited to be joining the HTA and helping the horticultural industry understand the key issues and opportunities whilst supporting the HTA with its policy campaigns.”

Alistair Yeomans joins as Horticulture Manager. With a BSc in Horticulture, a qualification in Arboriculture from Harvard, and an MSc in Forestry Alistair brings wide experience in ornamental and amenity horticulture including farm management in Portugal, ornamental production in the UK and research work in connection with the University of Oxford. Alistair brings enthusiasm and knowledge of plant health, biosecurity, nursery operations and tree and forestry management and will be the HTA’s key contact for grower members, specialist grower committees along with BOPP and the Growing Media Association.

Alistair comments, “I am really looking forward to joining the HTA team and working with members to address industry challenges and promote the many benefits of the horticulture sector to wider society.”

Sally and Alistair will both be available to meet members at the HTA National Plant Show and Nursery Supply Show which takes place on 19 and 20 June 2018 at Stoneleigh Park in Warwickshire.

HTA President Adam Taylor adds, “We are delighted to welcome Sally and Alistair to the HTA team. Their appointments will help to strengthen both our lobbying and grower focused activity – helping to support the industry and ensure that the sector’s interests are well represented in the political arena.”

After another excellent season for SunTime, their Outdoor Living showroom opens its door to preview their exciting new range for 2019.

Full of colour, innovation and great development the showroom has something for every customer.

With the first week fully booked the showroom is available by appointment whilst there is an open week being held open to all customers from Monday 9th July through to Friday 13th where they can come and view the ranges at their leisure.

With the first two weeks fully booked and a busy open week planned Adam Gregory, Sales Director has commented: "It has been a great year for us. We changed a few things around here at Trans-Con  and we are now starting to reap the rewards.

"We are looking to continue this growth and we are all really exciting about the season ahead. Our furniture range for 2019 is full of colour, innovation and there really is something for everyone.

"We are all just looking forward to showing our customers! There's been a great buzz around the showroom, we've had a great and busy first week and the same is planned for next."

Appointments for the showroom can be made via the office or by contacting your area sales representative.

Tel: 01253 207799

The Royal Horticultural Society has announced the award of a licence to Agros Trading GmbH, a leader for many years in the manufacturing and marketing of wild bird feed, for a comprehensive range of high-quality wild bird food – the first-ever range of bird feed fully licensed by the RHS.

The RHS wild bird feed range includes:

• High Energy Suet Balls
• High Energy Suet Cakes
• High Energy Suet Nibbles
• Premium Brown Peanut
• Oil Rich Black Sunflower Seeds
• No Mess Sunflower Hearts
• High Energy No Mess Seed Mix
• Everyday Seed Mix
• Finches Favourite Nyjer Seeds
• Protein Rich Mealworms

The packaging for the range will make use of imagery from the RHS Lindley Library, the world’s finest collection of botanical art, containing more than 25,000 superb images.

The range went on sale at over 200 The Original Factory Shop stores on 15 May and will be available at RHS shops both physical and online very soon. A number of garden centres and some supermarket chains are also expected to stock the range in the coming months.

The target market is enormous and takes in all ages and backgrounds. Feeding wild birds is becoming more and more popular in the UK with both young and old alike. The wild bird feed market in the UK is worth in excess of £200m a year.

Agros Trading GmbH has been a leader for many years in the manufacturing and marketing of wild bird food. It sources raw materials exclusively from selected and certified suppliers with which it has long-term partnerships or from local farmers. For wild bird seed only GMO-free raw materials are used where available.
 

John Molyneux, UK Manager, Agros Trading GmbH, says: “The enormous and growing popularity of feeding wild birds in the UK makes this an important market in which we have a strong reputation.” He continues: “Adding the much sought-after RHS brand to these new products will bring another level of credibility to an already quality offering. We are thrilled to be working with the RHS on this range.”

Cathy Snow, Licensing Manager, RHS, says: “This is the first RHS-branded range of bird feed we have fully licensed and a very important step into this category for us. In the event, we couldn’t have hoped for a better partner. I’m certain that this will be a very productive partnership and popular product range.”

Legal action against the owner of a garden centre near Wargrave who lost a long-running planning dispute has been dropped after a judge ruled that it was unfair.

Rob Scott and the owners of seven businesses formerly based at the Hare Hatch Sheeplands were due to face trial at Reading Crown Court after pleading not guilty to charges of breaching enforcement notices in May.

