British Garden Centres has announced their third acquisition of the week, the former Dobbies Gosforth site at Gosforth Park, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE3 5EP.

This strategic move marks a significant milestone for the business, further solidifying its position as the UK’s largest family-run garden centre group in the UK, taking the portfolio to 68 stores.

The existing team will be retained. There will also be a recruitment drive, creating new employment opportunities within the local area.  

The centre is planned to re-open mid to late February. The Gosforth Garden Centre’s Facebook and Instagram pages will continue to provide updates on the site’s progression.

Charles Stubbs, Founder and Director of British Garden Centres said: “We are delighted to welcome the Gosforth Garden Centre into our family, along with the team members and customers. It’s another very exciting opportunity as we have clear ambitions to grow the centre. We look forward to getting ready for the opening.”

Stratford Garden Centre has announced it has entered into a lease of the garden centre site at Warwick Road, Black Hill, Stratford upon Avon CV37 0QW. The existing team will be retained, following the closure of the site on 23 December 2023.   

Commenting on the development, Stratford Garden Centre Managing Director Helen Lloyd said: “It is 20 years since we moved into our site at Clifford Chambers, serving Stratford and the North Cotswold area. As a family-owned garden centre we have built close links with the local community and are looking forward to establishing a similar presence in the north east of Stratford serving customers from South Warwickshire and further afield along the M40 and A46 corridors.

"We have built a strong team of more than 100 staff at Clifford Chambers and are keen to develop the team at our new site at Warwick Road. We are planning substantial improvements to the site at Warwick Road and, after a closure period while this work is carried out, we plan on a grand re-opening in March.”

Stratford Garden Centre is a trading name of Whitacre Garden Centre Limited.

British Garden Centres has announced the acquisition of two Dobbies Garden Centres in Gloucester and Reading, making it the UK’s largest garden centre operator by number of sites.

This strategic move marks a significant milestone for the business. It further solidifies its position as the UK’s largest family-run garden centre group, taking the portfolio to 67 stores.

The two stores will join the British Garden Centres family following the Dobbies Restructuring Plan (RP) and hope to open in mid to late February. The Reading store will take the name Shinfield Garden Centre to better reflect the area and local community.

The immediate priority is to work closely with the existing teams to restock and reopen the centres as soon as possible. British Garden Centres will be retaining all existing centre team members and look forward to working with them to ensure the continued success of these sites in the local communities they serve.  Extra roles at each centre will be posted on the British Garden Centres website  https://www.britishgardencentres.com/careers/ and the Facebook and Instagram pages of each centre.

Charles Stubbs, Founder and Director of British Garden Centres said: “We are thrilled to announce the addition of two fantastic garden centres to the British Garden Centres family. This marks a significant milestone for the group, as the acquisition of these former Dobbies stores cements us as the largest garden centre group in the UK by stores. We have a clear vision for the growth of these centres and are excited to integrate with the local communities while building on the strong foundations that are already in place.

Further acquisitions of Dobbies sites by British Garden Centres are likely to follow.

Davidson Richards look forward to catching up with all their garden centre and nursery customers during the forthcoming GCA conference at the De Vere Wokefield Estate in Reading. As EPoS and retail management specialists for the sector, their OpSuite solution is used by the leading independent centres throughout the UK and Ireland.

They are proud to partner with Bents and Fairways, current holders of the prestigious GCA Destination Garden Centre of the Year and GCA Garden Centre of the Year awards, respectively.

Matthew Bent, managing director of Bents, says: ‘We have partnered closely with Davidson Richards for almost twenty years and OpSuite is at the heart of our retail operations across our centre including hospitality and our Be Inspired loyalty scheme and customer app.’

Fairways’ owner, Ally Moseley adds: ‘Having used OpSuite for nearly ten years at our existing centres, it was seamless to integrate the new site in Matlock and it provides our entire team with the information they need, whatever their role.’

There's still time to book your place at the Garden Centre Association annual conference but you'd better be quick as booking closes at 3pm on Friday (January 24).

The event is taking place at De Vere Wokefield Estate, Reading, from Sunday (January 26) until Wednesday(January 29). The conference's theme is ‘The Unique Garden Centre Experience’.

Click here to book your place.

The full programme for the GCA conference can be found by clicking here.

As part of its ongoing accelerated growth journey, Mr Fothergill’s Seeds Ltd has entered a multi-year partnership with Metro Supply Chain Inc., a leading international logistics and supply chain solutions provider.

Following an extensive selection process, Metro Supply Chain will manage Fothergill’s “warehousing and pick, pack, and dispatch” operations across the seeds, tools, and accessories business. This partnership will be pivotal for future development and cover both the business-to-business and direct-to-consumer operations, with a combined annual retail value of over £50 million.

Chief Executive Officer of Fothergill’s, Michael Yates, commented; “This is a really important step on our transformation and acceleration journey. Our partnership with Metro Supply Chain will allow us to improve the customer experience, increase our output capacity, and crucially, reinvest cost savings into future business growth.

“Our new partner, Metro Supply Chain, brings an exceptional international reputation that enhances our ability to meet growing demand whilst maintaining high standards for customers. By outsourcing this element of our supply chain operations, we’re laying the groundwork for a stronger, more agile business—one that’s focused on growing our brands, innovating our product offerings, and ultimately reaching more existing and new gardeners as a part of our purpose of “Helping Everyone Grow”.

Metro Supply Chain’s facility is located just five miles from Fothergill’s headquarters in Newmarket. The partnership will also leverage the latest order fulfilment automation technology to improve service delivery, designed to enhance order accuracy and speed.

Vice President and Managing Director of Metro Supply Chain UK, Stuart Ager, commented; “We are excited to support Fothergill’s ambitious growth journey. With our deep expertise in supply chain management and investment in local assets, we are ready to elevate their customer service to new heights.”

Yates emphasised the importance of this step in driving growth across the business. “This move is just one part of a larger strategic plan to modernise and strengthen Fothergill’s. We’re working closely with our suppliers and retail partners to enable our brands to reach more consumers across the UK, Australia and North America.”

When an inventor came up with an idea to combine a hovercraft with a lawnmower he wouldn’t just reinvent the wheel - but remove them all together.

Swedish superstar Karl Dahlman dared to defy gravity and thought, "why push a lawnmower, when you can make it fly?"

Inspired by the 1950s hovercraft invented just a few years earlier, Karl created a machine which would revolutionise lawncare and change the way people mowed their grass forever. Karl invented a lawn mower that would glide on a cushion of air, which was completely ground-breaking compared to the heavy, petrol-powered push lawnmowers of the time.

The first Flymo, a combination of flying and mower, was actually blue but changed the colour after speaking to a range of consumers - and the famous orange brand was born in 1965, making Flymo 60 years old.

Back in 1965, gardeners were initially sceptical about the flying mower but were left stunned by demonstrations and many rushed to replace their old-fashioned petrol wheeled mowers for the light and agile Flymo.

Julie Blades, Flymo product manager, joked she ‘bleeds orange’ and revealed she becomes an undercover shopper to get customer feedback.

She said: “We live and breathe the brand. 

“Our blood is orange and I'm super proud to work for the brand.

“When I go to B&Q with my husband on a weekend I observe people looking at lawn mowers and exploring whether they pick up a Flymo.

“I have friends and family that buy cheap models but end up having to throw it away and go back to Flymo because it’s more reliable.”

The first electric model was launched in 1970 followed by the first grass collecting version in 1981 which received a Queen’s Award for export achievement.

Love Actually’s Bill Nighy, Peter Sallis from Wallace & Gromit and Coronation Street’s Ken Morley are among a host of stars to appear in Flymo’s famous adverts over the past 60 years.

Peter, who voiced Wallace, promoted the E-Minimo to tackle “handkerchief lawns” while startled Ken, who played legendary Reg Holdsworth in Corrie, used his mower to quickly cut the lawn as his wife arrived home in the 1986 advert.

Peter Roughead, a now retired product manager, who worked for Flymo for 25 years, said: “We had incredibly innovative products, but never chose to talk about the science in the ads. 

“Instead, it was about how our innovation led to ease and speed.

“We know most Flymo customers don’t enjoy cutting the grass or doing gardening jobs, it’s something they want done quickly so they can get on with enjoying their garden.

“So that was always the tone, to make gardening tasks quick and fun at all times.

“We’d start planning the ads early in the year, it was a big and important part of our year. Lines like ‘why slow mow when you can Flymo’ stuck with the public for years and years.”

In 1999 Flymo launched the first cordless, battery powered mower for small gardens and in 2017 created the first Flymo Lithium-Ion battery lawnmower, the Mighti-Mo 300 Li, which quickly became the number one selling battery lawnmower in the UK.

Today the Flymo is instantly recognisable by all generations and the UK’s best-selling hover mower.

Darren Feasey, Senior Director for Product Strategy for Flymo & GARDENA, said: “The colour is iconic.

“My kids recognise the brand every time they see an orange lawnmower.

“Flymo has been passed down generations - my dad and grandad had one, and over the years Flymo has stayed in the family."

The Range has opened three new concept superstores including ‘Garden Centres by Homebase’. The new outlets were at Birmingham Kings Heath, Pollokshaws and Christchurch.

‘Garden Centres by Homebase’ is being described as a fresh shopping experience, combining the exceptional product variety we’re known for with the quality plants and garden care of Homebase.

A spokesperson for The Range said: “This is part of our recent acquisition of the Homebase IP and our commitment to retail; blending trusted brands, preserving jobs and enhancing local economies.

“At the openings, we welcomed lots of excited customers, with the lucky first 50 in the queue able to take home a goody bag filled to the brim with The Range and Homebase products. All customers were able to meet and try products from select suppliers, including Dew, Delamere, Westland Gardens, Flymo, Sodastream, Burts Chips and Calor Gas - plus VIP (Very Important Pup) the Dulux Dog!

“We’re also proud to continue our partnership with the NSPCC, continuing to raise funds instore.

