Above, from left: Ricky Bowness - Retail Buying Director, Elizabeth Squire - Non-Executive Director, Colin Squire OBE - Chairman Emeritus, Sarah Squire - Chairman and Ross McEwan - Retail Operations Director.
Squire’s Garden Centres has appointed two new executive directors and two new non-executive directors to its board, reinforcing the company’s long-standing commitment to strong leadership, retail expertise and its core horticultural values.
Ricky Bowness has been promoted to Retail Buying Director, following his most recent role as Group Purchasing Manager. Ricky joined Squire’s in 2010 with a decade of experience in the horticultural sector. He has since managed several garden centres within the group, including Woking, West Horsley and Milford, before transitioning into a senior head office role in 2024.
Ricky holds a degree in Landscape Management from the University of Reading and is a Chartered Accountant. His broad expertise in operations, combined with deep sector knowledge and commercial insight, will further strengthen Squire’s strategic buying capabilities across its estate.
Ross McEwan has been appointed to the role of Retail Operations Director. Ross began his journey with Squire’s in 1996 as a weekend assistant and has gone on to build an impressive career in garden retail. A graduate in Horticulture from Writtle College, Ross has managed multiple Squire’s centres and held senior roles at the Royal Horticultural Society, where he led key retail design and development projects, including at RHS Garden Wisley.
Ross returned to Squire’s in 2020, bringing his strong retail background and a wealth of insight of retail operations, launching the business’ e-commerce presence as well as spearheading the company’s sustainability strategy. His appointment marks a key step in further shaping the future customer experience at Squire’s.
In addition to the two executive director appointments, Squire’s has also appointed two non-executive directors from within the founding family. Elizabeth Squire and Mark Cody have joined the board, contributing external perspectives and supporting the company’s long-term development. Elizabeth, sister of Chairman, Sarah Squire, is a former Royal Navy officer now working in the technology sector. Nephew of Colin Squire, Mark is Managing Director of the international operations of a large US-based insurance broker.
Sarah Squire, Chairman - Squire’s Garden Centres, comments: “I am so pleased to welcome our new directors to the Board. Ross and Ricky both have strong experience with our company as it has grown, as well as in-depth knowledge of the industry. They are extremely capable and very much in tune with our values. I am confident they will make a hugely significant contribution to our business in their new capacity as directors and I am delighted that they are joining the Board.
“The appointment of Elizabeth and Mark demonstrates the ongoing commitment of the family to the success of our company. They bring their experience from other sectors and will challenge our thinking and promote healthy discussion.
“As we look ahead to the 90th anniversary of our company in 2026, and with the appointment of our new Managing Director, Sam Dickson, joining us in late June, these board changes mark an important step in shaping the future of our business. They bring fresh perspectives and additional expertise, while ensuring we remain firmly rooted in the values and heritage that define Squire’s.”
The appointments mark a natural step in the ongoing progression of the Surrey-based, family-owned business, which operates 17 garden centres and two nurseries across the South East and has been a trusted name in horticulture for almost nine decades.
