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Smart Garden to buy Chapelwood from Scotts
Rumours circulating at GLEE that Smart Garden were in the running to buy the Scotts Chapelwood business have been vindicated as the companies this week announced that they have agreed terms. The purchase price has not been disclosed.
Paris Natar (pictured right with Jonathan Stobart and the Smart Garden team after winning the GIMA Sword of Excellence) said: “At last, we have found absolutely the right opportunity to enter this exciting category."
Rumours circulating at GLEE that Smart Garden were in the running to buy the Scotts Chapelwood business have been vindicated as the companies this week announced that they have agreed terms. The purchase price has not been disclosed.
“We are delighted to have found, in Smart, an experienced buyer for this business” said Sheila Hill, UK General Manager of The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company.
“We made a strategic decision to focus on our core business which is not Wild Bird Care and it was clear that we had to find the right company to take Chapelwood forward and provide continuity and growth for its many loyal stockists.”
Paris Natar, Chairman of Smart, added: “At last, we have found absolutely the right opportunity to enter this exciting category.
"Most of our Management Team, myself included, have many years of experience in manufacturing and marketing Wild Bird Care products and we have made no secret of the fact that it has been on our ‘to-do’ list since acquiring the Smart business in 2013.
"Chapelwood provides the perfect springboard! But first, we have a new business to run and it is vital that we establish inventory within Smart at the earliest opportunity to meet our customers’ seasonal needs as fully as possible.
"We will be talking to and writing to all our customers in the coming days to give them all the information they will need.”
Pictured: Paris Natar (right) with Jonathan Stobart and the Smart Garden team after winning the GIMA Sword of Excellence.
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Smart Garden Products are not making any wild claims as to what they will achieve with the Chapelwood brand, acquired from Scotts on Friday. They are just prioritising on keeping existing supply channels going and starting the process of recapturing the sales and market position of Chapelwood before the sale and subsequent closure of Solus two years ago. Smart Garden MD, Jonathan Stobart told GTN Xtra yesterday: “We’ve already had a lot of customers contact us saying they are pleased we have picked up the business. Scotts have been supplying Chaplewood products right up to the day of the sale. We will be continuing that and updating existing customers later this week.” “We hope to retain the existing customer base initially and then re-launch next summer.” “Our entrepreneurial team at Smart know it will be a big task, but we are blessed with a lot of experienced people. As customers will know we are a commercially very strong on new product development and we feel there is opportunity for us to innovate in this area.” Asked why Smart had bought the Chapelwood brand rather than create a new Smart Bird care brand, Jonathan said: “It was opportunism in that Scotts decided to sell the brand, we initially talked to them over a year ago but it wasn’t for sale then, and the chance to re-build the reputation. Chapelwood has a solid footprint to build on and there is still a lot of affection according to the feedback we have received.” Jonathan explained that the purchase happened really quickly. “We only started talking to Scotts again just before Glee. Sheila Hill and her team have been very professional in the way they handled the transaction. The market has changed considerably over the past two years but we are really excited about the prospect. Our Smart Garden bestselling decorative bird baths now have a whole range of feed and feeders to go along with them in garden centres.” Finally, Jonathan explained there won’t be any staff transferring from Scotts to Smart Garden Products with the Chapelwood brand. “We will in time grow our team. We’ve been growing fast and that is always creating new opportunities. Good people always have a role in our business.” “Any garden centres wanting to find out more about Chapelwood now that it is owned by Smart Garden Products should contact Paul Knott via: p.knott@sgpuk.com.”
Smart Garden Products MD, Jonathan Stobart with Xavier Faure, Director European Sales, at spoga+gafa 2016 just before renewed contact with Scotts resulted in their acquisition of the Chapelwood wild bird care brand.
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Sale of Bayer Garden to French firm completes on Tuesday
The sale of Bayer Garden to French firm SBM Développement (SBM) will be completed this October 4, meaning that the product range and all 250 positions in Europe and North America will transfer to SBM at the start of the month...
The sale of Bayer Garden to French firm SBM Développement (SBM) will be completed this October 4, meaning that the product range and all 250 positions in Europe and North America will transfer to SBM at the start of the month.
Bayer Garden is part of Bayer Environmental Science - a business unit of the Bayer CropScience division. The deal means that Bayer Garden in the UK and Ireland will transfer its amateur gardening business to be run independently as SBM Life Science Limited. The Bayer Environmental Science team will be re-structured and will solely focus on professional turf, amenity and pest control solutions, and will remain at the Cambridge Science Park.
The current head of Bayer Environmental Science for the UK and Ireland, Darren Brown, will move to head up the SBM Life Science UK and Ireland headquarters at TechnoPark in Cambridge. He is positive about the opportunity the move presents. “SBM’s deep experience with biologics, soils and fertilizer products compliments the Bayer Garden portfolio to help strengthen our position in the market.”
And taking on the position of Bayer Environmental Science country head is Alan Morris - moving on from his current role as professional products head of sales.
