As Glee celebrates 50 years, members of the industry and GTN readers over the past four months have been nominating their suggestions for Glee's 50 Year Hero's.  Now, the nomination lists are closed and open for voting by GTN and Glee Daily News readers until midnight on Tuesday 3rd September 2024 with the results being announced at 5:00pm on The Stage at Glee on Tuesday 10th September, just before the Glee New Product Awards.

• Most Influential Person of the past 50 years, vote here
• The Character of Glee's 50 years, vote here
• Hero Product of the past 50 years, vote here
• Hero Plant of the past 50 years, vote here

The nominations are, in alphabetical order:

Most Influential Person of the past 50 years

• John Ashley
• Edward Conroy
• Brian Evans
• Warren Haskins
• Nigel Long
• Nicholas Marshall
• Paris Natar
• Caroline Owen
• John Ravenscroft
• Alan Roper
• Norman Sellers
• Glen Sheldrake
• John Stanley
• Guy Topping

The Character of Glee's 50 years

• Sue Allen
• Derek Bunker
• Nick Davies
• Michelle de Lavis-Trafford
• Boyd Douglas-Davies
• Jackie Eades
• Simon Fox
• Anthony Harker
• Stuart Kitchen
• George Mold
• Nick Page
• Nigel Poyner
• Peter Seabrook
• Geoff Wooldridge

Hero Product of the past 50 years

• Drip Feeders
• Garden Solar Lights
• Gardman Wild Bird Care
• Harmony Gardens MP Compost
• Hozelock Connector System
• Kelkay bagged aggregates and POS
• Lotus Pebble Pool
• Miracle Gro
• Slug Gone – Wool slug pellets
• The first Gro-Bag launched by Fisons
• VegTrug
• Wildlife World Solitary Bee Hotel
• Wood Pellet BBQ grills

Hero Plant of the past 50 years

• Astrantia
• Choisya 'Sundance'
• Hebes
• Hydrangeas
• Kinder Plants
• Pre-Packed Flower bulbs
• Scabious Butterfly Blue
• Spirea Walbertons Magic Carpet
• Surfinia Petunias

• Most Influential Person of the past 50 years, vote here
• The Character of Glee's 50 years, vote here
• Hero Product of the past 50 years, vote here
• Hero Plant of the past 50 years, vote here

Voting closes at midnight on Tuesday 3rd September and the results will be announced at Glee 2024, on The Stage at 5:00pm, Tuesday 10^th September.

Glee takes place at the NEC in Birmingham, Tuesday 10th to Thursday 12th September 2024.  www.gleebirmingham.com 

As the Glee exhibition gets set to celebrate half a century at the heart of the garden retail sector, the organising team is looking for your input. In the past 50 years, Glee has seen thousands of exhibitors and visitors pass through its doors, with hundreds of thousands of new products launched since the show’s humble beginnings in 1974. To celebrate the newness and passion that have shaped Glee and the broader garden centre market during this time, the hunt is now on to find the people and product that have driven the most change over the past five decades.

Whether advocating for sustainability or using their influence to increase the reach of horticulture, many diverse people have left their mark on the world of garden retail. They might be suppliers, retailers, industry pundits, or those who have undertaken roles across the full spectrum. Whatever their role, all of them have been integral to Glee's growth, and their work has helped maintain gardening as one of the nation's best-loved pastimes.

Or perhaps the best memories of Glee involve a larger-than-life character. This person may play a starring role in Glee’s memoirs, providing endless smiles, friendly advice and happy recollections from those that knew them pacing the aisles of shows gone by.

Like the people who create them, gardening products have also generated pivotal moments of change. From finally tackling an age-old problem, formulating an innovative bestseller opportunity, opening a meaningful dialogue about gardening's impact on the planet, or simply using technology to make gardening more accessible for the modern consumer, there have been many hero products over the past half century.

Now is the time for Glee's audience to vote for their own heroes and celebrate the people and product they think have had the most impact on Glee's future and that of the garden retail sector.

Matthew Mein, Event Director at Glee, said: "The gardening world has changed so much from the early 70s, with each decade ringing in exciting new trends and innovation. Throughout all of this, Glee has maintained a constant presence, year-after-year providing a place where the garden retail sector can come together to inspire, network and educate. Now, we want to celebrate those who have left a mark in a fun and reflective look back on Glee's half-century. We're excited to see the nominations, find out the eventual winners, and are prepared for a tidal wave of nostalgia and questionable haircuts!"

How to vote:

Working in partnership with Glee's media partner, Garden Trade News, voting starts on Tuesday 20th August via GTN Xtra and Glee Daily News and closes at midnight on Tuesday 3rd September 2024.

• Most Influential Person of the past 50 years, vote here
• The Character of Glee's 50 years, vote here
• Hero Product of the past 50 years, vote here
• Hero Plant of the past 50 years, vote here

Glee connects the garden industry to inspire change, drive growth, and promote innovation. To find out more or to register your interest in exhibiting, please visit www.gleebirmingham.com or call +44 (0)203 3545 9752.

Vote here

Left to right, top to bottom:

John Ashley, Edward Conroy, Brian Evans, Warren Haskins, Nigel Long, Nicholas Marshall, Paris Natar, Caroline Owen, John Ravenscroft, Alan Roper, Norman Sellers, Glen Sheldrake, John Stanley, Guy Topping.

Vote Here

Voting closes at midnight on Tuesday 3rd September and the results will be announced at Glee 2024, on The Stage at 5:00pm, Tuesday 10^th September.

Glee takes place at the NEC in Birmingham, Tuesday 10th to Thursday 12th September 2024.  www.gleebirmingham.com 

Vote here

Left to right, top to bottom: 

Sue Allen, Derek Bunker, Nick Davies, Michelle de Lavis-Trafford, Boyd Douglas-Davies, Jackie Eades, Simon Fox, Anthony Harker, Stuart Kitchen, Nigel Poyner, Peter Seabrook, Geoff Wooldridge.

Also nominated: George Mold, Nick Page

Vote here

Voting closes at midnight on Tuesday 3rd September and the results will be announced at Glee 2024, on The Stage at 5:00pm, Tuesday 10^th September.

Glee takes place at the NEC in Birmingham, Tuesday 10th to Thursday 12th September 2024.  www.gleebirmingham.com 

Vote Here

Left to right, top to bottom: 

Drip Feeders, Garden Solar Lights, Gardman Wild Bird Care, Harmony Gardens MP Compost, Hozelock Connector System, Kelkay bagged aggregates and POS, Lotus Pebble Pool, Miracle Gro, Slug Gone – Wool slug pellets, The first Gro-Bag launched by Fisons, VegTrug, Wildlife World Solitary Bee Hotel, Wood Pellet BBQ grills.

Vote Here

Voting closes at midnight on Tuesday 3rd September and the results will be announced at Glee 2024, on The Stage at 5:00pm, Tuesday 10^th September.

Glee takes place at the NEC in Birmingham, Tuesday 10th to Thursday 12th September 2024.  www.gleebirmingham.com 

Vote here

Left to right, top to bottom: 

Astrantia, Choisya 'Sundance', Hebes, Hydrangeas, Kinder Plants, Pre-Packed Flower bulbs, Scabious Butterfly Blue, Spirea Walbertons Magic Carpet, Surfinia Petunias

Vote here

Voting closes at midnight on Tuesday 3rd September and the results will be announced at Glee 2024, on The Stage at 5:00pm, Tuesday 10^th September.

Glee takes place at the NEC in Birmingham, Tuesday 10th to Thursday 12th September 2024.  www.gleebirmingham.com 

Corby + Fellas has won the business for Stratford Garden Centre, implementing the acclaimed WinRetail System.

Situated just three miles from Stratford-upon-Avon town centre, Stratford Garden Centre has a large selection of plants and trees for your garden along with all the tools and equipment you’ll need to get going, as well as stocking a large range of gifts, homewares, garden furniture and toys – it’s well worth a visit.

The Lime Tree restaurant has a fabulous menu, coupled with superb customer service.

C+F will be providing Stratford GC with a new customer APP, interface to their WooCommerce Website and full integration to XERO.

A C+F spokesperson said: "We look forward to a long-standing partnership with Helen, Paul, Andrew, and the team with special mention to Liz and Dale – the hard work and staff training they delivered to the team was impeccable."

Designed to meet the needs of professional pruners, the FELCO ELITE range of secateurs represents a significant leap forward in performance, comfort, and durability.

Building on the legacy of excellence established by FELCO, the ELITE range incorporates cutting-edge design and materials to deliver unparalleled cutting performance and user experience.

Featuring the latest blade innovation from FELCO, F-Tech technology, the FELCO ELITE provides smooth cutting, while increasing productivity and efficiency for professional users.

Designed for extended use, and a priority on user comfort, the leather-covered grips provide a secure hold, reducing fatigue and muscle strain during prolonged pruning sessions. The ergonomic design ensures a perfect fit to hand contours and will mould to the individual’s hand over time. Other unique features include the mid-opening thumb catch for precision cuts and increased productivity, as well as a keyring hole, allowing for easy attachment of a lanyard.

With a focus on durability and environmental impact, the FELCO ELITE is built to last. High-quality materials and craftsmanship ensure long-lasting performance, while spare components and a full interchangeability concept make maintenance and repairs simple and cost-effective.

Manufactured with recycled materials and using 100% green energy, the FELCO ELITE minimizes its environmental footprint. With a focus on ergonomics, durability, and environmental sustainability, the FELCO ELITE sets a new standard in the industry.

Burton McCall is the UK Distributor for FELCO – Visit the company's stand 9C31 at Glee 2024.

www.burton-mccall.co.uk

Creative Products is a well-established, fast growing, Instore TV promotion company selling an exciting range of FMCG products using instore TV advertising to maximise sales.

