Little Dobbies Richmond, Klondyke High Legh, Pengelly, Meadowcroft and Barton Grange have picked up Greatest Garden Centre Christmas Team golds in GTN’s Greatest Christmas Awards, presented at Spring Fair on Monday. Kaemingk walked away with The Greatest Christmas Supplier gold.

Here are all the winners:

The Greatest Christmas Houseplant Team

GOLD AWARD: Barton Grange; Blue Diamond Newbridge

SILVER AWARD: Gates; Stratford

BRONZE AWARD: Gordale

FINALISTS: Barton Grange; Blue Diamond Bridgemere; Blue Diamond Newbridge; Dobbies Livingston; Gates; Gordale; Longacres Bagshot; Rosebourne (Aldermaston); Rosebourne (Weyhill); Stratford; The Plant Place; Wentworth

The Greatest Outdoor Plant and Christmas Tree Team

GOLD AWARD: Pugh's Radyr

SILVER AWARD: Barton Grange; Longacres Bagshot

BRONZE AWARD: Pengelly

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Pugh's Wenvoe; St Peters Worcester

FINALISTS: Barton Grange; Blue Diamond Three Shires; Colne Valley; Gates; Highfield; Longacres Bagshot; Pengelly; Pugh's Radyr; Pugh's Wenvoe; St Peters Worcester; Woodlands, Ash

The Greatest Festive Food Hall Team

GOLD AWARD: Longacres Bagshot; Rosebourne (Aldermaston & Weyhill)

SILVER AWARD: Barton Grange; Gates

BRONZE AWARD: Chessington; Pugh's Radyr

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Chepstow

FINALISTS: Barton Grange; Brimsmore Gardens; Chepstow; Chessington; Garsons Titchfield; Gates; Longacres Bagshot; Pugh's Radyr; Rosebourne (Aldermaston); Rosebourne (Weyhill); Tingley

The Greatest Christmas Sizzle Team

GOLD AWARD: Altons

SILVER AWARD: Chasewater

BRONZE AWARD: Chessington

FINALISTS: Altons; Chasewater; Chessington; Highfield; Palmers Enderby; Perrywood Tiptree

The Greatest Gardening Gifts Sales Team

GOLD AWARD: Gates

SILVER AWARD: Brimsmore Gardens

BRONZE AWARD: Pugh's Radyr

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Perrywood Tiptree

FINALISTS: BGC Burford House; Brimsmore Gardens; Dobbies Livingston; Gates; Perrywood Tiptree; Pugh's Radyr

The Greatest Christmas Marketing Team

GOLD AWARD: Pugh's Radyr & Wenvoe; Rosebourne (Aldermaston , Solihull & Weyhill)

SILVER AWARD: Azure; Silverbirch

BRONZE AWARD: Garsons Titchfield

FINALISTS: Azure; Garsons Titchfield; Pugh's Radyr & Wenvoe; Rosebourne (Aldermaston, Solihull & Weyhill); Sapcote; Silverbirch; The Old Railway Line

The Greatest Christmas Community Event

GOLD AWARD: Groves Bridport

SILVER AWARD: Gordale

BRONZE AWARD: Pengelly; Pugh's Radyr & Wenvoe

HIGHLY COMMENDED: St Peters Worcester

FINALISTS: Altons; Barton Grange; Gordale; Groves Bridport; Longacres Bagshot; Pengelly; Pugh's Radyr; Pugh's Wenvoe; Rosebourne (Aldermaston); St Peters Worcester; The Garden Society; The Plant Place

The Greatest Garden Centre Christmas Video

GOLD AWARD: The Old Railway Line

SILVER AWARD: Sapcote Garden Centre

BRONZE AWARD: Pengelly Garden Centre; The Grange

FINALISTS: Azure; Barton Grange; BGC Harrogate; Gordale; Pengelly Rosebourne (Aldermaston); Sapcote; The Grange; The Old Railway Line

The Greatest Garden Centre Grotto Team

GOLD AWARD: Gouldings Santa Experience

SILVER AWARD: Chessington; Coolings Lifestyle

BRONZE AWARD: Keydell

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Birkacre; Planters Garden King; Wentworth; Woodland Walk

FINALISTS: Baytree; BGC Arcadia; Birkacre; Chessington; Coolings Lifestyle; Gouldings Santa Experience; Keydell; Planters Garden King; Planters Tamworth; Ruxley Manor; Wentworth; Woodland Walk

The Greatest Festive Garden Centre Catering Team

GOLD AWARD: Woodlands, Ash

SILVER AWARD: The Old Railway Line 

BRONZE AWARD: Stratford

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Tingley

FINALISTS: Bents; Ellerker Lodge; Meadowcroft; Ruxley Manor; Stratford; The Garden Society; The Grange; The Old Railway Line; Tingley; Woodlands, Ash

The Greatest Christmas Supplier

GOLD AWARD: Kaemingk

FINALISTS: Festive; Florasilk; Gisela Graham; Kaemingk; Koopman; Premier; Smart Garden; Snowtime; Swift Imports

The Greatest Group Small Garden Centre Christmas Team

GOLD AWARD: Little Dobbies Richmond

SILVER AWARD: BGC Burford House

BRONZE AWARD: BGC Hatton

HIGHLY COMMENDED: BGC Bournville

FINALISTS: BGC Bournville; BGC Burford House; BGC Hatton; BGC Studley; Little Dobbies Richmond

The Greatest Group Large Garden Centre Christmas Team

GOLD AWARD: Klondyke High Legh

SILVER AWARD: Blue Diamond Fryers

BRONZE AWARD: BGC Arcadia; Blue Dimond Newbridge; Klondyke Astbury Meadow

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Blue Diamond Bridgemere; Dobbies Woodcote Green

FINALISTS: BGC Arcadia; BGC Braintree; BGC Bridgenorth; BGC Thatcham; Blue Diamond Bridgemere; Blue Diamond Fryers; Blue Dimond Newbridge; Dobbies Woodcote Green; Klondyke Astbury Meadow; Klondyke High Legh

The Greatest Small Garden Centre Christmas Team

GOLD AWARD: Pengelly

SILVER AWARD: Poundbury Gardens

BRONZE AWARD: The Grange

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Bennybeg Plant Centre

FINALISTS: Bennybeg Plant Centre; Pengelly; Poundbury Gardens; Scotts of Southend; The Grange

The Greatest Mid-Sized Garden Centre Christmas Team

GOLD AWARD: Meadowcroft

SILVER AWARD: Silverbirch

BRONZE AWARD: Brimsmore Gardens

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Ellerker Lodge; Fron Goch; The Old Railway Line

FINALISTS: Azure; Brimsmore Gardens; Caerphilly; California Lodge; Castle Gardens; Ellerker Lodge; Fosseway; Fron Goch; Meadowcroft; Newquay; Silverbirch; The Garden Society; The Old Railway Line

The Greatest Large Garden Centre Christmas Team

GOLD AWARD: Barton Grange

SILVER AWARD: Gates

BRONZE AWARD: Perrywood Tiptree; Wentworth

FINALISTS: Barton Grange; Bents; Garsons Titchfield; Gates; Gordale; Longacres Bagshot; Perrywood Tiptree; Pugh's Radyr; Summerhill Garden Centre; Wentworth; Whitehall Lacock

Watch out for The Greatest Christmas Awards photo tours of the centres in future issues of GTN Xtra, starting this coming weekend and in the next issue of GTN magazine.

Funds managed by Ares Management have acquired Dobbies Garden Centres and have committed to financially support the business.

A statement by the company said: “Ares’ funds have been lenders and shareholders since the business was acquired from Tesco in 2016. With the support of Ares’ funds, we will continue to execute on our strategy to drive the long-term growth of Dobbies.”

According to its website Ares Management is a "leading global alternative investment manager offering clients complementary primary and secondary investment solutions across the credit, private equity, real estate and infrastructure asset classes."

Spring Fair, the UK’s leading marketplace for wholesale Home, Gift and Fashion which returns to the NEC Birmingham NEC from 5th – 8th February 2023, opens its doors this Sunday to the UK’s independent retailers and multiples including TK Maxx, Homebase, Funky Pigeon, Chester Zoo, WHSmiths, Asda, Next, Dunelm, River Island, Fenwick, Blue Diamond, John Lewis, Clinton Cards, HobbyCraft, Dobbie, Soho Coffee, The Hut Group, Ebay, Scribbler, Debenhams, Poundland, Sanctuary, Wayfair, Primark, Poundsaver, National Trust, Toy R Us, Chester Zoo, Quiz Clothing, Argos, Sainsburys, Ann Summers, V&A, NotOnTheHighStreet, NewLook, Hallmark, Deichman, Harvey Nichols, Aldi, and tens of thousands more, all looking to discover their store’s next bestsellers amongst the thousands of new products being showcased and launched.

As the definitive ‘shop for shops’, Spring Fair has supported the retail industry for over 70 years and now encompasses the UK’s longest running fashion buying show Moda, offering retailers unmissable cross-buying opportunities across home, gift and fashion, and access to up-and-coming new design talent and hundreds of exciting brands which exhibit exclusively at Spring Fair.

Nicola Meadows, Portfolio Director at Spring & Autumn Fair says; “I am delighted to be back at Spring Fair in my new role as Portfolio Director and I am extremely excited to be onsite. With thousands of inspirational brands filling the halls with the latest best-selling products across Home, Gift and Fashion and hours of informative free content, this year’s Spring Fair is set to offer retailers a truly international and vibrant showcase with newness and sustainability top of the agenda.”

