The Klondyke Group's annual Plant Show at the magnificent Gisborough Hall in Teeside, supported by more than 20 exhibiting suppliers, was attended by the Group’s 22 plant and garden centre managers and the horticultural buying team – the perfect opportunity to plan and select stock for the 2017 season.

The show saw the launch of Klondyke’s ‘From Garden to Kitchen’ brand which replaces the traditional concept of grow-your-own. Instead, it encourages customers to focus on what they will actually be eating rather than the work of growing it.

Klondyke’s 2017 ‘Hello Spring’ store branding was also on display, along with a sneak peek at GROW Rewards, the new loyalty club due to launch in March.

Senior horticultural buyer Andy Smith, who organised the show, said: “Our 2017 event has showcased our ranges to our plant managers and set the scene for the season. I would like to thank all of our suppliers who attended and wish them all a great 2017 season.”

Phil Ingle of Cedar Associates led a workshop session on how to improve and develop customer service, and A&G Young were presented with the Klondyke Group’s award for Supplier of the Year 2016.

Gary Young said “It is wonderful to have our efforts recognised by a major customer and it sets the bar higher for us to aim at in future years. A&G Young have supplied Klondyke since the early eighties and have always worked closely together to develop new ideas in bedding for the benefit of both businesses. It has been a pleasure to be able to co-operate with Klondyke over so many years and we look forward to continuing to develop our relationship.”

Andy Merrick, garden centre sales manager at Farplants, who were exhibiting, said: “It’s a really great show, suppliers were smiling and we get to meet every centre. A great way to start the season.”

Gisborough Hall is near to the group’s Stokesley and Northallerton Garden Centres, both of which have recently had their plant areas upgraded around themes to make the offer more customer friendly.