The company is seeking a hard-working, dedicated full time merchandiser/area representative to look after its accounts across the West Midlands and North Wales responsible for approximately 60 stores, merchandising the unique in-store TV promotional display stands.

Creative Products’ customers are predominantly garden centres but also include High Street and out of town retailers. 

To see what ther company does visit https://www.creativeproducts.ltd.uk/in-store-tv/

The Role

• To make our in-store promotions as profitable as possible.
• Building excellent relationships within our customers stores.
• Product Changeovers.  
• New business store set-ups including installation of new promotional equipment.
• To be accountable for a set area of approximately 60 stores. • 
• Providing first-class customer service and support to all our customers.
• Ensuring our products are merchandised to the highest standard at the point of sale to ensure maximum sales.

Candidate requirements

• You will be confident, have a smart appearance with the ability to develop good customer relationships.
• You should have good commercial awareness and understand how the critical placement of products within retail stores affect sales performance
• Have similar experience or experience of working in retail, preferably within the garden centre industry
• Have good organisational skills
• Be customer focused, with the ability to develop customer relationships and sales opportunities
• Have basic computer skills, particularly with Microsoft Office features such as Word, Excel and Outlook
• Hold a full clean UK driving licence

Some overnight stays may be required as well as visits to our head office in Lincolnshire every 3-4 weeks.

Company van, telephone and laptop provided.

Company Pension Scheme also offered.

Starting salary in the region of £27,000 plus bonus scheme.

Applications to  julian.ranson@creativeproducts.ltd.uk and  richard@creativeproducts.ltd.uk

The Garden Centre Association’s July Barometer of Trade (BoT) figures reveal some positive results for the month.

Nine of the recorded 13 categories, when compared to July 2023, were up, according to data submitted by the GCA’s member garden centres.

Peter Burks, GCA CEO, says: “July was a much more encouraging month for our members with a decent increase in sales over July last year. It was great to see a good increase in furniture and BBQ sales after a long period of negative figures.

“Good also to see hardy plants producing a nice increase, which I hear has carried on into August. It certainly looks like it was a month when people actually got into their gardens, as hard landscaping was up almost 9% and garden sundries up more than 10%.

“Our smaller centres did particularly well with the Local Garden Centre category enjoying an increase of more than 10% compared to last year.”

The top performing category was clothing at +11.47%, when compared to the same month in 2023, with garden sundries next at +10.73, and hard landscaping in third position at +8.76%.

Catering came in next at +7.11%, then furniture & BBQ at +6.04%, the miscellaneous category came in at +5.09% and food hall/farm shop +4.81%. Seeds & bulbs was +4.8% and outdoor plants at +4.2%.

Gifts was -0.35% and houseplants at -2.71%, pets & aquatics -4.73% and understandably Christmas at the rear at -21.05%.

The GCA BoT reports are compiled using actual sales figures and provide an up-to-date trading position statement. They are made available mid-month following the end of the prior month after all member garden centres have submitted their results.

The BoT allows members to compare their trading positions with other centres.

The organiser of Glee, Hyve Group, has announced eBay as a sponsor of the 50th anniversary of the event, due to run from 10th-12thSeptember at the NEC, Birmingham. This new partnership with the UK’s premier garden trade exhibition will enable more businesses to discover the benefits of selling on eBay, one of the world’s biggest hubs for SME trading.

eBay is globally recognised and well-trusted as one of the biggest online marketplaces, a booming sector that was valued at more than £137 billion last year and is projected to reach over £152 billion in 2024. eBay is ideally placed to capitalise on this enormous growth, with an average of 235 million monthly visits, vast range of products, customer loyalty scheme and savvy marketing initiatives.

Hannah Richards, Garden Category Manager at eBay comments: “We are immensely proud of this new partnership with Glee and can’t wait to start meeting exhibitors. Garden related products are amongst the most popular items on our platform and there is incredible growth potential for suppliers who join us, including access to our 27 million active buyers.”

“The huge garden inventory on eBay incorporates the widest possible range of products, from live plants, plant care and growing media through to major garden structures, electrical equipment and decorative items. Any type of product you can expect to find at Glee will be sold on eBay, plus many more you haven’t even thought of yet!”

More to discover at Glee 2024

This is an exciting development for Glee as it celebrates half a century of serving the garden retail market in this country. Other initiatives in this milestone year include the debut of Glee Firsts, which will provide the ideal launch platform for winners of the GIMA Innovators Seed Corn Fund, alongside scores of exciting new suppliers who are joining Glee for the first time in 2024. Reflecting the vital importance of plants to Glee exhibitors and visitors, the thriving Green Heart and Future Plants showcase will be relocated in Hall 10, where it will benefit from plenty of seating and a new café area.

Glee Event Director, Matthew Mein, says: “Ebay sells one piece of garden furniture every two minutes, as well as seeing three plants, three seeds/bulbs, two garden tools, and one plant pot sell every minute on its platform. With stats this strong there is no question that eBay is the ideal partner for Glee and our exhibitors. This enormous online gardening stock profile not only includes used and refurbished items, but millions of brand-new products. The opportunity this affords to SMEs in particular is very clear and we are really looking forward to helping more of our exhibitors to access this valuable channel for sales.”

Glee is set to welcome more than 400 exhibitors to the show in September, some 180 of which are joining the event for the first time this year, many of them exclusive to Glee in 2024. Many visitors will make a beeline for the exceptional New Product Showcase between Halls 8 and 9, whilst the fabulous Talent Store for merchandising stars will return to the atrium following its successful launch at the 2023 event. A packed content programme will provide both directional trend information and invaluable advice about the hottest topics that are set to affect the industry in seasons to come. Fire, Grill & Chill, a dedicated area for outdoor entertaining, with freshly cooked food and live music, will offer excellent networking opportunities throughout the show.

For more information about the new partnership with eBay and exhibiting at the show in September, visit www.gleebirmingham.com or contact the team on +44 (0)203 3545 9752.

Register now for Glee 2024!

Registration for Glee 2024 is now open, with a number of exciting registration incentives sett to launch soon. To find out more, and to secure your free ticket to the 50th edition of Glee please visit www.gleebirmingham.com/visitor-registration

Find out more

Glee connects the garden industry to inspire change, drive growth, and promote innovation. To find out more or to register your interest in exhibiting, which will take place 10th – 12th September at the NEC, please visit www.gleebirmingham.com or call +44 (0)203 3545 9752.

MorePeople have recently released a white paper on succession planning.

As specialist recruiters in Horticulture, Agriculture, Food and Fresh Produce,  succession planning & recruitment is a topic being discussed more and more within the industries that we operate in. We've drawn upon our expertise and reached out to clients for their input to create a paper covering the business case for succession planning, strategies for effective planning, how to align with recruitment and more.

You can download a copy here https://r1.dotdigital-pages.com/p/58OI-G5T/successionplanningsignup

Caulders Garden Centre at Kirkintilloch has started work on a new 300-seater restaurant, which is set to open in Spring 2025. The project is expected to cost £1.5m.

The new restaurant will be more than double the size of the current one and is expected to create an additional 30 jobs.

The roof of the restaurant will host more than 175 solar panels with a 92% efficiency rating thereby saving 12.5 tonnes of CO2 a year. With sustainability at the forefront of the project, the garden centre will also be able to harvest all their rainwater and heat and cool the building with air sourced heat pumps.

“Our customers are at the centre of everything we do and it is important we keep improving our offering to them – the new building will also house a new baking kitchen that will provide in-house cakes and traybakes for all our Restaurants.  It is an exciting time for Caulders,” said Managing Director Colin Barrie.

Marriage’s has relaunched its comprehensive indoor and aviary bird food range. The relaunch marks the first phase of the brand’s new identity, which will be extended across other ranges later in the year.

With a fresh new packaging look and a range of new formulations, it showcases the brand's premium quality, both inside and outside the pack.

With 22 innovative products in the category, Marriage’s indoor and aviary bird food contains only the finest ingredients, helping to keep birds fit and healthy.  Every product has been expertly formulated to cater for the individual nutritional needs of budgies, canaries, foreign finches, parrots, cockatiels, parakeets and lovebirds. 

A balance of carbohydrates, natural proteins, fats and essential nutrients helps support optimum health and wellbeing and contributes to healthy plumage and skin. The parrot, cockatiel, parakeet and lovebird foods have been carefully redesigned with an assortment of tasty and wholesome ingredients to help provide opportunities for foraging and physical manipulation. They also help to provide important mental stimulation by delivering a variety of textures, colours and tastes. A premium selection of staple straight foods, that are sustainably sourced, complete the range. 

The new fresh-looking pack design has been utilised across every pack format and size, to bring strong brand identity across the range. Clearer product names and key call outs bring the product features and benefits to life on the pack face, for greater clarity of proposition on shelf. Every pack also includes the Marriage’s® 6 Step Well-being Plan, providing useful feeding tips and helpful ways to support a companion bird's well-being.

New pack sizes have also been introduced across the category to cater for customer purchasing requirements with weights ranging from 1kg all the way up to 20kg.

“We are very excited to present our enhanced, premium quality indoor bird range. We know that choosing a food for a companion bird isn’t just about what looks good. Considerable thought goes into ensuring that each of our feeds help to provide birds with the nourishment they need to stay healthy and happy,” said Sarah Kitson, Head of Marketing. “The new consumer-tested packaging creates real stand out on shelf and provides retailers with the key benefits to share with their customers. 

“No matter the age or breed, we are dedicated to ensuring that birds maintain a healthy, balanced diet. From blends made for companion birds to supporting top show breeders, our feeds are brimming with essential nutrients to help support growth and development.”