Three more ‘Garden Centres by Homebase’ will open at Newton Abbot, Felixstowe and Blyth next week.

The countdown to Garden Re-Leaf Day 2025 has begun, and this year promises to be a blooming marvellous celebration! Mark your calendars for Friday, 21st March 2025, as the garden industry gears up for a day packed with fundraising, florals, and plenty of fun - all in support of the incredible work of Greenfingers Charity.

This year’s theme is FLORAL! Whether you’re taking part in the ever-popular sponsored walks, hopping on your bike for the cycle challenge, or hosting a fundraising event at your garden centre or workplace, the Greenfingers Charity is inviting everyone to get dressed up in their best - or worst - floral or garden-themed outfits. From sunflower suits to flowery frocks, there’s a prize waiting for the best-dressed individuals and teams. Let’s turn Garden Re-Leaf Day into a carnival of colour!

Walks: north and south unite!

Our much-loved sponsored walks are back and better than ever with both the North and South taking on an epic 25km route. In the north, the picturesque Holmfirth countryside will once again play host to the northern walkers, thanks to the organisation of Greenfingers Ambassadors Jane Lawler and Will Armitage, whilst those in the south will start and finish at Tring Garden Centre.

The special 25km routes together celebrate Greenfingers’ 25th anniversary and ensures that all participants will set off together and finish around the same time. It’s the perfect opportunity for some post-walk networking, so grab your trainers and floral gear and get ready to make new connections while raising vital funds.

To help cover costs for medals, t-shirts, and other goodies, participants are asked to consider a £10 donation (or more!) on top of their fundraising efforts. For those who would like to lend a hand but can’t take part in the walk, the Greenfingers team would also love to hear from you about volunteering on the day.

Cycle challenge: pedal power for a purpose

Cyclists, get ready to hit the road! Tring Garden Centre will once again be the hub for the Garden Re-Leaf cycle challenge. With routes ranging from 25 to 100 miles, there’s a challenge to suit every fitness level. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or dusting off your bike for the first time in years, this is your chance to go the extra mile for Greenfingers.

The Greenfingers team has also set a fundraising challenge for all walkers and cyclists: can you raise at least £150 per person? If everyone at the 2024 event did this, the total would have been almost £20,000 before participants even hit the start line! As with all fundraising efforts, every penny raised will go directly towards creating magical gardens for children in hospices across the UK. Together, we can make a difference - one step, pedal, and floral-themed event at a time.

Fundraising fun: go floral or go green

Garden centres, suppliers, and workplaces across the UK are encouraged to get involved by hosting their own fundraising activities. From floral-themed cake sales to going green for Greenfingers, there are plenty of ways to show your support. Need inspiration? Visit the Greenfingers website – www.greenfingerscharity.org.uk - for ideas and resources or reach out to the fundraising team for advice on how to make your event a success.

Let’s make Garden Re-Leaf Day 2025 bloom!

Don’t miss out on this incredible day of fun, fitness, and fundraising. Sign up now at www.greenfingerscharity.org.uk/get-involved/garden-re-leaf-day-is-coming-soon and start planning your floral-themed outfit today. For more information, get in touch with the charity’s fundraising team at fundraising@greenfingerscharity.org.uk.

Top tips for making the most of the Garden Re-Leaf Day Sponsored Walk & Cycle Challenge

1. Appropriate shoes – both routes go off-road so be prepared for mud and stiles! A well-worn pair of walking boots or trainers will stand you in good stead.
2. Remember plasters and a spare pair of socks should you get soggy feet!
3. Not wanting to trust the Great British weather, we suggest wearing plenty of layers to ensure that you’re prepared for every season in one day if needed.
4. Stops offering light snacks and water will be dotted throughout the route but it’s also a good idea to bring a few snacks or a light lunch to keep you sustained throughout the walk.
5. Have fun! Make friends! Build your contacts! Whether you are walking on your own or as part of a team, you are guaranteed to have a superb day away from the desk.
6. Raise money – don’t forget that the Garden Re-Leaf Sponsored Walk and Cycle Challenge has been put in place to raise much-needed funds for the Greenfingers Charity. No matter if you raise £250 or £1,000, just know that it is hugely appreciated and will make a difference to the children, friends and families that spend time in a Greenfingers garden.

For more FUNdraising ideas or to obtain a copy of the 2025 fundraising pack drop Linda a line at linda@greenfingerscharity.org.uk - she’d love to hear from you.

Specialist business property adviser, Christie & Co, has launched its annual Business Outlook report, 'Business Outlook 2025', which reflects on key market activity, trends and challenges of 2024 and forecasts what 2025 might bring across the industries in which Christie & Co operates, including the garden centre sector.

The report reveals that in the first half of 2024, Christie & Co transacted more garden centres than in the whole of 2023 and by the end of the year it had completed 19 transactions; the highest number since the Wyevale Garden Centre disposals in 2018. Transactions included a mixture of large corporate disposals, smaller independent sites and high-profile heritage brands.

According to data revealed in the report, more than 50 per cent of all garden centres sold in 2024 were purchased by new market entrants, with over 90 per cent of the transactions being on a freehold basis. Additionally, the report revealed that the garden centre market remains active, with a 40 per cent increase in the number of viewings and new instructions in 2024. Christie & Co’s Garden Centre team provided market-leading advice for over 170 garden centres in 2024, cementing their position as market leaders within the sector.

The report also outlines Christie & Co's market predictions for the year ahead, which are:

• Our involvement in the re-letting of a number of high-profile Dobbies Garden Centres will see a higher percentage of leasehold transactions than in previous years. It is not symptomatic of a structure change in the market though as for the most part these centres will be re-let to other major garden centre groups.
• 2024 was impacted by poor weather and a very wet spring and summer; sales of big-ticket items such as garden furniture will likely be stronger in 2025
• 2024 saw more garden centre sales for Christie & Co and it is expected that there will be similar or higher volumes of transactions based on current pipelines
• Garden centre groups will continue to expand through acquisition
• It is anticipated that the cost of borrowing will continue to fall in 2025 which should make funding garden centre acquisitions cheaper than in 2024
• The impact of government changes to the planning system could make alternative uses easier for garden centres and plant nursery buyers; this will continue to drive demand for freehold sites with short- or longer-term alternative use potential

Tom Glanvill, Director – Garden Centres at Christie & Co comments, “In 2024 we handled the sale of a number of the best-known brands in the garden centre market and dealt with some of the largest transactions in recent years, including the group sale of Langlands garden centres. Interestingly, a number of the businesses sold were primarily online retailers, including Peter Beales and Hayloft Plants, which shows buyer demand for good retail businesses, not just traditional bricks and mortar. Our business Outlook report also includes interesting insights into who is buying garden centres and how they are being funded.”

Click here to read the full report: https://www.christie.com/news-resources/business-outlook-2025/retail/

GIMA is holding an exclusive virtual event, ‘In Conversation with Dobbies’, on 5th February. Open exclusively to GIMA members, this session offers an opportunity to hear directly from Dobbies’ senior leadership team on plans for the future.  

The event will provide valuable insights into Dobbies’ plans for the upcoming season and beyond. The senior team will share how they are responding to evolving market dynamics, fostering stronger supplier relationships, and driving collaborative growth across the supply chain.

Free of charge for GIMA members and hosted on Zoom, this event is an unmissable opportunity to connect with one of the UK’s leading garden retailers. Attendees can expect to gain insider knowledge, helping them to better align business strategies with Dobbies’ future direction.

Vicky Nuttall, GIMA Director said: “This session will provide exclusive insight into the long-term vision for Dobbies, especially in light of their recent Restructuring Plan, and how they aim to work with the supply chain for mutual success. For any GIMA member looking to strengthen their relationship with this industry stalwart and to align their strategies for the year ahead, this is simply a must-attend event.”

Spaces are limited, so interested parties are advised to act quickly to secure their place. To secure your space please email info@gima.org.uk

Find out more

Any businesses interested in joining GIMA are invited to contact the GIMA team on (01959) 564947 or info@gima.org.uk. Full details regarding GIMA’s multiple member benefits can be found at www.gima.org.uk

Notcutts has announced the appointment of Mark Haddock as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Company Secretary.

The appointment marks a positive return to Notcutts for Mark, who was previously the company’s Financial Controller between 2015 and 2018.

He joins both the Notcutts Executive Leadership Team and the Group Board and succeeds Julian Herbert, who has been CFO and Company Secretary since 2016. Julian Herbert will now become a Non-Executive Director as part of the Notcutts Group Board from 1st March.

Since 2018 Mark Haddock held senior positions at IPRS Group who specialise in the provision of medical, health, wellbeing, and clinical services. Initally as Finance Director and then as Chief Operating Officer (COO) he played a key part in helping IPRS to develop and grow to an organisation with more than £35m annual sales and 550 employees. In his earlier career Mark fulfilled roles at Informa, Barnes Construction, LB Group and PKF.

Commenting on his new role at Notcutts, Mark Haddock said: “I am pleased to rejoin Notcutts with a new role as CFO and Company Secretary, and I’m keen to play a part in the garden centre group’s exciting future.

“From my previous time at Notcutts, I understand the group’s strategic goals, company culture and ambitions for progress, and I share their passion for supporting colleagues’ development. I look forward to bringing new perspectives to the team and contributing towards Notcutts’ strategic journey.”

Nick Burrows, CEO, Notcutts, said: “We are delighted to see Mark Haddock return to Notcutts and we welcome his expertise as a member of our Executive Leadership Team and Group Board.

“Along with our recent homegrown appointments for Marketing and Customer Experience Director, Jane Gray; Trading Director, Yvonne Archibald; and Operations and Sustainability Director, Chris Holt; Mark’s appointment heralds an exciting new phase in leadership at Notcutts and reflects our strong culture of professional development for all colleagues.

“In welcoming Mark I would also especially like to thank Julian Herbert for his 9 years as CFO and Company Secretary. Julian is an outstanding leader who has made a profound impact in our growth and strategic direction, and we are pleased he will continue to share his knowledge and support through his Non-Executive Director role.”