NEW PRODUCT SHOWCASE

Buyers keen to discover the hottest new designs to launch this season should make a beeline for the New Product Showcase in Hall 4. Offering a curated edit from across the show of the most exciting, brand-new product launches of the year, the showcase will provide retailers with the chance see these innovative new products before anyone else.

Look out for the Debut and First showcases in Beauty & Wellbeing, Housewares, and Greetings & Stationery featuring brand new designers showing at Spring Fair for the first time.

SUSTAINABILITY SHOWCASE

With consumers increasingly purchasing more mindfully, buyers can visit the Sustainability Showcase on the Power of One® stand in Hall 4 to see a selection of some of the best sustainable products. The show has also created a handy Sustainable Trail. Look out for the green leaf icon on exhibitor’s stands to identify brands who are part of the Sustainability Trail helping buyers easily identify sustainable exhibitors and make more educated buying choices.

The Power of One® stand will also be hosting experts from Products of Change. Products of Change are a global educational hub driving sustainable change across consumer product markets and beyond. Returning as the headline sponsors for the Power of One® campaign, their experts will offer 121 meetings and advice to help businesses become more sustainable.

INSPIRING RETAIL STAGE

Featuring leading industry professionals and rising stars, the Inspiring Retail Stage line-up features over 40 speakers, sharing exclusive market intelligence, insights and valuable industry information all designed to provide buyers with the opportunity to increase their knowledge, understand critical market trends and themes, and connect with leaders in the field. Located in Hall 6, the Inspiring Retail Stage has a jam-packed programme with trend updates, e-commerce advice, sustainability guidance and business tips across the four days.

Join retail entrepreneur and TV dragon, Theo Paphitis who will be in conversation with The Sun’s Business Editor, Ashley Armstrong on Tuesday at 2.30pm, looking at some of the current challenges facing businesses across the UK today, and the opportunities that arise out of tougher trading conditions.

The Style Sisters will be sharing their knowledge and expertise on the hybrid home on Tuesday at 10.10am.The retail  market has an opportunity to capitalise on growing demand for highly functional, yet fabulously designed products for the home, as consumers adapt to a new way of living.

The stage will also host trend updates with TrendBible. Trend Update: 2024 Home and Lifestyle Trends will uncover how householder behaviours and lifestyle choices are set to underpin product and design trends for the home over the next 12 months and beyond. Trend Update: Celebration and Gifting Trends for 2024 will provide vital insight into the key trends impacting consumers and the opportunities which will elevate celebration, occasion and gift ranges to new levels.

#SBS VILLAGE

Following a successful four-year partnership with Autumn Fair which has supported around 40 start-up businesses so far, Spring Fair now hosts the #SBS winners offering them a free stand worth thousands of pounds within the dedicated #SBS Village situated in a key position within Hall 4.

TV dragon and Small Business Sunday creator Theo Paphitis says: “Exhibiting at Autumn Fair, in the #SBS Village, has meant the world to our #SBS winners since 2018, helping many of them on a fantastic growth path for their business models.  I am delighted that we have extended the partnership to Spring Fair, where this year’s Exhibition winners will have an even more valuable opportunity in the early part of 2023. This is an exciting development for #SBS, one of the UK’s leading small business initiatives, and I am looking forward to visiting the show and meeting all our brilliant and deserving winners.”

Twelve new winners and two past winners who had been unable to exhibit previously, will present their designs, including beauty and wellbeing brand Glamavan with their biodegradable and sustainable glitters; botanical cast fragrance diffusers from The Fox Glove Tree; indulgent bath and body care by Awesome Botanicals; and organic and cruelty-free skincare and candles by Okiki. Gift sector winners include thoughtful sign language gifts from Give Gifts; Glosters Pottery with their range of ceramics created by the sea in Porthmadog, North Wales; wallpaper, prints and luxurious limited edition cushions with the wow factor by Sally Brown; an innovative new dry wash shampoo from TingTang; beauty gifts from Wolf & Griffin; Kitsch Republic with their range of fun homewares and gifts, mosaic kits from China Petals; and Chocolate Moments, the business behind the UK’s first bar of chocolate combined with crunchy crisps offering a unique combination which gives you the best of both sweet and savoury worlds.

Visitors will also be treated to the unique handmade toys from The Wonky Woolins; and inspirational creative, physical, musical, literacy, numeracy, social and scientific learning activity packs from Busy Brain Activity Packs.

Natalie Dawson from Awesome Boanicals says; “I am so grateful to Spring Fair & #SBS for selecting me as one of the winners, I am so excited to be here and grow the wholesale side of the business.”

HOME

Within Home, Living & Décor and The Summerhouse buyers will discover newness and the most stylish and on-trend furniture, textiles, housewares, art, and decorative interior and outdoor accessories from the UK and around the world. The Summerhouse welcomes back Malini, Bloomingville, MyGiftsTrade (including Urban Nature Culture), Hot Tomato, The Libra Company, Terrace & Garden / Casa Verde, Present Time, Jellycat, Stone Glow Candles, Hug Rug, RoseHill, Biggie Best, Morgan Wright brands including Also Home and Rain & Humble, DeluxeHomeart, VanillaFly, and Gallery Direct who is celebrating its 50th anniversary.

New to Spring Fair, visitors will be delighted to discover one of Scandinavia’s leading wholesalers, Wikholm Form, bringing their comprehensive range of products, decorations, furniture, and accessories made from ceramics, glass, wood, metal, basketware, leather and textiles.

Spring Fair welcomes back an array of home and outdoor lifestyle brands for the 2023 event in February, including Coach House, McGowan & Rutherford, Art Marketing, Kaemingk, Mint Interiors by Kettle also featuring Mambo Outdoor Living, London Ornaments, Bakers, Ascalon, Ivyline, Minster Stylish Living, Dutch Import & Daughters, Waltons of Yorkshire, Lows of Dundee, Sparta Decor, Tweedmill, Chic Antique, Fifty Five South, Hanlin, and Hill Interiors. Voyage Maison rejoins the Spring Fair line-up at the front of Hall 6, while lighting industry leaders Searchlight will present a mixture of decorative lighting. Hunter Price and their new Billie Faiers range can also now be found in Home, Living and Décor sector.

Serving up the best in culinary must-haves, from the latest innovations in cookware to the most beautiful table décor, visitors to Housewares will encounter kitchenware and dining ideas from Apollo Housewares, Honest Bottle, Artisania, Kin Limited, Captivate Brands, David Mason (Design), Goodtobee, Jomafe, International Cookware, Juice and Jam, Kuhn Rikon, Olivawood, Pendeford Housewares, T&G Woodware Ltd, RKW, Ultimate Products, Blue Stem Group, JVL Products, and Ulster Weavers. The BIRA/BHETA Village also returns.

New to the show are Pure Table Top, pitched as ‘the home of beautiful tablewares’, their collections feature much-loved brands including Joules, Olly Smith, and Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, each with their own signature style.

The Everyday sector in Hall 1 continues to meet the growing demands for everyday affordable items and this season sees an abundance of newness and innovations from Avron, Hovemint, Summit part of PMS, Shatchi, Tallon, RSW, Gem Imports, Import Distribution, RMS International, Pricecheck, Gifts 4 All Occasions, Dina International, Whitefurze, Anand International, Winners Europe, Arix Europe, RAM Enterprise, Rayburn Trading, and 151 Products.

GIFT

The flourishing Gift sector continues to offer everything you want to gift and be gifted with. Curated to create special moments from the show floor to your shop floor, explore an array of best-sellers, contemporary designs, unique and personalised gifts.

Visitors will discover the latest designs from Sass & Belle, DCUK, Burgon & Ball, Fallen Fruits, Satchville Gifts, Woodstock Chimes, Widdop & Co, Lesser & Pavey, Fountasia, Gingko, Portico Designs, Thumbs Up, Coulson MacLeod, Thumbs Up, Gift Republic, History & Heraldry, Kikkerland, Bookspeed, Enesco Gifts, Puckator, Joe Davies, Half Moon Bay, Powell Craft,Richard Lang & Sons, Shoeless Joe, Abysse Corp, University Games, Elgate, Rubies Masquerade, Straits Trading, La De Da! Living, British Fossil, and Giftware Trading. The debut Design First area offers a first-time showcase to new brands including Fox Under the Moon, Nzuri Trading, Dunked, and Loyal Candles.

With indulgent products for the mind, body and soul, the Beauty & Wellbeing sector features products that pamper, groom, spritz and energise with a huge rise in sustainable, vegan, and ethically made and sourced products. From holistic home-fragrance and beauty staples to hair care, male grooming and styling kits, this is where the most sought-after beauty and wellbeing products glow. Visitors will discover Bomb Cosmetics, Luxscent, The English Soap Company, Feel the Glow, Kushboo Soaps, Bath Bubble & Beyond, Clarityblend, Fruu, Heathcote & Ivory, Sevin, The Highland Soap Co, The Somerset Toiletry Company, and Upper Canada UK Limited. Don’t miss FaceWise, the low salicylate skincare from award-winning British actress, director, producer and entrepreneur, Sharon Maughan; and Labre's Hope, a social enterprise that employs people experiencing homelessness, or those at risk, to handcraft luxury soaps and candles made ethically and sustainably.

Aaron Probert, founder of Labre’s Hope says, “At Spring Fair, we will be showcasing our range of products which features a variety of unique selling points such as palm-oil free, aromatherapeutic and plastic free. We believe Spring Fair will be a key part of supporting us in our vision becoming a national health and beauty brand which transforms community across the UK.”

