Flannery's Nurseries, long established as one of Ireland's foremost growers of nursery stock, are to expand into the UK.

Since it was founded foundation by Sean Flannery in 1979, the business has grown from a 1.5ha container nursery to a 25ha site producing 35-40,000 quality field-grown and container plants a year for retail and landscape markets in Ireland.

Famed for their introduction of Sorbus Autumn Spire, the company now believes the time is right to enter the UK market. Rose Flannery, daughter of the founder and current owner of the business, said; “We have always had a close association with the UK and over the years I have made many trips to study the market opportunities and have always been impressed with the professionalism of garden retailers and the huge opportunity presented to nurseries such as ours.”

Flannery's have hired the services of Bob Haward (pictured), well-known in the trade through his roles at Notcutts, Gibbs Palmer and Suttons. Bob, who has now set up his own agency, RH Dedicated Sales, said: “This is an exciting opportunity for me and one that blends well with my existing portfolio. I'm really looking forward to growing the market for Flannery’s as it seems to me there is an increasing demand for quality trees and shrubs in the UK.”