“Having led the sales team for Bayer Environmental Science for five years, I’m enthusiastic about the new role that will develop the direction of the business in sales and marketing, but most importantly, in solutions - from regulatory hurdles, to safeguarding products with stewardship initiatives and designing new technologies for the future,” he says.
“The future is bright for Environmental Science and with over 500 people fully dedicated to these areas of the business globally, we have a strong team and a wealth of experience to draw upon,” says Alan. “Our vision is to develop industry solutions in our Pest Solutions and Turf Solutions Teams. One of the key focuses for Bayer is to innovate by enhancing formulations so that less active ingredient is required to achieving high efficacy.
Neil Pettican is moving into the role of head of sales for the turf and amenity business and brings with him 20 years’ experience in the sector, and a master’s degree in sports turf technology. He’s worked on a number of international class events at Wembley Stadium and has also been involved with four European Tour golf tournaments.
“Bayer Environmental Science is not just about offering the best products, it’s about providing solutions and supporting professionals with industry advice and expertise,” adds Alan.
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Flopro's ‘Shop within Shop’ is a real success
Flopro was the outright winner of the Best Point of Sale category in the 2016 GIMA Awards for their innovative Flopro Gun display with the judges commenting “There is no other watering brand displaying their products in this way."
Flopro was the outright winner of the Best Point of Sale category in the 2016 GIMA Awards for their innovative Flopro Gun display with the judges commenting “There is no other watering brand displaying their products in this way."
Fast forward to GIee 2016 and they stunned the market when they revealed their revolutionary Flopro ‘Shop within Shop’ concept.
With such a huge catalogue of innovative watering products to display, the Flopro marketing team recognised that existing, conventional display methods were completely out of date to communicate this new state of the art range.
The brief given to their designers was to develop a stand-alone ‘shop within shop’ which would bring theatre to the category, stopping customers in their tracks by providing the focal point for all gardeners’ watering requirements. The units are modular with merchandising solutions to accommodate outlets of all shapes and sizes.
The concept was so successful that the first customer was signed up within an hour of Glee opening.
Natalie Searle, Marketing Manager commented: “Flopro is a real success story, launched in 2013, the range now covers the complete watering category through hoses and accessories, reels and carts, guns and sprinklers plus connectors and nozzles.
"Also brand new for 2017 are three ‘Plug & Go’ irrigation kits which are simple to install requiring no tools and which save up to 70% of water compared to hand watering.”
Flopro products are manufactured in Europe using the finest materials with guarantees on all hoses, auto reels and the Elite range.
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Autumn activity in the garden drives up sales
Autumn planting activity is as strong as ever as we head towards October. Sales of Tete a Tete bulbs hold on at the top of the GTN All Garden Products Top 20 Chart and sales of Cyclamen, Pansies and Violas accounted for 36% of all plant sales according to EPoS data supplied for GTN Bestsellers...
Autumn planting activity is as strong as ever as we head towards October. Sales of Tete a Tete bulbs hold on at the top of the GTN All Garden Products Top 20 Chart and sales of Cyclamen, Pansies and Violas accounted for 36% of all plant sales according to EPoS data supplied for GTN Bestsellers.
After the heatwave gardeners appear to be making up for lost time with Growing Media sales up 58% compared to the same week last year.
One area that is not beating last year is Wild Bird Care Sales, our data indicates sales down 35% on the same week last year even taking into account the earlier sales of the Gardman Poppy feeders. As Chapelwood is sold to Smart Garden we wonder how the re-emergence of this once major brand will impact on the GTN Bestsellers Charts in the future.
To subscribe to GTN Bestsellers email karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk
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The success of Eden Halls Greenhouses’ revolutionary Eden Zero Threshold™ range in its first season is being followed up with an addition to the range – the Eden Broadway Lean-to – launching this autumn ready for the 2017 season. 
Eden Zero Threshold™ is one of a very few design developments within the aluminium frame greenhouse market for many years. Including the new Broadway, the five-strong product range is traditionally styled, but with many superior technical benefits, never seen before in the market. The range boasts game changing design breakthroughs including the award-winning and patent pending, Eden Zero Threshold™ Sliding Door System, which offers users ‘no trip’ access – a popular safety and convenience feature, particularly helpful for wheelchair users and for anyone using a wheelbarrow or trolley.
The new Broadway Lean-to brings all of the Eden Zero Threshold™ technical innovations to the lean-to market. Featuring lockable double sliding doors, it benefits from increased volume of air from the high eaves providing an improved growing environment with more room for plants and people. A high capacity gutter increases rainwater capture, allowing for easier cleaning, leaf removal and improved rainwater run-off. The Eden Broadway comes in three sizes – 4x8, 6x8, and 6x12 – with a number of added value options and accessories, two glazing choices - long pane toughened glass or polycarbonate and a choice of finishes - aluminium, green or black. The frame features a strong integral base and carries a 12-year guarantee. Robust and easy to assemble and with the benefit of British design and manufacture, the Broadway has a starting RRP of £888.00 including VAT and home delivery. Commenting on the launch of the Broadway, Eden’s marketing manager, Pete Monahan said, “A lean-to is a great choice for over-wintering plants because the sun warms the wall during the day and this heat will be released into the glazed space at night. So their popularity as both greenhouse and garden room-style space is not surprising. With the Broadway we are introducing all the technical benefits associated with Eden Zero Threshold™ into the lean-to market, a first for the sector. I am very confident Eden Broadway is going to be extremely popular.”  Interested retailers should contact their Eden representative or call the company on 01242 676625 or email mail@eden-greenhouses.com.
