|
|
 |
|
Smart Garden Products were voted The Greatest Garden Products Supplier of the year by garden centres during our visits this summer and the GCA Westland Rising Stars training scheme once again topped the popularity polls as The Greatest Garden Centre Traiining Initiative of the year.
Whilst most centres commented that the majority of their garden products suppliers had done a good job this year, when asked "but who has been The Greatest?" Smart Garden Products came out on top to recieve their award at HTA Futures last Wednesday.
The Greatest Garden Products Supplier of the Year, sponsored by Hornby Whitefoot PR
Gold Award - Smart Garden Products (above)
After doubling in size in the UK with North and South initial sessions, and expanding into Ireland, the GCA Westland Rising Stars programme was the deserving winner of our training award for the second year running.
The Greatest Garden Centre Training Initiative, sponsored by MorePeople
Gold Award - GCA Westland Rising Stars
The next leg of The Greatest Awards for 2016 is The Greatest Marketing Team Awards which will be presented at the HTA Marketing Forum on November 8th. If you believe your marketing team are The Greatest then get your nomination in today to: trevor.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk.
|
|
|
|
Christmas gets October trade off to a flying start
Sunny but colder weather combined with the extra attraction of fully opened Christmas displays led to a big leap in total sales volumes last week and got October off to a flying start, up 4% on last year...
Sunny but colder weather combined with the extra attraction of fully opened Christmas displays led to a big leap in total sales volumes last week and got October off to a flying start, up 4% on last year.
Bulb sales performed well as the change in the weather prompted more gardeners to get on with their bulb buying and planting. Tulip Red Riding Hood topped our overall Top 20 chart (below) while 10 litre packs of Bulb Fibre featured at No 10 overall.
How will you maximise on continued bulb sales through October on the back of Christmas footfall? We’d love to see examples of how you make the most of bulb sales during the change over to Christmas. E-mail your stories and images to trevor.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk
GTN Bestsellers Top 50 sales volumes compared to the same week last year...
- Garden Products - down 21%
- Veg-2-Gro - down 11%
- Growing Media - up 8%
- Christmas Products - up 90%
- All Items Index - up 4%
To subscribe to GTN Bestsellers email karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk
|
|
 It is with great sadness that Premier has announced the loss of its much valued Halloween General Manager, Sean Looney, who passed away suddenly at the beginning of October.
Sean, who was a well-known and respected character in the industry, joined the Premier team alongside his wife Margaret (and PA at the time) in 1998 and quickly set up the Halloween division. They travelled to China sourcing new products - many of which were designed exclusively by Sean himself - and quickly built up one of the most comprehensive portfolios of Halloween products the UK has to offer.
Sean's expertise and love of his craft was apparent to all, as even after Margaret retired, he soldiered on, determined to bring Premier's Halloween range to unrivalled levels - an ambition at which he definitely succeeded.
John Athwal, Managing Director of Premier Decorations, said: "Sean was a valued member of the Premier 'family' for many years and the Halloween division had become an institution in Sean's own right. He worked tirelessly to build and expand the ranges we offered and was rightly proud of his achievements. The latest 2017 Halloween collection is a testimony to his hard work and expertise and he was very excited about its launch. He will be sorely missed by us and everyone in the industry and we extend our condolences to his family and loved ones."
Sean leaves wife Margaret, her daughters and son; sons John-Paul and Elliott; sister Sharon, his mother and five grandchildren.
For anyone wishing to 'remember' Sean - the family has requested donations be made to The British Heart Foundation in his name.
|
|
Apta plans to invest £3.5m to grow its business in Ashford
Ashford-based Vatre Terracotta Ltd, the company behind the Apta pottery brand, has announced plans to invest £3.5 million in a new warehouse, storage and distribution centre in the area...
Apta’s Paul Sykes (right) and Oakover’s Brian Fraser on site.
Ashford-based Vatre Terracotta Ltd, one of the UK’s leading suppliers of high-quality garden pottery and an exclusive supplier to the Royal Horticultural Society, has announced plans to invest £3.5 million in a new warehouse, storage and distribution centre in the area.
If approved, the relocation plan will safeguard more than 30 local jobs that may be in jeopardy if the firm is forced to find an alternative site outside the borough. It would also enable more staff to be employed as the business expands its range of products offered to more than 1,000 garden centres in the UK and Ireland.
Vatre Terracotta is the company behind the Apta pottery brand. It has a head office and distribution site at two locations in Dencora Way and nearby Leacon Road, but the firm has outgrown the facilities and has spent two years scouring Ashford for a new home.
Now Vatre Terracotta believes it has found the perfect site – a six-acre parcel of surplus land owned by Oakover Nurseries at Tutt Hill on the A20 north west of Ashford. The proposals are for commercial use for the import, storage, sorting and distribution of garden earthenware products, plus a two-storey warehouse and office, and 32 car parking spaces.
Managing Director Paul Sykes believes the land is the perfect base to enable the company to pursue expansion plans that have been curtailed by the lack of space at its overcrowded sites.
“We are a growing business, an Ashford success story that’s been based in the town for more than 30 years. In 2009 we had a £6m turnover; today that is £13.5m. As we have grown we’ve had to lease adjacent buildings but that’s an expensive solution and is not sustainable in the long term.
“But after two years of searching, it has proved difficult to find the right site that meets our particular needs for a price we can afford,” he adds.
Describing the Tutt Hill site as “the ideal solution”, Paul says he’s delighted to be doing business with Oakover Nurseries. “There’s a real synergy between us, the markets we supply and a mutually shared business ethos. We are both long-established Ashford companies, with a passion for customer service and supported by a loyal local workforce.
“Tutt Hill is very important to our future in Ashford because if our planning application is successful it will allow us to remain in the town for the foreseeable future.
“The A20 site is big enough for us to expand; it’s got excellent vehicle access and is convenient for the M20 and for our imports by road from Europe. It’s also within easy reach of Ashford so our existing workforce will have good access, and, above all, it’s affordable.”