As the biggest showcase for greetings and stationery in the UK, the Greetings & Stationerysector goes from strength to strength. Look out for the most creative, fun and colourful greeting cards, wrapping papers, stationery and paper decorations, from Vent for Change, Cardgains, Ling Designs, The Great British Card Company, The Art File, Wrendale Designs, Dandelion Stationery, Museums & Galleries, Paper Salad, Louise Tiler, Emotional Rescue, Five Dollar Shake, Out of the Blue Studios, The Seed Card Company, Artebene, Rachel Ellen Designs, Hootyballo by Club Green, Crumble and Core, Dyson Designs, and many more showcasing their latest designs.

The GCA Debut edit returns with a host of new exhibitors including striking black & white illustrations of unusual and endangered animals from Wild Lines, eco-friendly collections from The Little Green Paper Shop, as well as the latest designs from Eat The Moon, It Takes Heart, KDee Designs, Say it with Songs, Not at all Jack, Angies Folk Art, and T’ART Designs.

Bringing the festive season to life, from small seasonal decorations to life-size Santa’s and show-stopping festive trees, explore the magical Christmas, Floral & Seasonal Decorations sector at Spring Fair with Christmas Inspirations BV, Festive Lights, Country Baskets Imports, Lotus Imports, Gifts 4 All Occasions, Davies Products, Sincere and Swift Imports.

The Party & Celebrations sector is full of exciting new finds which bring joy to every occasion. This is THE place for: vibrant decorations, fancy dress costumes, balloons, Halloween items, Christmas favours and party tableware, which will make your customers the life and soul of the party. Look out for Amscan, Rubies, Gemar Srl , Oaktree, Unique Party, Hootyballoo by Club Green , Eurowrap, and Pioneer.

Home to the finest, most magical children’s toys and gadgets, Kids, Toys and Play offers a celebration of the most beautiful, handcrafted toys, brain-teasing puzzles, must-have high-tech gadgets, and craft gifts for all ages. Tap into the hottest toy trends and those elusive Christmas hits from leading brands including Kandy Toys, Blue Sky Studio’s, Aurora World, The Puppet Company, Keel Toys, Thames & Kosmos, The House of Marbles, Orange Tree, Noble Collection, Big Jigs, Inside Out Toys, Mai Clothing, Willsow, Happy Little Doers, Djeco, House of Puzzles, Click Europe, Kiddicraft, and Ty.

FASHION

The UK’s longest standing fashion trade show Moda has become an integral fashion destination at Spring Fair. Offering a treasure trove of fashion, Moda expands over two halls this season and presents a fresh edit with four clearly defined sectors: Womenswear, Footwear, Fashion Accessories and Jewellery & Watch. Carefully curated to inspire and help retailers with their sourcing for the new season, buyers will be able to preview the latest collections from over 300 UK and international leading brands as well as a host of new names.

Renowned for its stunning array of collections, visitors to Moda will discover many of the leading womenswear labels. Look out for the bold brights from Jayley, a collection of sought-after Godske brands including Robell, Tia, Noen, and Fransen, creative and original new designs from One Hundred Stars, the colourful, feminine and sustainable womenswear from Danish brand Soyaconcept, and the new season collections from Saloos, an internationally recognised brand committed to quality, style and comfort since 1995. Other designers to discover include Fika, Decollage, Lighthouse Clothing, Jessica Graaf, The Bamboo Wardrobe, UbU Clothing, and Cottonreal.

As the leading destination for footwear in the UK, Moda welcomes back the industry’s most sought-after brands including Fly London, XTI, Refresh, Carmela, Chatham, Mustang, Alpe, Thomas Blunt, Lunar, Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen (who will be attending the show on Sunday), Anne Michelle, Top Staka, Lazy Dogz, and many more.

The latest handbags, purses, luggage, hair accessories, scarves, hats, and statement pieces from coveted brands in Fashion Accessories including Ashwood Leather, Powder, My Doris, Miss Shorthair, Miss Milly, Zelly, Eyelevel Sunglasses, LuggageLocker, Nova Leather, POM (Peace of Mind), G H Stafford & Son Ltd, W Brown International, Henderson, Miss Sparrow, Pure Fashions, Red cuckoo, and Earth Squared, Jazzibags, Woodbridge Bags, Suzie Blue, and Waterhaul.

With over 100 exhibitors and perfectly timed with the international calendar and buying cycle, Jewellery & Watch (J&W) is the biggest returning jewellery showcase in the UK bringing together the best in fine jewellery, silver jewellery, fashion jewellery and jewellery designers including BKT (Rings) Ltd, TWJ (Diamonds), Herbert Marx, Hanron Jewellery, Jeypore Creations, Deil Joseph, Breuning GmbH, Sea Gems, Scream Pretty, Gecko, MG Diamonds, Morrish, Perfection Jewellery, Ping Ping Jewellery, Jackie Brazil, Leslie Donn, Goodman Bros, Big Metal, D&X, Town Talk Polish, Gracee Jewellery, Isles & Stars, Clementine Jewellery, Chris Lewis Silver, Reeves & Reeves, The Old Farmhouse Jewellery, Esoteric London, LBJ Jewellery, London Pearl,and many more. Aside from the latest jewellery collections, there is a dedicated area for jewellery creation where precious and semi-precious stones, jewellery components and services, can be found.

Moda Stage

Moda also hosts its own Stage, with an inspirational line-up of catwalk shows, seminars, workshops, and awards across all four days of the show. Providing hours of free trend inspiration and business insights, the Moda Catwalk is the show’s must-see highlight. Kicking off at 11am and running at 1pm and 2.30pm each day, visitors will be inspired to start their buying at the Moda Catwalk. See the latest womenswear, footwear and accessories brought to life as the styled outfits showcase how to build looks and ranges for AW23/24 from the show floor itself. Key trends include Sundial, The Vibe, Electric, and Different Angles. Buyers will also be presented with beautifully curated sponsored scenes from Saloos, Jayley Collection, Lighthouse Clothing, and the footwear headline sponsor is Lunar, a global footwear brand offering a vast and unique range of colourful and elegant designs.

De Montfort University Footwear Showcase

In an exciting collaboration with De Montfort University, Moda will showcase the designs of 16 final year BA (Hons) Footwear Design students who have each designed a piece of footwear to a set brief.  From nine finalists, the winner will be announced at an awards ceremony on Sunday 5th February on the Moda Stage. Visitors to the show will also be given the opportunity to vote for their favourite design and the design with the most votes will receive the Buyer’s Choice Award.

New Jewels Bursary

The New Jewels Bursary in collaboration with the National Association of Jewellers (NAJ), and sponsored by Curteis Creates, launches this season to offer an up-and-coming jewellery designer access to invaluable advice and support.

The New Jewels bursary is the fruit of a collaboration with the NAJ and shared goals and values to support and celebrate the new talent in this sector. The competition aims to give up and coming jewellers a platform to launch their designs to the trade. The finalists will showcase their designs with Jewellery & Watch and the winner will be announced on the opening day.

As the buyers one-stop marketplace for everything new and on-trend for 2023, Spring Fair is the leading Home, Gift and Fashion buying showcase. It runs from 5th - 8th February 2023 at NEC Birmingham. For further information please visit www.springfair.com

Read GTN's preview of Spring Fair here:

The Horticultural Trades Association has called on the government to provide greater flexibility and support to horticultural businesses training apprentices as it marks National Apprenticeship Week, which started this week. 

The HTA says reform of the Apprenticeship Levy scheme is needed to incentivise horticultural businesses to take on apprentices ahead of this year’s growing season. It says greater flexibility is needed in accessing the funds and broadening the scope for use. In addition to traditional apprenticeships, the HTA is seeking government support for the development of horticultural degree apprenticeships that would reflect the evolving breadth of roles, and the changing skills needs of the sector as it moves towards embracing automation and contributing to the achievement of the UK’s net zero and biodiversity goals. 

It is also calling for an increase to resources for carrying out final assessments with apprentices, with many finding they are unable to complete their training as they face long waits at assessment gateway due to the lack of trained assessors. The HTA says investment and government support are needed to ensure that the end-point assessments required to complete horticulture apprenticeships are fully operational, accessible, and consistent.

Alan Down, President of the HTA said: “The environmental horticulture sector makes a huge contribution to the economy and is primed to play a leading role in progressing the UK’s sustainability plans. However, the sector can only continue to thrive and fulfil its potential with access to a steady stream of new talent. We need the government to review and strengthen its support for apprenticeships in our sector. That will be a win for businesses, young people and the environment. 

“The Apprenticeship Levy system in its current form makes it difficult for businesses who pay the Levy and SMEs, within the environmental horticulture sector and beyond, to access the funding they need to take on apprentices. We urge the government to commit to reforming the Levy so that it can become a viable training option, as was originally intended. This, along with fully operational and accessible end-point assessments, will enable our apprentices to complete their training and take their place in the workforce.” 

Geoff Caeser, Business Development Director at Allensmore Nurseries said: “Apprenticeships are a huge opportunity for the business and for the individual learner. The challenge is finding the right people. It is a commitment, and hard work when you have a job, but you get rewarded with both the qualification and the potential to move on within a business. For those people who want careers in horticulture, from technical to sales, apprenticeships are a brilliant way to achieve this.” 

The Association of Professional Landscapers (APL), a landscaping specialist group within the HTA, runs a two-year apprenticeship programme which sees current employees, as well as new entrants into the industry undergo practical training led by industry experts. 