Eden Halls Greenhouses Ltd is one of the UK´s longest established greenhouse manufacturers. Part of the Juliana Group, it has an enviable reputation for quality and value.
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Managing Director wanted at Glendale Horticulture
Glendale Horticulture, based in Gloucestershire, is on the search for a new Managing Director. The role at the company, which provides over 18 million plants per annum into the UK market, is being advertised by recruitment specialists MorePeople...
Glendale Horticulture, based in Gloucestershire, is on the search for a new Managing Director. The role at the company, which provides over 18 million plants per annum into the UK market, is being advertised by recruitment specialists MorePeople.
Glendale Horticulture is made up from three traditional nursery companies with over 100 years trading experience who have come together to form the group and offer a full range of product to a wide customer base.
The business has recently undergone a re-shaping exercise to make the business ready for the future and as a consequence we have been asked to recruit an outstanding and commercially focussed leader to join the company as Managing Director of Glendale Horticulture.
Click here to see more details about the role and how to apply.
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Responding to the need for an effective, fully integrated approach to marketing perennials, Perennial Plant Products has announced the launch of a new, two-brand marketing strategy being developed for their European & US markets.
Designed to involve the entire supply chain from Breeder to end Consumer, the new strategy involves the creation of two separate brands, one for our Industry and the other focused on the end Consumer. Each is supported by its own individual branding, including new logos and websites, but with an integrated marketing communications approach to drive market growth. Over the next six months, the new elements of the program will be shared with breeders through to the end Consumer.
Must Have Perennials™ - the new Industry Trade brand - is being designed to provide an integrated marketing vehicle to support Breeders, Young Plant Producers, Finished Plant Producers and Retailers in bringing new, innovative perennials to market, as well as the continued marketing of the existing ranges of top-selling perennials, up to this point marketed under the Blooms of Bressingham brand. This includes Geranium Rozanne™, the world’s top-selling perennial. Note that the existing licensee network is not changing.
Must Have Perennials™ has its own website (www.MustHaveperennials.com) and is being further developed to provide full-range information on each variety, including growing data, seasonal marketing ideas and advance news of new introductions. The site will also include access to new marketing collateral to be created for the Trade to use in the promotion of sales to their own customers.
Rozanne and Friends™ is the new Consumer brand, focused on promoting the Must Have Perennials™ range to the end user through its own website (www.Rozanneandfriends.com) and individual branding. This will build on Geranium Rozanne’s very successful consumer marketing which has made it the world’s most popular plant on social media with over 65,000 likes on Facebook.
Geranium Rozanne™ has established itself as the world’s top-selling perennial and has earned many prestigious awards from around the globe. Rozanne™ now has an established personality arising out of an innovative social media campaign over the past 18 months.
Rozanne’s “Friends” will be a constantly developing range of perennial plants, each with outstanding garden performance, versatility and functionality to meet the needs of the consumer, together with offering exceptional value for money.
A range of in-store Point of Sale material is being developed over the next six months to assist Retailers in maximizing sales potential, linking with future Rozanne and Friends™ national marketing campaigns.
A new Rozanne and Friends™ Garden Design Program is also being developed over the next year. To the end Consumer, this will highlight plant combinations and the provision of much needed information on how and where to use all perennials. It will also be at the center of marketing communications to both the Trade and end Consumer.
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Johnsons Lawn Seed gets recharged at Glee 2016
In an exciting move Johnsons Lawn Seed launched its recharged branding at Glee 2016. Waving goodbye to its old packaging design which has graced the shelves of retailers for the last decade, the new look Johnsons Lawn Seed marks a new era for the UK’s favourite consumer lawn seed provider...
In an exciting move Johnsons Lawn Seed launched its recharged branding at Glee 2016. Waving goodbye to its old packaging design which has graced the shelves of retailers for the last decade, the new look Johnsons Lawn Seed marks a new era for the UK’s favourite consumer lawn seed provider.
Born from a desire to create something new and exciting for the garden retail market, as well as a direct result of ongoing feedback from a number of focus groups and consumer research, Johnsons Lawn Seed’s new look offers something completely different to what is currently already available.
With a strong colour palette, the new packaging takes a step away from the green colours that dominate garden centre shelves and creates an eye-catching display with its charcoal grey and accent colour collection, which directly correlates to each product in the range. With updated front of pack information, plus an easy to understand seed data section, it has never been easier or quicker for consumers to make educated purchases at the point of sale.
Each pack also features a QR code which, when scanned, leads consumers to Johnsons’ quick advice YouTube videos, plus each box comes complete with a re-sealable side, increasing its shelf-life.