Vatre Terracotta is a firm believer in working with local suppliers – the architect for the relocation project and the landscape designer are both based in Ashford. “We also have long-standing relationships with other suppliers like ACE Transport. These are fantastic people to work with and they rely on our business,” says Paul.
He says moving to a bigger site will allow the firm to expand. “In recent years we have made the difficult decision to decline several opportunities because we simply weren’t in a position to compete properly from our current location.”
With the new site the company will have the opportunity to expand further. “We hope to diversify into other products, such as garden furniture, which has a natural fit to our existing products. One of our clients, the Royal Horticultural Society, approached us about supplying garden furniture but we unfortunately had to decline in the past.
“We just can’t tender for that sort of business due to lack of space at our premises but with a move to a bigger site we can invest in expansion and that will lead to more jobs and prosperity. Another option we can consider is developing online sales.”
The company also believes that the new site will deliver important financial benefits by consolidating all of its activities onto one site with excellent transport links outside central Ashford. Paul adds: “At present we are constantly moving stock from one location to another, which is costly and inefficient. By bringing all of our activity together on one site close to the town and M20 we will be much more efficient, which will allow us to compete effectively for new business.”
Welcoming the planning application made to Ashford Borough Council, Brian Fraser of Oakover Nurseries said the site was used as a bulking plant for the nearby M20 construction works and today is easily accessed by an established apron off the A20. The land previously housed a consumer sales operation for shrubs and trees.
A decision on the scheme by Ashford’s planning committee is expected in December.
For more information about Apta visit www.apta.co.uk
Pictured: Apta’s Paul Sykes (right) and Oakover’s Brian Fraser on site.
Below: Aerial photo of the Tutt Hill site, and graphic showing how the disused land will be turned into a new home for Apta.
|
|
HTA Garden Futures challenges the industry to capitalise on opportunity by embracing change
Brexit, the 2017 shopper, tomorrow’s garden centre, adapting to climate change, eLearning and the Energy Garden project were high on the agenda at the HTA Garden Futures Conference and Dinner, which took place at Heythrop Park, Oxfordshire on Wednesday...
Keynote speaker, PY Gerbeau, delivered a ‘recipe’ for succeeding and the four things you need in order to survive.
With a focus on business agility in a disruptive world, HTA Garden Futures Conference and Dinner, sponsored by Hozelock and Scotts Miracle-Gro took place at Heythrop Park, Oxfordshire on Wednesday. Brexit, the 2017 shopper, tomorrow’s garden centre, adapting to climate change, eLearning and the Energy Garden project were high on the agenda.
The UK gardening sector faces challenges, but also opportunities according to Joshua McBain, Head of Innovation at Future Foundation. Consumer spending is expected to drop considerably in 2017 and only start recovering in 2020. Growers and garden centres will see a shift in seasonal employment and labour from the EU. Moving goods across borders will see a double whammy hit with both high import and tariff costs. There is one solid benefit to be had, the falling UK pound has delivered a boost for UK tourism.
What’s trending in 2017 and the new consumer was outlined by Dominic Harrison, Content Director at Future Foundation. A new retail term is immerging called ‘Hygge retail,’ considered to be a celebration of simple pleasures, providing an opportunity to create stress free leisure. Could this be the antidote to pressured lives and a trend that garden retail can capitalise on?
An inspiring talk by Leonard Diepenbrock, Managing Director, of TOX-Dübel-Technik GmbH, encouraged delegates to start something new and digital tomorrow. Leonard turned his family business around by designing new, problem solving products. What's on your customers' minds? Think about their pains, how can you help? Could you create a NEW problem solving product?
The trends and opportunities that could shape tomorrow’s garden centre were explored by Paul Pleydell, Director of Pleydell Smithyman. Garden centres need to change. A good business is like a table; you need several strong legs. Add some legs to your business to give people new reasons to visit your business.
Climate predictions for the UK and how this will affect gardening and garden retail was examined by Dr Ross Cameron, Senior Lecturer in Landscape Management, Ecology and Design from the University of Sheffield. Overall the change in climate trends will give a longer growing season for gardeners. It is hoped that the beneficial side of landscape plants will be more widely recognised as they start to be increasingly used to help mitigate the effects of climate change.
The Energy Garden, a city-wide community gardening and energy project, is set to transform 50 train stations across London by 2017; the stations are to become destinations for gardening and renewable energy systems. Agamemnon Otero MBE the Founder of Energy Garden and CEO of Repowering explained how the project can help to engage new customers while also creating social, financial and environmental benefits. Anyone in the industry can get involved through the provision of products or as a sponsor.
Organisations can combine mobile learning with technology to enhance education and business performance, demonstrated David Barker from The Learning Eye. The benefits of mobile learning include: creating a good first impression particularly in terms of providing advance training and positive staff engagement such as talking in ‘youthful’ employees’ own language.
Keynote speaker, PY Gerbeau (pictured above) delivered a ‘recipe’ for succeeding and the four things you need in order to survive: flexibility, adaptability, agility, and common sense. Leaders must remember that their best asset is not their product or their business strategy, but their human capital. Your employees are your best asset; they are the people who deliver the experience.
Closing on a positive note a panel session, chaired by George Bullivant the Director of Gardenforum, reminded delegates not to under value our product. We have the best product and opportunity to offer a space for growing as well as experience and entertainment. Our reach is extending, and we must get ready to meet peoples' needs.
Read more about HTA Garden Futures at www.hta.org.uk/gardenfutures and see a full report in the November issue of Garden Trade News
|
|
Nurseryman, lecturer, author and photographer Raymond J Evison OBE VMH, was presented with the HTA Pearson Memorial Medal at the HTA Garden Futures Dinner.
Having started his horticultural career at the tender age of 15 in Shropshire Raymond moved to Guernsey and set up The Guernsey Clematis Nursery in 1984. He is responsible for introducing over 100 clematis species cultivars in his lifetime and The Guernsey Clematis Company remains one of the largest specialist producers of young clematis plants supplying them worldwide via wholesale and retail channels.