Founded in 1897, Notcutts operates 19 garden centres across the country. For more information visit www.notcutts.co.uk

Kimberley Hornby George, owner of Hornby George PR and Co-Chair of the Garden Media Guild, and Chris Moncrieff, Head of Information and Advice at the Royal Horticultural Society, donned their Christmas jumpers for the annual ‘Most Jumperful Time of the Year’ fundraising event in support of the Greenfingers Charity.

Thanks to generous donations and sponsorship, Kimberley and Chris raised an incredible £7,900 to help the charity continue its vital work creating beautiful gardens in children’s hospices. This year's success would not have been possible without the kind contributions of all those that donated as well as the raft of incredible sponsors which included The Boyd Partnership, The AMES Companies, Corby & Fellas, Pleydell Smithyman, Tozer Seeds, JP Trett, Henry Bell, Sipcam, Vitavia, Modiform, Johnsons Lawn Seed, The Underground Podcast, Durston Garden Products, Frank P Matthews, and Glee, amongst others.

Linda Petrons, Director of Fundraising & Communications at the Greenfingers Charity, expressed her gratitude. She said: “Kimberley and Chris have been such good sports, bringing joy to everyone with their festive jumpers while raising awareness of the important work Greenfingers does. Their efforts, alongside the amazing support of our sponsors, have helped spread the word of the Greenfingers Charity to even more businesses, brands and individuals. We are so grateful for this and would like to thank everyone that got involved and supported them throughout December.”

Reflecting on the event, Kimberley and Chris thanked the garden community and sponsors for their support. Chris shared: “This challenge brought so much festive cheer and was a wonderful way to raise funds for such a meaningful cause. Whilst I’m happy to be back in my normal clothes, I am so pleased that those silly jumpers will help to make a difference where it is needed most.”

Kimberley added: “We are truly humbled by the generosity of those that donated or sponsored us along the way. It really made every itchy neckline, jingly bell and garish design a little bit easier to bear! Chris and I are so looking forward to seeing how our jumper-filled December will make a difference to those for children and families that spend time in a Greenfingers garden.”

Since its launch the Most Jumperful, an initiative set up by Natalie Boynton, has now raised £31,606.52.

The Most Jumperful 2025

As the Most Jumperful jumpers are washed and packed away for the next 11 months the 2025 jumper wearers are getting ready to take up the mantle come Christmas. This year the lucky folks set to be adorned in tinsel, bells and flashing lights will be Glee’s Event Director, Matthew Mein, and MorePeople Team Manager, Sarah Want.

Further details about how to support their Most Jumperful challenge will be announced ahead of the 2025 festive season. Find out more at www.themostjumperful.co.uk

Find out more

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.

Norwich-based Rhino Greenhouses has played an integral role in the creation of a new horticultural installation to mark the anniversary of the signing of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. 

Based in the heart of London, the greenhouse displays some of the key messages set out in the Human Rights Bill, and will act as a fantastic visual educational tool for years to come. 

The team at Rhino Greenhouses were approached to provide one of their high-end greenhouses for the project, and have worked with world-renowned horticultural installation artist, Tony Heywood, to produce a one of a kind greenhouse. 

Discussing the project, Tony Heywood said: “I’ve given the work a ‘pop-art aesthetic to draw in the younger generation, but in a way that also appeals to other audiences.”

“However, instead of containing plants, it holds two huge monolithic boulders which are precariously balanced on top of each other threatening the entire structure should they topple.”

This innovative work was unveiled on World Human Rights Day, by Private Eye Editor, Ian Hislop at an inauguration which will be attended also by the Leader of Westminster Council, Adam Hug.

Andrew White, Head of Sales & Marketing at Rhino Greenhouses was delighted to be part of such an inspiring project: “When we were initially approached about one of our greenhouses being used for the project, our team were excited to be involved in any way we could.”

“The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is a key part of history, and to have one of our greenhouses play centre stage in marking this milestone in the capital, is absolutely incredible for our brand and the wider community.”

A strategic marketer and sustainable marketing consultant has been revealed as one of the keynote speakers at the Garden Centre Association’s annual conference (January 26 until 29, 2025).

Co-founder and podcast host at Can Marketing Save the Planet Ltd, Michelle Carvill, will be presenting on the Tuesday, January 28, of the event.

GCA Chairman, Will Blake says: “Michelle looks set to be an interesting and inspiring speaker that I am sure our members will find highly informative and useful. In 2021, she was recognised as one of the UK’s Top 100 Inspirational Businesswomen. Prior to switching her business focus towards sustainable marketing, Michelle was acknowledged for her achievements in the digital marketing arena.

“She has also worked with a range of businesses developing and supporting digital transformation across organisations, embedding digital within the heart of strategy. Michelle worked on projects across branding, leading teams on their skill building and digital capabilities and running strategically aligned multi-faceted internal communications programmes.

“In May 2021, she qualified with Nottingham Business School on their Sustainability and Inclusive Leadership (SAIL) course and certified Carbon Literate with The Carbon Literacy Trust – and developed the first certified Carbon Literacy Training for Marketers.

“She was awarded ‘Outstanding Contribution to Marketing’ in 2022 for driving sustainable marketing transformation and is a six-times-published author in sustainable and digital marketing, as well as social media strategy. Michelle’s company is on a mission to back responsible marketing through educating and supporting the approximate 10.6 million marketers worldwide.”

Michelle Carvill will be speaking to delegates on Tuesday, January 28 at the 2025 GCA conference and places can still be booked for the conference via Garden Centre Association Tickets, Bundles - Buy Online.

There is also a dedicated email for any queries members, and those wishing to book for the event, may have: conference@gca.org.uk.

Squire’s Garden Centres hosted its annual Squire’s Awards, celebrating the outstanding achievements, hard work and dedication of colleagues across its centres.

The event, held at Mercedes-Benz World in Weybridge in December, recognised the commitment of centre teams who consistently go above and beyond to ensure Squire’s remains a destination for exceptional customer service, quality and inspiration.

The awards were presented by Colin Squire OBE., Chairman Emeritus, and his daughter, Sarah Squire, Chairman, in front of colleagues representing Squire’s 16 centres across Surrey, Sussex, Berkshire North and West London.

Sarah Squire commented: “I would like to express my heartfelt thanks and admiration for all our colleagues. Their passion, dedication and hard work shine through every day, creating centres that truly deliver exceptional standards and outstanding service for our customers. 

“It’s always wonderful to see the results of teamwork, talent and care come together so beautifully. The Squire’s Awards are an opportunity to celebrate these achievements, and I couldn’t be prouder of everyone’s contributions.”

Congratulations to all winners, with special recognition to:

• Garden Centre of the Year – Squire’s Cobham
  Awarded for growth in a challenging year and for its strong focus on plants and gardening. 
• Café Bar of the Year – Squire’s Shepperton
  In recognition of the Shepperton team’s outstanding guest feedback and growth. The team demonstrate many attributes including being an all-round great team with positive energy and a ‘can do’ approach. 

The Squire’s Awards are a celebration of the incredible teamwork, high standards, and dedication across the business, and the vital role Squire’s colleagues play in making the company the very best it can be.

SQUIRE’S AWARDS 2024

• Garden Centre of the Year – Cobham
• Giftware Department of the Year – Woking
• Café Bar of the Year – Shepperton
• Christmas Department of the Year – Badshot Lea
• Plant Department of the Year – Cobham
  With Recognition of Exceptional Standards to Squire’s Badshot Lea, Hersham and Squire’s Woking
• Health & Safety Garden Centre of the Year – Milford
• Houseplant Department of the Year – Frensham
• Health & Safety Café Bar of the Year – Chertsey
• Garden Sundries Department of the Year – Badshot Lea
• Garden Centre Team Customer Service – Long Ditton
• Garden Furniture & BBQ Department of the Year – Hersham
• Café Bar Team Customer Service – Frensham
• Pets & Aquatics Department of the Year – West Horsley

Leading garden retail PR specialists Hornby George PR has unveiled a new PR service designed exclusively for garden centres.

Recognising the constantly evolving pace of retail and the resource constraints that can push public relations down the priority list, Hornby George PR has created flexible, cost-effective packages to help garden centres amplify their communication strategies and connect more effectively with their audiences.

Led by industry expert Kimberley Hornby George, this new service offers garden centres the tools they need to promote their businesses in a way that is both impactful and affordable. Starting at just a few hundred pounds for one-off projects, these packages have been designed to cater to a wide range of needs. Whether it’s shining a spotlight on seasonal peaks, showcasing key events, fostering community relationships, or creating consistent messaging that drives footfall and boosts customer loyalty, garden centres can choose from a low-level approach to raise awareness during specific periods or opt for a more sustained strategy that positions them as a hub within their local community.

Positioned at the very heart of the garden retail sector, Hornby George PR brings unrivalled expertise and insights to its clients. With an impressive client portfolio that includes major industry names such as GIMA, Glee, and the Greenfingers Charity, plus a host of supply and manufacturing brands, the agency is uniquely placed to support garden centres in not only strengthening ties with local communities but also enhancing their trade visibility. By leveraging its strong connections within the horticultural industry, Hornby George PR can help garden centres establish a robust profile within the supplier network and the broader market.

Kimberley Hornby George, Founder and Managing Director of Hornby George PR, commented: "Garden centres are doing incredible work, from driving local environmental initiatives to creating memorable shopping experiences. Yet, so often, they lack the time and resources to communicate these achievements effectively. With our bespoke PR packages, we aim to make public relations more accessible, manageable, and impactful for retailers. Our team takes care of the legwork, crafting strategies that are fully tailored to each client, helping them to strengthen relationships with their communities and showcase their successes.

“For the past 20 years, we have experienced the highs and lows of the garden retail sector, meaning we understand the unique challenges and opportunities that garden centres face, and we’re passionate about helping them thrive. This new service is about supporting retailers to become integral parts of their communities, driving customer loyalty, and building a reputation that resonates far beyond their local area."