Phil Tremayne, General Manager at the Association of Professional Landscapers (APL) said: “Apprenticeships are an invaluable way of attracting new recruits into the sector, as well as upskilling existing talent. Our apprenticeship programme is designed by the industry, for the industry, and is continually quality assured by our team. Our members need all the support they can get from government to be able to give their apprentices the best training possible.” 

A total of 1,169 people started apprenticeships in the horticulture sector in 2021/22, a 6% increase from 1,105 in 20201. The arboriculture, forestry, horticulture & landscape trailblazer group – a group made up of representatives from more than 70 organisations, which has championed and coordinated apprenticeships in the sector since 2014 – has developed eight apprenticeship programmes for the sector spanning a variety of roles, including arborists, forest operatives, business administrators and horticulture and landscape operatives and supervisors. 

National Apprenticeship Week, promoted by The Department for Education, celebrates the achievements of apprentices around the UK and the positive impact they make to communities, businesses and the wider economy. National Apprenticeship Week 2023 runs from 6 to 12 February.

Garden Centre Association members that believe they have the next up-and-coming stars of horticultural visual merchandising in their midst are being invited to sign them up to the Glee Talent Store.

Glee Talent Store in collaboration with the GCA is looking for garden centre staff to take on a short course in visual merchandising, branding and retail, which includes training from industry experts.

Peter Burks, Chief Executive at the GCA, said: “The application process for our new Glee Talent Store programme is now open and if garden centre managers or owners have a member of staff who has a keen interest in visual merchandising, they can put them forward for the process.

“The programme kicks off with a hands-on training day, where participants will be given the chance to engage with experts from across the industry, including Debbie Flowerday, a Visual Merchandise Consultant who has worked with the likes of Selfridges, Gucci, and John Lewis and Michael Perry aka Mr Plant Geek, plant expert and leading horticultural influencer.”

Participants will then have the chance to put what they’ve learnt into practice and design their own pop-up store, to be brought to life at Glee 2023.

Peter added: “It’s the ultimate industry showcase for emerging retailers and is a great opportunity for garden centre staff to learn from the best.”

Glee will take place at the NEC Birmingham from June 27 until 29, 2023.

To apply/nominate, please visit https://bit.ly/3XNko8X. The deadline for entries is February 22, 2023.

Matthew Mein, Event Director at Glee, said: “Visual merchandising is key to effective retailing. It has the power to entice and inspire consumers at the point of sale, with different components appealing to and engaging a diverse mix of shoppers. Recognising this individuality, we wanted to create something that celebrated these differences and encouraged visual merchandisers from across the garden retail sector to get involved. The Glee Talent Store is a great way for these talented and vital team members to celebrate their skills, and we’re incredibly excited about what they’ll be showing us in June.

“We’re also especially hoping that the Glee Talent Store will provide an outlet for younger visual merchandisers to shine. As an industry, we know that there is a deficit of younger workers and hope that this new feature can help to create a career path for the next generation.”

The GCA represents nearly 200 garden centres nationwide.

Through sharing information and its inspection programme the GCA helps members to achieve high standards in customer service, plant quality and reliability.

For further information, please visit www.gca.org.uk.

We all remember those special moments as a child, celebrating Christmas with family and friends, making memories that will last us a lifetime.

Now you can also share those memories with loved ones, as NOMA is bringing back the nostalgia of Christmas with the launch of NOMA Classics, Christmas Crafts, and a collection of innovative decorations inspired by the past.

Christmas Crafts by NOMA

Christmas Crafts by NOMA is our new range of DIY decorations – all you need is a pair of scissors,some batteries, and some Christmas spirit.

From festive paper chains, lanterns, and garlands, you can craft away by making your very own decorations, which are then brought to life with our energy efficient LED light chains.

NOMA Classics

NOMA Classics has been re-invented, now featuring a unique LED light that replicates the effect of a traditional filament bulb.

Decorate your tree or interior with nostalgic Christmas lights, available in Classic Light strings, Pickwick, Canterbury Belles, and Victorian Lanterns.

NOSTALGIA by NOMA

A range of seasonal home styling products, creating that warm, cozy Christmas glow in your home. Inspired by decorations of the past, the Nostalgia range reimagines Christmas, but applies modern innovation.

ABOUT NOMA

NOMA is the oldest Christmas company in the UK, so we know all about tradition! We have been shaping the Christmas lighting market for over 80 years, designing elegant and magical lighting concepts that illuminate countless homes and gardens across the UK.

To order your NOMA 2023 catalogue, or register for a trade account, please visit www.noma.co.uk

Corby & Fellas Ltd. are delighted to announce that Perrywood Garden Centres, based in Tiptree, Essex and Sudbury, Suffolk, have chosen WinRetail as their EPoS and Retail Management system.

Perrywood is an independent, family-owned garden centre and nursery run by the Bourne Family in Essex; Their every day mission is to offer a memorable garden centre experience; delivering wow customer service and giving employees, customers, suppliers and our local community a reason to smile.

Their large covered areas allow you to visit whatever the weather, and you can enjoy a home cooked meal or cream tea in their light, bright modern coffee shop & restaurant. Their Tiptree site is surrounded by beautiful countryside, backing onto woodland and views over the Kelvedon valley.

Pictured at top: Alan McCammon, Corby + Fellas MD, & Simon Bourne, Perrywood Retail Director

East Coast House, Galahad Road, Beacon Park, Gorleston, NR31 7RU

01493 658800

Contact: Kim Corby sales@corbyfellas.com

www.corbyfellas.com

Hozelock will implement drug tests utilising fingerprint sweat-based technology from Intelligent Fingerprinting, to promote employee safety.

Hozelock will use the fingerprint sweat-based drug test to determine any recent employee use of cocaine, cannabis, methamphetamine or opioids.

The Intelligent Fingerprinting platform, which analyzes sweat to screen for recent drug use, is quick, hygienic and non-invasive, and enables Hozelock’s HR staff members to easily conduct drug tests whenever necessary. Quick video of the system here. As Hozelock staff numbers vary according to seasonal demand, ranging from 320 to approximately 650, our fingerprint test technology makes testing especially convenient when staffing resources are more limited.

Andrew Parker, Human Resources Manager of Hozelock said, “Intelligent Fingerprinting is a really good way of allowing us to conduct random drug tests in-house – a process that’s an important contributor to Hozelock’s excellent safety record. We consulted initially with Unite, who gave their full backing to our use of a fingerprint-based drug screening. Compared with urine and saliva methods, the fingerprint method of drug testing treats the employee with much more dignity, while the system’s shorter window of detection means we’re not intruding into our employees’ personal lives.”

“No one in HR ever wants to catch anyone with a drug test. But some of our operations are potentially dangerous, and, as a responsible employer, it’s essential that we do the right things to protect our employees and their colleagues. That said, as a team, we are only concerned with people being safe to work for their shift – not what they might have done over the weekend. With its sub-24 hour window of detection, Intelligent Fingerprinting’s system allows us to look at just that, ensuring the safety of our employees while respecting their privacy during their personal time. From our experience, traditional tests typically look for drug use beyond this, and that’s not what drug testing for health and safety purposes is all about,” continued Mr. Parker.

Please do let me know if you would like to a demo of the Intelligent Fingerprinting test or to speak to Hozelock for more information. Higher resolution images are also available.

Value garden centre Cherry Lane Bradmore is celebrating its 10th anniversary as part of the Cherry Lane family. The past decade has seen Cherry Lane invest hundreds of thousands of pounds to create a bigger and better garden centre for customers to enjoy. To mark the occasion, Cherry Lane is running a special competition with the chance to win a £250 shopping voucher.

Cherry Lane acquired Bradmore – formerly an independent nursery and garden centre – in 2013. The Group immediately set about transforming the garden centre but faced the additional challenge of having to redo this work, including reconstructing the 10,000 square foot building, following a fire only months later. Cherry Lane has remained committed to investing in the site over the years with many improvements being made.

In 2018, the Group extended and fully refurbished Bradmore to provide even more great value home and garden products, as well as enhancing its offering for all the family by investing in the much loved Wellington’s Restaurant and the introduction of a brand new Garden Tots soft play area. Wellington’s Restaurant is now a destination in its own right, with 240 seats providing indoor and al fresco dining and a mouth-watering menu of freshly made meals, light bites and drinks including its extremely popular scones! Bradmore has also invested in making the site easily accessible for wheelchair users and the latest improvements saw the entire car park being retarmacked last year.

Currently employing 20 team members, Cherry Lane Bradmore has many long serving members of staff including two who started working for the garden centre’s previous owners 25 years ago. The site is also home to Cherry Lane’s head office, which relocated here in 2019, taking advantage of its close proximity to Nottingham and stunning countryside views.

To mark 10 successful years of trading, Cherry Lane Bradmore is giving customers the chance to win a £250 Cherry Lane voucher to spruce up their garden this Spring. To enter, customers simply need to scan their Cherry Picked Rewards loyalty card or app whenever they make a purchase from now until 31st March*. The more scans each customer does, the more entries they get into the competition, providing an even greater chance to win. Customers can sign up for a free Cherry Lane reward card in-store or by simply downloading the Cherry Lane Rewards app, plus they’ll also receive 10% off their next shop and other special deals including treats on their birthday.

Sandor Daxner, deputy manager at Cherry Lane Bradmore, said: “We are delighted to be celebrating a decade in the Cherry Lane family. Just as the business has grown during this time, so has our garden centre here and we are very proud of everything Cherry Lane Bradmore has to offer. Thank you to our fantastic customers who have supported us throughout the past 10 years and we can’t wait to welcome them as they pop in to enter our voucher competition and celebrate with us.”

