Andy Bunker, Alton Garden Centre:

“Overall a great show and all really positive with a huge number of new products from all corners and very little talk of Brexit, almost everyone was upbeat.

“For me it's the fun garden category where the products are good quality and in many cases astoundingly good value.  Good examples being Smart, Fountasia and Vivid Arts to name but three, and the diversification made by the big three pot suppliers; Apta, Woodlodge, Cadix, into this sector has really brought dividends.

“If I have to nail my colours to the mast then I would go Cadix houseplant pot cover range, Smart Wind Chime stand and last but not least Fountasia metal flowers as the stand out new products. These three will bring in extra cash and offer something different be it product or pricing strategy.

“There were also lots of little winners such as Ivyline hardwood planters and Apta stone vehicle planters.

“Lastly with regards to attendees over the years the numbers of our teams attending has dwindled but its turning round now with the need now for our BBQ team and Landscape team to attend at least one day.

“New Products I thought were in the wrong place. All the European shows and indeed the HTA National Plant Show make it a must not misscentral point.”

Alison Marsden, Barton Grange Garden Centre:

“I found this year’s Glee rather interesting and found I didn’t have enough time with 2 days to cover everything that I needed to. There was a lot more to be said on each of the stands due to who owns what and who is doing what now. I found all the chemical changes interesting and I am still debating how to rationalise our range to make it more customer focused.

“The product that stood out the most for me was the nematode products from Neurdorff. I like the title Job done on SBM, but that does not help me shrink the range. For dry goods outside I liked the grow your own products from Zest.

“As far as buying decisions we have seen what is out there, but I still feel there is a fair amount of work to be done here, especially as I would like to give the department a little shake up. We need to decide on some great promotions.

“I did visit the retail lab, but very briefly as time was short.

“In a nutshell, I enjoyed the show very much (which is unusual for me at Glee). We came away with lots to consider but no real decisions made, a big pile of catalogues to review and a whole load of brain power to be used.”

Colin Barrie, Caulders Garden Centres:

“Glee 2017 was a great event for the Garden industry and based on the quality of the Show for the last two years was a hard act to follow.

“All our key suppliers were there and it was great opportunity to focus on our ranging for 2018.   Within the industry it's always quite easy to see what the larger suppliers are doing in terms of range and NPD, however Glee gives the opportunity for the medium and smaller suppliers to showcase their products and get them in front of the customer.

“For me, Kelkay and Zest had some great new products and are driving their categories well in terms of Product and retail innovation.”

Mel Livingston, Fron Goch Garden Centre:

“Seeing everything together helps to distill the zeitgeist, whether that is colour, styling, message or future trends. It helps to confirm that maybe even though we want to uplift the stoneware section, no one is actually making what we are looking for... yet! When it comes to pots and containers, we are already buying from the companies with the best offer.

“We went to the retail lab, great, made sense to me, Alicia loved it and she took loads of photos. A really good addition to the show. It's fair enough showing new products but a physical representation about new ideas is where we should be going at UK shows.

“Stand out products: Woodlodge Houseplant pots - that study tour (to Holland with GTN and the HTA) was useful! Neudorff nematodes, just wow, how handy are these going to be! Senecio Angel Wings - it was all over Fouroaks, it's just so different and I'm going to enjoy enthusing customers about it!”

“I thought it was a better show this year, it reflected the fact that everyone had traded well over the past 12 months. More retail lab stuff please, let's encourage everyone to up their game when it comes to inspirational displays!”

Boyd Douglas-Davies, Hillview Garden Centres:

“Another great GLEE! Lots of positive vibes, plenty of money making products from well-known suppliers plus an interesting range spread around the edges from hitherto unknown companies.

“We placed orders with existing suppliers and new discoveries through the show so certainly a productive three days. We were very excited by the range extension from Smart Garden and we placed our biggest single product order with Crest.

“The Retail Lab was an excellent addition to the show and we'll be working with our teams to ensure the displays find their way to store over the next few weeks.”

Colin Dale, Notcutts:

“Yes this was a very good GLEE for us this year. We had pre-planned ourselves better this year, which helped to focus on genuine potential incremental sales and improved options for the Notcutts range.

“I was particularly keen to see how some of the new natural/ organic products have come together, from virtually all suppliers.

“LED windowsill GYO potential has been in the press recently and it was good to see a couple of potential supply options at GLEE.