Hornby George PR is not just about creating a quick burst of publicity; the agency is committed to helping garden centres achieve sustainable success. Its range of services includes everything from crafting press releases and managing event publicity to providing ongoing strategic support that ensures retailers are always ahead of the curve. Each package is designed with flexibility in mind, allowing garden centres to select the level of support that best meets their needs, whether that’s a single campaign or a more comprehensive approach.

About Hornby George PR

Founded by Kimberley Hornby George, Hornby George PR has become synonymous with excellence in garden retail communications. Over the past two decades, Kimberley and her team have worked with some of the biggest names in the industry, gaining an unparalleled understanding of both trade and consumer markets.

In addition to her work with Hornby George PR, Kimberley is the Co-Chair of the Garden Media Guild – a position that reflects her dedication to promoting exceptional storytelling and communication within the gardening world. This dual role enhances Hornby George PR’s ability to deliver services rooted in deep industry knowledge and a commitment to celebrating all aspects of garden retail.

Get in touch

For more information about Hornby George PR’s new service or to discover how its tailored packages can support your garden centre’s goals, visit www.hornbygeorgepr.com or email Kimberley direct via kimberley@hornbygeorgepr.com

With the 2025 gardening season fast approaching, AMES Tools is urging retailers to secure stock now to meet the increased demand that springtime brings. 

Spring marks the beginning of the gifting season, with key dates like Easter, Mother’s Day, and Father’s Day inspiring shoppers to find the perfect presents for their loved ones. Garden tools continue to be a popular choice for gardening enthusiasts, particularly those that combine collectability with a cohesive design aesthetic and a broad product range – exemplified by AMES Tools. Featuring a striking bright green colour, professional appearance, on-pack user guide, and an extensive product selection, AMES Tools appeals to both hobbyist and experienced gardeners alike. This versatility enhances its giftability, providing retailers with an excellent opportunity to meet customer demand during these important seasonal sales opportunities.

Cutting & pruning essentials for 2025

New for 2025, AMES Tools is introducing an exciting range of cutting and pruning tools to complement its existing portfolio. With 19 new additions, this collection is designed to cover all aspects of cutting and pruning, offering tools that combine superior craftsmanship with high performance. Highlights include:

• Bypass Pruners, Compact and Multi-Function models
• Ratchet Anvil Pruner
• Precision Snips
• Hand Shears and Hedge Shears, including geared and telescopic options
• Pruning Saw
• Loppers with bypass and anvil blade options for close and long-reach tasks

All tools feature Japanese SK5 carbon steel blades for sharpness and durability, with many coated in PTFE for rust resistance and smoother cuts.

A comprehensive garden tool range

The new cutting and pruning tools join AMES Tools’ well-established collection of digging, cultivating, planting, and lawn care products, ensuring retailers can offer their customers a complete gardening solution. From durable spades and forks to precision planting tools and high-performing lawn care equipment, AMES Tools provides everything gardeners need to succeed.

What’s more, the presence of AMES Tools brand ambassador, famed horticulturist, TV regular, writer and campaigner, David Domoney, is helping to demystify the garden tools category, in turn helping shoppers to make more confident buying decisions. Look out for even more content from David, including top tips and how-to videos.

Find out more

With AMES Tools 2025 offering now available for orders, retailers are encouraged to act quickly to secure their displays and be part of this transformative new approach to garden retail. For more information or to place an order, visit www.ames-tools.co.uk or contact your local AMES Companies sales agent.

Further details about the AMES Companies and its family of brands can be found at www.ames-uk.com.

Spring Fair returns to the NEC Birmingham from 2nd–5th February 2025 for its 75th anniversary, offering a packed programme of free educational content, workshops, and networking opportunities.

This year’s event promises hundreds of hours of inspiration, actionable advice and insights, and trends delivered across three dedicated stages: the Inspiring Retail Stage, the Masterclass Studio, and the newly launched Licensing Lab.

A Sneak Peek at This Year’s Highlights

Inspiring Retail Stage | Hall 2

A hub for innovation and forward-thinking ideas, the Inspiring Retail Stage offers daily catwalk shows, high-profile keynote speakers, and cutting-edge trend presentations in partnership with BDA London’s Trendhub. Buyers will gain valuable insights into the future of retail and actionable strategies to grow their businesses.

Masterclass Studio | Hall 3

Dive deep into today’s pressing retail challenges with hands-on panel discussions and workshops in the Masterclass Studio. Tailored for practical application, these sessions cover everything from digital trends to sustainability and AI, ensuring retailers leave equipped with skills and strategies to tackle real-world issues.

Licensing Lab | Hall 5

New for 2025, the Licensing Lab, developed in partnership with Fabacus and Licensing International, is dedicated to driving growth in the licensing industry. With networking opportunities and exclusive expert-led sessions, this space provides invaluable insights for licensors, licensees, and retailers looking to unlock new business opportunities.

Session Highlights

Sunday, 2nd February:

• Keynote - Laurence Llewellyn-Bowen on Unleashing Creativity: Licensing, Art, and Designing for Retail Success. 10.30am, Inspiring Retail Stage
• Tess Cope, Leadership Coach at The Transformation Agency leads a dynamic session on Empowering Women in Retail and Entrepreneurship, tackling leadership challenges, Tess will uncover the real barriers holding women back while offering actionable strategies to help them thrive. 10am, Masterclass Studio
• Instagram content creator Rachel Henderson offers actionable advice on The Art of Visual Selling: How to Create Eye-Catching Content That Converts on Instagram. Learn how to transform your Instagram presence with content creator and designer, Rachel Henderson. In this dynamic session, she'll reveal insider techniques for crafting visually striking posts that capture attention and drive conversions. Whether you're a business owner or aspiring influencer, you'll walk away with actionable strategies to make your content stand out in today's crowded digital landscape. 11.30am, Masterclass Studio
• Key Trends in Licensing for 2024 - Explore the emerging trends shaping the licensing industry in 2024 with Steve Manners, Licensing International. 11.30am, Licensing Lab
• Digital Trends For SME Retailers to Plan For in 2025 - Join leading digital experts Lucy Hall (Digital Woman), Lucia Dello (Dello Insights), and Niki Hutchison (Enjoy Marketing) as they reveal the essential digital trends that SME retailers need to embrace in 2025. 12.45pm, Masterclass Studio
• TikTok 2025: Leveraging Next-Gen Trends to Elevate Your Brand. 2pm, Licensing Lab
• Faire takes to the stage to deliver expert sessions for retailers, offering insights and guidance on industry trends. 2pm Masterclass Studio

Monday, 3rd February:

• Keynote - Andrew Xeni, Founder & CEO - Fabacas & Nobody's Child on Scaling Sustainability: Growing an E-commerce Brand in a New Retail Era. 10.30am, Inspiring Retail Stage
• Exceptional Shopper Experiences: Delivering Short and Long-Term Impact. Through in-depth analysis and real-world examples,David Wall and Jauneen Tarin from Kantar will explore the importance of customer experience and marketing in achieving both short-term commercial impact and long-term growth in brand perceptions. They will demonstrate how meaningful and different brand experiences are critical to thriving in an ever-evolving retail landscape. 10.30am, Masterclass Studio
• Join Laurence Llewellyn-Bowen for key insights into design and the Garden of Pattern. 10.30am, Licensing Lab
• Join Ron Sachs, Shopping Director at Deliveroo, for From Click to Customer: Deliveroo's Cross-Sector Journey in Digital Retail Excellence an insightful exploration of customer-centric transformation across diverse retail sectors. This session will offer valuable takeaways for retailers looking to enhance their customer experience and adapt to evolving consumer expectations in the digital age. Inspiring Retail Stage
• The Future of Sustainable Retail - Strategies That Work with Steve Lister, Sustainability Consultancy to Global Brands, Retailers & Supply Chain Partners. Get ready to be inspired by retailers who are already redefining sustainability in retail. Steve will explore the key strategies that drive sustainable retail success, from sustainable design and ethical material sourcing & selection to responsible manufacturing, mindful packaging, efficient logistics, closing the loop on end-of-life recycling and circular economy principles. 11.30am, Masterclass Studio
• Lunch and learn at the Licensing Lab. Expanding Horizons: Licensing Success and Diversification at Nobody’s Child with Andrew Xeni, Chairman of Nobody’s Child, CEO Fabacus. 12pm, Licensing Lab
• Keynote - Jeff Banks on Licensing, Branding, and the Keys to Lasting Success. Join Jeff Banks as he reflects on 60 years of success in the world of licensing, branding and design - sharing fascinating anecdotes and hard-earned lessons. Discover the do’s and don’ts of building strong partnerships and the true meaning of branding with integrity. Jeff will also explore the importance of environmental responsibility in today’s business landscape. This is your chance to gain invaluable insights from a true icon of British design. 12.15pm, Inspiring Retail Stage
• From Stage to Page: Licensing Insights from Theatrical Giants with the Really Useful Group and Royal Shakespeare Companywho delve into how licensing can extend theatrical works into new formats and markets, offering invaluable strategies for creative and commercial success. 1.15pm, Licensing Lab
• Andrew Xeni, Founder & CEO - Fabacas & Nobody's Child on Digital Product Passports: The Future of Connected Commerce. 2pm, Masterclass Studio
• AW25/26 Homeware & Festive Celebrations Trends: “From Modern Modular to Raw Minimal”. Join Trendhub’s Head of Creative Terrie Isaac on a journey through the intriguing AW25/26 world of Homeware and Festive trends. It’s a season of many contrasts, both minimal and plentiful with lots of attention to raw crafting and print layering. 2.15pm Inspiring Retail Stage
• End of The Line for Barcodes: Are You Ready for 2027? By 2027, QR codes powered by GS1 are expected to begin replacing traditional barcodes, marking a seismic shift in the industry. In this unmissable panel with Camilla Young, Programme Lead at GS1 and Kasia Little, Digital Experience Manager at Bayer Consumer Health discover what this transformation means for your business. Hear directly from GS1 UK about the next generation of barcodes, the opportunities they open, and the steps you need to take to get ready. 3pm, Masterclass Studio
• Jeff Banks on Unlocking the Power of Licensing in Fashion and Beyond. Join legendary designer Jeff Banks to discover how strategic licensing partnerships can elevate brands, expand market reach, and create enduring success in fashion and beyond. This session is a must-attend for anyone looking to harness the potential of licensing to grow their business. 3pm, Licensing Lab 