As an author he has had great success with publications including ‘Making the Most of Clematis’, ‘The Gardeners Guide to Growing Clematis’, ‘Clematis for Everyone’ and ‘Clematis for Small Spaces’.
Raymond has had strong representation within numerous horticultural bodies both British and international including the International Plant Propagators’ Society, the National Council for Conservation of Plants and Gardens and the International Clematis Society, of which he is a founder member. In 1995 he was awarded the RHS Victoria Medal of Honour and in 2000 an OBE.
Presenting the award, HTA Chief Executive, Carol Paris said: “It is with great delight that Raymond is the recipient of this year’s HTA Pearson Medal for his outstanding contribution and services to horticulture.
“His horticultural expertise and business eye has led to the development of a one of the strongest plant brands in our industry and it is great that Raymond continues to share his wealth of knowledge with audiences in the UK and worldwide.”
The Pearson Memorial Medal for outstanding service to the garden industry has been awarded by the HTA on an annual basis since it was instigated in 1930 in memory of the HTA's first General Secretary, Charles Pearson.
Following on from the HTA Garden Futures Conference the dinner brought together retailers, growers, manufacturers and suppliers from across the garden industry. The charity partner for the event was Greenfingers and the audience heard from Chairman John Ashley, who spoke about the fantastic work that they do in creating magical gardens for childrens’ hospices.
Following the announcement of the GTN Garden Retail Greatest Awards, horticulturist and broadcaster David Domoney provided an entertaining end to the evening sharing anecdotes about his exploits in the world of broadcasting and horticulture.
|
|
SBM Life Science recruiting new talent
Following the completion on 5 October of its acquisition of Bayer Garden, SBM Développement is beginning the initial phase of its investment into the new UK business by recruiting two new executives; a full-time sales representative for the South East and a new brand manager...
Following the completion on 5 October of its acquisition of Bayer Garden, SBM Développement is beginning the initial phase of its investment into the new UK business by recruiting two new executives; a full-time sales representative for the South East and a new brand manager.
“Our vision for the new business is to become a worldwide leader for home and garden solutions, offering an innovative portfolio that will meet the evolving expectations of our customers,” explained Darren Brown, Head of SBM Life Science Limited. “To realise this ambitious vision in the UK & Ireland market we will be increasing investment into our organisation to ensure we have the right resources and talent to expand”.
“Growing our current business through developing our existing market leading brands – Baby Bio®, Phostrogen®, Toprose and Provado® - as well as leveraging the products and brands currently within the SBM stable will be core elements of our future growth. As a result, we are expanding our marketing function by recruiting a new Brand Manager to help us drive growth momentum”.
“It is equally essential for the new business to further strengthen our collaborative relationships with our garden centre partners. As a firm commitment to this increased focus we are recruiting a full-time SBM sales representative dedicated to the South East region.”
|
|
The future for garden machinery is cordless…
The future for garden machinery is cordless, manufacturers predicted last week at an open day for retailers at Handy Distribution’s Swindon depot...
Above: the brands Handy represents demonstrate their wares outside the Swindon HQ.
The future for garden machinery is cordless, manufacturers predicted last week at an open day for retailers at Handy Distribution’s Swindon depot. Handy, the UK’s largest distributor of garden machinery, representing a clutch of major brands, turned over the frontage of their Murdock Road premises to a mini trade show to update visitors on the latest products and technologies from their brand suppliers, who were on hand to demonstrate and answer questions. During a tour of the stands, it soon became clear to GTN Xtra’s reporters that, almost without exception, the major R&D focus for most manufacturers is now on the convenience and ease of ownership that rapidly advancing cordless technology can offer to end users. Brands like Webb (owned by Handy), Ryobi, Greenworks, Bosch, Flymo and McCulloch were all demonstrating new or upgraded battery-powered machinery.
 The efficiency, output, running times and shorter re-charging times of today’s state-of-the-art batteries mean that cordless appliances have become realistic alternatives to mains electric and petrol-powered machines. McCulloch were demonstrating a 40V cordless chainsaw that could slice through a 200mm log with relative ease and was deemed adequate for occasional domestic use. This would have been unheard of for a chainsaw five years ago. Several companies showed small cordless rotary mowers that could cut an average-size urban lawn two or three times on a single charge. As yet, battery power accounts for only a tiny percentage (estimated to be still in single figures) of the UK market but there is a concensus that battery power will account for up to 80% of the market within 10 years as demand grows and prices drop accordingly. Entry level cordless machines still carry a price premium over mains electric but are beginning to close the gap on petrol. From what we saw last week, it won’t be too long before cordless becomes affordable standard technology for home users. For stockists and dealers, it could also mean fewer product returns – and service call-outs.
|
|
|
|
Santa's spectacular arrival at Squire's Garden Centres
Santa will be arriving in style at Squire’s Garden Centres at the end of November! He will be arriving in a Vintage Rolls Royce, a Horse and Carriage, a Routemaster Bus, a Shelby Cobra Sports Car and even in a Fire Engine... 
Santa arriving on a horse and carriage at Squire’s Shepperton last year.
Santa will be arriving in style at Squire’s Garden Centres at the end of November! He will be arriving in a Vintage Rolls Royce, a Horse and Carriage, a Routemaster Bus, a Shelby Cobra Sports Car and even in a Fire Engine...
The garden centre company is inviting customers to go along to its centres and say hello to Santa and have their picture taken with him. It’s free to watch Santa arrive, no ticket required, simply turn up on the day. Plus at Squire’s in Shepperton, Milford and Badshot Lea (Farnham) customers can also meet Santa’s real reindeer!
A list of activities includes the following:
Pictured: Santa arriving on a horse and carriage at Squire’s Shepperton last year.
In with the new for Grange Fencing
Leading the way in the latest trends and product innovation, Grange Fencing has launched a number of new fence panels and garden gates...
Leading the way in the latest trends and product innovation, Grange Fencing has launched a number of new fence panels and garden gates.