“House plant pots are doing well this year.  Again there were some new options on range and suppliers in this area.

“The Retail lab was a great idea, but unfortunately I ran out of time & missed the tour. I will ensure that I do next year.

“It was great that Notcutts at Woodford Park gained the recognition that it deserved in the GTN Greatest Plant Retailer Awards.

“As a group, I encourage input from our colleagues in Garden Centres, where they gain the best customer feedback. I invited a team to join Hayley & myself at GLEE, and I know that they fully enjoyed the experience this year.

“After a few years of slipping backwards it does now feel the GLEE is back on positive growth trajectory.”

Caroline Owen, Scotsdales Garden Centres:

“As always a great Glee and certainly the best in the last few years.

“I don't think there was a standout product as such but new ranges of garden ornaments will add some volume to sales for 2018.

“So many great stands showing products in lifestyle situations, Cadix and Ellho particularly. If only we had the space to have these displays at the garden centre. Without doubt it always helps buying decisions to see the products rather than looking at a catalogue and for us in Cambridge means that I can send my garden care teams to see all the suppliers in one day which certainly they all enjoy.

“It's a great networking event catching up with colleagues and friends all in a short time.”

Neil and Nicci Gow, Fresh@Burcot Garden Centre:

“I cannot imagine operating in our sector without Glee. How else can you see so many potential suppliers and products in one place at one time. Professional Buyers may have time to trip around all over the country visiting supplier show rooms but the independent garden centre does not have this luxury, so I cannot imagine how a garden centre can operate effectively at the leading edge we require to stay ahead of the sheds, multiples and discount retailers invading the high street. The opportunity to shuffle back and forth between exhibitors comparing products is invaluable. Now with the likes of Bayer (SBM) back at the show we can make ranging decisions there and then without having to wait until their rep eventually gets around to seeing us. Suppliers not at Glee missed out on shelf space with us when they are not at Glee. As a business, we are being squeezed too and no longer have the time to hang around waiting. Those day have gone. We have defined our chems and ferts range for 2018 now, along with our pots and other garden sundries. All that is left to do is work out the orders and get these placed. We can now get on with key autumn retailing and prep for Christmas.

“Maybe I have been in the industry too long but really all The Retail Lab did was frustrate me: - that there is so much more we could do if there were the hours in the day, the margin in the sales, the profit in the operations, the skills in the folks we have in our industry and the perception in the customers we serve? We took a few pictures to act as aide memoirs but I am disappointed at the follow up material available, or lack of, that we could relay back to the team at the centre who did not get to see it. I thought at least there would be a virtual tour by Romeo on the HTA or Glee website, some material we could download from one of those websites with some of the phrases, saying and statistics we could use in POS and that sort of thing. That would be really constructive towards alleviating some of my frustrations! There was obviously a huge amount of work and expense put into it and just a spoonful more would have made it so much more valuable.

“Stewarts/Keter had some interesting lines, some certainties in new pots and planters and others that are growing on me. The storage solutions are something that could be an interesting trend. We were doing well with this until 2 or 3 years ago when the multiples murdered the value of this group, so it could be ripe for a comeback now?                                                                                                                                                  

“The new packaging/presentation concepts of Vitax have certainly got some legs. Link sales is something we have barely touched on yet and something the independent garden retailer has an advantage over the discounters on so we must capitalise on this.

“Woodlodge had some great looking pots, and some interesting lines for indoor pot covers which could work in well with the re-surgence we are seeing in pot plants?

“Green Heart showcased some great looking new plants from Wyevale and Channel Island Plants for next season. It was really useful to see the Christmas added value range from Farplants and I think there could be some winning lines in there for us. Baldwin Nurseries, who I had not come across before. They had some really great looking plants, especially their climbers.

“It is really encouraging to see some companies turning their back on the ‘race to the bottom’ that has been so prevalent in our industry over recent years. Quality products with sensible retail prices and margin for both supplier and retailer are what we need. Be this tools from Kent & Stowe, Lawn Care from Westland, Bird Care from Peckish, sundry lines from Garland and Tildenet and garden decoration from Fountasia and The Solar Centre.

“On a scale of 1 to 10, we would rate Glee 2017 as probably 10 if not 11!”

And finally, a word from one of the Glee New Product Award judges…

Brian Archibald, B&H Solutions:

“I thoroughly enjoyed judging this year and felt the show was the best for many years.