Guy Jenkins from DLF, Johnsons Lawn Seed’s parent company said: “The redesign of the packaging has been a work in progress for some time. It was important that we got it right, which is why we have taken our time to consult with the latest market research and consumer focus groups, as well as working with our retail customers to create a style and look that met the combined needs and wants.
"Our new packaging is slick, contemporary and creates a real point of difference within the retail environment. What’s more, it makes it easy for customers to find the right lawn seed for their gardens simply by glancing at the front of the box! We hope the industry loves it as much we do!”
Green Lawn Technology
Johnsons Lawn Seed’s new packaging comes at a time when the company has been heavily investing in the product inside the box. Earlier this year, the company brought to market one of the most exciting lawn seed innovations for many years.
Rolled out across its General Purpose, Tuffgrass, Quick Fix and Quick Lawn products, the new formula lawn seed represented a significant evolution within lawn seed technology. Marked as ‘Green Lawn Technology’ on the new packaging, Johnsons Lawn Seed will be investing time and effort in 2017 to further communicate the benefits of this new technology to end users.
Guy Jenkins added: “We are passionate about delivering a product that achieves real results for customers. Our ‘Green Lawn Technology’ has been developed through years and years of dedicated R&D. Put simply this new technology means that a lawn grown from our seed will benefit from a number of time and money saving benefits – including quicker germination and establishment, the ability to sow at temperatures as low as 3°C, improved colour, better drought tolerance and the need to water and fertilise less regularly compared to other lawn seed products. This new technology really is a game changer, and we’re excited to continue to roll this out into the market.”
Find out more
To find out more about Johnsons Lawn Seed, visit www.johnsonslawnseed.com, email consumer@dlf.co.uk, or telephone (01386) 791113.
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Those businesses that stay agile and ahead of the game are in a better place to succeed. With the theme of ‘Business Agility in a Disruptive World’ the HTA Garden Futures conference and dinner will examine some of the key business disruptors facing the garden industry that challenge agility.
Sponsored by Hozelock and Scotts Miracle-Gro, the conference and dinner, which takes place on Wednesday 12 October at Heythrop Park in Oxfordshire, provides the opportunity to hear from key business leaders and experts with impactful and thought-provoking business focussed content to inspire and energise.
The conference programme includes…
The UK Economy Post Brexit
The vote to leave the EU has created a range of disruptions and questions over the future outlook for the UK economy. Joshua McBain, Head of Innovation, Future Foundation will be examining the short and longer term implications of Brexit for the UK economy – signposting the key projections impacting the garden retail industry.
Trending 2017: A new shopper awaits
Every stage of the shopper faces disruption and fragmentation in our world of tech-progress and ever-expectant consumers. Dominic Harrison, Content Director, Future Foundation will outline the consumer context for 2017, highlighting emerging shopper expectations and innovations that are likely to characterise the shopping landscape of 2017.
The future of retail - Exploring the new metrics of winning
Ibrahim Ibrahim, Managing Director, Portland Design Associates Ltd will explore how consumers’ relationships with brands is shifting and how that is driving the rapidly changing retail landscape. Ibrahim will describe the four pillars of success that the future winners in retail will adopt and how this will shape the new notion of the shop. Ibrahim’s presentation will be peppered with best practice examples across a wide range of retail categories.
The programme also includes:
- Keynote speaker, French businessman and former Captain of the French Ice Hockey team, PY Gerbeau, will talk about the challenges and opportunities presented by the various roles he has held for companies including Euro Disney and the Millennium Dome.
- Leonard Diepenbrock, TOX-Dübel-Technik GmbH – the use of technology and the rise of the smart home (and garden).
- Paul Pleydell, Director, Pleydell Smithyman – what the garden industry can do to ‘think outside the box’ and stay agile.
There will also be a panel session, chaired by George Bullivant Director of Garden Forum and involving representatives from across the industry including Neil Grant from Ferndale Garden Centre and Alex Newey from the Newey Group, looking at the challenges facing the garden retail sector.
There will be also be plenty of time for networking throughout the day and during the dinner which will also include the presentation of the HTA Pearson Medal and the GTN Greatest Awards for Greatest Garden Care Retail Team of the Year, the Greatest Customer Service Team of the Year and the Greatest Garden Centre of the Year.
Make sure you don’t miss out! Book your place now at www.hta.org.uk/gardenfutures
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A blooming lovely design has been showcased on all new delivery vehicles for the Klondyke Group.
Five new delivery vans now feature the eye catching hydrangea livery and reference each individual garden centre location.
Marketing Manager Abbie McHolm commented: “The new design is fun and vibrant and gives the vehicles a sleek, modern look. We have been working recently on our corporate signage and branding and this new van livery works superbly with our overall look.”
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Wildlife World’s new venture with Simon King was not only the focus of the company’s stand at Glee 2016, but also won them an award for the best new wildlife and pet product.
Wildlife World was awarded winner of the category for the Brushwood Robin Nester, which is a part of the company’s new brand of products created in partnership with Simon King. Wildlife World was also a finalist with the new Simon King Hedgehog Feeder.