For further information on how to stock our new indoor and aviary bird range, call 0845 257 0232 or e-mail contactus@marriagesmillers.co.uk

The new Aquatics Zone – a dedicated hall for the key aquatics, reptile and watergardening exhibitors – will be one of the major highlights of the three-day PATS 2024.

The biggest-ever Pet & Aquatics Trade Show takes place at the Telford International Centre from Sunday, 29th September to Tuesday, 1st October 2024, with more than 330 brands showcasing their new products.

Visitors will find the Aquatics Zone located in Hall 1A, a prime position immediately next to the show entrance of the Telford International Centre.

The Zone will be packed with almost 40 of the UK’s leading aquatics, reptile and watergardening exhibitors. They include: ALF, Anglo Aquatic Plant, Aqua One, Aquadip, Aquatlantis, Bermuda, Betta Aquatics, BiOrb, Ceramic Nature, CIANO Aquarium, Clearseal Aquariums, Cloverleaf, Dennerle, Dymax, Eheim, eSHa Labs, Exo Terra, Fluval, J&K Aquatics, Neil Hardy Aquatica, NT Labs, OASE, okpet.co.uk – Fish Systems, Peregrine Livefoods, Pettex, PondXpert, sera, Superfish/Colombo/Aquafleur, Tropica Aquarium Plants, Tropical, and Zoo Med Laboratories.

Excitement is already building as the companies plan their activity at the show.

Certikin will be exhibiting its popular Bermuda brand and National Sales Manager Bob Meacham said: “We are excited to be exhibiting at PATS with it being such a premier industry event. It’s a great show for bringing together all the key brands under one roof. We have been working on some exciting new products for 2025 and look forward to showcasing these alongside many of the popular products from our existing leading range of pond and watergardening products.”

Rolf C Hagen is another major company that will have a big presence in the Aquatics Zone. The company’s UK Marketing Manager Paul Trott said: “We’re excited to announce that Hagen’s market-leading Fluval aquatic and Exo Terra reptile brands will be on display in the Aquatics Zone at PATS. We invite visitors to join us on the Fluval stand to discover the latest innovations in app-controlled LED lighting, stunning new aquarium designs and sustainable foods. Our Exo Terra stand will feature one of our biggest launches in years, with a full new range of T5 lighting and canopies with unique, custom light spectrums developed in association with reptile lighting expert Thomas Griffiths from Tomaskas. Visitors can also view the latest developments in LED lighting with our new Terrasky UVB range, along with a host of new products. Whether you’re already a Fluval or Exo Terra stockist or if you’re new to our brands, be sure to pop by our stand and benefit from our exclusive show deals.”

German company Eheim welcomed the opportunity to take a stand at PATS with European Sales Manager Xavier Beguin explaining the decision to be part of the Aquatics Zone: “Having an extended three-day event provides ample time to spend with our retail partners to demonstrate our latest innovations and share our plans for the coming years.”

Acknowledging the importance of this new addition to PATS, the Aquatics Zone will have its own dedicated catering area and New Product Showcase.

All entries into the Showcase will be judged by industry experts to determine the winners of the New Product Awards under three categories: Indoor, Outdoor and Reptile.

“The launch of the Aquatics Zone is really exciting, having been welcomed by the aquatics, reptile and watergardening sectors,” said PATS organiser Gordon Thomas. “We’re confident that this dedicated Zone will inject a real buzz into PATS.”

To make the visitor experience even more exciting there will be unrivalled show offers and competitions, fantastic networking opportunities, a free show catalogue, free parking for up to 1,300 cars and a complimentary tea/coffee voucher.

You can register online at www.patshow.co.uk where you’ll also find a full list of exhibitors and information on how to reach the venue.

Sheffield-based Burgon & Ball, creator of premium tools, accessories and gifts since 1730, is bringing drama to décor this season with the launch of its new Sahara Sunset homeware collection.

Complementing the interiors trend for an eclectic mix of textured and earthy classic pieces, Sahara Sunset has been created to appeal to a style-conscious shopper. The new range offers an exotic look, with rich colour, a warm metallic gleam and subtle textures.

The pieces are made using the traditional technique of metal spinning to create the beautiful tactile curves. The items are then decorated by hand with an understated texture and metallic lacquer around the rim.

Sahara Sunset’s range of indoor plant pots and statement pieces can be used all around the home. There’s a wide selection of indoor plant pots, some with chains for hanging for a lush, jungly feel. The collection includes generously-sized pots and a floor pot, for those striking large plants which are so much in demand.

In addition, the Sahara Sunset collection includes several striking multi-purpose pieces. There’s a beautiful big statement bowl, with a vase and a jug joining the line-up in the autumn.

The new range is perfect for making attention-grabbing displays. The pieces come to life when greenery or flowers are added, with the contrast of the dark metal making colours look extra vibrant.

With RRPs ranging from £19.99 to £44.99, the new Sahara Sunset collection will bring drama to your store this season.

People are storing their National Garden Gift Cards in their mobile phone wallets. This is a new development that has been made to meet the demands of consumers.

Benefits of using mobile wallets:

• The gift card will always be on hand
• Added level of security
• Increased likelihood of customer redemption in garden centres

In addition to this, some eGift cards may be personalised with photographs to reflect special occasions, and these remain genuine and accepted gift cards.

For the latest developements regarding National Garden Gift Card, visit the website. 

Marking its second year of using products from leading British peat-free brand, RocketGro, River Cottage has been shouting about another season of outstanding results – from great germination to improved biodiversity – with its guests clamouring to know the name of its compost supplier.

River Cottage brought RocketGro on as exclusive compost supplier in 2023, using its products across the smallholding. The culinary organisation – a huge advocate for organic and peat-free growing – cultivates much of what it uses at the farm in the iconic Kitchen Garden, poly tunnels and Market Garden, using RocketGro’s growing media range to propagate these vegetables, fruits, salads and herbs.

Now, in the second year of growing with RocketGro, River Cottage Head Gardener Jonny Callis has nothing but the highest praise for the range, as he reflects on the ongoing success of the collaboration.

In a recent blog post, he said: “This is River Cottage’s second year with RocketGro as our compost supplier, and the fantastic results we found in 2023 have continued into this growing season. We get a huge amount of interest from our guests in which suppliers we use, and I’m always happy to tell RocketGro’s story – supplying renewable energy to thousands of homes and creating local, peat-free, biologically-active compost as a by-product.”

As a real testament to the performance of RocketGro’s collection, Jonny highlights several stand-out products, including its Seed & Cutting Compost, Fruit & Veg Compost and the flagship Magic Mulch, describing how these organic, peat-free mixes have enhanced his team’s growing endeavours at River Cottage HQ.

Magic Mulch was used over winter, resulting in beds that were “full of life, dark and friable, and great to work with” when it came to planting. Jonny explained: “As we plant out, the fibres of Magic Mulch are incorporated, adding to organic matter in our heavy clay East Devon soil.”

RocketGro’s Seed & Cutting Compost, once again, delivered “high germination rates with the right amount of drainage”, whilst RocketGro’s Fruit & Veg compost was used to top up the beds in River Cottage’s polytunnels, getting tomatoes, cucumbers and basil get, “off to a flying start”.

Jonny concluded: “Whilst our various homemade composts and feeds form the backbone of our soil husbandry at River Cottage, partnering with RocketGro has given us the flexibility and volume to expand our no-dig growing areas and continue to increase the biodiversity of micro-organisms in our soil, ultimately leading to the healthy, nutrient dense, organic fruits and vegetables upon which our food philosophy is based.”

RocketGro Managing Director, Toby Thomas said: “Our partnership with River Cottage is something we are very proud of and passionate about. It is a joy to collaborate with a fellow West Country business, particularly one that shares our ethos about organic, sustainable, peat-free growing. We have immense admiration for what River Cottage does and are delighted to be its exclusive compost provider.

“We have every confidence in how our products perform, so it’s great to hear that Jonny and his team continue to have such success using them at River Cottage HQ. We are also thrilled to hear that so many River Cottage guests are keen to find out more about RocketGro, and that Jonny is actively sharing our story. RocketGro’s journey is a unique one and we remain steadfast in our mission to turn more people onto the power of low carbon, peat-free and coir-free organic gardening. Looking ahead, we look forward to continuing our fruitful relationship with River Cottage.”

All RocketGro products are chemical free, 100% organic approved, British grown, sourced and manufactured, and are the by-product of renewable energy production. Packaging is also 100% recyclable.

Find out more

If you want to learn more about RocketGro or are keen to discuss adding its product portfolio into your 2024 offering, please contact Toby Thomas (hello@rocketgro.co.uk /07936 928 981) or Andy Abraham (andy@rocketgro.co.uk / 07446 937902). View the full range and discover more about the RocketGro story at www.rocketgro.co.uk

Napoleon Grills have collaborated with celebrity chefs Sam and Shauna for the second year in a row to craft four exclusive new BBQ recipes to tantalise the tastebuds of foodies and grill enthusiasts across the country. Sam and Shauna’s new recipes provide something for everyone from meat-lovers to pescatarians, vegans and everyone in-between.

Sam and Shauna will be showcasing their grill skills at CarFest this August Bank Holiday where they will be hosting The Napoleon Grills Big BBQ Cookout Stage and demonstrating these new recipes live for the first time.

Speaking on the collaboration, Sam and Shauna said “We are delighted to have partnered with Napoleon Grills for the second year in a row, after the success and good fun of last year. It brings us great joy to share our skills and passion for outdoor cooking with likeminded folk. We aim to give people the expertise to maximise the potential of their BBQs and create delicious recipes to enjoy with family and friends all year round.”