“I was not looking at products as a buyer, but as a consumer so a slightly different slant this year.

“To me, the stand out product was the I-|Glo decking disc. It was unique, British made and also looks good from an export perspective. They were the only supplier who came to the judging to explain their product and have looked at applications other than decking. Good luck to them.

“Neudorff’s vine weevil, chafer grub and leatherjacket nematodes should do well as customers become more environmentally aware. They have a shelf life of 6 months and are non-returnable, so buyers need to be aware as the season for each one reaches the end.

“Kelkay look set for another year of growth with an ever-increasing range of water features and aggregates.

“I visited the retail lab and thought it was good. Something new for buyers to mull over.”

If you would like to add your comments, please e-mail trevor.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk or use the comments link below.  We will add them to this story and publish more in the Glee Daily News Omnibus Issue at the end of September.

• To build and develop profitable sales across responsible channels in line with prescribed targets
• To target new business opportunities and successfully convert within territory
• Service current retail accounts with regular visits and communication, building strong relationship with customers
• Regular liaison with head office sales support on behalf of broader customer delivery
• To introduce new products with seasonal demands to customers across territory
• To adopt and deliver external sales reporting requirements
• To attend and the represent Company at trade shows and industry events, as required

• Previous experience within the Gift industry, ideally across Garden Centre and/or Visitor Attraction sectors
• A proven track record of building and developing profitable sales achievement within the gift industry
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships at all levels
• Strong organisational and prioritisation skills
• Proficient with IT skills, specifically external sales reporting
• Self-motivated and driven, with a desire to be a part of a successful team

• Competitive Basic Salary (commensurate with experience)
• Commission/Bonus Program
• Company Vehicle/Private Vehicle allowance
• Pension
• Westfield Health Membership
• iPad/Mobile phone

The garden centre, part of the British Garden Centres group, was found to be offering furniture and cushions which did not meet fire safety requirements.

Trading standards officers visited the firm's East Yorkshire premises in December, and found a large display of upholstery which did not have appropriate labelling.

When concerns were raised about this, the company claimed it could provide evidence from its suppliers to confirm they were safe, but was eventually unable to prove they were legitimate.

A grey upholstered dining chair, a leather dining chair and four cushions were seized by the authorities from Hornsea Garden Centre and failed flammability tests by independent inspectors.

Company secretary Phillippa Stubbs admitted the company did not have procedures in place to check the labelling of products before the items were put on sale.

The firm was prosecuted alongside two of its suppliers, Coventry-based Mosley Trading, and Orchid Designs from Huddersfield.

Michael Robinson, director of Orchid Designs, told officers that his firm supplied cushions to stately homes and the Queen. He claimed in interviews that he had "misread the guidance" and assumed that the material used did not need testing before items were put on sale.

Jane Mosley, of Mosley Trading Company, also admitted no physical checks were carried out on upholstered furniture and they had relied solely on factory supplied test reports.

Woodthorpe Hall Garden Centre Ltd pleaded guilty to nine offences at Beverley Magistrates Court and was fined £18,000, plus costs of £3,782.

Mosley Trading Company was fined a total of £2,000 for each of eight offences committed, and told to pay costs of £3,615.54.

Orchid Design Ltd was fined £1,250 for each of two offences committed and told to pay costs of £3,325.76.

Adam Taylor from Taylors Bulbs was elected as President of the HTA at the Association’s AGM which took place at Glee.

Adam takes on the role from Adam Wigglesworth of Aylett Nurseries who has completed his two-year term of office to become the Immediate Past President. In other appointments Sandy Shepherd from Ball Colegrave was re-elected to the Board and Simon Fraser from Ben Reid and Co was elected as a new Board member. Stan Green from Growforth Ltd stood down from the Board, after serving since 2007.

Adam Wigglesworth took the opportunity to say what an honour it had been to serve HTA members and thanked the Board, Council, HTA staff and fellow Directors at Aylett Nurseries, for their support during his presidency.

Members from across the sector attending the AGM received the finance reports and annual review and re-appointed BDO as auditors. Dougal Philip provided an update from the HTA Benevolent Fund and encouraged all to help raise awareness of this resource which is available to HTA members and their staff.

HTA subscription rates are not increasing in 2018 in the light of other challenges for the industry such as uncertainty around Brexit, exchange rates and increasing prices.