The Brushwood Robin Nester was one of many products within the new Simon King Wildlife World range launched exclusively at Glee. Wildlife World also introduced many of their own new products at the show.
Norman Sellers, Managing Director at Wildlife World commented, “We are so pleased and honoured to have won the best new product award for wildlife and pets, especially for this particular product. We have been working hard with Simon King for some time to create new products that we hoped would excite the market and this is definitely an excellent start. It’s great working with Simon King as his knowledge and expertise has allowed us to together create products that are truly beneficial to birds and other wildlife species.”
The Brushwood Robin Nester is an original design by Simon King, who has used his knowledge of birds and robins in particular to create a habitat that is tailored to the nesting habits of the species. Unlike many other bird species, robins are known to prefer open fronted nesting spots and can be found building their nests in flowerpots, boxes and kettles! With this in mind, Simon King and Wildlife World created the Brushwood Nester to reflect this particular habit and create a beneficial habitat for the species, which doubles up as an attractive feature for gardens. The brushwood finish allows the nester to be hidden easily amongst foliage, or as an eye-catching focal point in a garden.
The nest box was amongst many other products in the new Simon King range that were displayed at the show and gathered a great deal of interest from visitors. The partnership has also introduced other nest boxes, and feeders as well as a new solar light hedgehog feeder and high-spec wildlife hide. The Simon King range is available to buy from the Simon King Wildlife Shop at the retail price of £6.99.
Further information is available from Wildlife World on 01666 505333, by emailing info@wildlifeworld.co.uk or by visiting the company’s website at www.wildlifeworld.co.uk
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Ian Boardman is to be one of the first to facilitate Training Masterclasses at HTA’s Horticulture House, Chilton near Oxford.
 Ian says: “The more I heard about the HTA moving to new premises, the more I liked the idea of using it as a Training Venue. It came just as I was looking for venues for two new Training Initiatives so it all seemed to fit. People have been asking me for this type of programme for some time so I am looking forward to facilitating the days we have planned.”
"There is often great benefit in getting a room full of like-minded people together to discuss work related issues. Having an external facilitator can help the process along and help draw conclusions and action plans." The Plant Area Managers’ Development Programme starts on Wednesday 9th November has been designed tohelp managers develop themselves and their departments and make the most of their specialist knowledge. "It’s all about sharing ideas, experiences, problems and solutions. It’s about learning as a group and from the group," Ian explained. "I am an experienced Plant Area Manager in two different centres and will guide you through the two days." "The programme involves two days in the year. The process each day would include reviewing, analysing, discussing and planning the future. Benchmark figures would be agreed for sharing for discussion and goal planning. There is also a project to carry out at work – plan it, organise it and action it – then report back." The Personal Development Programme begins on Thursday 10th November and is over three days. It is aimed to help those in any branch of the horticulture industry wishing to improve their skills in developing themselves and those around them to achieve the following : - Get the best performance from yourself and others
- Communicate with more clarity, accuracy and persuasiveness
- Set ambitious goals and achieve them on time
- Use good humour to make yourself more effective in the workplace
- Distinguish between constructive and destructive criticism
- Manage your priorities so that you are always doing the most important thing
- Inspire others to create a positive atmosphere around you
- Project – carry out a real project at work – plan it, organise it and action it – then report back
Programme Dates Plant Area Managers’ Development Programme - Day One Wednesday 9 November
- Day Two Thursday 9 February 2017
Personal Development Programme - Day One Thursday 10 November
- Day Two Wednesday 11 January
- Day Three Wednesday 8 February
To book or if you require more information email Ian Boardman at i.boardman@btinternet.com
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Wyevale Garden Centres have notified local residents of their plans to re-develop the Windlesham site for housing.
The following was spotted on The Windlesham Society website: http://www.windleshamsociety.co.uk/
At Wyevale we constantly review the performance of each of our Centres and the conditions in which we operate. In this respect our Windlesham Centre is located in very close proximity to other large garden centres on London Road, including the Hillier Garden Centre, which as you are no doubt aware, is located directly next to our site.
In light of this strong local garden centre offer, we have concluded that there is an opportunity for us to consider an alternative use for our site in Windlesham. As such we have been in discussion with planning officers at Surrey Heath Borough Council (SHBC) on proposals for the redevelopment of the site to provide 15 new family homes.
We initially submitted our site for consideration to SHBC through the Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment (SHLAA), which has identified the site as a ‘developable’ opportunity. Pre-application engagement has since been undertaken with Council officers, who have confirmed that the site is previously developed brownfield land and, as such, its redevelopment is considered acceptable.
The 15 new family homes would make a small but valuable contribution towards the Council’s overall housing requirements and include six affordable homes in accordance with SHBC policy.
Crucially, the scheme also provides a unique opportunity to improve the site’s Green Belt setting through the following benefits:
A net decrease in the footprint of built development on the site;
Significant reduction in the areas of hardstanding and concrete;
The retention and increase in the amount of green space on the site;
A substantial increase in soft landscaping across the site, including new trees;
A significant reduction in vehicle movements and activity on and off the site, with the complete removal of HGV deliveries;
An associated reduction of overall highway movements on London Road close to the site. We are proposing to submit a planning application for these proposals to SHBC in the coming weeks. Prior to this we are writing to local residents to make them aware of the proposals.