As well as the introduction of an extended choice of Ultimate Panel sizes, incorporating three and four foot options, the new products include the minimalistic Elite Lille Panel, robust Contemporary Vogue Panel and the wave- top Elite Meloir Double Driveway Gate.
Designed to offer both on-trend aesthetics and a utilitarian appeal over and above that of traditional fencing designs, the new decorative products all benefit from a fully Mortise and Tenon jointed frame for maximum strength and increased durability.
Available for spring 2017, retailers can find out more by visiting www.grangefen.co.uk, emailing sales@grangefen.co.uk or calling 01952 588 088.
|
|
Plant nursery helps local charity after break in
Horsfields Plant Nursery in Silkstone (the next door village to Greenworks) has offered to sell all Greenworks home grown ‘ghost white’ pumpkins for the charity and all proceeds raised will be given direct to them...
Horsfields Plant Nursery in Silkstone (the next door village to Greenworks) has offered to sell all Greenworks home grown ‘ghost white’ pumpkins for the charity and all proceeds raised will be given direct to them.
 Greenworks in Cawthorne provides work for people with learning difficulties who participate within a range of horticultural based activities growing food and plants to sell. They support people in developing work and independence skills whilst having fun and making friends.
Sadly, Greenworks shed was broken into twice and their tractor and tools were stolen, so they are trying to raise as much money as they can to replace their tools. Greenworks have set up a just giving page and have raised £510 to date.
Horsfields Nursery was established over 50 years ago by Tom Horsfield, it is still family owned and run.
Emma Horsfield said: “I am delighted to help with fund raising for Greenworks in Cawthorne. They are regular visitors to Horsfields Nursery.”
|
|
 What began as a light-hearted staff competition to grow the longest runner bean at a Suffolk seed company, eventually won by Ben Roden with a pod measuring 47.2cm, took a nasty turn when pods with winning potential were mysteriously taken, snapped in half and discovered in a nearby bramble thicket.
Staff at Mr Fothergill's were invited to enter a competition to see who could grow the longest pod of its new and exclusive runner bean Guinness Record, heralding 2017 being nominated throughout Europe as the 'Year of the Bean'.
There was great interest when the competition was announced, and 11 entrants were chosen at random. Each was given five plants and a 'wigwam' of bamboo canes up which to grow them on the company's Kentford, Newmarket, trial ground. From then on it was up to each entrant how they fed, watered and cared for their plants.
By early September the general length of growers' pods was encouraging, with some already reaching 42-45cm. Matters turned sour, however, when one Monday afternoon some of the most promising pods were discovered snapped in half and discarded in brambles bordering the trial ground.
Investigations ensued, precautions were taken for the rest of the growing season, and while there was no more villainy, the perpetrator remains unknown and at large. When the pods were measured on 30 September 2016, Ben's 47.2cm pod of Guinness Record beat a 46.5cm specimen grown by Colin Phillips into second place. Pim Dickson gained third place with a pod of 45cm.
Runner bean Guinness Record consistently produces very long, exhibition-quality pods on vigorous, red-flowered plants which are resistant to all bean viruses. It is available only from Mr Fothergill's for the 2017 season. A packet of 45 seeds costs £3.25, available from garden centres and other retail stockists, and from its mail order catalogue.
|
|
To bring all things supernatural to life this Halloween, Wyevale Garden Centres will be inviting children to get crafty during October half-term with a series of spook-tacular special events.
The events, at 45 selected centres nationwide, are aimed at children aged between three and eight years old, and designed to entertain and inspire growing imaginations.
Your ‘Little Monsters’ will be offered the chance to create a spooky spider, carve their own pumpkin and decorate a terracotta pot to plant a haunted heather.
Alongside all of this frightful fun, there will also be special ‘Fangtastic Parties’ to be booked with a fancy dress ‘monster mash’ and lots of exciting activities including bewitching baking, monstrous musical statues and petrifying pizza with unlimited squash.
Finally, for those who would like the chance to win a £50 kid’s tool hamper, Wyevale Garden Centres are asking participants to take a picture of their little one taking part in a Little Monster activity and post it on the Facebook page – where the post with the most likes will win.
Terms and conditions apply, visit https://www.facebook.com/LittleDiggers.WyevaleGC/ for more details
|
|
|
|
|
The Company:
Apta is the leading supplier of quality flower pots and accessories to the UK garden trade, under its own brand and iconic UK brands, The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) and Laura Ashley. The company has achieved very considerable growth and now wishes to strengthen its sales team with the recruitment of two motivated and ambitious sales professionals.
Job titles: Area Sales Manager
Territory 1: Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire, Warwickshire, Worcestershire, Herefordshire. Territory 2: Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Cambridgeshire, Northants. Salary: Very attractive salary, bonus, company car and benefits. Progression: There will be opportunities to progress to senior sales positions.
The Role of Sales Representative:
Our new Sales Representatives will have responsibility for: - Ensuring that every sales appointment has an objective
- Driving sales growth and tracking performance
- Building upon strong partnerships with existing customers
- Developing new customers and securing sales orders
- Working with head office and a team of merchandisers to ensure that customer experience is always exceptional
- Planning and working to an effective journey plan, maximising customer contact
The person for this Sales Representative opportunity:
We are looking for high calibre, ambitious and self motivated Sales Professionals with excellent communication skills. Specific qualities will include: - Proven experience of working as a successful Sales Representative or Area Manager
- Experience closing sales with a decision maker
- Proven business development skills
- Skilled at fact finding, questioning and verbal clarity
- Strong negotiation and objection handling skills
- Empathy and the ability to build strong working relationships
For more information and to apply please contact Paul Sykes, Managing Director, paul.sykes@apta.co.uk or telephone 01233 621090 for a confidential discussion.
|
|
 On 5 October, following the completion of the sale of Bayer Garden to SBM Développement, we started our exciting journey and have now launched SBM Life Science Limited.
The business is now investing to realise our vision of creating a worldwide leader for home and garden solutions, and as a result we have created an exciting opportunity for a Brand Manager to join our commercial team.