The minutes of the AGM will be available to members on the HTA website in the near future.

Winners

The Greatest Plant Advice Team, sponsored by glee

Bronze Award: Summerhill

Silver Award: Scotsdales

Gold Award: Aylett Nurseries and Fron Goch

The Greatest Planteria Linked Sales Team

Bronze Award: Fresh@Burcot

Silver Award: Barton Grange

Gold Award: Burston

The Greatest Pot and Plant Sales Team – Top of the Pots, sponsored by Elho

Bronze Award: Millbrook Gravesend

Silver Award: Fron Goch

Gold Award: Bents

The Greatest “Garden Decoration” Sales Team

Bronze Award: Stratford Garden Centre

Silver Award: Cowells

Gold Award: Millbrook Gravesend

 
The Greatest Plant Retailing Teams, sponsored by the HTA

Bronze Award: Notcutts Woodford Park                                                   

Silver Award: Coolings and Castle Gardens

Gold Award: Perrywood


Finalists:

• Altons
• Aylett Nurseries
• Barton Grange
• Baytree
• Bents
• Burston
• Castle Gardens
• Chessington
• Coolings
• Cowells
• Fresh@Burcot
• Fron Goch
• Glyndwr Plant Centre
• Green Pastures
• Millbrook Gravesend
• Notcutts Woodford Park
• Perrywood
• Planters Tamworth
• Scotsdales
• Squires Badshot Lea
• Squires Chertsey
• Stewarts Christchuch
• Stratford Garden Centre
• Summerhill

It all began in 1917 when Ernest Prouty Barrus set up a company in the UK to supply Starrett precision tools including micrometers and measuring equipment and distribute them throughout Europe. Over the last century, Barrus has constantly adapted to new opportunities and challenges and diversified into multiple market sectors including Marine, Garden and Industrial. E. P. Barrus is co-owned by the Glen family and MTD Holdings, also a family owned company based in the USA, and one of the largest producers of outdoor power equipment in the world.

Barrus entered the garden machinery market during the late 1950’s and introduced the first Barrus-made lawnmowers sold under the brand name of Mowmaster. These “Direct collect®” machines were ahead of their time not only because they featured the unique Barrus grass collection system, but they were also the first composite plastic mowers on the World market. Barrus went on to become MTD’s first export customer in Europe in 1972 with the distribution of a range of garden machinery sold under the Lawnflite brand name.

Barrus has continued to introduce new, innovative products with potential to the British market. Today, the company has long-standing partnerships with global suppliers, representing over 30 leading brands which are distributed through over 3000 authorised dealers nationwide. Cub Cadet garden machinery; WOLF-Garten and Wilkinson Sword garden tools; Mariner and Mercury outboard engines; Quicksilver leisure and fishing boats; John Deere and Yanmar marine and industrial engines, are just a few of the well-respected brands in the Barrus portfolio.                                                                                                                            

Robert Glen, Chairman, E. P. Barrus Ltd and the grandson of the founder Ernest Barrus commented, “As we celebrate our centenary we reflect on our proud past and most importantly express our sincere thanks to our customers, suppliers, distributors and partners, and loyal employees who have put their trust in Barrus and helped build the company’s success.”

Over the years Barrus has been responsible for numerous innovative products and solutions including many firsts to be introduced to the UK market. These range from the first claw hammer, ride-on lawnmower and gas-fired garden barbecue. The D-BAT, a diesel powered all-terrain vehicle popular with the military; FAST PIRS®, an engine that can be rapidly restarted after being submerged, pioneered by Barrus for the Armed Forces and rescue organisations, and a multi-fuel outboard developed for the UK MoD capable of running on four different NATO fuels.

“One hundred years in business represents a tremendous milestone,” commented Robert Muir, Managing Director, E. P. Barrus Ltd.  “Not only are we looking back but also forward, focusing on the company’s future to build on our success and best serve our customers. 2017 is, indeed, a momentous year with recent announcements including our exciting new location plans which will enable us to grow the business. The acquisition of the gardening gloves and footwear company, Town & Country, and the engine supply contract awarded to Barrus by Atlas Elektronik UK who will build the £48M next generation Royal Navy workboats. As our centennial strapline states, “We are celebrating our first 100-years, gearing up for the next.”