Napoleon have also partnered with Thatcher’s Cider, Bristol Beer Factory and Domaine des Jeanne for perfect recipe pairing, enhancing the flavours of each dish with the ideal beverage.

First Ladies of ‘Cue’ Sam and Shauna, are the perfect grill loving pair to inspire this BBQ season. This dynamic duo are renowned BBQ chefs, restaurant owners, TV hosts and cookbook authors. Since quitting their London careers in 2012, Sam and Shauna have travelled the US, opened popular BBQ restaurants, hosted their own TV show for BBC’s ‘Sam & Shauna’s Big Cook Out’ and released their own Hang Fire cookbook.

With their innovative approach to flavours and culinary expertise, Sam and Shauna have curated new recipes which are perfectly enhanced by that flame grilled flavour of a Napoleon BBQ. Put your grilling skills to the test!

The recipes were filmed using the Napoleon Phantom Rogue SE 425 RSIB and Napoleon Pro 22 Charcoal Kettle Grill,

For more info visit https://www.napoleon.com/en/uk/barbecues/celebrity-recipes

As Apta expands its core range by 70% ahead of the 2025 season, nine new designs join its terracotta range of garden pots. This timeless collection of terracotta sees new shapes, sizes and colours join the line-up, created in direct response to consumer demand for inspiring new terracotta pieces. Here the team outline what is influencing the resurgence in popularity and showcase the new-for-2025 designs. 

Terracotta: why buyers love it!

Aesthetic benefits

• Rustic charm: Terracotta's earthy tones and imperfect finish align perfectly with current trends that draw upon natural and organic aesthetics.
• Versatility: From minimalist to bohemian, terracotta pots can complement various design trends. Plus, with the ability to be painted, glazed, or left natural, consumers have endless ways to customise their outdoor spaces.
• Biophilic design: The incorporation of natural elements into living spaces remains a popular design trend, with shoppers looking to create their own private oases in their homes and gardens. Terracotta pots seamlessly integrate with this approach by providing a softer, more natural material for planting schemes.

Environmental benefits

• Natural material: Derived from naturally abundant clay, the process of creating Terracotta typically involves fewer harmful chemicals compared to other materials commonly used within pot production.
• Reduced environmental impact: The growing emphasis on sustainable living has led to a preference for natural and eco-friendly products, positioning terracotta as a desirable choice.

Functional benefits

• Breathability: Terracotta's porous nature allows excess moisture to evaporate, reducing the risk of root rot. This is especially beneficial for plants that prefer well-drained soil.
• Temperature regulation: The porous nature of terracotta can also help regulate soil temperature, protecting plant roots from extreme heat or cold.
• Durability: Terracotta pots are surprisingly durable and can withstand outdoor conditions with proper care.

Caroline Elliot, Product & Marketing Director at the AMES Companies summarised by saying: “The resurgence of terracotta pots is a result of a perfect storm of factors: a growing awareness of sustainability, a desire for natural aesthetics, functional benefits for plants, and affordability. These elements combined have made terracotta a popular choice for a myriad of gardeners, which is great news for those garden retailers that have secured new stock ahead of season 2025.”

Apta’s newest terracotta additions

Nine new designs join the Apta Terracotta range for season 2025: The Antique range, Fluted Basket & Cylinder, Swirl, Whitewash Egg, Dimpled Egg, Aloe, Cylinder and Square, plus additions to the Verona collection.

Highlights include a paler colour palette for a more subdued take on terracotta. For those wanting an entirely new look, the chocolate and grey colourways are the perfect choice. Elsewhere in the range, new textures, shapes and patterns provide a fresh new chapter, with both contemporary and traditional tastes catered for.

Don’t miss out – access exclusive pre-season deals & see more at Glee 2024

Apta’s 2025 offering is now available for pre-season orders.  Interested parties are urged to contact their local AMES Companies sales agent to find out more. Visit www.apta.co.uk for more information.

Alternatively, retailers can also make a beeline for the AMES Companies stand at Glee 2024, where over 700 new products will join the line-up across the entire brand portfolio, including Apta, Kelkay, La Hacienda and AMES Tools. Join the team in Hall 8, stand A80-D81, A60-C61.

Further details about the AMES Companies and its family of brands can be found at www.ames-uk.com.

WAGS, a range of premium luxury pet care products created and manufactured in partnership with leading formulation chemists, is set to exhibit at Glee next month. 

All of its pampering products have been developed by dog lovers for dog lovers. Each product is vegan friendly with key active ingredients. 

The range of products is proudly made in the UK to high standards, manufactured with clean formulations and high in natural origin content up to 92- 95% in all products. 

Carefully curated to provide convenient solutions for everyday problems such as muddy paws, shedding and tangled coats, stinky odours whilst feeding, restoring and repairing a dog’s coat and skin. 

The range of grooming products for dogs consists of luxury shampoos, deodorizing sprays, fragrances and nose & paw balm. Formulated with key active ingredients such as natural wheat proteins (silicone free) and Aloe Vera extracts to soothe and moisturize skin and coats. Hyaluronic acid that hydrates, protects and reduces frizz, natural active botanical ingredients and Vitamin E to achieve fantastic health, well being and shine on all coat types. 

“We have created fresh and unique fragrances to ensure your pampered pooch will always look, feel and smell amazing," said WAGS spokesperson.

www.wagspetcare.co.uk

contact@wagspetcare.co.uk

Glee Stand Number: 9B31

Glee takes place at the NEC Birmingham on 10-12 September.

AMES Tools is thrilled to introduce its latest cutting and pruning range, meticulously designed to meet the diverse needs of UK gardeners. This new collection, set to debut exclusively to the garden market at the forthcoming Glee exhibition (10th – 12th September, NEC Birmingham), incorporates a variety of advanced mechanical actions—compound, geared, and ratchet—ensuring that there’s a perfect tool for every pruning and cutting task.

Tailored mechanical actions for precision and ease

Understanding that different gardening tasks require different tools, AMES Tools has developed its cutting and pruning range to include three distinct mechanical actions:

• Compound Mechanism: Ideal for heavy-duty cutting, the compound action provides up to 30% increased leverage*, allowing gardeners to tackle thick branches with ease. This mechanism is perfect for jobs that demand maximum cutting power without compromising on control.
• Geared Mechanism: Designed for efficiency and smoothness, the geared action provides a balanced, steady cut, making it suitable for medium-sized branches and more precise tasks. This mechanism offers a great balance between power and precision, ensuring clean cuts with minimal effort with up to 45% more cutting power*.
• Ratchet Mechanism: Best for repetitive cutting tasks, the ratchet action allows the tool to cut in stages, reducing strain on the user’s hand and wrist and offering up to 60% increased cutting power. This mechanism is particularly useful for cutting through tougher materials, as it provides incremental power with each squeeze of the handle.

These mechanical options ensure that the AMES Tools cutting and pruning range has a solution for every type of gardening job, whether it’s trimming delicate shrubs or cutting through thick, stubborn branches. The variety of mechanical actions available in this range reflects AMES Tools’ commitment to providing tools that make gardening more efficient and enjoyable, regardless of the user’s experience level.

Enhanced POS becomes the silent salesman

In addition to the innovative mechanical features, AMES Tools has introduced a thoughtfully designed point of sale display to enhance the shopping experience. This new POS system is created to help consumers easily understand the benefits and applications of each mechanical action, whilst also providing colour coded labelling to help them quickly identify the right tool for the job based on whether the task at hand is tackling live wood, dead wood or hedges and bushes.

The display also highlights the specific features of each tool, such as the high-quality Japanese carbon steel construction, ergonomic design, and the comprehensive 15-year guarantee, making it easier than ever for gardeners to select the perfect tool for their needs.

A must-have for garden centres

For garden centres, this new cutting and pruning range from AMES Tools is a valuable addition to their offerings. By including tools that cater to a wide range of cutting and pruning tasks, garden centres can meet the varied needs of their customers, from seasoned professionals to weekend gardeners. The advanced mechanical designs, paired with the user-friendly POS display, position AMES Tools as a top choice for anyone looking to expand their tool selection.

Find out more

All the latest AMES Tools introductions are now available for pre-season orders.  Interested parties are urged to contact their local AMES Companies sales agent to find out more. Visit www.ames-tools.co.uk for more information.

What’s more, AMES Tools can be found alongside the wider AMES Companies family of brands at Glee later this year, where the company is poised to launch over 700 new products! To see them for yourself join the team in Hall 8, stand A80-D81, A60-C61.

Further details about the AMES Companies and its family of brands, including Kelkay, AMES Tools, La Hacienda, and Apta, can be found at www.ames-uk.com.

A few years ago, Primeur was relatively unknown in garden centres but, by 2024, it has become a respected and trusted brand for recycled garden landscaping and decorative products. Known for its functional and environmentally friendly offerings, Primeur is entering a new phase designed to bolster retailer confidence and ensure year-round sales.

A rationalised product offering

They say variety is the spice of life and Primeur has certainly ensured that its product portfolio offers extensive choice. From multiple options relating to size, colour or type, the overall offering is vast. The reason for this is simple – retailers have differing needs and, with changing consumer tastes and shifting demographics, it is vital that the range meet these needs. With something for everyone, it’s a portfolio that is proven to sell.

However, with too much choice it can sometimes be hard to pick the right products, which is where Primeur’s new proposition comes in. For 2025, the team has taken steps to rationalise its product range, with bestsellers placed front and centre. In doing so, Primeur has given retailers a proven starting point to develop individualised product offerings that are focused on year-round sales opportunities.

Working alongside retailers, the Primeur team will, on an individual basis, identify those ranges that best complement these bestsellers based on direct feedback and existing sales data for each store. This revised combination of product, be it planters, stepping stones, borders or BBQ mats, is designed to perform better than ever within the existing retail footprint.