Our team at the Centre is aware of the proposals, and it will remain open for business as usual.
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Managing Director (ref:GM8720)
Location: West Midlands
Salary: To attract the best
Date: 28 Sep
Job Type: Full-Time
Duration: Permanent
Glendale Horticulture is an autonomous business unit within the £65 million turnover Glendale Group. The business grows and supplies a wide range of high quality ornamental plants to the amenity and retail sectors and covers a number of different sites within the UK with the head office based in Gloucestershire. The business has recently undergone a re-shaping exercise to make the business ready for the future and as a consequence we have been asked to recruit an outstanding and commercially focussed leader to join the company as Managing Director Glendale Horticulture.
The right person…
- You are very smart and astute and of graduate calibre.
- You are able to demonstrate a successful track record leading a commercial business.
- Good horticulture knowledge would be great but first and foremost we are looking for a commercially savvy leader with outstanding communication skills.
- You have excellent attention to detail and very good financial and general business awareness.
- You are focussed on profitable growth but also a great people motivator and man manager.
- You are entrepreneurial and dynamic with a clear desire to grow your career within a progressive organisation.
- Experience dealing with a diverse portfolio of clients is essential and experience within either horticulture or a similar sector would be ideal.
The business is keen to grow and develop and as the new Managing Director you will be tasked with driving this growth through the management of the team. The position will lead a developed and agile team.
The role is based in the West Midlands but with regular travel to the various other UK sites and provides a fabulous opportunity for you to grow your career.
For a confidential conversation please ring Guy Moreton of MorePeople on 01780 480530 or apply by sending your cv to Guy on glendale@morepeople.co.uk
To apply for this role click here
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Nursery Growing Supervisor (ref:DS8682)
Location: Warwickshire
Salary: £20,000 - £25,000
Date: 16 Sep
Job Type: Full-Time
Duration: Permanent
This is an excellent opportunity for you to join an established and innovative horticultural business. This new role will give you the chance to develop your skills whilst helping this nursery to expand and develop their business.
The job
This role will involve care and plant husbandry of trees, hedging, shrubs and herbaceous perennials. As nursery supervisor you will be required to organise your own work and schedule your time across our three production sites. You will support the team as a whole and deal with the trade where necessary to assist with sales and give advice. You should have previous growing experience and an understanding of current best nursery practice, combined with good tree and general plant knowledge.
The Candidate
The ideal candidate should posses spraying certificates PA1 & Pa6, a full UK driving license and knowledge of pest and disease will be required.
Candidates will need to be self-motivated well organised and able to work well individually and as part of a team.
Candidates may be required to help with driving and installation works during busy periods, as well as some weekend work.
Remuneration
Competitive Salary circa £20-25,000 & Company pension scheme
To apply for this role click here
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Garden Sundries Retail Manager | West Midlands (ref:DS8710)
Location: West Midlands
Salary: £18,000 - £22,000
Date: 28 Sep
Job Type: Full-Time
Duration: Permanent
We are currently seeking an outstanding Garden Sundries Retail Manager to manage the Shop Area of this West Midlands based garden centre that are part of a Nationwide group that are continually growing and developing their leading garden centres across England and Wales.
The Role
This is an exciting opportunity to join a cutting edge Garden Sundries Department. The ideal candidate will have a background in seasonal products or garden centre retail with excellent garden sundries product knowledge from seeds to clothing. They will manage seasonal changes and have the ability to present and merchandise their department to the highest standard.
The Candidate
Team leadership skills are essential as is the ability to communicate well with customers delivering excellent standards of customer care. Working in a busy retail team environment means you will have to have a hands-on approach to all duties within this department.
Candidates must have a background in retail, be able to merchandise and manage rapidly changing stock.
Knowledge of garden products and garden chemicals etc. would also be an advantage but additional training can be given.
If you are passionate about garden sundries and would enjoy sharing this enthusiasm with our client's customers, we would love to hear from you.
To apply for this role click here
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Horticultural / Plantarea Manager | Berkshire (ref:DS8714)
Location: Berkshire
Salary: £18,000 - £22,000
Date: 28 Sep
Job Type: Full-Time
Duration: Permanent
This nationwide group of garden centres are looking to recruit an outstanding plants person for one of their leading Berkshire based centres.
The Role
They are seeking a top Plantarea or Horticultural Manager with great merchandising and retail skills to take on the role of Manager of one of the largest departments within the centre. As Horticulture / Plantarea Manager you will look after the day to day merchandising and maintenance of the plant stock as well as motivating the team to provide the highest standard of customer service. The role will also have duty management responsibility across the entire centre.
The Candidate
Candidates MUST HAVE strong horticultural knowledge both practical and academic and be able to demonstrate a very high level of plant knowledge, as well as having excellent man management and customer service skills so that the highest possible customer experience is delivered at all times.