Next year, Glee will be relocating to NEC Halls 6,7,8, 19-20, providing the show with a much bigger footprint, and an even larger and more exciting exhibition.  

 Exhibitors will be able to relocate, whilst visitors will be walking an updated floorplan; discovering new products and companies at every turn. 

The overall effect will be a refreshed, revitalised event, as Matthew Mein, Glee Event Director explains:  “Glee has been growing at a significant rate – for example we had over 200 new brands join us at the 2017 event - and that means we’ve outgrown our current home.

"Glee has successfully relocated before, and we hope that this next move will be received with the same level of industry support. Not only will the exhibition be able to better accommodate more exhibitors and visitors, but its refreshed layout will breathe new life into the show.

"This move is inspired by the way that retailers keep their store interesting for customers by constantly revising the layout. This way customers discover more, and ultimately spend more – something we know our exhibitors and visitors want to replicate during their time at Glee.”

Building more content to help support the continuous growth of gardening in the UK will be a key theme of the 2018 event. Garden retailing is continuing to buck the trend that other retailers have fallen foul of, with growth for both garden retailers and suppliers continuing to grab the headlines.

At Glee 2018 look out for more features, seminar sessions and year-round information relating to trends, merchandising and practical advice on ways to build better business, whilst also tackling the most burning issue – how to attract millennials into the garden centre.

The Retail Lab, launched to critical acclaim in 2017, will be returning to the heart of the exhibition, showcasing even more inspirational trend information, interactive content and retail best practice. Get set to see even more leading brands and industry experts putting their weight behind this must-see part of Glee.

With a larger central boulevard, Glee 2018 will be an impressive sight, with even more space for its ever-popular show features including the New Product Showcase, Innovators Zone and GIMA Business Village. The show’s dedicated pet section – including the PetQuip Business Village - will also be given additional room to expand, helping even more pet product suppliers to get their ranges seen by core garden centre pet buyers. All of this will be supported by Glee’s refreshed and contemporary branding that was launched to the market in early 2017.

"I would especially like to congratulate all the winners of Glee Awards, The Glee New Product Awards and The Glee Buyers Power List.  Well done!

"We are now looking forward to the refresh of Glee for 2018 with an exciting new floorplan to create a refreshed look and feel.

"See you next year in February for the new Glee at Spring Fair."

Created by a panel of industry experts, and led by Creative Director Romeo Sommers of ByRomeo, the Retail Lab has been created to showcase the latest trends within the garden industry, whilst also providing retailers with hands on advice and inspirational content that they can take back to their own stores to drive sales in 2018 and beyond.

The Retail Lab kicked started its time at Glee with some national news coverage, having been featured within the BBC Breakfast’s live reporting from Glee. Since then it has seen a wealth of visitors, including retailers, members of the press and the many bloggers, vloggers and consumers that attended the show as part of a new PR initiative.

One visitor to the Retail Lab, Jean Vernon, gardening correspondent at The Telegraph, said: “The Retail Lab @ Glee provides a fantastic insight into the amazing depth and breadth of the garden products industry. Inspiring, informative, fresh, innovative and surprising in places, it has been well worth a visit.”

The Retail Lab has focussed on four key consumer themes; trends that are within touching distance and will directly affect consumer spending habits in the near future.  

The themes - Well-being, Family, Community, and ‘Re-wilding’ - have been identified by Romeo Sommers, and world-leading trend experts, WGSN. Suppliers from throughout Glee have been supporting the feature as either Preferred or Selected Partners, with their products being used to help create the truly stunning product displays.

With interactive elements, visual displays, guided tours and bitesize information, have helped been retailers on a journey of inspiration.

This inspiration – and tangible business advice – is needed now, more than ever as consumer spending habits continue to change, and become increasingly influenced by aspects such as environment, economics, and social consciousness. As a result, the role of garden retailers and the way they interact and appeal to their core markets is also changing. The Retail Lab @ Glee has helped to cut through some of his noise.

After initial judging of the 321 new products entered first thing the judges selected finalists in each category. Then those finalists had the opportunity to meet the judges, answer questions and make a pitch to be chosen as the winner.

Retail Services and Experiences
Winner: Mud Daddy – Mud Daddu 20A37

Finalists: Masterlock Sales UK Ltd – Select Access Smart Key Lock Box 20U42; SmartPlant App – SmartPlant Software 20A29.