But this will no longer go ahead after a hearing on Wednesday ruled the action was based on misleading information provided to Mr Scott during his decision to withdraw a planning appeal in 2014.

A full report can be read on the Henley Standard website, click here to view

Wyevale Garden Centre CEO Roger Mclaughlan has revealed to GTN Xtra that it’s “business as usual” while the company considers offers on its 145 centres.

Owner Terra Firma announced last month that the garden centre group was officially up for sale either as a whole, as sub groups or as individual garden centres. Christie & Co, the agents handling the sale,  have placed a June 26 deadline for first round bids.

Wyevale Garden Centres achieved record-breaking sales figures during May, and Roger Mclaughlan was quick to point out the centres were performing well in the current climate.

How pleased are you with the way the group is performing at the moment?

We are very pleased with our performance. Customers are reacting well to the changes we have made, and we are delighted to have delivered a record breaking May performance.

Is there a danger that this level of performance could drop during 'for sale' process?

Our focus is 'business as usual'. We are well set up for peak trading, and all colleagues are focused on ensuring we continue to deliver best-in-class retail experiences for our customers.

How are you keeping staff morale high during a period of uncertainty?

Great people are at the heart of our business. As part of our turnaround strategy, we've invested in our colleagues and our customers are already seeing the difference. We believe that any future owner would see the value in our colleagues. We have held conversations with our colleagues across the business since the sale was announced and very much believe in the importance of maintaining an open dialogue with them to ensure any concerns they may have are addressed directly.

Do you have a current winning formula throughout your portfolio of garden centres?

Our current strategy is focused on building and strengthening the fundamentals of our business and delivering a more compelling customer proposition and experience. We have improved ranges, increased stock availability, and delivered exceptional garden centres standards. This has been delivered through the focus on our strategic goals of investing in people, upgrading systems and controls as well as improving the supply chain process.

How important will it be for any prospective buyer(s) of your garden centres to take this formula on board in future?

We believe that any prospective buyer will see the value in the strategy we've set out and implemented over the last two years, including investment in our people, the core infrastructure, systems and processes of the business.

Is your main focus still on driving the business forward until any sale is agreed?

Yes, we are very much committed to continuing the implementation of our turnaround strategy and running our business for the benefit of our colleagues and customers. Our focus is 'business as usual' and customer experience sits at the heart of our strategy and that has not changed.

Do you hope to remain with the business in future?

Together with Anthony Jones, Chief Financial Officer, I will continue to lead the business.

Full details of all Wyevale centres can be accessed via a website: www.wyevalegardencentres.christie.com. By registering on the site and completing a Non Disclosure Agreement, interested parties will have all the relevant information about the sites so that offers can be placed by the end of the first round process on June 26th.

Cowell's Garden Centre in Woolsington, Newcastle, has been saved after the family business bought its site from the landlord.

The future of Cowell’s Garden Centre, at Woolsington on the edge of Newcastle, had been put in doubt with its lease on the site coming to an end and the landlord pursuing plans to sell it for a housing development.

The multi-award winning garden centre was originally set up by Alan and Mavis Cowell in 1978, and a search for a new home for the business had been launched in 2012 by current companies co-directors: Alan and Mavis’ children, Martin Cowell and Jane Keating.

By 2017, however, the family were still struggling to find a new home for the business and the company brought in a team of advisors who suggested the business offer to buy the land from the landlord.

That offer has now been accepted and the company has been saved form closure.

In their local paper, The Chronicle, Martin Cowell said: “We are delighted to have been able to safeguard the future of the business and our employees’ livelihoods as we celebrate four great decades, and we look ahead to the next 40 years, and beyond.

“Securing the site forms a key part of our strategic growth plan which will allow the business to thrive, as we further expand our range of plants and nursery products over the next three to five years, whilst creating new jobs.”

The decision to buy the site was suggested by consultants at Gordon Brown Law Firm. It was negotiated by Gerald Eve, who was supported by accountants Tait Walker. HSBC provided the finance for the acquisition.

Mr Cowell added: “Following a long period of uncertainty for the business, we can now call Woolsington our permanent home.

“We are extremely grateful to our team of trusted advisors at GBLF, Tait Walker and HSBC who all worked seamlessly as a team to help us navigate what was a complicated process. Working in such a collaborative way was integral to ensuring we were able to acquire the site.