Jenny Douthwaite, MD at Primeur explains more: “We often see our customers eager to stock our entire range. While it’s great to see our products widely available, some lines sell faster than others, leading to gaps before restocking. Our new rationalisation approach means tailoring a product selection that essentially manages and sells itself. It’s easy to restock, easy to shop, and we believe this model will lead to more sales, less downtime, and a more attractive display for consumers.

“Of course, it is important to note that our portfolio is not getting smaller – far from it!  It remains open for orders across planters, stepping-stones, garden borders and decking. Our new approach to rationalising ranges is there as an expansion of our customer support tools. We want our retail customers to feel confident and this is just one of many ways we can assist. We’re excited to roll it out ahead of the 2025 season.”

Updated bestsellers

Recognising the value of bestsellers, it has also been confirmed that Primeur’s portfolio will see some expansion with a ‘first look’ available at Glee 2024. Look out for new colourways, including a contemporary ‘concrete’ palette within Primeur’s flexible border collection that will complement the existing grey, earth and terracotta colour options.

To find out more please join the team at Glee 2024 in Hall 8, stand D40-E41. Retailers are also invited to visit  www.primeur.co.uk or call (01274) 518800 for more information.

Join the thousands of buyers who have already registered to attend Autumn Fair, the UK’s leading seasonal showcase for Home, Gift and Fashion taking place on the 1st – 4th September at NEC Birmingham, including Next, The National Trust, Robert Dyas, Nest, New York Cosmetics, AIS Buying Group, The Shoe Shack, TJC, Ashwood Nurseries, York Museums Trust, The Royal Shakespeare Company, Ryman, Emporium Gifts, Stewarts Garden Centres, Vincent Davies Department Store, Rougham Estate, Nicholsons Nurseries, Perrywood Garden Centres and many more looking to discover window-worthy products from over 800 exhibitors and restock before retail’s busiest season.

Visitors will get a first look at the latest, groundbreaking launches across 10 definitive sectors including Gift, Home, Living & Décor, The Summerhouse, Beauty & Wellbeing, Kids, Toys & Play, Greetings, Stationery & Wrapping, Clothing & Footwear, Fashion Accessories, Jewellery & Watch, and Everyday, offering over 500,000 purchase ready products.

There are so many reasons to register now.

WIN £500 TO SPEND AT AUTUMN FAIR

Register before midnight on the 16th August to win £500 to spend with one of the incredible suppliers at the show. One lucky winner will receive a £500 voucher to use at Autumn Fair from 1st – 4th September 2024. The voucher will be redeemable with any supplier at Autumn Fair. To stand a chance to win, simply register for your free ticket to Autumn Fair before midnight on 16th August 2024.

WIN A FREE HOTEL STAY

Registrations from the 19th – 25th August will be entered into a draw to win a complimentary 1-night stay for two people including breakfast at the Holiday Inn Birmingham Airport NEC to be taken on the 31stAugust – 1st September 2024.

Autumn Fair 2024 is all about making the buying experience as seamless possible. Conveniently located near the NEC Birmingham, the winner will have easy access to the event venue to explore this year’s amazing show. Simply register for Autumn Fair 2024 between the 19th - midnight on 25th August 2024 to be part of this exciting giveaway*. The draw will take place on 27th August.

*T&C's apply.

ONSITE BUYER BENEFITS

All buyers benefit from lounge access, complimentary tea & coffee, free parking, discounted cloakrooms (£1 per item), access to guided tours of Gift and Home each morning, and exclusive discounts at Resort World. Resort World offers are valid from 1st – 4th September and include 20% off food at Las Iguanas and Sports Bar. For more details and T&C’s visit https://www.resortsworldbirmingham.co.uk/vip-card

To register visit https://www.autumnfair.com/visitor-registration.

Autumn Fair

1st – 4th September 2024

NEC Birmingham

For more information please visit www.autumnfair.com   

We are a well-established, fast growing, instore TV promotion company selling an exciting range of FMCG products using instore TV advertising to maximise sales.

We are seeking a hard-working, dedicated full time merchandiser/area representative to look after our accounts across the West Midlands and North Wales responsible for approximately 60 stores, merchandising our unique In-store TV promotional display stands.

Our customers are predominantly garden centres but also include High Street and out of town retailers. 

To see what we do visit https://www.creativeproducts.ltd.uk/in-store-tv/

The Role

• To make our in-store promotions as profitable as possible.
• Building excellent relationships within our customers stores.
• Product Changeovers.  
• New business store set-ups including installation of new promotional equipment.
• To be accountable for a set area of approximately 60 stores. • 
• Providing first-class customer service and support to all our customers.
• Ensuring our products are merchandised to the highest standard at the point of sale to ensure maximum sales.

Candidate requirements

• You will be confident, have a smart appearance with the ability to develop good customer relationships.
• You should have good commercial awareness and understand how the critical placement of products within retail stores affect sales performance
• Have similar experience or experience of working in retail, preferably within the garden centre industry
• Have good organisational skills
• Be customer focused, with the ability to develop customer relationships and sales opportunities
• Have basic computer skills, particularly with Microsoft Office features such as Word, Excel and Outlook
• Hold a full clean UK driving licence

Some overnight stays may be required as well as visits to our head office in Lincolnshire every 3-4 weeks.

Company van, telephone and laptop provided.

Company Pension Scheme also offered.

Starting salary in the region of £27,000 plus bonus scheme.

Applications to:
julian.ranson@creativeproducts.ltd.uk and richard@creativeproducts.ltd.uk

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Audley End House and Gardens in Essex will be the battleground for two local landscaping companies to pit their skills at the BBC Gardeners’ World Autumn Fair in association with English Heritage (30 August – 1 September).

Crack teams from Tisserand English Garden Landscapes in Bishops Stortford and Landscapes By Design in Basildon are taking on the challenge of the Association of Professional Landscapers’ Skills Competition. The two APL member companies will be showcasing their teams’ talents to complete an impressive competition standard show garden in just 16.5 hours. Keeping a close eye on the proceedings – and the clock – will be the Association’s professional judges, who will assess for interpretation of the brief, use of materials, technical skills, quality of workmanship, attention to detail and finish.

The year’s APL Skills Competition theme is ‘That’s Entertainment’ and each garden must incorporate paved, decked and planted areas, with a water feature and feature tree. The teams will begin work two days before the Autumn Fair opens to the public, making their final touches on the event’s opening Friday (30 August) when the clock will stop at midday. Visitors will be able to inspect the finished show gardens throughout the event, picking up inspiration and ideas to take home from some of the landscaping industry’s leading professionals.

Members of the Association of Professional Landscapers will be hosting a Design Clinic at the Autumn Fair, offering visitors expert one-to-one advice on garden design and landscaping.

Tisserand’s entry, There’s No Place Like Home, has been designed by award-winning Hertfordshire-based garden designer Sarah Plested from Bramley Apple Garden Design. The garden is a stylish social space to enjoy food, drinks and fun with friends and family.

Landscapes By Design’s entry, Fiesta Flora, has been designed by Paul Newman from Hertfordshire-based Design Scape. The garden blends the natural beauty of plants with a spirit of celebration and relaxation.

Phil Tremayne at the Association of Professional Landscapers said: “The APL Skills Competition is designed to inspire and impress Autumn Fair visitors, and to prove that gardens don’t have to be big to be beautiful. Our assessors have extremely exacting standards and will be watching the teams with both a technical and creative perspective. The theme has great potential to highlight Essex’s popular reputation for fun, sociable and stylish living. These are two exceptional landscaping companies so expectations are high. We’re really looking forward to seeing what the teams have in store for us. And if visitors like what they see, the APL Design Clinic is the perfect place to stop by for a chat with one of our experts about inspiration for their own garden.”

Rachel Poletti-Gadd, Portfolio Director at Immediate Live, organisers of the BBC Gardeners’ World Autumn Fair, said: : “The APL Skills Competition is always a highlight of the Autumn Fair. We know that Friday visitors really enjoy seeing the competing teams’ last-minute brushing and tidying as the final seconds tick down. Creating a show garden is no mean feat, but in just 16.5 hours, that’s a tall order for even the most experienced landscaper. The companies that step forward to take on this challenge each year are great ambassadors for the professional landscaping industry. We’re delighted to support them by showcasing their work to the Autumn Fair’s thousands of visitors.”  

The BBC Gardeners’ World Autumn Fair, in association with English Heritage, takes place at Audley End House and Gardens from 30 August – 1 September. Highlights include a collection of inspiring new Showcase Gardens, Beautiful Borders and plant displays. The BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Stage hosted by the magazine’s editors features seasonal gardening chat with Gardeners’ World TV presenters Adam Frost (Friday), Joe Swift (Saturday) and, new to the Fair, Rachel de Thame (Sunday). At the new Get Growing Stage, TV chef Marcus Bean (also new to the event) will be hosting a daily programme of sessions with expert produce growers. There are Plant Expert garden tours, hands-on autumn bouquet, mushroom growing, seed sowing and new bug hotel workshops, and historical performances to enjoy. There’s plant and garden shopping galore featuring many exhibitors that are new to the Fair, and plenty of great food and drink to enjoy and take home at the Good Food Market. Tickets include access to Audley End House, gardens and grounds. Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome in the grounds.

Advance adult prices for the BBC Gardeners’ World Autumn Fair start from £16.50 (concessions £15.50), or £13.50 for English Heritage adult members (£12 concessions). Find out more and book tickets at www.bbcgardenersworldfair.com. Details correct at time of writing.

PLANTARIUM|GROEN-Direkt will take place on Wednesday, August 21st, and Thursday, August 22nd, at Noorwegenlaan 37 in Hazerswoude.