The role offers a rare opportunity to take the reins of successful brands with a long heritage, such as Baby Bio & Phostrogen, where you can make a real difference.
For more information, please contact Christina Bouzala;
Christina.Bouzala@sbm-company.com.
|
|
On 5 October, following the completion of the sale of Bayer Garden to SBM Développement, we started our exciting journey and have now launched SBM Life Science Limited.
Key to realising our vision of creating a worldwide leader for home and garden solutions is the desire to increase our focus on collaboration with our garden centre retailer partners.
The business is therefore increasing its investment into market sales representation to support our customers and introduce them to the new opportunities presented by SBM Life Science.
We are seeking a full-time, talented industry sales representative to help us expand within the South East region.
For more information, please contact Scott Williams;
Scott.Williams@sbm-company.com.
|
|
Nursery Grower Technical Manager (ref:DS8734)
Location: West Sussex
Salary: Excellent
Date: 06 Oct
Job Type: Full-Time
Duration: Permanent
Based in West Sussex this leading Ornamental Plant Nursery are looking for an enthusiastic person who can work on their own and as part of a wider management team as their Technical Growing Manager. The nurseries have the reputation as high quality innovative businesses growing container garden plants for retail sale in Garden Centres and Multiples across the UK, with a combined production total circa 5 million pots, total growing area in excess of 25 acres - glasshouses, polythene tunnels, and outdoor production.They are looking for someone who can pay excellent attention to detail, is self-driven, able to question their own actions and learn from their own and others experiences.
The Role
As Technical Manager you must contribute positively to developing and improving staff and be directly accountable to the joint Managing Director of the nursery businesses.
- You will have overall decision-making authority on Crop Protection matters.
- You will benefit from attending events, training days and conferences and working within a team including growing departments across the nurseries (Propagation, Plant Breeding, Trials and Crop Growing).
- Liaise with external consultants who provide regular crop walks and advice.
- Also be part of group committees and working groups including external organisations such as the AHDB, APHA and the HTA.
Other key performance areas include:
- managing workloads using bespoke/off-shelf decision support
- software and databases; setting and reviewing cost budgets; health, safety and security; working with
- internal departments on accreditation and assurance schemes, e.g. BOPP and LEAF. You must also maintain and
- develop relevant qualifications e.g. BASIS, FACTS, PA1&6 , first aid.
The Candidate
For this role they are looking for someone who has previous experience within the commercial growing sector and ideally you will be educated to degree level and hold BASIS and FACTS qualifications combined with a proven track record in senior management.
To apply for this role click here
|
|
Garden Centre General Manager (ref:DS8731)
Location: Essex
Salary: Excellent
Date: 05 Oct
Job Type: Full-Time
Duration: Permanent
Are you an ambitious and inspirational manager with a proven track record in delivering high levels of commercial performance within a large aspirational retail environment? If you are then our client is looking for a candidate just like you to run one of their leading garden centres.
Sited in Essex this traditional garden centre originally started life as a family-run nursery and our client now has ambitious plans to transform this site from its current format, which generates £3m in sales per year, into a purpose built Garden and Living Centre capable of generating £10m+. This new centre is due to be developed during 2017/18 and once completed it will offer customers a truly unique retail experience, showcasing the very best in garden and home living products. With our clients unique store design, product range and exceptional standards in visual merchandising, they will be the destination garden centre for North London.
In line with these developments they now have an exciting opportunity for a strong and inspirational retailer to manage and lead this centre in its current format, through its re-development and onwards.
Can you offer their customers a truly unique retail experience in an aspirational environment where they can enjoy engaging with and buying fantastic products and receive exceptional customer service?
Are you the dynamic and retail focused Centre Manager who can lead and develop a dedicated team?
You will have a fantastic opportunity to take full advantage of the redevelopment to ensure the team and the Centre reaches its maximum potential. They empower all of their Centre Managers to manage their centres as though they were your own businesses whilst enjoying full support from Head Office. As Centre Manager you will be responsible for all aspects of the centre including:
- Driving sales and maximising profit in order to consistently meet your KPIs .
- You will deliver exceptional standards of customer service.
- You will identify trends in sales and profit opportunities and you will translate these into sound retail action points.
- You will be at the helm leading, developing and motivating your team with a clear focus on driving exceptional performance and managing all controllable costs.
- You will ensure high standards of stock management and control are constantly maintained.
- And you will carry out daily floor walks of every department.
- You will understand and be able to easily connect with their AB1 customer demographic with an ability to ensure that retail standards and service levels constantly exceed their expectations.
If you are interested in this opportunity then please send your CV to us to discuss this opportunity further.
To apply for this role click here
|
|
Garden Sundries Retail Manager | Northamptonshire (ref:DS8712)
Location: Northamptonshire
Salary: £18,000 - £19,000
Date: 28 Sep
Job Type: Full-Time
Duration: Permanent
Our client is a Nationwide group that are continually growing and developing their leading garden centres across England and Wales. They are proud of their heritage in the gardening industry and each and every one of their garden centres has its own identity and for this reason each of the garden centres is separately branded and the staff and customers are loyal to their centre.
Currently they are seeking an outstanding Garden Sundries Retail Manager to manage their Shop area.
The Role
This is an exciting opportunity to join a cutting edge Garden Sundries Department. The ideal candidate will have a background in garden centre retail with excellent garden sundries product knowledge from seeds to clothing. They will manage seasonal changes and have the ability to present and merchandise their department to the highest standard.
The Candidate
Team leadership skills are essential as is the ability to communicate well with customers delivering excellent standards of customer care. Working in a busy retail team environment means you will have to have a hands-on approach to all duties within this department.
Candidates must have a background in retail, be able to merchandise and manage rapidly changing stock.
Knowledge of garden products and garden chemicals etc. would also be an advantage.
If you are passionate about garden sundries and would enjoy sharing this enthusiasm with our client's customers, we would love to hear from you.