“We are also very thankful to our dedicated team, which has remained loyal to us, as well as the local community who have supported us over the years.”

Suppliers and retailers from the garden retail industry came together for a day of fun, team building and networking at the GIMA Charity Golf & Activity Day in Telford, raising funds for Greenfingers and Acorns Hospice...

It was the second year the event was opened to other activities like archery, laser clay pigeon shoot, kwik cricket, opening the event up for more industry colleagues to get out from behind their desks for a day of team building and fun.

On the golf course, the biggest prize on the day was over the 18 holes. It was a fiercely fought competition but it was the team from Hartman (below) who took home the winners’ trophy. Coming up a close second was Woodlodge, with the GIMA team following behind in third position.  A team from Bathgate picked up the wooden spoon.

As always, the golfers had not just their handicap to beat, but a number of other prizes up were for grabs keeping the competitive juices flowing. The ‘Beat the Pro’ winners were Anthony Barrett, Phil Hards, Robert Stubbs, Stuart Miller, Paul Facey, Alwyn Williams, Phil Burgoyne, Nigel Wallis, Jai Bunker, Phil Swainston, Keith Laird, Tony Dedman, Jamie Cobb and Phil Hodges.

There were also several spot prizes available. The winners were:

Nearest Pin 8th Hole – James Mitchell

Nearest Pin 11th Hole – Paul Handier

Nearest Pin 16th Hole – Chris Owen

Longest Drive 14th Hole - James Mitchell

Longest Drive 18th Hole – Paul Whitehead

Longest Ladies Drive – Alison Novell

Activity Day (Archery, laser clay pigeon shoot, kwik cricket)

Overall winners: Team A led by Chris Ramsden 247 points.

Team B led by Richard Pyrah’s scored 232 points.

Archery:

First: Andrew Peers

Second: Neil Simms

Third: Mike Cook

Garden centre owners were among the 500 guests invited to the Dorchester Hotel last night to join John Athwal as he celebrated his 65th birthday, 30 years of trading for Premier Decorations and his OBE, presented to him by the Queen earlier this year.

Alton's, Bents, Blackbrooks, Brookside, Poplars, Squires, Hillview, Blue Diamond, Gordale, Gates, Stewarts, Thurrock and many more enjoyed an evening of dining, dancing and an entertainment line up that included; The Bollywood Brass Band, Young Stars Company, The Jersey Boys, The Secret Singers, a bollywood dance troop, topped off by an almost two hour set from Indian singer and film actress Sophie Choudry.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The £1 million botanical-style restaurant at a Dorset garden centre has been unveiled.
 
Malcolm Scott Consultants prepared detailed plans for the structure at Groves Garden Centre in Bridport, ensuring that it boasted an eye-catching design while remaining in-keeping with the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty it is located in.

The restaurant, constructed by Smiemens Projecten of Holland according to detailed drawings prepared by MSC’s architectural technologist Alexandra Ginés Heiwegen, has now opened its doors to customers.

Malcolm Scott Consultants gained permission for the 176-cover facility and other site developments and had a number of specific considerations to overcome in preparing the concept designs.

Chris Primet, of MSC, said: “Groves Garden Centre is located within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, so we had to ensure – and reassure planning officers – that our proposed structure wouldn’t have a negative impact on that.

“There were also strict height guidelines in place - the Environment Agency had instructed the centre to raise the internal floor level of its coffee shop to a minimum of 4.3m AOD above the existing ground level – meaning that our final design was going to be tall in order to fulfil those requirements.

“In other words, it had to be both eye-catching and sympathetic to its surroundings,” he explained.

The finished designs were created to catch the eyes of the thousands of drivers and passengers travelling along the A35  - located just 10 metres away - and will utilise curved glass panes to complement and reflect the surrounding area.

The building is positioned to curve away from the A35 rather than presenting a vertical elevation, a concept MSC had used at a previous centre, enabling the team to demonstrate how effective the end result would be to officers.

“We felt that a curved glasshouse would convey a horticultural message, both in the way the surrounding tees are reflected in the glazing, and by way of the fact that diners can see through it to the landscape beyond,” Chris added.

Charlie Groves, of Groves Garden Centre, said: “We have had a fantastic response from customers.  Along with everyone else we have had a record breaking May and the boost in restaurant sales has been the icing on the cake!