Nick Rubins, CEO of Cherry Lane Garden Centres, said: “As an independent, family-run business, we were keen to continue this family ethos at Bradmore while also introducing the great value shopping experience customers that expect at Cherry Lane. Bradmore is a great location and we have been pleased to heavily invest in all aspects of the garden centre over the past decade to cater for everyone. Customers have really taken Bradmore into their hearts and we are delighted to have become such a well-loved business in the local community. We are very much looking forward to another busy year, with our Spring ranges and great value garden furniture ready to go out on the shelves in the coming weeks. Customers can be sure that Bradmore will be bursting with value for 2023 and beyond.”

Future plans at Cherry Lane Bradmore include a new look Scallywags pet store which will shortly be completely refurbished and extensive new ranges introduced, as well as a calendar full of events for 2023 from expert gardener talks and prestigious car rallies  to pumpkin carving and wreath making.

As the UK’s only value garden centre group, Cherry Lane specialises in high-quality products and beautiful plants at amazing prices, not to mention offering customers a vast choice of departments including outdoor living, homewares, clothing, gifts, toys, kitchen products, wild bird and wildlife products, pet goods and grocery supplies too. With top brands such as Regatta and exclusive ranges from Yeomans Tools and Hamilton McBride soft furnishings, Cherry Lane is a destination store providing everything for the home and garden.

The business also takes its role as a responsible retailer very seriously with its Value Our Planet initiative across the Group. This has seen Cherry Lane becoming the UK’s first value garden centre to have more than 90 ranges of eco products to help customers make more environmentally friendly and sustainable choices.

Established in 2001, Cherry Lane has gone from strength to strength, starting as a group of three garden centres in East Anglia and growing to 17 across the country today, reaching from Suffolk to Worcester and Essex to Yorkshire. Cherry Lane now also has five of its own on-site nurseries, which cultivate the group’s Grown by Us range of homegrown plants that are sold across the business.

For more information on Cherry Lane, see www.cherry-lane.co.uk.

Pictured: The team at Cherry Lane Bradmore celebrating the garden centre’s 10th year as part of the Cherry Lane family – [from left to right] Julie Newton, Andrea Turner, Sally Young, Janice Walker, John Michael, Imogen Storey with deputy manager Sandor Daxner [front centre].

A new House of Lords Select Committee has been established to launch an inquiry into the Horticultural Sector and will convene this week in a move welcomed by the Horticultural Trades Association.

The Select Committee represents a first for the subject of horticulture in Parliament.

HTA CEO Fran Barnes believes the granting of the Committee by Parliament represents a symbolic moment for the industry:

“This Committee is an exciting opportunity for Environmental Horticulture and we look forward to working with Peers following its launch this week. We would like to congratulate Baroness Fookes who has long been a friend of horticulture and gardening for playing such a key role in establishing the Lords Committee. We will support the Committee with evidence and through our membership of the Ornamental Horticulture Roundtable Group – a cross-sector working group.

“Our members play a crucial role for the UK’s economy with £6.3 billion in tax revenue each year, and the sector underpins 50% of the 25-year Environment Plan and is a source of physical and mental health benefits to millions of Brits. Trees, plants and gardens are not just much loved but are so critical to our biodiversity, environmental resilience and net-zero ambitions. We hope that our industry’s contribution can be fully appreciated, supported and developed in Westminster.”

The HTA represents the entire environmental horticulture supply chain across the UK including growers, garden centres, landscapers, manufacturers and service providers; a total of nearly 1,500 members.

The teams at Bents (above) and Klondyke Mortonhall (below) have been celebrating their wins of the ultimate GCA accolades, Destination Garden Centre of the Year and Garden Centre of the Year.

“I’m so proud that Mortonhall won both the GCA Garden Centre of the year, and the Ruxley Rose for Best Plant Area of the year" said Matthew Bailey, Garden Centre Manager.

"It is fantastic to get Klondyke on the map in terms of all the hard work and commitment from my colleagues at the centre and the amazing support from Head Office too.

"As a team, we are certainly looking forward to the season ahead.”

At Bents, MD Matthew Bent told GTN Xtra: “There many awards available within our industry, but this really is the big one. It is not one that requires a written submission or entry fee; instead the audit is something that is a fundamental requirement of our membership of the GCA. 

“We have a great family of colleagues who work extremely hard at all times and this award is a fantastic way to thank them for all their input, especially after what have been a challenging few years.”

Bents and Klondyke Mortonhall received a spot visit by the GCA auditors in spring 2022 and recorded two of the top scores in the country. The Centres then received a further spot check in the autumn to be re-audited, resulting in the UK’s highest results in their categories and presentation of the prestigious industry awards at the GCA Conference in January 2023.

At Bents, amongst the categories to be acknowledged by the audit were the Centre’s product range and quality, disabled facilities, sustainability, Garden Care department, Fresh Approach Restaurant, houseplants and seasonal plants.  (See team pictures below.)

Tammy Woodhouse, Chairman of the GCA said: “The GCA audit and subsequent awards are extremely important within the industry.  Centres don’t pay to enter or put themselves forward; our members are all visited by our inspectors with no prior knowledge of the exact date so we can ensure standards remain high at all times.

“We are delighted for Bents and Mortonhall.  They are fantastic achievements and even more impressive when up against such strong competition.”

Ella-May Bradshaw from Bosworths Garden Centre was recently revealed as the winner of the GCA’s Rising Stars programme sponsored by Westland Horticulture.

The 21-year-old was declared the winner after her presentation during the GCA’s annual conference at the Mercure Blackburn Dunkenhalgh Hotel and Spa in Blackburn, Lancashire.

Gordon Emslie, who mentored the candidates taking part in the programme, said: “After taking part in a series of workshops throughout the year on environmental and sustainability within gardening, all of the finalists presented their findings and what they’d learnt and put into practice in their own garden centres, during the GCA conference. All of the presentations were outstanding and any one of the candidates could have won. The conference attendees voted for Ella as their winner.

“I’d like to say a huge ‘congratulations’ to Ella and also to Matt Carr and Vicky Taylor from Barton Grange Garden Centre, Louise Oakes from Bents Garden & Home, Jennifer Ind from Webbs of Wychbold, Mia Crawford from Poundbury Gardens and Pip Bransfield-Garth from Ruxley Manor Garden Centre for all reaching the final and putting in so much hard work and dedication to the entire process.”

Ella-May said: “The programme was an amazing experience and I am so happy and excited that I was able to win and how my project idea came to life inspiring children in my garden centre. I can’t wait to do more of this work.”

Through sharing information and its inspection programme the GCA helps members to achieve high standards in customer service, plant quality and reliability.

Peter Burks, GCA Chief Executive, said: “These seven young horticulturists were the stars of our conference with seven amazing presentations, which everyone said they would be replicating in their own centres, it was very hard trying to decide who to vote for.”

For further information, please visit www.gca.org.uk.

Boningale Ltd, a well-known and significant UK producer and wholesaler of nursery stock, is for sale.

The business produces container grown plants on circa 80 acres over five sites in Albrighton, Worfield and Codsall in Shropshire; its Brookhaven site near Coventry and its Melville site in Edinburgh.

The business turns over almost £10m of nursery stock through its three brands: Boningale Nurseries (supplying the commercial amenity market); Viridis Plants (supplying the garden designer and garden contractor markets) and Worfield Plants (supplying garden centres).

The sale is prompted by the health concerns of the current Chairman, Tim Edwards, who unfortunately does not have family members succeeding him in the business.

This is a rare opportunity to purchase a business that is a significant producer and supplier to the UK amenity market. A business willing to invest in the acquisition and further development of Boningale would be well placed to become the major player in this market place.

All expressions of interest should be directed to Simon Quinton Smith of Quinton Edwards who are handling the sale. Telephone: 07785 732460 Email: simon@quintons.co.uk

Following in the footsteps of the 2019 wing walkers – GIMA’s Vicky Nuttall, SBM’s Lowri Walker and Evergreen’s Mark Portman – there is a new group of brave people set to take to the skies strapped to a plane, all in the name of the Greenfingers Charity!

This year 12 brave supporters have vowed to face their fears and climb 600ft into the air atop a 1940s Boeing Stearman biplane, previously used to train pilots during World War II. Swooping across the Cotswold countryside will be British Garden Centres’ Phillippa Stubbs, Mike Lind, Managing Director at Monkton Elm Garden Centre, Woodlodge’s Abigail Stocker, Kimberley Hornby, Managing Director of Hornby Whitefoot PR, Martin Cowell of Cowells Garden Centre, Katie Boyd alongside two colleagues from STV International, Capi Europe’s Kate Ebbens, and Heidi Towse. Lowri Walker, who first wing walked for Greenfingers in 2019, will also be making her return to undertake a new adventure – further details of which will be revealed soon!

Supporting the wingwalkers on the day will be the expert pilots from AeroSuperBatics, the team behind the Breitling Wingwalkers, a much-loved display act at UK airshows. On arrival at RFC Rendcomb Airfield, all participants will be briefed before being strapped to the top wing of the historic biplane. Wing walkers will then experience the roar of the plane’s 450hp Pratt & Whitney engine – the largest and most powerful engine operated in the UK for wing walking – with the propeller hitting speeds of up to 760mph at full throttle! Once the flight is underway, wingwalkers will only be able to communicate with their pilot via hand signals, as the plane performs daredevil flypasts, zoom climbs, steep dives and banks in front of friends and family. Greenfingers supporters are also welcome to come along on the day to encourage these courageous souls!