Innovations in assortments and offerings on the shelves are crucial for the success of the nursery stock industry. That is why PLANTARIUM|GROEN-Direkt pays significant attention to new products, providing them with a prominent platform through the Green Retail Awards judging process.

During the upcoming autumn edition of the trade fair, evaluations will be held in three categories:

• Best Novelty, 42 entries, judged by the KVBC
• Best Market Innovation, 14 entries, judged by an international jury of plant trade experts
• Visitors' Favourite, 10 entries, where visitors cast their vote for what they consider the best new product.

The award ceremony for the Best New Product and Best Market Innovation will take place on Wednesday, August 21st, at 9:00 AM at the Nieuwighedenplein (in the cooled tent). You are, of course, warmly invited to attend.

The Visitors' Favourite will be announced on Thursday, August 22nd, at 2.30pm.

Over 100 participants travelled to Salzburg, Austria, to attend the 53rd Fleuroselect Annual Convention from 2nd to 4th July. The Convention is the key annual event for Fleuroselect members to catch up with industry peers, visit member facilities, and explore plant trials and local horticultural highlights.

This year's event, held for the first time in Austria, was organised in collaboration with Gastager Gartenbau and Renner Jungpflanzen, the Austrian partners of Fleuroselect members Selecta one and Florensis.  

Exploring the Austrian market at Gastager Gartenbau

The programme kicked off with a visit to Gartenbau Gastager, Selecta one's agent in Austria. Klaus Gaumann, Marketing Director at Selecta one, and Stefan Gastager, CEO of Gastager Gartenbau, welcomed the delegates with an engaging company presentation. Founded in 1929, Gastager Gartenbau has evolved into a modern and innovative Austrian young plant producer with extensive production facilities, a modern loading hall and beautiful show garden. Thanks to its central location and own vehicle fleet, Gastager Gartenbau aims at combining a high-quality product with flexible service. 

Gregor Theißl from the Austrian Chamber of Agriculture then provided an insightful overview of the Austrian ornamental market highlighting both the challenges and opportunities in Austria. As in most  European countries, climate change, energy costs, a shortage of skilled staff and succession issues are all challenges for the Austrian grower. Opportunities meanwhile can be found in developing green cities, the upcoming importance attached to biodiversity, the increase of plant-based nutrition and the growing interest in self-grown vegetables and fruits.

The visit was concluded with a tour of the Gastager nursery and container trial field where a significant part of the product range is exposed to natural weather conditions, allowing for optimal assessment of seasonal performance. 

Renner: plant craftmanship meets marketing

A visit to Renner Jungpflanzen in Neumarkt am Wallersee provided deeper insights into the Austrian partner of Florensis. Founder and co-owner Hans Renner shared the history of the company highlighting how the relation with Florensis has grown over the years until today, Renner Jungpflanzen being the main supplier of the Florensis product range in Austria whilst also offering varieties of other suppliers including Perry van der Haak, Grünewald etc..

Sustainability and marketing in the horticultural sector are on the agenda for the AIPH/Green is Life Horticultural Industry Conference, set to take place on 5th September 2024 at the Green is Life show in Warsaw, Poland.

The Conference is organised by the International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH) in collaboration with the Polish Nurserymen Association and Green is Life. It is part of the 76th AIPH Annual Congress, which will be held from 3rd-7th September 2024.

With the support of Headline Sponsor Biblo and Conference Sponsors MPS and Royal FloraHolland, the Conference welcomes speakers from around the world to offer insights on the industry in their countries, how growers are moving towards sustainable practices, and how marketing can be employed to boost the sector.

Catherine Muller, President of VALHOR in France, will open the Conference with her presentation ‘Sustainability and marketing initiatives to support the horticultural industry in France’. VALHOR has embedded sustainability within its strategic roadmap to 2030, aiming at enabling companies to manage their environmental challenges while promoting their activities and creating value. Catherine will outline examples of sustainability initiatives being taken up in France.

Greenlife Industry Australia is very active with initiatives to support growers, including in sustainability and promotion. Their Chief Executive, Joanna Cave, will showcase these projects and plans for the future. Edmund Timm, Manager of Commerce, Marketing & Communication for MPS, the Netherlands, will update delegates on how the sector is managing environmental footprinting and how certification is driving sustainability.

Marketing is also key for improving the success of a horticultural business. Ding Wang, better known as ‘Uncle Wang’, is a social media influencer from China who utilises platforms such as TikTok and WeChat to make significant plant sales. In his presentation, he will explain the benefits of gardening live streams and how to use social media platforms for the best results.

The Conference speaker list includes:

• Catherine Muller, President of VALHOR
• Edmund Timm, Manager of Commerce, Marketing & Communication, MPS
• Prof. Dr. Lidia Sas-Paszt, Professor of Agricultural Sciences
• Dr. Marta Czaplicka, Head of the Department of Horticulture at Wrocław University of Life Sciences
• Karolina Kaldońska, Magazine Biznes Ogrodniczy
• Joanna Cave, Chief Executive of Greenlife Industry Australia
• Ding Wang, CEO of JiaXingYunYao Flower Co., Ltd. and Social Media Influencer
• Brenda Swinkels, Sales Director at Smits Nurseries

For more information and to register for the 76th AIPH Annual Congress, please visit the AIPH Website.

AIPH thanks Host Partners the Polish Nurseryman Association and Green is Life, Headline Sponsor Biblo, Industry Conference Sponsors Royal FloraHolland and MPS, Expo Conference Sponsor Doppelmayr, Expo Conference Lunch and Dinner Sponsors Korat Nakhon Ratchasima International Horticultural Expo 2029 and 2028 Ulsan International Garden Expo, and Media Partners FloraCulture International, Floriculture Today, and GuiaVerde for their support of the Congress. 

Notcutts is making two important changes to its Executive Leadership Team with the upcoming retirement of Graham Walker, Trading and Operations Director. These new appointments are being made from within Notcutts’ current organisation and they highlight the success of the company’s talent development and succession planning programme.

Yvonne Archibald – Trading Director

Yvonne Archibald will take up her new role on the 1st November as Trading Director. Yvonne curently holds the position of Category Head for Notcutts home and gifting department. With this appointment Yvonne will also step up to join the company’s Executive Leadership Team.

A graduate of the London College of Fashion, Yvonne commenced her career with the fashion retailer White Stuff as a member of their merchandising team before joining Notcutts in 2015.  At Notcutts, Yvonne has overseen the transformation of the home and gift category and recently completed the Alitus Executive Programme for senior leaders in Suffolk.

Commenting on her appointment, Yvonne said: “I’m thrilled to take up this new role leading the retail strategy for Notcutts and look forward to working more closely with our talented team of experts, to contribute to a business that is deeply passionate about delivering innovative products at the right price to our customers.”

Chris Holt – Operations & Sustainability Director

Also taking up his new position as Operations & Sustainability Director and joining the company’s Executive Leadership Team on the 1st November is Chris Holt. Chris is currently Cluster Manager and General Manager of Notcutts St Albans Garden Centre.

After graduating from the University of London where he studied Environmental Science, Chris started his career in retail management at Woolworths and then BHS before joining Notcutts as General Manager at their St Albans Garden Centre in 2016. Having overseen the complete refurbishment of the garden centre, Chris was promoted to Cluster Manager in 2020, subsequently leading two different garden centre cluster groups. A successful alumnus of the Alitus Executive Leadership Programme, Chris is also a member of the Notcutts Health & Safety Council.

Commenting on his appointment, Chris said: “Notcutts is leading the way in the industry with its commitment to putting biodiversity, sustainability and the environment at the heart of its business. I am excited both to build on this legacy and also to drive forward our operational processes, to support our growth strategy and to provide the best possible experience for our customers.”

Retirement of Graham Walker

After more than 14 years at Notcutts, Graham Walker, Trading and Operations Director will be leaving the company at the end of 2024.

Nick Burrows, Notcutts’ CEO, said: “Graham has been hugely instrumental in the success of Notcutts. From planning and redeveloping many of our garden centres, transforming our distribution operations and to leading and aligning operations and buying and merchandising teams in pursuit of the company’s business goals.

“Graham’s impact on this business has been outstanding and we will miss him greatly. I would like to thank Graham for his vision, commitment, professionalism and leadership. Amongst his many achievements at Notcutts, he has been pivotal in the development of the teams he leads. A true testimony to Graham is the fact that two of his own team, Yvonne and Chris, have now come forward to take over his areas of responsibility.

“I am proud and delighted to have been able to make these homegrown internal appointments. Development of our colleagues both personally and professionally is at the forefront of our company culture. Yvonne and Chris not only bring invaluable expertise but a passion and determination to innovate and drive Notcutts forward into the next era. I congratulate them both on their success and wish Graham all the very best in his retirement.”

For more information visit www.notcutts.co.uk

Starting in 2026, all non-black, recyclable PET or PP plastic plant pots will be accepted in household kerbside recycling in England.

Defra confirmed this move following a successful long-term advocacy campaign from the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA), which will help reduce plastic waste and promote environmental sustainability. 

The new Separation of Waste (England) Regulations 2024 for non-household municipal premises will come into force on 31 March 2025, with household collections beginning a year later, on 31 March 2026. Although pots will likely need to be rinsed before recycling, this can be easily integrated into existing recycling routines. Additionally, Defra has stated that Ministers will review recycling policies at the earliest opportunity to provide further certainty and clarity to stakeholders. 

Liz Williams, Sustainability Executive at the HTA, emphasised the importance of the explicit inclusion of plant pots:

“The HTA has been asking at every opportunity for non-black, fully recyclable plastic plant pots to be expressly included in kerbside recycling collections, without wording left open to interpretation, which could result in inconsistency across local councils.  