The plantarea is the focus point of any garden centre and your standards for customer service, merchandising and the little details that make a department special will make you stand out. Experience within a garden centre is essential as is supervisory skills.
To apply for this role click here
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with all the news direct to your e-mail inbox. The best news service every weekend and all the breaking news as it happens.
Subscribe for free using this link: http://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/gtnxtra/7rulj2yio7x?a=6&p=49514304&t=20355005
Sales of Autumn Lawncare have started to get going, but it’s still garden lighting and houseplant care that are dominating sales in the GTN Bestsellers Chart as we approach October.
The highlights:
- Smart Solar Twist Stake Light is the highest re-entry.
- Scotts Weedol Rootkill Plus Gun 1-litre is the highest climber.
- Briers Hand Trowel Petrol Blue Stainless Steel is thehighest new entry.
To subscribe to GTN Bestsellers email karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk
Onions and fruit hold off green winter veg sales
Onions and fruit plant sales make up all of the Top 10 GTN Veg 2 Gro Bestsellers products this week as gardeners are waiting for colder weather to start buying and planting their green veg plants for winter growing...
Onions and fruit plant sales make up all of the Top 10 GTN Veg 2 Gro Bestsellers products this week as gardeners are waiting for colder weather to start buying and planting their green veg plants for winter growing.
The other main highlights this week were:
- Quantil Curly Kale Strips is the highest re-entry at No 12.
- Suttons Fun To Grow Scrummy Veg Collection is the highest new entry at No 24.
- Taylors Bulbs Windowsill Herb Pots Basil, Parsley and Chive is the highest climber, jumping 22 places to No 14.
To subscribe to GTN Bestsellers email karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk
Garden changes fuel top soil sales
Increased sales of top soil this week indicate a high level of garden changing as well as bulb planting and general autumn growing preparation activity. Westland Decorative Mini Bark (50 litres) was the highest re-entry at No 22...
Increased sales of top soil this week indicate a high level of garden changing as well as bulb planting and general autumn growing preparation activity.
After a good summer for growing media sales it now looks as though there will be benefit in keeping those displays looking good in the run up to Christmas.
This week’s highlights were:
- Scotts Levington Organic Choice Farmyard Manure (56 litres) was the highest climber, jumping 24 places to No 11.
- Westland Decorative Mini Bark (50 litres) was the highest re-entry at No 22.
- Scotts Levington Multipurpose + John Innes (56 litres) retained the top spot.
- Bord na Mona Growise Multipurpose Compost (50 litres) returned to the Top 50, as did Scotts Levington Ericaceous Compost (20 litres).
To subscribe to GTN Bestsellers email karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk
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Top 50 plant sales continue to grow
While total plant sales only grew by 0.6%, sales volumes of the Top 50 Bestsellers grew by 7%, indicating the importance of merchandising plants that are selling in
hot spots to ensure you maximise gardening sales despite the upheaval of setting up for Christmas...
While total plant sales only grew by 0.6%, sales volumes of the Top 50 Bestsellers grew by 7%, indicating the importance of merchandising plants that are selling in
hot spots to ensure you maximise gardening sales despite the upheaval of setting up for Christmas.
- Hellianthus sales had the biggest increase, re-entering at No 12.
- Erysimum, Calocephalus, Saintpaulia and Echinacea more than doubled their sales.
- Euonymus entered our chart for the first time at No 37.
To subscribe to GTN Bestsellers email karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk
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A group of hardy (read foolhardy) horticulturists have completed an epic 6-day cycle from the foot of Snowdon in North Wales to Lands End in Cornwall raising over £30,000 to date for Perennial, the charity supporting all those who work in the horticulture industry.
The two teams of riders, some on road bikes and some on mountain bikes, climbed the equivalent of Mt. Everest (riding 759km) and Mt. Kilimanjaro (riding 530km) respectively over the course of the week.
The challenge was masterminded by Brian Herbert, MD of Outdoor Options in Surrey, Matt O’Connor, MD of John O’Connor Grounds Maintenance in Hertfordshire, Darren Skidmore, MD of Skidmores in Hertfordshire and Richard Gardiner, MD of NAG Solutions in Surrey.
They were supported by a brilliant group of professional riders from PIE Events, based in Surrey.
Brian Herbert can’t thank the teams and support staff enough for what was a truly memorable week.
He says: “I’m still reflecting on what was undoubtedly one of the best weeks of my life and taking everything in. It was a whirlwind of a week and I only wish I had had the energy (and time) to keep a daily diary.
"From the brilliant organization that went into this challenge from pie events and the sponsors and supporters that have made it all possible, to the incredible team spirit and camaraderie of the whole squad and their families, clients and employers for giving them the time off, I am honoured to call myself a ‘Three Peaker’ and am already working on ideas for the next HortAid fundraiser!”
Kate O’Shea, Development Manager at Perennial, says: “The Snowdon to Lands End challenge represents what is possible when our industry leaders come together to support colleagues who need the help of Perennial when times get tough.