Outdoor Entertaining
Winner: The Fire Pod – The Fire Pod – 17V51
Finalists: Delivita – Delivita Wood Fired Oven – 17Y02;Jagram SA – Genoa Stand with Gaya Basket – 20Q20.

Garden Decoration
Winner: The Solar Centre – Trueflame – 20S44

Finalist: Creative Products Ltd – Star Magic Motion – 18N30-P31; Neat Ideas Ltd – Friendly Froggies – 17R02.

Home, Gift and Clothing
Winner: Gold Leaf – The RHS Collection – 18K01

Finalists: Coffee Logs – Coffee Log – 20A31; Burgon & Ball – Enamelwares “Hang it” Pegboard – 19C26-E27.

Wildlife and Pets
Winner: Wildlife World – Dewdrop Wildbird Window Feeder – 18M50

Finalists: Blumen International Ltd – Blumen Natural Health Pet Seed – 18N10-P11; CarPET Hair Remover – Car PET Hair Remover, Box of 10 – 17P66.

Garden Care - Growing Accessories
Winner: Elho – Green Basics Grow House Flowerbridge – 19G10

Finalists Burgon & Ball – “Dotty” Kneelo Childrens Garden Kneeler – 19C26-E27; Garland – Self Watering Grow Pot Tower, Green -18H10-11.

Garden Care – Chemicals, Fertilisers and Growing Media
Winner:  Neudorff – Nematode range (all three) – 20R20-S21

Finalists: The Scotts Company – Evergreen Premium plus No Rake Moss Remover Lawn Food – 18M20-P21; Westland – Big Tom Tomato Feed and Westland Orchid Water – 19G20-H21.

Plants, seeds and bulbs
Winner: Wyevale Nurseries – Senecio Angel Wings – NB21

Finalists: Hawksmill Nurseries – Salvia Pink Lips – NB18; Taylors Bulbs – Perfect for Pots Bulb Collections – 19G02.

Tools & Machinery
Winner: Burgon & Ball – Wonderweed Puller – 19C26-E27

Winner: Crest Garden – Kent & Stowe Stainless Steel Lawn Aerator 4 Prong – 19G21; Gardena – Gardena Combisystem – 19C30-F31.

Landscaping
Winner: I-glo – I-glo Decking Disc – 20A49

Finalists: Panacea Products – Rosette Fence and Collection – 19F60; Screen with Envy – Mouchrabiya Garden Screen – 20A27.



Best of British
Winner: I-glo – I-glo Decking Disc – 20A49

Best @ Glee
Winner: I-glo – I-glo Decking Disc – 20A49

Consumers' Choice (sponsored by Modern Garden magazine)
Winner: Elho – Green Basics Grow House Flowerbridge – 19G10

The winners of the 2017 Glee Buyers Power List were announced by GTN's Trevor Pfeiffer during an exciting awards ceremony within Glee’s buzzing hub: Seminar Theatre.

From individual garden centre buyers to multiple retailer buying teams, the Glee Buyers Power List was introduced to recognise and celebrate the many garden retail buyers who have gone ‘above and beyond’ to make a difference within the industry in the past 12 months.

Speaking at the Glee Buyers Power List awards ceremony, which was well attended by retailers and suppliers alike, Glee’s Event Director Matthew Mein confirmed: “The Glee Buyers Power List was set up to recognise a key group of decision makers in the gardening industry who are often overlooked: garden retail buyers.  Through these awards, we are pleased to be able to celebrate and reward their continued hard work, passion and dedication. 

"Our huge congratulations to all of the winners, the finalists and the many excellent shortlisted nominees.”

WINNER: Mackenzie & Cruickshank

Best DIY / Builder Merchant Buying Team

WINNER: Enchanted-Earth.com

Best ‘Other’ Garden Retailer Buyer Team

WINNER:  John Lewis

Matthew Mein added: “I’d love to offer my sincerest congratulations to all those who were shortlisted, and also to this year’s winners. There is no doubt that you are all highly deserving of the praise that has been bestowed upon them by their peers and wider industry. Our thanks also to all of those that took the time to vote – your continued support of the awards is greatly appreciated.”

Glee was under the spotlight on BBC’s Breakfast programme. Fronted by presenter Steph McGovern, leading garden industry figures including GTN's Trevor Pfeiffer were interviewed during a live broadcast from the halls.