Find out more

The 2023 Greenfingers Wing Walk is earmarked to take place in early July, and presently eight places are available for anyone wanting to get outside of their comfort zone to raise much needed funds for the charity.

To register your interest and to grab one of the remaining places please contact Linda Petrons, Greenfingers Director of Fundraising & Communications by emailing linda@greenfingerscharity.org.uk.

Further information regarding the Greenfingers Charity can be found at www.greenfingerscharity.org.uk. You can also join in the conversation by joining Greenfingers on social media - https://www.facebook.com/Greenfingerscharity/, @GreenfingersCha on Twitter, and @Greenfingerscharity on Instagram and LinkedIn. 

Zest is to raise money for Dementia UK, the dementia specialist nurse charity, after a vote by employees to nominate it as the company’s charity of the year for 2023. 

Dementia UK is the only charity that provides specialist dementia nurse support through its Admiral Nurse service.  Admiral Nurses provide life-changing support and guidance for families affected by all forms of dementia in communities, hospitals and hospices, on the free national Dementia Helpline, and in clinics.  Funds raised by Zest, and its P&A Group colleagues, will help the charity to reach more families facing dementia across the UK with the support of its Admiral Nurses.

Commenting on the announcement, Steve Morgan, Zest’s Managing Director said: “Raising money for charity is very important to all employees and this year they have voted to raise funds for Dementia UK. The charity’s Admiral Nurses do an amazing job supporting not just those living with dementia, but also support the wider family. We’ve already had a number of people sign up for a variety of different fundraising events. From bake sales, bingo nights and personal fitness challenges to fancy dress events, quiz nights, and dog walking days. There are lots of events to look forward to, including the Three Peaks Challenge for anyone who is feeling particularly adventurous! This year we have set a target of raising £10,000 for Dementia UK.”

Anna McNee, Regional Fundraiser for West Midlands and Wales at Dementia UK, said: “We’re thrilled that Zest has chosen to support Dementia UK for 2023. The company has raised so much money for charities over the years and we’re grateful for all the fundraising that will take place for our charity through lots of different and fun challenges.”  

Over the last 13 years, Zest employees have raised in excess of £145,000 for a variety of charities alongside colleagues in the P&A Group.  These include the British Heart Foundation, Macmillan Cancer Support, Hope House and Tŷ Gobaith Children’s Hospices, Cancer Research UK, Action for Children, Alzheimer’s Society, Alder Hey Children’s Hospital and Meningitis Now.

Zest was established in 2005 to bring high quality, sustainable timber garden products to garden centres, online retailers, builders’ merchants, and major purchasing groups nationwide.  For further information about Zest’s timber GYO, decorative and furniture products, visit www.zestoutdoorliving.co.uk.

To donate to Dementia UK, please visit http://www.p-a-group.com/charity

Pictured, from left to right: Rhys Hughes, Director of Strategic Development & Supply Chain, Anna McNee, Regional Fundraiser for West Midlands and Wales at Dementia UK, Steve Morgan, Managing Director of P&A Group, Anita Hagin, Admiral nurse, Andrew Baker, Financial Director and Hazel Bainbridge, HR Director. 

Ascalon Design return to Spring Fair this year with a plethora of exciting new products and familiar best-sellers across their ranges of garden furniture, garden decor and Christmas.

Their stand in Hall 6 showcases an extensive selection of their signature wrought-iron garden furniture, including their enduringly popular wrought-iron bistro sets and benches. The furniture is supported by an array of colourful garden seat-pads, with a huge range of patterns and styles available to suit any set or seat. 

Ascalon’s extensive selection of garden decor and giftware will also be available to explore. There’s a vast range of products on offer, from stow-stopping garden stakes to cast iron animals, wall art, wind chimes, garden mirrors and much more. 

Sitting alongside this array of garden products is a hand-picked mix of over 1000 festive lines, arranged into 12 curated themes. New themes for this year include the calming scandi tones of Soulful Seasons, the adorably endearing Gonks’ Grotto and the frosty magic of Winter Wonderland, all of which sit alongside customer favourites including Woodland Yuletide, Merry Mice and Santa’s Toy Shop. 

You can find Ascalon Design in Hall 6, stand C50-51. Find out more online at www.ascalon.co.uk 

View the Special Edition of GTN Xtra featuring Ascalon, CLICK HERE

Organised by Associated Independent Stores (AIS), the UK’s leading buying group for Fashion, Home, and Leisure, the INDX Toy & Gift show will return to Cranmore Park on 14 – 15 March 2023 and visitor registration is open. 

In line with supplier and Buyer feedback, the 2023 show has been brought forward by one month, allowing greater accessibility to a wider audience of retailers and the news has been well received by the industry.  

The theme of the show is licensed toys, and the organising team are also using their combined 45 years of industry expertise to further expand the gifting sector.

“With the earlier dates, retailers will be able to see the latest products and trends in time to prepare for the Easter holiday trade… and the product offer available will reflect our diverse visitor footfall, which includes specialist toy and gift retailers, department stores, garden centres, farm shops, and leisure attractions.” Rosie Marshall, Head of Toys & Children's Gifts, AIS

Confirmed Toy suppliers include Character Options, Depesche (Top Model), Hasbro, Funko, Moose, Ravensburger, Spin Master, Schleich and Ty, whilst Gift suppliers will include Hippychick, Orange Tree Toys, Tonies, Happy Horse and Bam Bam.

Admission is free and attendees also enjoy free onsite parking, plus complimentary barista coffee and refreshments. 

Don’t miss this unrivalled opportunity to meet suppliers, source new ranges and network with the industry, register now!

Follow @INDXHome on social for all the latest news and updates:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/INDXHome

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indxhome/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/indxhome/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/INDXHome

Contact Details:

info@indxshows.co.uk

View the Special Edition of GTN Xtra featuring INDX Toy & Gift 2023, CLICK HERE

More than 60 members of the Young People in Horticulture Association (YPHA) gathered at Coolings Garden Centre in Kent this week to swap ideas, network and be inspired by talks and a nursery visit.

It’s only the third time in as many years that the organisation, , has been able to bring together members from all sectors of horticulture spanning garden design, plant production and retailing.

Sarah Want, Team Manager at MorePeople and on the YPHA committee, said: “This is a great opportunity to see just how many people are enthusiastic about the industry and how, for them, it’s more than just a job. I’ve seen lots of collaboration especially for those that are self-employed who can reach out and share ideas.”

Sarah added that being a member of the association has enabled her to have better insight into the industry and brought benefits to her role of recruiting for opportunities in horticulture.

Included in the day was a walk through the growing facilities at Coolings Nursery by Ian Hazon, Operations and Production Director and an inspiring talk from garden designer Adam Frost.

The YHPA is now working on another event in September details of which are yet to be confirmed. Membership is free and it currently has 375 members with sights on welcoming another 25 so it can reach 400. If anyone is interested in joining visit www.ypha.com for more details.

Leon Boots Co, the masters of ultra-light, super-warm wellies, has announced that its Garden Ankle Boots can now be found in all 22 Klondyke stores nationwide, from Howdens Garden Centre in Inverness to Byrkley Park in Burton-upon-Trent and Holland Arms, Anglesey.

Through optimising Leon Boots’ offering ahead of the key spring sales season, Klondyke is now in prime position to meet customer demand, as increasing numbers of consumers wake up to the fact that wellington boots don’t have to be cold and uncomfortable. Thanks to Leon Boots they can actually serve as great everyday footwear for those who want to get their daily steps in without getting their feet wet.

Leon Boots’ Director, Kevin Burgess, said: “We are delighted that our Ankle Boots have now completed their roll-out to Klondyke stores, where they are available in all six colours. This is the result of a conversation which began at Glee last year and Klondyke has since brought forward delivery to meet incredibly strong demand for the Ankle Boots, which are one of our most popular designs”.

Klondyke is also taking advantage of the great new point of sale Leon Boots has created for the Ankle Boots collection. Available in six core colours making an eye-catching display -, navy blue, yellow, red, fuchsia, black and traditional green, although this is the least popular colour after data collected from 2022 overall sales of over 75,000 pairs.

The NEW point of sale shows customers just how useful these boots will be, far beyond the garden, maybe even up a mountain if your customers are determined hikers. These are perfect for promoting the range in store and letting your customers know all the major benefits about the wellington boots that are made for walking!

The comfortable and cosy waterproof boots are perfect for helping walkers stay dry throughout the seasons, whether they’re running after dogs through muddy fields, getting their allotments ready for spring or want to keep dry on their way to the train station. Injection moulded for strength and durability, all Leon Boots include a removal sock liner that can withstand temperatures as low as minus 30 degrees.

Be different this year and go for colour, comfort & away from the norm that will enhance extra sales and margin for your business.