To apply for this role click here
|
|
Horticultural Quality Controller (ref:DS8688)
Location: Swindon
Salary: £20,000 - £22,000
Date: 19 Sep
Job Type: Full-Time
Duration: Permanent
Our client is a leading logistics company who collect and transport plants for redistribution to stores nationwide. They are currently seeking 2 full time Quality Assurance people to work at their Swindon Depot.
The Job
The SUCCESSFUL candidate will be responsible for Checking plants incoming and outgoing for quality so that it meets the clients standards and specifications
The Candidate
The IDEAL person will possess experience or an understanding of quality issues, excellent communication skills, good plant knowledge and an excellent eye for detail as to what makes a good garden centre plant. You will need to be flexible and able to work to shift patterns across a week and weekends.
To apply for this role click here
|
|
|
|
with all the news direct to your e-mail inbox. The best news service every weekend and all the breaking news as it happens.
Subscribe for free using this link: http://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/gtnxtra/7rulj2yio7x?a=6&p=49514304&t=20355005
Orchid care, garden lighting and autumn lawn care drove garden product sales up week on week, but overall Top 50 sales volumes were down once again on last year’s levels despite increases in footfall due to Christmas openings, good levels of plant sales and growing media.
The main highlights this week were:
- Woodlodge 5 inch Standard Spang Pot was the highest re-entry at No 6.
- Smart Solar Eureka LED Frosted Lightbulb was the highest new entry at No 30.
- Growth Technology Orchid Pot Clear 13cm was the highest climber, jumping 16 places to No 17.
To subscribe to GTN Bestsellers email karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk
|
|
Initial Christmas sales in garden centres have got off to a flier this year, matching the levels we saw in early October for 2014.
Personalised products, advent calendars, Christmas confectionery and Santa lanterns lead the way in the first GTN Bestsellers Christmas Products chart of 2016.
Here are the highlights:
- Playwrite Christmas Jingle Stick was the highest new entry.
- Kaemingk Glass Mirror Coaster was the highest re-entry.
- Konstsmide Water Filled Lantern Snowmen was the highest climber.
To subscribe to GTN Bestsellers email karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk
|
|
Bark and top soil were the big movers in the GTN Bestsellers Growing Media Chart this week as gardeners get on with their Autumn projects.
Overall growing activity remains at an all time high with sales to date this year now up by nearly 7%, way ahead of other garden products which are down year on year.
This week’s highlights were:
- Scotts Levington Organic Blend Topsoil (25 litres) was the highest re-entry at No 10.
- Westland Landscape Bark (100 litres) moved up 12 places to No 3.
- Scotts Levington Ericaceous Compost (50 litres) was the highest climber, jumping 24 places to No 26.
- Scotts Levington Multipurpose + John Innes (56 litres) retained the top spot.
To subscribe to GTN Bestsellers email karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk
|
|
Colourful displays of cyclamen, pansies, violas, primulas, heathers and ornamental cabbages are resulting in high plant sales volumes.
With plant sales up by 30% on last week the change in the weather has certainly got people planting again, allowing plant sales to benefit from the increased footfall driven by Christmas.
- Ornamental Brassica sales increased by 185% to climb 10 places.
- Dianthus moved back up to No 4 on the back of 180% increase.
- Autumn shrubs Escallonia and Viburnum entered the charts at Nos 43 and 45.
To subscribe to GTN Bestsellers email karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk
Impressive roll-call of speakers lined up for GrowQuip
GrowQuip – the two-day event at Stratford Manor Hotel, Warwickshire on October 26-27 – has lined up an exciting list of speakers to help provide growers with help in overcoming some of the common problems they face in the day to day running of their businesses...
URICA, the government-backed early payment network for SMEs, is one of the sponsors of GrowQuip 2016 and will be joining forces with the CHA to launch a new service to the association’s members at the event.
URICA helps businesses of all sizes, across all sectors, get access to supply chain finance, early payments and import finance. Through URICA, CHA supplier and grower members can use the firm’s online platform, enabling them to get their customer invoices paid in cash as early as the day after approval. URICA’s unique early payment offering means businesses can trade on the terms that suit their business.
All businesses need to do is select their invoices and send them online via URICA, and receive cash payment on those invoices once URICA has confirmed payment from the customer. The customer then pays URICA the entire value of the invoice, up to 90 days after the original invoice date. In total, URICA is now in the position to pay CHA’s members a total of £6,400,000 in cash, tomorrow. For those businesses, there is no risk, zero debt, and no fear of late or non-payment of their invoices any longer. A critical advantage of URICA’s support for CHA members is access to their global partners, and in particular Euler Hermes for credit checking of existing and new customers, helping protect their businesses from commercial risks. This partnership with URICA offers CHA members cutting-edge solutions to finance, risk and credit insurance. One supplier that has already experienced the value of the URICA service started using URICA when it began supplying a national UK retail chain with their products, in the autumn of 2015. Having explored using another finance product in order to get early payment on their invoices, the firm found it to be too difficult to work with, lacking in flexibility and quite expensive.