Regular updates from Steph featured throughout the three-hour show, with talking points that included the latest gardening trends and insights, new product launches and debate on how to engage with the younger gardener.

Duncan McLean, buyer at Wyevale Garden Centres, was interviewed by Steph on the garden retail market, whilst Sheila Hill, UK general manager of Scotts UK also did a piece to camera discussing the latest trends.

Romeo Summers gave viewers a tour of the new Retail Lab @ Glee and its interactive hubs focusing on Family, Community, Re-Wilding and Well-being and how the public can be inspired by gardening with the latest products. George Williams of SmartPlant also gave a demonstration of the SmartPlant app, innovative technology that enables the consumer to identify plants and receive advice and how to care for them.

The coverage also included Matthew Appleby of Horticulture Week, who was interviewed from the industry viewpoint.

Trevor Pfeiffer, director of GTN, was interviewed twice about Glee New Products. He was spotted on TV by son Robert and grandson Arthur (aged nine months) - see picture below.

Richard Newton and Abigail Stocker from Woodlodge Products will be taking to the skies later today to raise money for Greenfingers Charity on 17th September.  In association with the Army Parachute
Association, the dare devil pair will take part in a tandem parachute jump over the stunning Wiltshire countryside. 

Richard, who is a Greenfingers Charity Ambassador said: “We are incredibly excited, and slightly terrified, to be fundraising for Greenfingers Charity by taking the leap, but we know the money we raise will make a real difference to children and families who face daily challenges.”

For more information about Greenfingers Charity, visit www.greenfingerscharity.org.uk

Abigail said: “Thank you for supporting us as we take part in this terrifying challenge and thank you for helping to make a real difference”

Thanks for taking the time to visit our JustGiving page.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

The Company:

Apta is the leading supplier of quality flower pots and accessories to the UK garden trade.

The company has achieved very considerable growth and now wishes to strengthen its merchandising team with the recruitment of additional Product Merchandisers. The role will appeal to motivated and ambitious individuals.

Job title:         Product Merchandisers (Full-Time). See Areas below.

Area 1:           Kent, Sussex, Surrey, South London

Area 2:           Essex, Suffolk

Salary:            £22,500+ after training with immediate start.

Generous bonus scheme & company vehicle.

Progression:            Apta has a track-record of promoting its staff.

The Role of Product Merchandiser:

• Building upon strong partnerships with existing customers
• Working with the sales team to ensure that customer experience is always exceptional.
• Planning and working to an effective journey plan, maximising customer contact.

The person for this Product Merchandiser opportunity:

We are looking for committed, fit and motivated individuals to join our excellent merchandising team. The main duties involve setting up display benches and displaying our products within garden centres.  

Area 1: mainly covering Kent, Sussex, and surrounding areas. Candidates must be well located in the territory, ideally in the Ashford to Crawley area. Other well located locations within the territory will be considered.

Area 2: mainly covering Essex, Suffolk and surrounding areas. Candidates must be well located in the territory, ideally in the Chelmsford to Ipswich area. Other well located locations within the territory will be considered.

This is an outdoor job involving heavy lifting and only applicants whom are very fit, healthy and willing to work extended hours during our main season should apply. A company vehicle is provided for all work duties along with a fuel card and mobile phone.

A full clean driving licence is required and applicants need to be 23 + years of age.

Applications should be sent by email with your CV and covering letter to Brian Cobb, Merchandising Manager, brian.cobb@apta.co.uk or telephone 07968 153418 for any other details.

The closing date for all applicants is 30^th September 2017.

Squires Garden Centre in Long Ditton held a Mexican Fiesta Charity Day, which has raised £556.76 for Princess Alice Hospice.

There was a Mexican selfie station, face painting, lucky dip, charity raffle and a fun trail around the garden centre. Customers also enjoyed Mexican food including Chilli Con Carne and Fajitas. Squire’s employees got into fiesta mood too by donning sombreros and ponchos.

Squire’s in Long Ditton have chosen Princess Alice Hospice as their charity of the year, and they will be supporting them through to next July 2018. Princess Alice Hospice is a local charity that provides free compassionate care for people with terminal illnesses and their families.

www.squiresgardencentres.co.uk

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

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

As the year goes on we give sales volume comparisons with 2015 as well as 2016 to allow your teams to see variations over a three year period.

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

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 Veg-2-Gro Bestsellers chart for this week are here

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

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