“This policy change allows consumers to recycle plant pots at home, marking a substantial win for both the industry and the environment. Plastic is a valuable material and serves an essential purpose in environmental horticulture, but it is crucial that we reuse and recycle it. We will continue to push for clear consumer messaging to ensure no non-black plastic plant pot is left behind.

“Although this policy currently covers England, with a proposed extension to Wales, we hope it will serve as a blueprint for the entire UK, reducing inconsistencies and simplifying recycling for consumers and businesses. We also anticipate alignment with broader waste policies like Extended Producer Responsibility for packaging and the Deposit Return Scheme, further promoting environmental sustainability." 

This follows the simpler recycling collections announcement made by the previous government in May.

As the Glee exhibition rapidly approaches, the show’s exhibitors have been sharing their latest news.

ARTIFEX NATURA (NEW AT GLEE)

Formed in late 2022 from a labour of love, Artifex Natura Ltd offers market leading terrariums, moss art and niche house plants to retailers at attractive trade prices.  We are best known for our strikingly colourful tropical terrariums that feature unusual glass, colourful plants, captivating crystals, rocks and gemstones and beautiful coloured sands.  

BACKDOOR SHOES (NEW AT GLEE)

Backdoorshoes Ltd, a leading innovator in the garden footwear industry, is excited to announce the launch of its latest collection of garden and leisure shoes, designed to combine exceptional comfort with unique, vibrant designs. Renowned for their lightweight, waterproof, and durable footwear, Backdoorshoes continues to set the standard for practical and stylish shoes that cater to a wide range of gardening, outdoor and leisure activities.

BRITISH FLOWERPOTS

FLOWERPOT MERGER ANNOUNCED - Naylor Gardenware has merged with Smith & Jennings with effect from Friday 1 March 2024. Naylor is a 4th generation family business which has been manufacturing clay pipes & other ceramic products since its foundation in 1890; its Yorkshire Flowerpot range dates back to the early 1990’s. Smith & Jennings is a Welsh based manufacturer of high quality glazed & terracotta ware, founded by ceramicist Simon Smith in 2013. Liz Hudston on 01226 794059.

BURTON MCCALL

Showcasing information from ALPEN, FELCO and Thermacell.

CREATIVE EDGE (NEW AT GLEE)

Creative Edge was formed in 2015 and is a designer, manufacturer and installer of commercial interior spaces and foodservice facilities for the hospitality, education, health care, retail, leisure and business sectors across the UK.

DERCO HORTICULTURE

Derco’s mission is to provide superior seasonal product distribution solutions to our customers, offering fast and reliable delivery services, while maintaining high standards of customer satisfaction. At Derco, we aim to be the Canadian leader in customer solutions for the distribution of seasonal products. We strive on our core values everyday, which are commitment, respect, rigour, and innovation.

DOODLEBONE (NEW AT GLEE)

2014 was the start of our epic Doodlebone journey, we set out to bring something new and fun to the doggie world.  To this day, we design colourful, comfortable, and durable products, always putting the dog at the heart of every product. Come and visit us at GLEE to find out why Doodlebone’s exciting range of dog accessories is so loved by dogs, dog owners and retailers alike.

DRAKKAR INTERNATIONAL

Since 1998, Drakkar International designs, manufactures and markets a complete and innovative range of products intended for retailers in different markets. We have become specialists in increasing efficiency in the handling of goods. We offer an innovative solution for the storage of unit products and a system for optimizing shelf filling. We are committed to providing high quality, safe, functional and value-added products.

FANDANGO FIRETOOLS

Since its UK launch in 2021, Fandango Fire Tools has swiftly established itself as a premier provider of innovative and high-quality firewood splitting tools and outdoor and indoor fire accessories. Central to its success is the patented Kindling Cracker^TM firewood splitter, which has rapidly become a favourite among both retailers and consumers.

FEATHERSNAPS (NEW AT GLEE)

FeatherSnap, a brand created to revolutionise birdwatching, proudly introduces the new Scout smart bird feeder, a Wi-Fi enabled feeder that brings the wonder of nature to your fingertips. Effortlessly experience the joy of birdwatching by receiving captivating photos and videos directly to your phone.

FELT PRODUCTS

Felt Products Ltd was founded in 2011 and ever since we have been supplying our premier range of felt and shingle products to timber merchants, roofing merchants and builders' merchants across the UK. Notably, we have built strong relationships with some of the largest shed manufacturers in the country. Over the last 13 years we have continuously worked on improving our products and expanding our range, bringing in items such as breathable membrane, damp proof course and damp-proof membrane, amongst many others.

FEVERFEW (NEW AT GLEE)

Innovative women's gardening wear brand Feverfew Garden Company is showcasing its award-winning products at Glee 2024, the UK's leading garden trade show. This marks a significant debut for the young company, celebrating its first birthday this year.

GOODLIFE GETAWAY (NEW AT GLEE)

Goodlifegateway is known for simplicity, effectiveness, excellent customer service and good value for money. I source the raw materials, produce and sell four varieties of Organic Plant food: Leaf & Stem Boost (Nitrogen Rich), Multi-Purpose (Balanced NPK), Fruit & Flowers (Potassium Rich) and finally, Roses & Tomato (Also Potassium Rich). They are all made FROM plants, FOR plants, no other additives at all. I also donate £1 for every bottle sold, to the Woodland Trust, as I truly believe we need to care for all of our Planet, not just the soil!  

GREEN OLIVE FIREWOOD

We are Green Olive, a company dedicated to providing a wide range of high-quality BBQ fuels, firewood, and compost products. At the core of our business is a commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. We take great pride in the elegance and sophistication of our branding, a feature that consistently garners compliments from both our stockists and customers. 

HARVEST PET PRODUCTS (NEW AT GLEE)

Harvest Pet Products is a family led business of 3 generations and over 25 years wild bird food manufacturing experience. We are based in North Lincolnshire and on our own site, we are a one stop shop within the wild bird category with full onsite manufacturing capabilities for Seed, straights and suet products. We are SEDEX certified and the only BRCGS certified manufacturer of Wild Bird feeds holding A+ grading.

HOTHANDS 

One of 4 key brands for Kobayashi Healthcare Europe Ltd, HotHands continues to go from strength to strength and during the 2023/24 autumn winter season HotHands could be found in nearly 7,000 retail stores across the UK.

INTERNATIONAL CARDS & GIFTS CARDS (NEW AT GLEE)

From birthday cards for dog lovers to finalist status in the Henries awards in the Best Traditional Words & Sentiments category, the team at International Cards & Gifts have a lot to get excited about.

INVISIBLE CREATIONS (NEW AT GLEE)

At Invisible Creations, we prioritize your needs and your home’s aesthetics. Our products are ergonomically designed, sturdy, discreet, and stylish. With a variety of finishes, our assistive products complement both your indoor and outdoor spaces. This year at GLEE, we are excited to unveil our latest innovation: a range of dual-purpose grab rails that double as path lights, planters, and plant pots. Known for the multifunctionality of our products, we continue to lead the way in versatile, purpose-driven design.

JANOD

Kicking off the summertime fun, timeless French toy brand Janod, is thrilled to launch a playful new collection of roleplay toys including a wonderful barbecue designed to inspire children to learn whilst having fun too!  

JARDINOPIA

Jardinopia, the multi award-winning Somerset based garden and home gift company, launched a new dinosaur planter range at the recent Home & Gift Show in Harrogate, aimed at dino enthusiasts young and old.

JEMSOX

Jemsox is a family ran business founded in the 1970 by Frank Pain (Grandfather), who was one of the pioneers in producing socks and tights from the heart of Leicestershire, the British sock manufacturing capital of the UK. With over 50 years in the socks and hosiery industry, we have decided to launch our own Jemsox collection. Jemsox socks are your one stop shop for sustainable socks!

JURATOYS

Founded in the picturesque landscapes of France in 1970, Juratoys has been delighting children and families for over half a century. Originating from a passion of crafting high quality toys, Juratoys has blossomed and now offers three wonderful brands Janod, Kaloo and Lilliputiens.

LICKIMAT (NEW AT GLEE)

LickiMat^® is part of the family of brands by Australian based Innovative Pet Products Pty Ltd. Lickimat UK Ltd was formed in August 2023 to distribute the fantastic LickiMat^® product range throughout the UK to pet professionals, retailers and wholesalers, as well as reaching out directly to the consumers to build awareness and appreciation of how the LickiMat^® products can improve the wellbeing and health of dogs and cats.   Produced with veterinary knowledge, LickiMat^® was originally designed to help your pet feel less anxious when you left home.  

MOUNTAIN PAWS (NEW AT GLEE)

Mountain Paws was first started in 2006 by the team behind both Lifesystems and Lifeventure. When they couldn’t find the robust kit they needed in order to enjoy the great outdoors with their dogs, the team set about designing their own. Fast forward to 2024, Mountain Paws has a range of reliable and safe products, ready for adventure no matter where it takes you, and at a good price point. From leads to collars to quick-drying towels, we aim to provide everything you and your dog need to enjoy the outdoors.

LITTLEMORE CANDLE COMPANY (NEW AT GLEE)

Littlemore Candle Company is a family run business based in Rural Oxfordshire. We started our small business in 2017 and specialise in home fragrances with unique decor including foraged botanicals, eco-glitter and healing crystals. Our signature products include crystal jar candles, tealights and wax melts all made using natural, plant based soy wax. Sustainability and individuality are at the forefront of our values!

MAGMA LONDON (NEW AT GLEE)

Magma London creates innovative scented products that celebrate cultural histories and timeless designs.