“The URICA service has proved to be just the opposite”, says Mark Herchel. “With URICA, it’s been a very good working relationship and more favourable for businesses. I would highly recommend them to anyone. We can adjust every invoice according to how strong or weak our cash flow is and URICA releases 100 per cent of the cash in the invoice. Everything with URICA feels almost immediate and there’s always a person there on the other end of a phone or email. The one thing that URICA is not, is complicated – that’s for sure. It’s an easy, flexible system which just makes sense. For the fee that I’m paying, which is such a small percentage of the invoice value, it makes sense, feels right, and I don’t feel bad spending the money on such a good service for the business. It’s all about cash flow for us.” Members of the URICA team will be at GrowQuip to provide CHA association members and potential members with details of the scheme. Of the partnership, Lindsay Whitelaw, Founder & Chairman of URICA, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with the CHA to help its members grow and thrive. In an increasingly tough and globalised economy, and with the banks unable to provide the support that is needed, we aim to make sure smaller businesses can grow, employ more staff, export and thrive, but freeing them from the burden of late payment..” GrowQuip is the cross-industry commercial horticultural conference focusing on the key issues facing growers of fruit, vegetables, salads and ornamentals, and will take place for the first time in Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire from 26-27 October 2016. The subsidised, all inclusive package for delegates of £259 plus VAT includes entrance to the conference, lunch, dinner with an after dinner speaker, overnight accommodation at Stratford Manor Hotel, and breakfast and lunch on the second day plus refreshments during the event. The two day event at Stratford Manor Hotel encompasses a themed conference programme -- Equip yourself for success-- which will bring together the best brains in horticulture to provide growers with help in overcoming some of the common problems they face in the day to day running of their businesses. The exciting roll-call of speakers is: - Marshall Dirks, Proven Winners, USA
- James Simpson, MD of Adrian Scripps Ltd, UK top fruit growers
- Jane King, CEO of the Agriculture & Horticulture Development Board (AHDB)
- Dr Ed Moorhouse, Technical Consultant to G’s Fresh
- Alex Fisher, Saturn Bioponics and Consultant for Valefresco Ltd
- Bruce Harnett, Nuffield Scholar and MD for Kernock Park Plants
- Alfie Moore, BBC Radio 4 presenter and comedian, GrowQuip’s after dinner speaker
- Dr Clare Sampson, Keele University – pest & disease expert
- Carol Paris, CEO of the Horticultural Trades Association
- Amanda Sizer Barrett MBE, Director General of The Federation of Garden & Leisure Manufacturers
Day Two of the event will stage a panel discussion and debate on several topics including what Brexit means for horticulture as well as the opportunity for delegates to visit the exhibition showcase and network with fellow growers and suppliers. URICA is the latest sponsor to support the event. URICA helps businesses of all sizes, across all sectors get access to supply chain finance, early payments and import finance. It joins fellow event sponsors Bulrush Horticulture, Hortifeeds , XL Horticulture, PG Horticulture and MorePeople. GrowQuip is also supported by the trade organisations, Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) and the International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH). Allied to the conference programme is an exhibition showcase, where conference attendees will be able to view the latest products and services available to commercial growers from major suppliers to horticulture. The first day culminates in a networking dinner with an intriguing and truly unique after dinner speaker – certainly not to be missed! On day two, the exhibition will also be open free of charge to all growers. CHA Chairman Pat Flynn comments: “GrowQuip 2016 is a cross-industry commercial horticultural conference which provides ideas, diversity and possible solutions which maybe come from a different growing sector to your own – equipping you for success, equipping you for the future.” And in the year the world commemorates the 400th anniversary of the death of William Shakespeare, the Bard’s hometown of Stratford-upon-Avon is the town to visit in 2016. Delegates and/or their partners can tour Shakespeare’s birthplace, pay respects at his grave at Holy Trinity Church or simply explore the beautiful Warwickshire town he called home. A two day conference and dinner package, including accommodation with breakfast and lunch, is just £259+VAT and exhibition costs start at just £555+VAT. CHA members receive a 10% discount on delegate packages or exhibition bookings. Contact Pat Flynn for details and to book your places at the conference, dinner or your exhibition presence. E-mail Pat@cha-hort.com or ring Pat on 07778 313623 or Gemma Chandler on 01959 565995.
|
|
 Chris Holloway has been appointed as National Sales Manager to leading garden centre brand Thompson & Morgan.
Chris is a highly experienced and respected operator in the garden centre industry and with previous positions held at APTA, Town & Country and Gardena, brings with him a wealth of experience gained across national sales management and key account development roles covering a number of product categories.
Neil Sharpe, Head of Sales & Marketing said: “We are delighted to welcome Chris to T&M. His industry experience and knowledge will be a real asset and will provide further customer focus.”
Chris Holloway said: “I'm extremely pleased to have joined the team at Thompson & Morgan. T&M are renowned as market leader in their field and my aim is to build upon their previous successes. The support already given to me by my new colleagues has really enabled me to hit the ground running, and I am delighted to have joined Thompson & Morgan at such an exciting time."
|
|
Perennial CEO Richard Capewell to retire in Spring 2017
Richard Capewell, the Chief Executive of Perennial, the charity for all UK horticulturists, has announced his plan to retire in Spring 2017. The charity is currently seeking his replacement – more details can be found here...
Richard Capewell, the Chief Executive of Perennial, the charity for all UK horticulturists, has announced his plan to retire in Spring 2017. The charity is currently seeking his replacement – more details can be found here.
Having studied economics and trained as a social worker, Richard spent the majority of his career in the social care and charity sector, most notably at Mencap where he worked for 20 years. He joined Perennial as CEO in 1999 and in his time at the charity he has been responsible for its evolution from a very traditional organisation reflecting its Victorian origins as a benevolent fund for retired gardeners, to a fully inclusive charity for all horticulturists. He has broadened, expanded and refocused its work, to include specialist casework and debt advice services, alongside its long-established benevolent fund activities of financial help and retirement housing. And in his time at the helm, Perennial has expanded its work with younger people through the merger with the Royal Fund for Gardeners’ Children and the establishment of the Lironi Training Fund.
“My background in social care and my interest in providing practical services to those who cannot, for one reason or another, represent themselves, has defined my time here at Perennial. I feel very proud to have overseen so many positive changes within the organisation, from establishing our free and confidential casework and debt advice service that annually sees an increase in clients, to ensuring all our services are available to all those who work in or are retired from horticulture. This job is hugely varied and enormously satisfying and working alongside such a group of passionate and dedicated people makes it a true pleasure.”
In addition to expanding the way in which Perennial delivers services to clients, Richard has overseen negotiations to bring two further gardens of significance under the care and protection of Perennial. York Gate Garden, near Leeds, had already been bequeathed to Perennial when Richard took the reins in 1999 but since then Perennial has agreed to take on the management and upkeep of Fullers Mill Garden in Suffolk and has accepted the wishes of Sir Roy Strong CH to continue to maintain and open The Laskett Gardens in Herefordshire after his death.