Tuesday, 4th February:

• SS26 Homeware and Outdoor Living Trends: “Evolving Households: Balancing acts and Waste-Nots” with Trendhub’s Head of Creative Terrie Isaacs, assesses the evolving needs of global households and importance of discarded materials, resulting in reworked classics. 10.30am, Inspiring Retail Stage
• Fiona Humberstone’s Brand Brilliance session delivers practical strategies for building standout visual identities. 11am, Masterclass Studio
• Helena Mansell-Stopher of Products of Change leads a Sustainability Masterclass exploring emerging legislation and actionable solutions. 12pm, Masterclass Studio
• Join Faire for expert insights. 12.15pm, Inspiring Retail Stage
• Supercharge Your Creativity with Canva. Unlock your creativity with the Canva visual communication suite! In this hands-on workshop, you'll discover how Canva's Magic AI features can boost your productivity and simplify your design process. 1pm, Masterclass Studio
• Keynote - Theo Paphitis shares his expertise in Small Businesses, Big Impact: Thriving in a World of Giants. 2.15pm, Inspiring Retail Stage
• Using Data to De-Risk Decisions and Maximise ROI in Retail Licensing with Tom Williams, CEO, Insights Family. Licensing IP for retailers is a high-stakes venture. Success depends on truly understanding your audience, spotting trends, and aligning with the right brands. Join Tom Williams, CEO of The Insights Family, to break down how data-driven insights can help you confidently choose the right IP, de-risk your investment, and maximise ROI. 3pm, Licensing Lab

Wednesday, 5th February:

• A practical workshop by Anti Copying in Design (ACID) and McDaniels Law titled Taking on the Copycats offers guidance on protecting intellectual property in the gifting industry. 10am, Masterclass Studio
• Keynote - Kate Hardcastle delivers The Science of Shopping – what consumers want next, a dynamic keynote speech exploring themes from her upcoming book, The Science of Shopping. This presentation will focus on the evolution of consumer behavior, the psychology behind purchasing decisions, and actionable insights for retailers to thrive in 2025 and beyond. 10.30am, Inspiring Retail Stage
• Join Elliott Webb, CEO of Urban Farm It for a live demo and learn how he’s putting sustainability at the heart of product development. 12.30pm, Masterclass Studio

Driving Innovation in Retail

Spring Fair 2025 continues its mission to empower independent retailers by combining hands-on experience with visionary insights. The three stages will serve as a vital resource for buyers looking to navigate an ever-changing retail landscape, connect with industry experts, and future-proof their businesses.

For the full schedule visit, https://www.springfair.com/stage-programme

Spring Fair 2025 promises to be one to remember with over 1,200 exhibitors across 12 unmissable buying destinations dedicated to Home, Gift, Fashion, and Everyday categories. Buyers will discover more than 1 million inspirational and innovative products, over 400 new brands and many exclusive only to Spring Fair, and more than 100 international brands.

For more information about Spring Fair and the 75th-anniversary celebrations, visit www.springfair.com.

If you’re in hospitality, catering, or food retail, start 2025 off on the right foot by attending The Source trade show on Tuesday 4th February and Wednesday 5th at Westpoint, Exeter. This essential regional event brings together hundreds of food and drink brands, suppliers, and service providers, offering everything you need to stay ahead of the competition. 

Why Attend The Source? 

• See, taste, and compare: Experience products firsthand by sampling ingredients, testing equipment, and assessing quality up close. 
• Find everything you need for the year ahead: Whether you manage a pub, café, deli, hotel, farm shop, or supermarket, the show has top-quality ingredients, equipment, and services to help your business thrive. 
• Unlock exclusive offers: Access show-only deals, including discounts, free delivery, and special packages, to make the most of your budget. 
• Connect and collaborate: Meet suppliers and industry peers face-to-face, building partnerships and gaining insights to drive your business forward. 

A Showcase of the South West’s Best 

In partnership with Taste of the West, The Source trade show highlights the region’s finest producers and big-name brands. Exhibitors include Somerset Charcuterie, Gusto Organic, The Cornish Cheese Co, Gingerbeard’s Preserves, Foxcombe Bakehouse, Chickies Scotch Eggs, Little Jack Horners, Bailey & Son’s Butchers, Yeo Valley, Surfing Cow Ice Cream. Filbert’s Fine Foods, Le Gruyère, UNOX, Belvoir Farm, Westaway Sausages, Barton Reed & Co, Bartlett, Coffeeworks, R D Johns, Westcountry Fruit Sales, and Savona Foodservice. 

Mike Anderson, Managing Director of The Source, says: 

"The Source brings the best of the food and drink industry together, offering fresh ideas, invaluable networking opportunities, and access to the best suppliers. It’s the perfect place to prepare for a successful year.” 

Free Entry for Trade Buyers 

Trade buyers can attend free of charge, with easy access and plenty of free parking. The show runs over two days, giving you time to explore trends, sample products, and secure the best deals for the year ahead. 

Nothing beats seeing, tasting, and comparing products in person. This is your chance to explore the latest innovations, stock up for the year ahead, and leave inspired, with fresh ideas. 

For more details or to register, visit thesourcetradeshow.co.uk or call 01934 733465. Follow The Source on Facebook and Instagram at @SourceFoodDrink for updates. 

British garden equipment manufacturer The Handy has announced a new addition to The Handy brand in the form of Stainless-Steel Vacuum Cleaners and Ash Cleaners with wet and dry capability, designed to offer customers an efficient and all-year-round versatile cleaning solution. 

Featuring a durable and easy to clean large 15-litre stainless-steel tank for increased resistance to corrosion, there are three mains-powered models in the range: The Handy 15 Litre Wet and Dry Stainless-Steel Vacuum Cleaner, The Handy 15 Litre Stainless-Steel Ash Cleaner and The Handy 10 Litre Stainless-Steel Ash Cleaner. 

The Handy 15 Litre Wet and Dry Vacuum Cleaner features a flexible design and achieves impressive suction power with a powerful 1250W motor to efficiently handle heavy-duty cleaning of liquids, dust, DIY, debris, and more.  Equipped with a large stainless-steel 15 Litre container and a long 15-meter cable for uninterrupted use, the new Wet and Dry Vacuum Cleaner from The Handy is a robust and versatile cleaning tool suitable for various environments, including the home, workshop, garage, or car. 

For easy cleaning of fireplaces, barbecues, log burners, and garden chimneys, the range also includes two new products designed to safely and efficiently vacuum fine ash particles.  

The Handy 15 Litre Stainless-Steel Ash Cleaner features a powerful 1200W motor with a suction strength of 18 kPa. Additionally, The Handy 10 Litre Stainless-Steel Ash Cleanercomes equipped with an 800W motor and steady suction power of 15 kPa.  Both come equipped with a one-meter hose and six-meter-long cable, allowing easy access to tight spaces and distant areas, without the need for extension cords.   

Offering optimal performance with minimum fuss, the new Stainless-Steel Vacuum Cleaner and Ash Cleaner range from The Handy provides a powerful experience with minimum effort.  Lightweight and easy to use, the range offers a robust alternative to manual cleaning methods.  Also featuring an ergonomic design for comfortable handling, all models come with a large stainless-steel storage capacity designed to reduce the need for frequent emptying.  This means users can enjoy a smooth and uninterrupted cleaning experience. 

This new range of Ash Vacuum also complements existing retail product categories such as outdoor entertaining, including BBQs, further enhancing The Handy's diverse offerings. 

These latest additions join the existing range of products from The Handy which includes garden blowers, vacuums and sweepers, sawhorses, saw benches, and log splitters.   

To discover more on The Handy range and to purchase direct at trade pricing, go to wwww.thehandy.co.uk 

A great British company founded in 1917, Barrus is proud to have achieved over 100 years in business.  Barrus operates across three diverse market sectors Marine, Garden and Industrial and is one of the UK’s leading importers and distributors of engines, engine-powered equipment, garden tools and accessories.

The Garden Tools and Accessories Division offers an extensive range of quality garden hand tools, accessories and powered products from the well-respected brands of WOLF-Garten, Wilkinson Sword and Town & Country.

Barrus are currently looking for a Merchandiser (based in the Home Counties – ideally around the areas of Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire) to service their garden centres, specialist machinery outlets and many national and independent retailers.

The Role:

Responsibilities to include effective placement of visual display stands and materials in garden centres and specialist machinery outlets, assistance in setting up and manning of events and trade shows, stock and materials budget control, and excellent customer service to drive through sales.

The successful candidate will ideally have experience of the Garden Centre and Retail trades, be self-motivated, able to work on their own and as part of a team, have excellent customer service skills and the ability to represent the Company professionally to all.  A full driving licence is essential as a Company vehicle will be provided.  Some overnight stays may be required, as well as visits to Barrus HQ.  Full product training will be provided.

A competitive package will be offered to the right candidate.

To find out more about Barrus please visit www.barrus.co.uk

Please apply enclosing your full CV to: Recruitment, E.P. Barrus Ltd, Glen Way, Launton Road, Bicester, Oxfordshire, OX26 4UR or email: recruitment@barrus.co.uk

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With 350,000 fewer people visiting RHS Garden Wisley annually due to the National Highways A3/M25 roadworks, resulting in £6 million losses to date, the RHS is calling on Government intervention for compensation to enable vital science, community and education projects, now at risk, to proceed.  

As the A3* closes for works again this weekend, the RHS is sharing that its losses will rise to £11 million when the roadworks end in 2026; substantial for a gardening charity, but small change compared to the £317 million scheme.  