To find out more about the Leon Boot Co. please visit www.lbcboots.com or email kevin@leonbootsco.com or charlie@leonbootsco.com

After weeks of meetings, debate and discussion the judges have finally decided upon the winners of GTN’s Greatest Christmas Awards 2022 and here is the list of centres whose teams are finalists across the 15 Christmas Team categories for this year:

• Altons
• Azure
• Barton Grange
• Baytree
• Bennybeg Plant Centre
• Bents
• BGC Arcadia
• BGC Bournville
• BGC Braintree
• BGC Bridgenorth
• BGC Burford House
• BGC Harrogate
• BGC Hatton
• BGC Studley
• BGC Thatcham
• Birkacre
• Blue Diamond Bridgemere
• Blue Diamond Fryers
• Blue Diamond Three Shires
• Blue Diamond Newbridge
• Brimsmore Gardens
• Caerphilly
• California Lodge
• Castle Gardens
• Chasewater
• Chepstow
• Chessington
• Colne Valley
• Coolings Lifestyle
• Dobbies Livingston
• Dobbies Woodcote Green
• Ellerker Lodge
• Fosseway
• Fron Goch
• Garsons Titchfield
• Gates
• Gordale
• Gouldings Santa Experience
• Groves Bridport
• Highfield
• Keydell
• Klondyke Astbury Meadow
• Klondyke High Legh
• Litte Dobbies Richmond
• Longacres Bagshot
• Meadowcroft
• Newquay
• Palmers Enderby
• Pengelly
• Perrywood Tiptree
• Planters Garden King
• Planters Tamworth
• Poundbury Gardens
• Pugh's Radyr
• Pugh's Wenvoe
• Rosebourne, Aldermaston
• Rosebourne, Solihull
• Rosebourne, Weyhill
• Ruxley Manor
• Sapcote
• Scotts of Southend
• Silverbirch
• St Peters Worcester
• Stratford
• Summerhill
• The Garden Society
• The Grange
• The Old Railway Line
• The Plant Place
• Tingley
• Wentorth
• Whitehall Lacock
• Woodland Walk
• Woodlands Ash

To find out which teams win the coveted Gold, Silver & Bronze Greatest Christmas Awards for 2022 come and join us at Spring Fair on Monday 6th February.  The awards will be announced and presented to the winners at 5:00pm on the Inspiring Retail Stage in Hall 6. 

Come along early as there will be drinks and snacks available for our celebration of all that’s great about garden centre retailing.

Our team of judges had a truly wonderful time visiting all of the 100 garden centres nominated in this year's awards and have been overwhelmed by the excellence of garden centre retail teamwork once again, despite continuing difficult circumstances.  We look forward to celebrating that excellence with as many garden centre teams as possible on Monday evening.

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Horticulture House has hosted Defra and APHA colleagues alongside horticulture businesses for a meeting to discuss biosecurity and efforts to strengthen plant health.

The day-long event was an opportunity to engage with larger and online retailers on the Biosecurity Strategy launched earlier this year and talk about initiatives to support it, such as Plant Healthy.

The meeting was supported by Defra Minister Lord Benyon, and HTA Chairman and Plant Healthy Director, James Barnes, welcomed attendees.

James Barnes warned delegates about the importance of plant health:

‘Plant health should be front and centre of what we do here at the HTA. And I say so for very good commercial related reasons but also out of a sense of genuine moral and ethical beliefs. Having lived my childhood seeing the devastating impact of Dutch Elm disease and now with my children witnessing the even bigger impact on our countryside of ash dieback. This may result in the death of 120 million trees; twice that of the loss of elm. If this scenario transpires, it would mean an economic cost to nation of £7.5 billion over the next 10 years.’

Plant health and biosecurity are of critical importance to HTA members, and in welcoming the GB Plant Biosecurity Strategy on 9 January, HTA called for close working between industry and government to enable plants as part of a biosecure supply chain to be traded smoothly, efficiently and cost-effectively. HTA stresses the need to conduct a comprehensive review and action on both undeclared plant imports and any e-commerce traders who are not operating securely, which pose a threat to British biosecurity, and to discuss further progressing an industry indemnity scheme.

As well as Plant Healthy, HTA actively supports the Ornamental Horticulture Accreditation Scheme. OHAS is the only certified scheme in the UK solely relevant and dedicated to ornamental horticulture. OHAS Standards are specifically designed to meet the specialist needs of the industry. They are managed by a dedicated team which means the standards are designed for and react to specific technical and legislative requirements within the horticulture industry.  In the last year, the OHAS Standards were strengthened in relation to plant health initiatives and biosecurity.

Minister of State Lord Benyon addressed the seminar and outlined plans for public sector procurement of plants and trees to only use businesses that meet the criteria of the Plant Health Management Standard.

Plastics resource efficiency and recycling charity, RECOUP, has launched the inaugural edition of ‘Reusability by Design’ guidance, to assist stakeholders with the design of reusable plastic packaging that meets the needs of the value chain from packaging manufacturers, packer/fillers, brands, retailers, consumers, service providers through to waste management companies.

The guidance has been produced as a workstream of the UKRI funded TRACE (Technology-enabled Reusable Assets for a Circular Economy) project, led by Pragmatic, with RECOUP, The University of Sheffield, Topolytics, AMRC (Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre) and Ken Mills Engineering as partners.

Project TRACE aims to address some of the challenges that currently prevent large-scale reuse, such as consumer perception of reusable packaging, traceability of packaging and the lack of design guidance available.

Based on research, surveys, workshops and interviews, the guidance highlights the need for collaboration alongside consideration of the whole value chains needs when designing reusable packaging. The main challenges identified tothe adoption of reusable packaging on a large scale to be addressed by design were, ensuring customer uptake, implementation cost and traceability.

The guidance details a number of technical characteristics that must be considered at the design stage of reusable packaging, including material choice and durability, size and shape of the packaging, visibility of the product, closure type, tamper evidence requirements and decoration. However, choices on these must be made in collaboration with an acknowledgement of consumer needs, food safety, washing and cleaning requirements and impact on transportation.

The design implications on end-of-life scenarios for the packaging, when it leaks or leaves the reuse system must also be taken into consideration.  In addition, the guidance includes a comprehensive review of how tracking technologies have been used within reuse systems, for food and drink produced by The University of Sheffield.

Katherine Fleet, Head of Sustainability and Circularity at RECOUP commented ‘Reuse represents a key element of achieving the circular economy for packaging and while we have seen the implementation of a number of small-scale trials of reuse systems, large-scale implementation has not yet been achieved. It is hoped that these guidelines, which reflect stakeholder’s views, along with the wider findings of project TRACE, will assist with progress towards a world where reuse is more commonplace for packaging.”

RECOUP would like to thank everyone who contributed to the report, whether this was participation in the survey, workshops, interviews or supplying packaging samples for testing.

The ‘Reusability by Design’ guidance is available to download for FREE from the RECOUP website. To learn more about the guidance on design requirements for reusable plastic packaging, join our webinar on 2^nd March 2023. 

Garden Centre Association members will hear from experts as well as peers on cost saving measures they can put into practice in their garden centres during a free webinar this month.

The GCA is hosting the event on February 9 from 10.30am until 12noon with presentations from Squires Garden Centre, The Pilot Group, Virrata and Oakfield Technical.

Peter Burks, GCA Chief Executive, says: “Garden centres, like all individuals and businesses across the country, are being affected by the current cost-of-living crisis. They are having to come up with different ways to reduce spending and so we are inviting them to attend our webinar for some expert advice on this issue.

“We’ll be hearing from Squires Garden Centre and Waterfox Consultants – the company Squires used to help them with various cost saving measures and control. They have put some effective measures into practice that have proved successful, and we’re thrilled they will be sharing some helpful insights. Events like these are all part of the benefits of being GCA members. We’re a friendly and welcoming organisation and we’re all happy to share our experiences, our tips and hints and advice.”

Representatives from The Pilot Group will also be attending the webinar and talking to attendees about analysis of energy use and how they can help members to reduce or find alternatives.

Peter added: “We’ll also hear from Chris Russell, Managing Director at Virrata, which is an expert with regards how businesses can reduce costs by looking at and improving processes, and Oakfield Technical on using data to find alternative ways to generate energy.

“We’ll also have a section for attendees to ask any questions too. Members should visit http://bit.ly/3RrLaBB to join the webinar.”

Through sharing information and its inspection programme the GCA helps members to achieve high standards in customer service, plant quality and reliability.

For further information, please visit www.gca.org.uk.

Gardening startup Grow Sow Simple, which uses the latest in compostable packaging innovation, has become a winner in this season’s Dragons’ Den. 

The key component of Grow Sow Simple’s judge-wooing seed kits, which won an £80,000 investment from Dragon, Sara Davies, are clever biodegradable pods. They’re made of bespoke moulded fibre, a wonder material, by Cullen Eco Packaging. The pod is just one example of the sustainable, compostable material shaped into an increasing array of designs to replace plastic packaging. 

Entrepreneur Dan Robson, the man behind Grow So Simple, won backing on the BBC show which aired on 19th January 2023. His firm’s sought-after seed kits make growing your own veg more accessible. The flagship product, a biodegradable pod with multiple seeds inside (e.g. allotment garden mix of cauliflower, broccoli, brussels sprouts and cabbage), sells in over 150 stores in the UK and has lucrative orders coming in from as far as California. 

Cullen Eco Packaging’s zero waste innovations are rapidly replacing plastic packs for everything from gardening products like Grow So Simple’s kits to moulded fibre bottles, a paper bottle replacement for dry goods such as vitamins, spices, home cleaning products and more. 

David MacDonald, Cullen ECO-Friendly Packaging’s Owner, said: “Congratulations to Dan and his team on winning the Dragons’ Den investment. Dan is as passionate about innovation and sustainability as we are. Our moulded fibre packaging is a game changer not just for Grow So Simple but also anyone using plastic containers. We can design, engineer and manufacture replacements for most plastic packaging, and currently do so not just with Dan’s great business, but with over 1 billion products per year to companies in 34 countries.”  

Dan Robson, added: ““The idea for my company was born out of my passions for sustainability and making gardening accessible. I am delighted that Sara, whose phenomenal brand was also created off the back of her own obsession for crafting, saw potential in our company at this critical phase in our journey.”