NEVE’S BEES (NEW AT GLEE)

The business was founded by Mother and Daughter Beekeeping Team, Julie and Neve in 2017 – the bees were Neve’s idea when, just 9 years old, she decided the family should keep bees – so she asked her Grandad Jim to buy her a beehive for her 10th Birthday. Suffering from dry skin, and trained as a chemist, Julie had long tried, and failed, to find a range of skincare products that didn’t compromise the skin’s natural protective barrier (therefore didn’t contain the emulsifiers bactericides and other chemicals prevalent in all water based skincare (i.e. all creams and lotions))…so set out to create her own range inspired by traditional recipes, and just using JUST pure plant oils and butters blended with natural Oxfordshire Beeswax. These were so popular with friends and family that the business kind of took off organically! Winning several products awards as well as Blenheim Palace Start up business award in 2018 and Oxfordshire’s most sustainable business award in 2023, the business really took off!

PELSIUS

Leading global pest control manufacturer and supplier Pelsis Group has acquired Nottingham based garden care product manufacturer, Doff Portland, strengthening the group’s portfolio of leading retail, agricultural and professional brands.

PETERALS

Peterals was formed in 2018 by two friends frustrated with their green lawns turning to mud. The cause? Dog pee.

PODIUM PET PRODUCTS (NEW AT GLEE)

We exist to fulfil the joy that pets give us as their parents by bringing to market trusted, innovative & natural solution-based products. Our ‘Hero’ brands are Dog Rocks and Be:Loved.

POLLY & ANDY (NEW AT GLEE)

Polly & Andy are an Irish sustainable footwear brand. The brand is inspired by Polly’s son Andy. Andy’s dislike of seams on socks and the lack of options in the market drove Polly to create her own range of bamboo socks with seamless toes in 2019.

SANDART (NEW AT GLEE)

Sandart, a leading producer of high-quality craft kits, is thrilled to announce its participation at Glee 2024. With roots dating back to 2002, we've dedicated over two decades to crafting safe and innovative products that inspire creativity across generations. As we make our debut at Glee, the ultimate hub for industry networking and brand exposure, our primary goal is to elevate the Sandart brand and introduce more enthusiasts to the magic of our craft kits.

SIMPSON STRONG TIES

Since 1956, Simpson Strong-Tie has been driven by a commitment to design and manufacture structural connectors, fasteners and anchors that improve and simplify traditional building methods while developing performance tested and approved solutions for new ones. Everyone who comes into contact with our products experiences technical support, advice and aftercare that is second to none. Already a familiar name among building professionals in the residential and public building sectors, we recently turned our expertise in timber construction to ‘outdoor living’. 

SÒLAS HOME (NEW AT GLEE)

SÒLAS Home, derived from the Scottish Gaelic word for "light & brightness," specializes in eco-friendly, vegan and cruelty-free home fragrances, proudly made in Warwickshire since 2020. Our range includes candles, reed diffusers, wax melts, and room sprays, crafted with materials responsibly sourced from within the UK. Our packaging is FSC approved and either recyclable or recycled.

STANDS OUT (NEW AT GLEE)

In a small Welsh Village where the foothills of Snowdonia meet the Irish Sea, Stands Out was created by James and Nikki. Over the next 15 years, Stands Out grew from strength to strength, thanks to our talented team and our wonderful customers. It all started in 2008 with our original Friendship Bracelets (still one of our best-selling lines), since then we’ve worked hard to produce fabulous gift concepts and continue to develop exciting new ideas to extend our range. We now offer a completely bespoke service to some of UK’s favourite gift shops, tourist destinations and retailers.

STOREYS & TAILS (NEW AT GLEE)

Storeys and Tails have spent the last 13 years honing their craft and perfecting the art of handcrafting leather and BioThane pet accessories. Specialising in high-quality and distinctive dog collars, they have set the standard for premium leather pet products, which exude character and style.

SUPER NINJA WASPINATOR

Super Ninja, a leading provider of non-toxic pest control solutions, has acquired Waspinator Ltd, the UK-based company renowned for its innovative wasp prevention product, the Waspinator. The Waspinator deters wasps by mimicking a wasp nest.

WITT UK (NEW AT GLEE)

Witt is a Danish brand with a 30-year history of developing and marketing some of the finest household products available throughout the Nordic region, UK, Ireland, and The Benelux countries. Specialising in unique, innovative products, Witt offers a portfolio of premium brands such as Liebherr, Segway, Hygge! and V-Breathe, as well as designing and developing its exceptional products for the home. Witt now sells its portfolio across Europe, into premium market sectors where functionality, quality and design are the main priorities.

Wildlife World has created a groundbreaking business and social partnership with Wildlife and Birdcare Nature Recovery CIC, based in Stoke on Trent.

Wildlife and Birdcare Nature Recovery CIC, established in 2019, is a Community Interest Company – a recognised and award winning social enterprise supporting people back into work, who through illness, age, neuro-diversity, or learning disabilities and autism, struggle to obtain paid employment.

Wildlife World Managing Director Mark Pitman said: “Social ethics and values are really important to us, so much so that we have entered into partnership with a social enterprise, that will enhance our offering to you, bring a wider range of products, and most importantly, will support people back into work who through illness, age, neuro-diversity, or learning disabilities and autism, struggle to obtain paid employment. 

“The partnership creates a strong bond between us to supply a wide range of innovative and fit-for-purpose wildlife habitats to our existing trade and retail customer bases, forge new business relationships, and aid our diversification into the expanding market for habitat restoration and the management of biodiversity and conservation projects. 

“You’ll know us as a 25-year-old award winning designer and manufacturer of wildlife habitats with a strong commitment to environmental sustainability. Our products make a significant, and on-going contribution to the survival of species across the UK, Europe and the USA.

“Combining our UK workshops in Gloucestershire and Stoke on Trent, will provide a stronger UK manufacturing base whilst supporting the work of the social enterprise, and enhance our wider supplier network, which continues to produce Fair Trade, FSC, ethical and sustainable manufacturing from the EU and overseas.  

“In partnering with the CIC, Wildlife World will support the financial and manufacturing structure of the CIC, to enable it to continue with its learner and educational programs.

“My overarching message to you, as a valued customer, is that our existing trade customer base will be unaffected by the partnership, other than to gain the fantastic opportunity of being able to access a wider range of wildlife habitats and wildlife related giftware products through your existing account.  Wildlife and Birdcare Nature Recovery CIC customer accounts will migrate over to Wildlife World in due course, and be handled by our sales and accounts team.

“We are delighted to be able to work together with Wildlife and Birdcare Nature Recovery CIC to create this partnership for good, and as a valued customer to us, you will be helping and supporting people back into work through the great work of the social enterprise. We will be able to explain in more detail how this partnership will work at GLEE 2024, where, thanks to the support of Hyve, the organisers of Glee, we now have a combined stand, to showcase newness and exciting product developments.”

Sammy Holman, CEO of Wildlife and Birdcare Nature Recovery CIC, said: “Getting the support for our CIC, its social values, and the people we support, enables us to create a stronger story around our products and the social enterprise, mission and goals to help save the crisis of nature and nurture people who have additional needs.  It means a lot to me to have Wildlife World’s support for the future”.  Being ‘Autistic’ myself I am proud to shout that from the roof tops as to me it is not a label, but it forms part of my talent as a designer, innovator and artist and provides me with the passion I have to help others to reach their goals and achieve paid employment.”

Savernake Knives, renowned for creating custom knives that are made to order to your exact specification, offers a specialist range of hand-finished BBQ knives to complement all types of BBQ chef’s ‘skills at the grill’. Designed to cut amazingly and stay grippy even when covered with the stickiest of sauces, Savernake BBQ knives will slice and carve with precision.

Savernake’s specialist customised bbq knives are available in four micarta-handle finishes, priced from £149. They can be bought individually or as a set (£925-£950).

Savernake BBQ, chef, and steak knives can also be custom-tailored for discerning businesses—such as exclusive garden centres or fine dining restaurants—and can be elegantly engraved with the company’s own brand. This bespoke service ensures a unique and completely original offering, reflecting the luxury and sophistication of Savernake’s craftsmanship.

Discover the Savernake Difference

Founded in 2006 by Laurie Timpson, Savernake Knives is a small team of skilled knife-makers based in converted sawmill on the edge of the Savernake Forest in Wiltshire, England, crafting its knives through a combination of artisanal skill and aerospace technology.

Every knife is made to order to your exact specification. The team prides itself on providing a truly first-class customer service – even its knives are referred to by the name of who they’re being made for, never by order number.

When you invest in a Savernake knife, you’re buying a knife independently tested by CATRA* to be in the top 2.5% of knives in the world – rated ‘Outstanding’ for both initial sharpness and durability. Savernake makes knives for Michelin starred chefs, enthusiastic amateurs, family cooks, explorers and food professionals the world over, making every individual feel like an artist at the cutting board.

www.savernakeknives.co.uk

*CATRA is the Cutlery & Allied Trades Research Association, the leading authority on testing cutlery, knives, cookware and other utensils for manufacturers, retailers and consumers.

GTN August 2024. In this issue: Primeur defining sustainability.  GIMA Presidents then and now.  Innovation shines at SOLEX.  Zest – Designed for the good times.  Winners at SOLEX.  Bright future for eco firepits.  Hail the new BBQ Hero.  Plants in transit – GTN Interview with FloraLinc.  Christmas in August.  Greenfingers Dragon Boat Racing 2024.  What’s on the horizon for Glee 2024.  Who will you vote for as your Glee 50 Year Hero?  YPHA and CSF horticultural talent development.  Technicoloured pick and mix – GTN Planteria.  Pet Bonanza at PATS 2024.  Bracing for change – HTA Viewpoint.  New government, same objectives – EHG Viewpoint.