Due to the financial losses the RHS is now delaying the development of new arboretums at its gardens and the planting of 4000 trees to investigate climate resilience for the next century; significantly reducing funding for scientific research to find nature-based solutions to some of the UK’s biggest environmental challenges; cutting back on its community outreach work and looking at training 10% fewer work based student horticulturists over the next 2 years**.     

Nearly 80% of members who visited Wisley less frequently in the last 12 months, attributed this to the M25/A3 roadworks near the garden. Additionally, 63% of non-visiting members in this period attributed not visiting Wisley, for the same reason.*** 

One of the UK’s best loved gardeners Alan Titchmarsh and the RHS are now calling on everyone who values horticulture and gardens for a greener, healthier future to sign the RHS’ petition (rhs.org.uk/a3petition) urging Government to recognise RHS Wisley as a special case for compensation for the devastating losses caused by the National Highways roadworks to safeguard the RHS and its vital charitable work for the future.  

Alan Titchmarsh CBE, RHS VP and VMH, says: “With the £6 million losses the RHS could have created 15 NHS wellbeing gardens and brought gardening and nature to hundreds more schools across the UK.  £6 million would also fund 110 horticultural apprenticeships or 38 science PhD students supported by 76 UK leading scientists to find nature-based solutions to help issues like pollution, flooding and the biodiversity and the climate crises.     

“These losses are catastrophic not only for the RHS, but for the whole of the UK in terms of the incredible work the RHS does to help people and planet and educating and supporting millions of gardeners to garden more sustainably for a better future.  

“Unlike others that failed before it, this Government must recognise the importance of horticulture, of gardeners and of the immense positive benefits gardens, gardening and growing plants can have on our health, the environment, wildlife and biodiversity to safeguard the future for generations to come.    

“Every gardener, everyone who loves gardening and everyone who loves RHS Garden Wisley, one of our finest gardens, please sign our petition and stand up for our nation of gardeners.”  

Given to the RHS in 1903, RHS Garden Wisley is a unique place of historical and horticultural value.  With one of the world’s largest plant collections, with over 25,000 different species, it is the oldest and most horticultural diverse RHS Garden, where today hundreds of students are trained and over a million visitors normally enjoy the garden each year.   

RHS Director General, Clare Matterson CBE said: “The Highways compensation laws are complicated and unlikely to enable the RHS to recoup these devastating losses.  If there was ever a special case for compensation surely RHS Wisley stands out as a national treasure that needs to be upheld and prized and our charitable work as vital to be protected.    

“Whilst we’re grateful for the new road and the positive difference it is now beginning to make following months of disruption, going back to our original objections it continues to be a flawed solution that increases car miles around J10 by some 1 million kilometres per annum, affecting the Special Protection Area****.  We continue to believe circular routing could have been avoided, saving these increased car miles, by creating slip roads off the A3.   

“At the time of granting consent to the scheme, the Secretary of State reviewing the Planning Inspectors decision assessed that the RHS had a case, but that we were overstating the heritage and economic harm and that it would be short lived and insubstantial.   Today we can now evidence that the harm is exactly as we predicted.”  

The A3 closure over the coming weekend will begin overnight on 17 January through to the morning of 20th January - leading to the RHS once again facing dramatically reduced visitors to the Garden.   

The A3/M25 works began in September 2022, since then there have been dozens of road closures and significant disruption and traffic issues for visitors getting to RHS Garden Wisley.    

The £6 million losses to date, includes nearly £1million impact on RHS membership income.  Since September 2022 to date there has been an overall 25% reduction in visitors at RHS Wisley, severely impacting gate admissions and secondary income.  

Clare finishes: “The RHS has been here supporting gardeners for over 220 years, today we now need your help to safeguard this charity for hundreds of years to come.”

The Commercial Horticultural Association looks forward to the show at the end of the month as IPM ESSEN opens its doors on hundreds of exhibitors, innovative products and services from the entire value chain, alongside an exciting supporting programme.

IPM ESSEN (28-31 January) is a busy show for the CHA British exhibitor group, with many companies returning each year, owing to the importance of the event in the trade show calendar and the CHA’s prime group stand position in Hall 7, one of the show’s main halls. 

Exhibitors in the British group include Air-Pot®, David Austin Roses, Garden Centre Design Company – C Long Studios, PPC Labels, Raymond Evison Clematis/The Guernsey Clematis Nursery, Pinnacle Plants International, Green Connection, Tyne Moulds and Machinery and INDO Lighting.

“We are really excited to host our diverse and innovative British group once more at IPM ESSEN” commented Event Manager Emma Brazier. “We would like to invite growers, nurseries, suppliers and buyers to our industry information stand to discover more about the UK commercial horticulture sector and how we can assist visitors with growing their businesses.”  

IPM ESSEN will also host an exciting supporting programme including a new Forum for Gardeners in Hall 2, a technology forum in Hall 4, plus guided tours focused on climate-resistant trees and insect-friendly perennials, ‘Green Living & Retail’ and innovative technology products.

For more information: https://www.ipm-essen.de/world-trade-fair/

For UK visitors wishing to visit the show, the CHA is offering a special code which gives free entrance passes. Growers and nurseries who are interested in a free pass should email info@cha-hort.com

Exhibitors in the British group are:

Air-Pot®

Stand 7A28.7

 Air-Pot containers are the original and the most advanced reusable air-pruning system, guaranteeing fantastic roots, faster growth and bigger yields. They are made of recycled plastic and come in a range of sizes, for growing from seed to the largest trees. Air-Pot containers are used all over the world in all climates for all species of plant. Recent trials have shown that Air-Pot grown trees grow up to 75% faster than trees in the open field. The containers are toughly made and are reusable many times even in tropical sunlight.

Commercial Horticultural Association

Stand 7A28.5

CHA is the British trade association for producers and suppliers of plants, produce, commercial equipment and services. The CHA helps UK suppliers to export, facilitates trade links between UK suppliers and growers, wholesalers and retailers worldwide and lobbies government for export funding and support.

The CHA team can advise visitors who would like to discover more about the UK market, CHA member companies or how to get involved.

David Austin Roses

Stand 7A28.2

David Austin Roses is excited to showcase innovative products at IPM ESSEN. The firm will be conducting a survey to improve its self-serve POS solutions. Its exclusive luxury gifting options for potted roses are designed to enhance customers' experience. 

In March, the company is  launching a digital quarterly magazine offering insights into the brand, market trends and seasonal updates. This magazine will strengthen the rose-growing community, foster innovative thinking, and empower partners with tools and inspiration to deliver consistent brand messaging and drive business success.

Garden Centre Design Consultancy – C Long Design Studios

Stand 7A29.1

As specialist consultants to the garden centre sector, the company offers a range of services including site development, strategy, master planning, planning applications & negotiations, retail & interior design, architecture, project management & retail/business consultancy. Their experienced planning, design and consultancy teams work on projects throughout the EU, UK and USA, ranging from feasibility studies to full site development.

Green Connection 

Stand 7A28.4

Featuring a 20% to 50% reduction in polymer coating material than standard products, the patented low-temperature coating process allows for the inclusion of beneficial microorganisms and bioactive organic substances without compromising their efficacy and survival. 

Enduracote formulas range from single N, P, K and calcium nitrate products to a wide choice of NPK+Mg+TE. Designed to release anywhere from 60 days to 450 days, Enduracote is the perfect, all-in-one fertiliser for ornamental horticultural and landscaping use.

INDO Lighting

Stand 7A28.5

INDO products cover every LED lighting application required for the horticulture industry. From 800W top lights to 29W vertical farming lights, there is an available solution. All products are IP66 rated with a range of spectrums available. All products are designed by the company’s R&D team in the UK who can also assist with lighting designs for projects. 

The INDO Element (180W-540W), HortiLink(250W) and TerraLink (400W, 600W & 800W) are its top light options with the INDO VertiLink(29W) completing the range for vertical farming applications. The products are available with warranties from 5 to 10 years.

Pinnacle Plants

Stand 7A28.8

Pinnacle Plants International grows and supplies a wide range of ornamental house, garden and landscape plants. Whether newly bred, selected, or hitherto rare, Pinnacle Plants has the facilities, production and logistical expertise to maximise sales through its global network of partners and customers. Its newly bred plants, and those of the international breeders represented, are propagated in-house via tissue culture or cuttings for supply as young plants or licensed to partners. In the UK it provides a contract grow service across a wide range of retail ready finished plants.

PPC Labels

Stand A28.6

PPC Labels specialise in custom design labels and tags, packaging and point of sale material.  Clients include supermarkets, garden centres, growers and packers.

Raymond Evison Clematis Ltd The Guernsey Clematis Nursery Ltd.

Stand A28.1

The world-wide renowned clematis breeder and producer will be exhibiting at IPM 2025 with three new varieties:

Clematis Baroness Fookes™ EviGsy156(PBR)

Clematis Bridgewater™ EviGsy155(PBR)

Clematis Elpis™ EviGsy154(PBR)

As a global supplier of young clematis plants, 3cm Ellegaard Plugs, twice pruned 7cm & 10cm liners, the company is ready to help visitors with all their clematis requirements.

If also offers technical growing advice and marketing and PR support with true-to-type images and descriptions.

Please do come and meet Andy who is manning the firm’s stand and will be warmly welcoming visitors. 

Tyne Moulds & Machinery Co Ltd

Stand A28.3

Tyne Moulds will be exhibiting its full range of horticultural sundries made from 90% recycled consumer plastics as well as brand new chain lock tree ties, nail on tree strapping and new and improved buckle tree ties.

Fleuroselect has announced its latest Gold Medal winners! Each of these breeding breakthroughs obtained an outstanding score in innovation, beauty and garden performance in the Fleuroselect annual trial.

Dahlia pinnata
Black Forest Ruby
Takii Europe

Dahlias have become increasingly popular over the past few years due to their stunning variety, impressive flower shapes and captivating colours. Fully in line with the current movement, Takii Europe introduces Black Forest Ruby, a dazzling Dahlia from seed. This breeding breakthrough displays stunning single to double flowers which radiate in all shades of red, ranging from scarlet to wine, and contrast beautifully to the dark pinnata leaves.