Dragons’ Den panellist and investor, Sara Davies, said: “I liked Dan the moment I met him and I really resonated with his commitment to giving all people, from all walks of life, the chance to grow their own vegetables. This level of passion, along with a strong concept, is critical for business success so I’m looking forward to seeing him develop and grow his fantastic brand.

£101,000 raised at the GCA Conference last week. What an amazing achievement. In three days Guy Toppings big, bold plan raised as much money as the then fledgling charity did in a year when it was set up in 1999. 

Richard Jackson, Greenfingers Charity’s Founder President told GTN Xtra: “I can’t quite believe it! In our very first year, Greenfingers raised £100,000 and it took the whole year of mass activities by the industry to achieve this. To do this in just a few days is simply staggering. I never dreamed it would be possible. I’m amazed, stunned and absolutely delighted. Huge thanks to Guy and everyone else involved”.  

The lucky winners of the single raffle prize, they cost £1,000 each, were Woodmansterne. “Wow! We are bowled over to have won the grand prize at this year’s GCA conference!" MD Seth Woodmansterne told GTN Xtra.

"Since we started working with Greenfingers it has become a charity very close to our hearts at Woody, so we didn’t hesitate to answer Guy Topping’s call to arms. We are proud to be part of such a friendly and successful industry, and to support such a worthy cause in Greenfingers. Helping raise an extra £17k through auctioning the donated gifts was the icing on the cake!”

See the full list of companies that supported the raffle and auction at conference below.

Greenfingers Chairman, Sue Allen has written the following letter of thanks:

Dear Friends and Supporters

At the end of a week that has been an emotional roller-coaster I wanted to express my thoughts as an individual and also my thanks as Chairman of Greenfingers Charity to so many people and felt that GTN would be the ideal channel.

Those who attended the remarkable GCA Conference in Blackburn will know that on the Sunday evening proceedings were launched with the traditional Greenfingers Challenge Cup between the Pansies (Garden Centre Retailers) and the Cabbages (our suppliers - and this year’s winners!). Guy Topping was our more than generous host at The Flower Bowl at Barton Grange where he expressed his determination to raise £100,000 for our charity before the end of Conference.

So, those who attended the Gala Dinner on Tuesday will have experienced the most incredible evening, with Mike Burks as so much more than an M.C.  The atmosphere was electric and we were privileged to hear truly eloquent speeches first from Ron Bent, on receiving his honorary membership of GCA, then from his son Matthew, when Bents won the Best Destination Centre of the Year and then from Guy Topping when he and we achieved that magical target of £100k. 

They all spoke of what a truly unique industry we work in, although, as they said, it is so much more than ‘work’; more a loving family.

We have really felt the love this week as, on Friday, many of us were honoured to be at Poplars Garden Centre to celebrate the life of their manager Alistair Jackson.  Hundreds of us - staff, customers, garden centre retailers and suppliers laughed, cried and relished the memories of his times with us in this loving family.  All donations in his memory also went to Greenfingers.

It is impossible to thank everyone who has contributed individually not just financially, but in giving time, enthusiasm and energy to ensure the on-going work of creating our magical Children’s Hospice Gardens.  I am continually amazed by your generosity.

Thank you all so much,  Sue Allen

The following were the supporters of the Greenfingers Challenge £100,000 raffle.  Thank you to you all.

• Associated Independent Stores
• Aylett Nurseries
• Barton Grange
• Bents Garden Centres
• Bob Marley
• Bosworth's GC
• Bridgford Holdings
• British Garden Centres
• CADIX UK
• Cedar Associates
• Chessington Garden Centre
• Coolings GC
• Corby + Fellas
• CSY Retail Systems
• Davidson Richards
• Evergreen Garden Care
• Ferndale Garden Centre
• Garsons
• Geo Hodges & Son Ltd
• Gordale GC
• Grovewell Garden Centre
• Haskins
• James Barnes
• Klondyke
• Knights Plant and Life
• Meadow View Stone
• Milbrook Garden Centres
• Monkton Elm
• Newspan
• Perrywood
• Planters Garden Centre
• Pleydell Smithyman
• Poplars Garden Centre Ltd
• Pugh's Garden Centre
• Quinton Edwards
• Raglan GC
• Ruxley Manor
• Scotsdales
• Simpsons Inverness
• Squire's Garden Centre
• St Peters GC
• Stratford Garden Centre
• Taylor's Bulbs
• The Garden Group
• The Old Railway Line
• The Solar Centre Ltd
• Thirsk Garden Centre
• Thurrock Garden Centre
• Twiggs
• Webbs
• Westland
• Woodlodge
• Woodmansterne
• YGC Group – Tong

GTN Xtra has been informed of the sad passing of much-loved salesman and agent Ken Eden.

Ken, who worked for Ewbank, Kenwood and William Lavine, will be missed by many in the garden industry.

Later in his career he became a sales agent for: Procter (Pest Stop), Chain Products, Landmann Barbecues, Imperial Housewares and Lifestyle Appliances, calling on DIY shops, wholesalers, cash & carries and garden centres.

He would be seen at Spring Fair, Exclusively Housewares, Glee and many Decco trade shows.

He was also a member of the Manufacturers Agent Association.

The Horticultural Trades Association has welcomed Fran Barnes as its Chief Executive, completing the strengthening of its senior leadership team. 

Fran’s first week has included meeting HTA members, working with her management team in the HTA’s head office at Horticulture House and meeting international associations at one of the sector’s leading trade fairs, IPM Essen.  

Fran joins the HTA from the National Farmers’ Union of England and Wales (NFU), where she has worked for over 10 years, first as Head of Strategic Communications and subsequently as Director of Communications. Prior to joining the NFU, she held a number of editorial roles on food and farming programmes at the BBC. 

Fran Barnes, Chief Executive of the HTA said: “I am delighted to have joined the HTA at the start of 2023, which is set to be a critical year for the environmental horticulture sector. The members, industry and HTA colleagues I have met this week have only strengthened my enthusiasm for horticulture. The sector delivers so much for the country’s economy, health and environmental ambitions, and I am excited by the opportunity to grow the HTA’s first-class reputation, influence and value for its members.” 

President of the HTA, Alan Down said: “I am very pleased to welcome Fran on board as the HTA’s new Chief Executive – her leadership skills, knowledge and experience will be invaluable as we look to continuously improve and innovate how we serve our members in these ever-challenging times.”

Michael Perry – better known as Mr Plant Geek – will be joining Glee 2023 (27th-29th June, NEC Birmingham) as the exhibition’s first ever ‘ambassador’.

In his new role, Michael Perry will bring his extensive knowledge and passion for all things horticulture to the very heart of Glee. From supporting the all-new Talent Store, to leading plant-based content on the exhibition’s educational hub, The Stage, Michael’s input is set to further elevate Glee’s very own ‘green heart’ by placing the emphasis on the exciting growth of plants, especially the boom in houseplants amongst younger consumers. 

From his TV work with the likes of QVC, This Morning and Steph’s Packed Lunch to The Plant Based Podcast alongside Ellen Mary, or his new book – Hortus Curious, which takes a closer look at the world's most weird and wonderful plants and fungi – Michael always offers a truly unique and fun take on the world of fauna and flora. It is this fresh look that visitors and exhibitors at Glee 2023 can expect to see through Michael’s ambassadorial role in the lead up to and during the June show.

Talking about his new role, Michael Perry said: “I had not attended Glee for almost 15 years. I broke the seal in 2022 and was incredibly impressed by what I saw. The 2022 event really inspired me to get involved to help further evolve Glee’s content and cement its position as a key date within the horticultural trade calendar.

“I'm super happy to join in an ambassador role, where I hope to bring some exciting new concepts, with a focus on positioning new products in the right way in order to get the best exposure and buyer take-up. I am feeling super enthused about the Talent Store, and am excited to share more details about some of the other projects we’ll be launching at the show including ‘One Minute Sells’, ‘Future Plants’, as well as facilitating discussions around the current trends that are driving market change."

Matthew Mein, Glee Event Director welcomed Michael on board by saying: “Glee has been an avid follower of Michael and the Mr Plant Geek platform for some time, so to have him join as an ambassador is an exciting prospect. Michael has a phenomenal vision for the world of horticulture, and we have no doubt that his input is going to add significant value for anyone at Glee 2023.  It’s a superb prospect to be placing plants right back at the heart of Glee where they belong.”

Find out more

Glee is the UK’s leading garden retail show, focusing on building year-round profits for buyers and suppliers within the core gardening and outdoor leisure product categories.  To keep up to date on the latest Glee news visitwww.gleebirmingham.com.  To enquire about exhibiting at Glee 2023, which will take place June 27th – 29th, please call +44 (0)203 3545 9752.

The Harrogate Christmas & Gift Fair saw Hogewoning attending for an eighth time.

The company enjoyed a highly successful show and met many clients who admired the Christmas dressing of the stand.

Clients were impressed by an array of new items ,especially the Hobby Consumer Packs with Berries and Cones and delivered in display boxes.

The prices of the products were met with delight as many of them were reduced from last year. This was by way of the transport prices reducing and this being passed on to customers.

The feedback from customers was extremely positive with many placing their orders!

For further enquiries email daan@hogewoning.com

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 2018 as well as 2019 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 07973 504214, e-mail karen@pottingshedpress.co.uk or buy on-line using this link.

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

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

GTN Bestsellers is the only industry source of weekly garden centre sales information, collating Epos data from centres with an aggregate turnover in excess of £100m.

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

For further information contact karen@pottingshedpress.co.uk or call 07973504214.

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