“The design and positioning of the restaurant has been the standout triumph of the project and the light airy space combined with the wonderful outdoor seating has meant we have been able to make the most of the great early summer weather.

“We have already had business breakfast meetings and children’s workshops during half term.  We also have a couple of wedding receptions booked in and some more evening parties in the future.  None of these were advertised for; they are all due to the unique design of the building, led by Alex and Chris, making it stand out from the rest of the town,” he said.

Malcolm Scott Consultants has secured planning consent for site development at Cambridgeshire-based Oakington Garden Centre.

The family-run centre has been given the green light by South Cambridgeshire District Council to expand its shop to complement its very successful restaurant

Work on the 4,000 sq ft  extension is set to start this year.

Chris Primett of Malcolm Scott Consultants said: “We’re particularly pleased with this achievement as it is a development located within the Green Belt, which therefore requires  very careful consideration of the supporting special circumstances.

“There is some evidence that local planning authorities are taking a more positive approach towards garden centre development in Green Belt locations, although this is balanced with Central Government’s desire to see retail investment going into town centres.”

Philip Sadler, of Oakington garden centre, added: “The extra covered sales area that Chris and the team have gained permission for not only greatly increases our sales area, but enables our customers to shop in comfort without being exposed to the elements.

“The covered walkway to the café will have a particularly significant impact as many of our customers are elderly/ have mobility issues, therefore the improvements will undoubtedly improve accessibility and overall customer experience. We would expect that this new development will lead to further growth to our business.”

Commercial Kitchen, the dedicated UK trade show for the catering equipment and services industry, was bustling with activity and new innovations last week on 5-6 June at the NEC Birmingham.
 
Thanks to its focused approach, fresh content, product launches and innovative exhibitors, like last year, this ‘must-attend’ event welcomed over 1700 attendees. The quality of buyer was labelled ‘outstanding’, with some of the UK’s biggest foodservice and hospitality operators in attendance.
 
Exhibitors have hailed Commercial Kitchen 2018 as a significant and overwhelming success – praising the quality of the ‘highly specialised’ buyers they did business with over the two days.  Notably, 11% of buyers at the show had a purchasing power of over £5million; while nearly one in four said they are responsible for an annual corporate spend of over £1million. Over 60% of attendees identified as being end user operators, while 30% were project/design houses or distributors.
 
Other headline figures include a record number of exhibitors increasing their stands sizes for 2019, with a huge 60% of exhibitors confirming their participation for the next edition before doors had even closed.   This has led to show organisers, Diversified Communications, announcing a bigger show floorplan for the 2019 show.
 
“We’re absolutely delighted.  A huge thanks to all our amazing exhibitors, visitors, media supporters and association partners. The wide support the show has received since its launch – is just incredible.  The increased level of support from associations this year was unprecedented,” says event manager Katie Tyler.
 
“The show has fast established itself as the two days a year where the industry meets, launches innovations and does business.  It’s all about quality.  And the quality of buyers, whether end user, project house, distributor, or consultant, was exceptional.  No wonder so many of our exhibitors have already signed up for Commercial Kitchen 2019!”
 
Summing up their exhibiting experience, Patrick Bray, MD of Regale Microwave Ovens, says: “Commercial Kitchen 2016 was brilliant, 2017 was excellent, and 2018 was outstanding.  Definite leads from the UK but also businesses overseas, including the USA and Korea, all added to our best trade show ever!”
 
“With great speakers and innovative new releases, the Commercial Kitchen show is a must and we were only too happy to exhibit.  We left thoroughly satisfied with the number of visitors we engaged with.  See you next year,” says Mark Cooke, commercial sales manager at Liebherr-Great Britain.
 
“The Commercial Kitchen show is one of the highlights of the year for Carpigiani UK.  We believe this show is very targeted and you know, before you go, there will be serious visitors who will be interested in learning about your products.  This year seemed to deliver even better than last year and there was an amazing energy and buzz around both exhibitors and visitors,” says Scott Duncan, sales director of Carpigiani UK.
 
“The focus of the show in aiming to get decision makers to see our equipment, is one that fits with our strategy and we met some great prospective customers on the stand,” says Steve Hemsil, sales director at Welbilt, UK & Ireland.
 