“Perennial is well placed to look after significant gardens that benefit horticulture and their local communities. I have been privileged to spend time with both Bernard Tickner at Fullers Mill Garden and Sir Roy Strong at The Laskett Gardens to discuss their wishes for the future conservation of their horticultural life’s work and I am thrilled to have been able to agree an arrangement that will safeguard those gardens for generations to come.”
Speaking about Richard’s decision to retire, and reflecting on his time at the charity, Perennial Board of Trustees Chair and owner of New Hopetoun Gardens in Edinburgh, Dougal Philip, said:
“Richard has been a pleasure to work with. His commitment to ensuring Perennial relentlessly pursues its goal to deliver first class services to those who need them most, has been the driving force of the organisation for nearly two decades. His legacy will be an industry that is much more aware of the charity dedicated to serving it and an organisation ready to take on the challenge of becoming bigger, better and more widespread in the future. On behalf of all the Perennial Trustees, its clients and its staff, I would like to thank Richard for all he has done for the charity over so many years and to wish him and his wife Gill all happiness for the future."
Richard will continue in his role as Trustee of Lantra (the land-based and environmental sector awards body) and hopes to continue to voluntarily contribute to the world of horticulture. He continues:
“I look forward to helping find my successor over the coming months. This job offers lots of opportunity and challenge to someone with creative leadership qualities and a passion for horticulture and the care of all those who dedicate their lives to it. It has been truly inspiring to work with such a brilliant team and I wish them all the best of luck in the future.”
To find out more about the role of CEO of Perennial, visit the website at www.perennial.org.uk/jobs or call 0800 093 8510 for details.
|
|
|
|
|
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 printed newsletter.
As the year goes on we give sales volume comparisons with 2014 as well as 2015 to allow your teams to see variations over a three year period. Access is by subscription only. For £195.00 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 Christmas Products 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.
|
|
Get the GTN Bestsellers charts in full every week in the GTN Bestsellers newsletters delivered via the post for only £195.00.
GTN Bestsellers is the only industry source of weekly garden centre sales information, collating Epos data from centres with an aggregate turnover in excess of £120m.
Use the weekly Garden Products and Growing Media Top 50 sales volumes charts to plan your hotspot and other promotions and ensure you have the right products in stock to satisfy the needs of your customers.
For further information contact karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk or call 01733 775700.
Buy your subscription today and start receiveing the GTN Bestsellers charts this week.
|
|
|
All the latest news from the world of garden centre catering
|
|
HTA is arranging a tour of the Matthew Algie roastery and showroom in Glasgow on Wednesday 9 November.
With a growing range of food and drink options available in garden centres and the ever increasing popularity of café culture, it has never been more important to offer high quality hot beverages to entice your customers.
Matthew Algie have been brewing tea and coffee since 1864, leading the UK's espresso revolution and introducing the world's first triple-certified espresso. Around 90% of Matthew Algie’s coffee comes from Fairtrade co-operatives.
The day will start at 10.30 and finish at 3.30pm and will include an introduction to Matthew Algie, a roastery tour, coffee tasting, machines overview, introductory barista training and insights into how to engage customers at the point of sale. Lunch will be provided.
Dan Segal, National Account Manager at Matthew Algie said: “With 50% of garden centres now offering hot beverages and coffee consumers becoming ever more discerning, it has never been more important for garden centres to perfect the quality and choice of drinks on offer.
“At Matthew Algie, we don’t only roast some of the freshest, tastiest most ethical coffee around, we also provide all the supporting products and critical insights needed to run a highly profitable hot beverage business. We look forward to welcoming HTA members to our roastery and ultimately, helping you to increase sales."
The tour will be hosted by Neil Cummings, HTA Regional Business Manager for Scotland.
Neil said, “Catering has become a fundamental part of the success of garden centres today and many customers rate the quality of the tea and coffee and all round food offer as a reason for repeat business. This day is targeted at key decision makers, restaurant managers and key staff involved with the preparation and serving of hot drinks.“
Numbers are limited so register now to avoid disappointment. To register your interest, email neil.cummings@hta.org.uk
|
|
Fine food distributor, Cotswold Fayre, is expanding its chilled operations by doubling the range to 240 products from 35 fine food brands.
The new range covers dairy, deli, desserts, dips, drinks, fish, pasta and vegetable products including latest additions from the Real Pie Company, Ramona’s Kitchen – Me Too! Foods fresh salads and dips, RR Spink fish products, The Art of Curry cooking sauces and Soupologie’s superfood, vegan and free-from soup collection.
The range of products is now available for delivery to London, Surrey, Sussex, Northamptonshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire.
Cotswold Fayre recently opened a new chilled warehouse in Northampton to enable further expansion of its delivery area in the future.
The company has also recruited a new Chilled Business Development Manager, Sam Guarino, who is delighted with the early success of the chilled proposition.
“Weekly orders have doubled over the past month, clearly demonstrating a desire for our chilled range.
“Our customers are seeking to save time and ordering complexity by reducing the number of individual suppliers, and this is particularly true in chilled. The expansion of our chilled offering, allows them to accelerate these consolidation plans and also provides a broad range of products from a variety of different suppliers.”
One of the first customers to order from Cotswold Fayre’s chilled range was EAT 17, with grocery stores in Walthamstow and Hackney, committed to selling ‘honest food’.
Giuseppe Deriu, Store Manager of EAT 17 in Hackney, says: “We order weekly from Cotswold Fayre’s chilled range and are always intrigued to see the latest additions to the range. We’ve been impressed with the recent range expansion and the updated product lines help us to avoid stocking the same set of products for months on end and allow us to stock a varied fresh range in store.
“Cotswold Fayre’s extensive chilled range means that we don’t have to place orders with multiple distributors, in fact we order around 60% of their whole chilled range on a regular basis and are very happy with the products and service provided.”
For more information visit www.cotswold-fayre.co.uk/products/chilled, email chilled@cotswold-fayre.co.uk or phone 03452 606060.
|
|
|
|
|