Black Forest Ruby is an excellent choice for a combo container and thrives in sunny beds. Growers will find that this new Dahlia is easy to produce and results in highly uniform plants. Retailers will marvel over the attractive flower-leaf colour combination which stands out on the benches. 

Consumers will welcome the outstanding garden performance as Black Forest Ruby flowers continuously from summer over autumn until the first frost. Displaying captivating colour contrasts, Black Forest Ruby is a very welcome addition to the current Dahlia seed assortment. The Fleuroselect jury praised its visually exceptional red flowers against the dark foliage on full, uniform plants and saw high potential for growers, retailers, and consumers. 

Salvia splendens
Estella Coral
Van Hemert & Co.

One of the current gardening trends is the shift towards less formality, aiming for a more naturalistic look with a milder colour palette. The latest Salvia splendens Estella Coral from Van Hemert & Co fully fits within this movement and is a breeding breakthrough in many ways. This plant innovation shows a fully new habit compared to the known splendens types. Estella Coral is bigger, bushier, well-branched and therefore suitable for wildlife-inspired gardening, large patio containers or landscaping where vigour is required.

In addition to its innovative plant shape, also the flower colour is completely new in this bushy salvia type from seed. Estella Coral’s large, rose flower spikes bloom all season long, providing splendid colour and texture in the garden. Growers and gardeners will be delighted to discover that Estella Coral flowers one week earlier compared to the standard splendens varieties. Grown or planted in a sunny spot and well-drained soil, Estella Coral will produce heaps of flowers and attract several types of pollinators.

Together with red, white and purple, Estella Coral is part of a series opening new markets for Salvia splendens. In addition to the innovative plant habit and earliness, rose also is a breakthrough in terms of colour in this bushy splendens type. Therefore, the Fleuroselect jury decided to award this variety with the coveted Gold Medal. 

The Royal Horticultural Society has launched its biggest ever community gardening survey as it seeks to map what the charity believes to be a crucial but unwritten public service.

The ambitious national research project will create an in depth report on community gardening, providing a clear picture of who participates and why, its reach, impact and barriers to growth.

The survey seeks input from groups or individuals involved in gardening outside of private and commercial gardens and the results will contribute to a bigger report on gardening in the UK that will publish in October. The findings will ultimately help the RHS and other organisations to better support community gardeners in the future.

Clare Matterson, RHS Director General, said: “We know that gardening in the community can contribute to a reduction in crime, help drive better health outcomes for residents, and boost the local economy. Understanding where community gardening is happening and the form it takes – organised or other - will help in mapping this vital, public service and open up new potential avenues of support for building greener and more sustainable communities.”

UK data on community gardening is currently limited; each year the RHS works with approximately 5,000 groups but there are estimated to be thousands more groups doing invaluable work across the nation.

Indications suggest that recent years have seen an increase in the number of community gardening groups, particularly in urban areas. This growth reflects the increasing recognition of gardening as a tool for addressing socio-economic and environmental challenges.

Community gardening has evolved over the decades, beginning with small grassroots initiatives and now also encompassing larger, organised networks that collaborate with local councils, charities, and environmental organisations. While many groups still focus on growing fruits and vegetables for the community, their scope has broadened to include everything from promoting mental health, enhancing biodiversity, and fostering community cohesion, for example by engaging with schools or vulnerable groups. As well as thousands of groups, there is also an increasing number of individuals who have taken on sole responsibility for a plot of land that serves the needs of local people.

Examples of the variety of ways community gardening groups are supporting their community and local environment include:

• Bensham Court, Gateshead: Refugees fleeing conflict and persecution are invited to grow alongside their neighbours – sharing gardening practices, foods and helping to foster social cohesion. The work provided invaluable support during 2024’s riots.
• Team London Bridge: Creating gardens designed to capture, absorb and channel rainwater, helping to alleviate flooding on nearby streets
• Lauder in Bloom, Scotland: Have taken on responsibility for mowing local green spaces and raking cut grass, turning it into free compost for local residents.
• Bath in Bloom: Patrolling the annual toad migration in February/March to ensure as many as possible make the journey safely.

Sarah Galvin, RHS Head of National Community Programmes, said: “Community gardening is at the heart of creating greener, healthier, and more connected communities but the shape and structure of it is changing. On the one hand large scale and organised and at the other individually motivated and maintained. This survey is an opportunity to understand the incredible breadth and diversity of community gardening across the nation.”

Survey participants can opt into a prize draw for a chance to win one of eight £125 gardening gift vouchers. Winners will be notified on Monday, 7 April 2025.

To find out more about the survey or to take part, visit:https://www.rhs.org.uk/communitygardeningsurvey

Hillier Garden Centres' Retail & Wholesale Director, Chris Francis, will be stepping down from his role in the summer of 2025. Chris plans to focus on spending more time with family, pursuing travel ambitions, and of course more time in his own garden, alongside any other business opportunities that may arise.

Chris joined Hillier in March 2014 as Garden Centre Director and, shortly after, took on the additional role of Wholesale Nursery Director. Over the course of a decade, he played a pivotal role in transforming the business, building a skilled senior team, and driving the expansion of the garden centres from 12 to 22 locations. Notably, he also spearheaded the launch of an online shop in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. Under his leadership, Hillier experienced remarkable growth in both sales and profit.

George Hillier, Chairman of Hillier Nurseries, said, “Chris’ passion for the industry, business acumen, and team leadership have had a significant and lasting impact on our business over the past decade. He has helped embed the Hillier brand in our communities and ensured Hillier stays true to its roots, continuing to provide high-quality plants and gardening products, while maintaining the excellent customer service that reflects our family values. We will all miss him very much and wish him all the very best.”

Chris Francis shared, "It has been an immense privilege to work for such a renowned and respected horticultural business, and I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have spent the last decade of my career alongside such a talented and dedicated team. The work we’ve done together, especially on exciting new garden centre launches, garden shows and how we came together to get through the pandemic, has been extremely rewarding. I will certainly miss many things at Hillier and will always have a passion for this industry!"

Chris has dedicated over 30 years to the horticulture industry, with experience at companies such as The Garden Centre Group and Wyevale as well as Hillier. Prior to his career in horticulture, he spent many successful years in the retail sector with John Lewis, where he honed his skills in retail management.

Hillier is now looking for a Retail Director to build on its successful foundations and to continue its trajectory of growth and development, while also innovating for the future.

Resolva, part of Westland Horticulture, handed over the keys to a brand new electric Mini Cooper on Thursday, 9^th January, to the lucky winner of its ‘Win A Car’ promotion.

The community of Blackpool celebrated at The Plant Place Garden Centre in Thornton-Cleveleys as local resident, Anne Emery, drove away in style in her brand new electric Mini Cooper, worth £32,500, thanks to Resolva.

Resolva’s highly successful in-store ‘Win A Car’ promotion attracted thousands of entrants and drove sales of the brand’s popular range of weedkillers. The promotion ran throughout spring and summer 2024 at garden centres across the UK and Ireland, giving shoppers the chance to win a brand new electric Mini Cooper in the prize draw.

Upon receiving her new car, Anne shared her joy: "I couldn’t believe it when I found out I’d won! I’ve always been a huge fan of Resolva products because I love spending time in my garden, but I’m not a fan of the backbreaking work involved in keeping on top of weeds. This car is an absolute dream – it’s not just about the prize, it’s about the freedom it gives me to explore new places and spend more time doing what I love. I feel incredibly lucky!"

The celebration was equally thrilling for George Pitcher, Brand Manager, at Westland, who attended the event to personally congratulate winner Anne. He added: "Resolva is all about giving gardeners the freedom to enjoy their outdoor spaces without the time-consuming burden of constant weeding, and now we’re delighted to extend that freedom to easy, eco-conscious travel. We’re so happy for Anne – her excitement is contagious, and it’s a pleasure to see the impact this prize will have on her life."

The promotion highlighted Resolva’s mission to support both gardeners in helping them create an outdoor space that always looks its best, as well as its retail partners, by driving customers in-store to pick up a bottle of Resolva and enter the prize draw. Whether it’s a quick spot fix or there’s a larger area to tackle, Resolva has proven to be a reliable ally for gardeners, and now one lucky customer has even more to celebrate. As well as the grand prize of an electric Mini Cooper, runner up prizes were given away, including holidays, and garden centre staff were also rewarded with chocolate hampers for their in-store displays.  

For more information about Resolva and its full range of products, visit www.gardenhealth.com

Southern Trident's Coco & Coir All Purpose Compost  – soon to be rebranded as Little Big Compost – has been awarded not one but two coveted Which? Best Buy awards. These accolades, published in the latest issue of Which? Gardening, confirm our compost as the leading choice for both Seedlings and Raising Young Plants.

This achievement is particularly significant because it marks the second consecutive year that Coco & Coir has earned these top distinctions. In 2023, the product was also named Best Buy in both categories, demonstrating unparalleled consistency and performance.

Which? Gardening praised the product, stating: “This compost contains pure coir with a controlled-release fertiliser which releases a trickle of fertiliser for the first few weeks. All our seedlings and plants put on impressive growth.”

Steve Harper, CEO of Southern Trident, commented on the results: “These independent trials once again highlight that coir is an exceptional growing media substrate. At Southern Trident, we are committed to producing high-quality peat-free products, and these accolades demonstrate that peat-free compost can deliver outstanding results. This recognition from Which? Gardening reinforces our mission to lead the industry in sustainable and effective growing solutions.”

While many brands claim superiority based on internal testing, Southern Trident stands apart by consistently proving its excellence through independent consumer trials. For garden retailers seeking to give their consumers the best results, Coco & Coir’s proven performance speaks for itself

In an awe-inspiring display of dedication and community spirit, Kate Ebbens has successfully raised over £30,000 for the Greenfingers Charity through her relentless fundraising efforts throughout 2024.