An unmissable show
It wasn’t just the exhibitors that were impressed.  Visiting buyers from across the industry also hailed Commercial Kitchen 2018 as the best yet, praising the quality of the innovative new products launched for key decision makers at the show.
 
“The amount and variety of new product launches at the show made the visit really worthwhile,” says Mark Teed, food strategy & implementation manager at Star Pubs & Bars.
 
“The amount of new and innovative products on display was the best I have seen for a while,” comments Jack Sharkey MSc, managing director at Vision Commercial Kitchens.
 
“This show is very useful.  I found three great contacts in an hour and found the speakers to be informative, relevant and insightful,” says Gavin Smith, operations director at Pizza Pilgrims.
 
“It was a breath of fresh air to be able to speak with so many different suppliers face-to-face. The quality of equipment on show was a testament to what is on offer out there for our kitchens,” says Sean Edwards, training & development chef at Yo!
 
“It’s great to see so many current and new equipment suppliers in one place,” agrees Antony Bennett, head of food at Loungers.
 
Other leading decision makers in attendance included buyers from Amazon, Bartlett Mitchell, Bourne Leisure, Brewhouse and Kitchen, Burger King, Cardiff County Council, Casual Dining Group, Costco Wholesale, Deliveroo, Drake and Morgan, EI Group, Empire Cinemas, Everyman Cinema, Fuller’s, Greene King, H M Prison, Hall & Woodhouse, Jolly Fine Pub Group, Kew Green Hotels, La Tasca,  Las Iguanas, Magdalen College School, Marstons, Mitchells & Butlers, Nottingham University Hospital NHS Trust, PizzaExpress, Pizza Hut International, Punch Taverns, Sainsbury's, SSP, Tesco, TGI Fridays, The Bath Pub Company, The Fat Duck, Tortilla, University Hospitals Birmingham, University of Wolverhampton, Virgin Trains East Coast, Whisby Garden Centre and Whitbread plus, a significant number of buyers from independent restaurants and pubs, hotels, contract caterers, attractions, hospitals, care homes, schools and universities from across the UK.
 
The show attracted an equally impressive turnout of all the key project houses, distributors and installers, such as Airedale Group, Brakes Catering Equipment, C&C Catering Equipment, Catering Design Group, Catering Equipment Solutions (Peterborough), CHR Equipment, Court Catering Equipment, Gratte Brothers, Inox Equip, KCM Catering Equipment, Kitchen & Restaurant Projects, Nisbets, Sprint Group, TAG Catering Equipment, YCE Catering Equipment alongside many other leading ceda members.
 
Adam Mason, director general at ceda, the show’s Lead Partner says: “This year’s Commercial Kitchen show has been a huge success! We achieved everything we needed to and much more. The event was extremely well attended, not just by ceda members and partners, but by leading end users from across the whole of the foodservice and hospitality industry. This focused show is not to be missed. We’ll be returning as Lead Partner next year and are already discussing some exciting developments!”
 
Expert Keynote line-up
Opening day highlights included an exclusive ‘in conversation’ session with Alasdair Murdoch, CEO of Burger King UK.  Plus, panel-led discussions on solid fuel, pub kitchens, kitchen design, and the important role of kitchen project and design houses (featuring prominent ceda members). 
 
The show’s second day saw panels dedicated to efficiency in kitchens, connected kitchens, hospital catering and the role of foodservice consultants; plus, the announcement of this year’s Innovation Challenge Awards winners.
 
Innovation Challenge Awards 2018
Designed to promote and celebrate new ideas in the market place, the prestigious Innovation Challenge Awards, attracted a record 25 entries this year.  The results saw a record five companies receive gold awards, two awarded silver and three took home the bronze.
 
Ten finalists (chosen by popular visitor vote on opening day) took turns to impress the judges in the live pitching session on 6 June.  The judges included; Antony Bennett, head of food at Loungers; Craig Brookfield, kitchen design & equipment manager at Greene King; Roger Denton, national secretary of NACC; Abby Hughes, group food & beverage director at Kew Green Hotels; Andy Jones, MD of AJAssociates & chairman of PS100; Sarah Fryer, purchasing manager at Greene King; Jack Sharkey, MD of Vision Commercial Kitchens; Tyron Stephens-Smith, project & creative director at TAG; Philip Shelley, immediate past national chair of the Hospital Caterers Association; and Mark Teed, food strategy & implementation manager at Star Pubs & Bars.
 