Kate’s commitment to supporting the children’s hospice garden charity saw her run every single day of the year – a leap-year nonetheless which saw her clock up over 1,040 miles - culminating in an extraordinary achievement that has inspired many.

Reflecting on her year of fundraising, Kate Ebbens said: “2024 has undoubtedly been one of the most challenging yet rewarding years of my life. Running every day was tough, but knowing it was making a real difference for children and families in hospices kept me going. As Greenfingers Chair Boyd Douglas-Davies recently said, two words that should never go together are ‘children’ and ‘hospice.’ This heartbreaking reality motivated me to push through, even on my hardest days.

“The incredible support I received along the way also played a huge role in keeping me going. From friends and family to colleagues, industry connections, and everyone in between, I am truly overwhelmed by the encouragement and generosity I experienced. The fundraising total is beyond anything I could have imagined.

“From the bottom of my heart, thank you to everyone who helped make my 2024 challenge an unforgettable journey. I am so grateful for every single contribution and act of kindness.”

In addition to her remarkable running challenge, Kate still found time to bring some holiday cheer to Keech Hospice in Bedford by organising a special ‘12 Days of Christmas’ event. Drawing on her extensive network of contacts, she gathered an impressive collection of donated products from businesses including Dobbies, Ayletts Nurseries, Yorkshire Garden Centre, Bent’s Home and Garden, Klondyke, Perrywood Garden Centre, Scotsdales, British Garden Centre Group, Ruxley Manor, Millbrook and St Peter’s Garden Centre. These donations were delivered to Keech Hospice just before Christmas, providing them with a truly magical festive gift.

Kate added: “Organising the 12 Days of Christmas event was the perfect way to end the year, and I’m so grateful to all the incredible businesses who contributed to making it such a success. Together, we’ve created something truly special for the children and families supported by Keech Hospice Care.”

The Greenfingers Charity, which supports hospices in creating beautiful outdoor spaces for children and families to enjoy, has been deeply touched by Kate’s efforts.

Linda Petrons, Director of Fundraising & Communications,commented: “Kate’s unwavering commitment to our cause has been truly extraordinary. Her year-long challenge has raised vital funds that will help us continue creating therapeutic gardens for children in hospices. Her efforts are a true demonstration of how much can be achieved when communities come together. On behalf of everyone here at Greenfingers, and the families we support, I want to express our deepest gratitude to Kate for her incredible efforts.”

There is still time to show your support of Kate’s fundraising efforts. Donations can be made via www.justgiving.com/page/kate-ebbens-1701443565987

Find out more

To find out more about the Greenfingers Charity please join the team on social media https://www.facebook.com/Greenfingerscharity/, @GreenfingersCha on Twitter, and @Greenfingerscharity on Instagram and LinkedIn. 

Inspired by Kate – why not take up the 2025 Greenfingers Challenge!

As 2025 unfolds, the gauntlet has been thrown down, asking teams or individuals to complete a 650-mile challenge.

The 650-mile challenge symbolically connects Greenfingers HQ in Buckinghamshire to Coombe Abbey in Coventry, the venue for the charity's 25th Anniversary Floral Ball. The route virtually passes through four hospices set to benefit from Greenfingers gardens this year: Acorns Children’s Hospice in Walsall, Hope House in Oswestry, Bluebell Wood in Sheffield, and Chestnut Tree House in Arundel, celebrating the positive impact of the gardens.

Participants can take on the challenge individually or as part of a team, logging miles by running, cycling, swimming, or walking. They can complete the distance over time, tackle it in a single weekend, or adopt any approach that suits them.

If you are interested in getting involved in this very special fundraising challenge in 2025, either as an individual or as a team, please contact Linda by emailing linda@greenfingerscharity.org.uk

Renowned horticulturist, TV presenter, and author, David Domoney, has been named the official brand ambassador for Keder Greenhouse for 2025. 

This partnership brings together David’s expertise and passion for gardening with Keder Greenhouse’s innovative solutions for year-round cultivation.

Known for his appearances on popular television shows like ITV’s Love Your Garden and This Morning, David Domoney has inspired millions to embrace gardening, sustainability, and the joys of nurturing plants. His commitment to empowering gardeners aligns seamlessly with Keder Greenhouse’s mission to make gardening more accessible, efficient, and environmentally conscious.

David Domoney said: “I am thrilled to partner with Keder Greenhouse as their brand ambassador for 2025. Their innovative greenhouses not only provide incredible growing conditions but also promote sustainable gardening practices that are vital for the future. Together, we aim to inspire gardeners of all skill levels to achieve exceptional results while caring for our planet. I can’t wait to grow fresh, homegrown food for my family – even through the winter – using my Keder Greenhouse!”

Keder Greenhouse has been at the forefront of greenhouse technology, offering durable and sustainable designs that provide optimal growing environments. Whether for hobbyists or professionals, Keder’s products are trusted by gardeners across the UK and beyond.

As part of the partnership, David Domoney will be actively involved in a range of initiatives throughout 2025, including:

• Sharing expert tips and gardening insights through exclusive content.
• Attending gardening shows and public events as a representative of Keder Greenhouse.
• Demonstrating how Keder Greenhouse solutions can transform growing potential for gardeners by starting warm weather crops earlier and enabling you to grow throughout the winter.

Colin Moore, Managing Director, Keder Greenhouse commented: “We are thrilled to welcome David Domoney to the Keder family! With his extensive expertise and genuine passion for gardening, David is the ideal ambassador for our brand. Together, we aim to nspire not only our loyal customers, but also a new generation of gardeners to reach their full potential with Keder Greenhouses.

As someone deeply committed to environmental and sustainability issues, I recognise the growing importance of energy conservation – and I know David shares these values. 

“Keder Greenhouses provide outstanding benefits, including exceptional thermal efficiency and durability, making them a smart and sustainable choice for gardeners everywhere.”

For more information visit www.kederdomestic.co.uk

A great British company founded in 1917, Barrus is proud to have achieved over 100 years in business.  Barrus operates across three diverse market sectors Marine, Garden and Industrial and is one of the UK’s leading importers and distributors of engines, engine-powered equipment, garden tools and accessories.

The Garden Tools and Accessories Division offers an extensive range of quality garden hand tools, accessories and powered products from the well-respected brands of WOLF-Garten, Wilkinson Sword and Town & Country.

Barrus are currently looking for a Merchandiser (based in the Home Counties – ideally around the areas of Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire) to service their garden centres, specialist machinery outlets and many national and independent retailers.

The Role:

Responsibilities to include effective placement of visual display stands and materials in garden centres and specialist machinery outlets, assistance in setting up and manning of events and trade shows, stock and materials budget control, and excellent customer service to drive through sales.

The successful candidate will ideally have experience of the Garden Centre and Retail trades, be self-motivated, able to work on their own and as part of a team, have excellent customer service skills and the ability to represent the Company professionally to all.  A full driving licence is essential as a Company vehicle will be provided.  Some overnight stays may be required, as well as visits to Barrus HQ.  Full product training will be provided.

A competitive package will be offered to the right candidate.

To find out more about Barrus please visit www.barrus.co.uk

Please apply enclosing your full CV to: Recruitment, E.P. Barrus Ltd, Glen Way, Launton Road, Bicester, Oxfordshire, OX26 4UR or email: recruitment@barrus.co.uk

As well as the kudos and fame from winning a Greatest Christmas award, our Gold winners in each of the judged categories will win prizes including stock, services or hotel accommodation from our Greatest Awards sponsors:

1. The Greatest Christmas Houseplant Team – Sponsored by Woodlodge
2. The Greatest Outdoor Plant and Christmas Tree Team - Sponsored by Doff Portland
3. The Greatest Gardening as a Christmas Gift Sales Team - Sponsored by Fandango Fire Tools
4. The Greatest Christmas Gifts Team – Sponsored by Museums and Galleries
5. The Greatest Garden Centre Christmas Promotions Team -Sponsored by Glee
6. The Greatest Christmas BBQ and Outdoor Leisure Team – The SOLEX Sizzle - Sponsored by SOLEX
7. The Greatest Festive RetailFood Team – Sponsored by Pleydell Smithyman
8. The Greatest Christmas Wild Bird Care & Pet Team - Sponsored by Marriages
9. The Greatest Garden Centre Grotto Team - Sponsored by Smart Garden Products – Three Kings
10. The Greatest Group Small Garden Centre Christmas Team - Sponsored by Woodmansterne
11. The Greatest Group Large Garden Centre Christmas Team - Sponsored by Tildenet
12. The Greatest Small Garden Centre Christmas Team - Sponsored by Garden Radio
13. The Greatest Mid-Sized Garden Centre Christmas Team – Sponsored by Kaemingk
14. The Greatest Large Garden Centre Christmas Team – Sponsored by MorePeople
15. The Greatest Giant Garden Centre Christmas Team - Sponsored by Kaemingk

GTN December 2024/January 2025 - Sustainability Directory. In this issue:

Exclusive interview with the Mercer family of Hillmount Garden Centres in Belfast , GTN’s Greatest Christmas Awards – all the centres have now been visited – winners will be announced at Spring Fair on Monday 3rd February at 5:00p on The Stage, Spring Fair 2025 Preview, GTN’s Sustainability Directory for 2025, GIMA Awards Sustainability champions, Woodmansterne, ground-breaking environmental credentials, GCA Westland Rising Stars eco-friendly projects, Sustainability with what you already have, Webb eco – where power meets eco-friendliness, Sustainability Directory pages , Glam up your greens, UK Greetings, our world means the world to us, Success with Peat Free gardening, Thetford Garden Centre – now a B Corp, Tildenet’s huge range of sustainable and recycled products, Planteria – 2025 is the Year of the Begonia and the Pea, Let’s keep talking - HTA Viewpoint, A year of running – a big thank you from Kate Ebbens who ran every day in 2024 and raised over £30,000 for the Greenfingers Charity, 2025: friend or foe? - GIMA Viewpoint.