GOLD Winners
Adande Refrigeration: Aircell Sarma Grab & Go Cabinet             
Carpigiani UK: Freeze&Go       
Synergy Grill: Synergy Grill Mark 2
Trak: Hot and Cold Display Unit           
Unox UK: EVEREO by Unox             
 
SILVER Winners
Environmental Products & Services: FilterShield FS1500
General Catering: ROG Grill            
 
BRONZE winners
Retigo: Hold-o-mat       
Shepherd Filters UK: Shepherd Filters
Target Catering Equipment: Target Bespoke Induction Range             
 
Save the date for 2019
“Commercial Kitchen is really what our industry needs, it brings together all parts of the supply chain in a focused and convivial environment. One not to be missed,” says Mark Kendall, chairman of ceda and director at Inox Equip.
 
“We’re already planning how to make your industry event even bigger and better for 4–5 June 2019.  We look forward to seeing everyone there next year,” says event manager Katie Tyler.
 
Commercial Kitchen returns to the NEC Birmingham on 4-5 June 2019.
 
For further information about the show, including its exhibitors, speakers, Innovation Challenge Awards and ceda Awards Gallery, the 2018 Show Guide is still available to view at www.commercialkitchenshow.co.uk/show-guide.

Adande’s Aircell^® open front, integral refrigerated Grab & Go cabinet has been announced as a gold winner at the 2018 Commercial Kitchen Innovation Challenge Awards.

The award was made just weeks after the company’s Aircell^® Grab & Go cabinet achieved first place in the Energy Efficiency category at the 2018 Footprint Awards 2018 and won the Packaging & Equipment category at the British Sandwich Association’s Sammies Awards. It follows the success of the product at the 2018 Food & Hotel Asia SCI Equipment Awards in Singapore and the 2017 FCSI UK & Ireland Sustainable Catering Equipment Awards.

The 2018 Commercial Kitchen Innovation Challenge Awards attracted entries from a wide range of suppliers to the hospitality industry. Entries were assessed by a high profile panel, which included senior specialists drawn from the broad church of the hospitality sector. The judging panel recognised the qualities of innovation and sustainability demonstrated by the Aircell^® Grab & Go cabinet, agreeing that the refrigerated display is an ideal solution for a variety of food to go operations, including cafés, coffee shops, sandwich shops, canteens, convenience stores and forecourt outlets. The judging panel stated:

“Radical innovation in air flow technology within the Grab & Go fridge. The judges loved it.”

On behalf of Adande, the company’s National Project Manager, Jan Quilliam, received the award during a special ceremony at the Commercial Kitchen Show held at the NEC, Birmingham. Adande’s Sales Director, Karl Hodgson, commented:

“This is the fifth major award we have received for the Aircell^® Grab & Go cabinet in a very short period of time. Recognition from our industry peers endorses the credentials of Aircell^® open front cabinet technology and highlights the tangible benefits for the display of chilled food to go in hospitality and convenience retailing operations. Aircell^® is a unique and disruptive technology, which saves energy, increases sales, maintains product quality and improves the shopping experience.”

The Adande Aircell^® Grab & Go cabinet incorporates unique and patented short air curtain technology, with optimum air flow patterns, dramatically reducing chilled air spillage from the unit, to provide significant food to go focused features for the operator. The reduction in cold air spillage means that there is less duty on the refrigeration system, creating energy savings. During in-store trials, the energy consumption of a prototype Aircell^® cabinet was measured as 53.6% less than the store’s existing open front multi deck, representing an annual saving in electricity costs of £660.65 for a 1250 mm unit. Because chilled air doesn’t fall from the cabinet, the temperature bandwidth is much tighter, keeping food products fresher for longer and reducing waste. During an in-store trial, air temperature within an Aircell^® Grab & Go cabinet was measured to a bandwidth of 3°C, compared with an average range of 13°C in the store’s existing open front multi deck. 

Aircell^® cabinets also provide benefits for the shopper. The tight cabinet temperature bandwidth ensures that food is held at the optimum temperature for freshness, quality and appearance, improving the eating experience. The chilly store conditions created by cold air spillage is eliminated, creating a warmer shopping environment for the customer, promoting browsing and increased sales. The open front nature of the Aircell^® cabinet also provides unfettered access to merchandise, which is a prerequisite for food to go operations.