"The team was determined to beat their 2013 fundraising total (£26,000 for the Three Peaks Extreme Challenge) and it’s fair to say they’ve smashed it! It was a gruelling week of cycling - both physically and mentally - taking in some breath-taking scenery from North Wales to the edge of Cornwall and we know it was not undertaken lightly by any member of the team.
"I would like to thank each and every rider, their supporters, the event sponsors and the team from pie events on behalf of everyone at Perennial, and all those we help each year with support, advice and financial assistance.
"The money raised through this challenge – just as with any of our many incredible fundraising activities - will change lives for the better and it is an inspiration to us all to keep going and to achieve more.”
The event was fully supported from start to finish by top professional guides from Passion In Events (PIE). Support vehicles were provided by Oakview Landscapes, Skidmores of Herts and Thurlow Nunn Vauxhall (Luton) and the challenge was sponsored by Bowles & Wyer, London Stone, Silverland Stone and Garden Link.
There is still time to sponsor the team securely online via JustGiving (https://www.justgiving.com/teams/three-peakers-ride-again) or by Text 2 Give (Text GRBS66 £5 (or any amount) to 70070).
All funds raised will help Perennial support UK horticulturists and their families who are facing hardship, unemployment, family trauma, illness, injury or bereavement. Perennial provides free and confidential advice and financial assistance for as long as it is required, made possible by the generosity and support of the UK horticulture industry and the garden-loving public.
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Garden centres battle against 'unfair business rates'
Malcolm Scott Consultants, in conjunction with parent company Harris Lamb, is working with a number of UK garden centres to protect them from unfair business rates charges and ensure they are well equipped to appeal against them as the 2017 Rating list is announced...
Malcolm Scott Consultants, in conjunction with parent company Harris Lamb, is working with a number of UK garden centres to protect them from unfair business rates charges and ensure they are well equipped to appeal against them as the 2017 Rating list is announced.
Nigel Fletcher, of Harris Lamb’s Rating team, said that since acquiring the planning consultancy in May this year, the team had been working to offer guidance and support to the garden centre trade with a view to reducing their business rates.
The Non-Domestic Rating appeal system is currently undergoing a period of consultation, with the resulting changes likely to be the biggest shake-up for 26 years. The governments Valuation Office Agency (VOA) is due to release the draft 2017 rating list on Friday (30th September) with the List becoming live on 1st April 2017, and Harris Lamb will be spending the coming months working with existing and new clients from within the horticultural sector to ensure they are fully armed with the knowledge and expertise required to ensure they can reduce rates and lodge appeals where required.
The Government’s proposed changes to the appeal process for the forthcoming 2017 national rating revaluation will be a three stage process called ‘Check, Challenge, Appeal’.
Check – whereby facts concerning a property must be agreed between the Valuation Office and the ratepayer,
Challenge – the period during which the majority of appeals will be resolved, according to the Government, and finally,
Appeal – whereupon any involved parties will focus on outstanding material issues.
Nigel said: “The Government intends to charge a fee for the appeal stage, which will be up to £150 for small businesses and £300 for other businesses – the fee will only be refunded if the appeal is successful. Furthermore, the proposals state that, when considering an appeal, the Valuation Tribunal for England (VTE) should order a change in the Rateable Value only where its view is that the valuation is ‘outside the bounds of reasonable professional judgement’.
“These new processes have the potential of being grossly unfair to the ratepayer, and could cost businesses many thousands of pounds over the life of the 2017 rating list if the rateable value is excessively high but still within what the Government considers to be inside the ‘bounds of reasonable judgement’. Current indications suggest incorrect rateable values may not be amended for at least 18 months, with ratepayers expected to continue to pay the original rates liability until such time as any challenge to the rateable value is concluded, and adjustments or refunds issued where appropriate.”
Nigel added: “There are many considerations to take into account when examining a centre’s rateable value, and the key is to plan in advance. Current indications for the forthcoming 2017 rating revaluation suggest the Valuation Officer is taking into account a number of factors influencing the garden centre market. These include the reduction in home ownership, new houses having smaller gardens, and garden centre diversification into non-horticultural sales such as clothing and furniture. There has also been an increase of concessions within garden centres, with high street retailers seeking to benefit from the footfall. “
When valuing garden centres for rating purposes, the Valuation Officer applies an appropriate scale of value (£/sqm) which is derived from rental evidence, and applied to the centres accommodation. Further reference can be taken by analysing gross turnover (excl VAT). When appraising the accuracy of the rateable value, the first line of investigation is to check the VOA’s survey details and the basis of valuation applied to a property. In addition, there are opportunities to seek reductions in rates liabilities where garden centres are undergoing alteration works by way of a ‘Material Changes in Circumstance’ (MCC) appeal. MCC’s can also be sought if works (eg Roadworks) nearby the subject property have a significant effect on trade. Newly constructed garden centres should also be reviewed during the period of works, to ensure the Valuation Officer does not seek to assess the property prematurely.
To illustrate the rates liability incurred on a garden centre, a rateable value of £100,000 would result in a charge of £49,700 for the current rate year (2016/17). This clearly represents a significant annual charge. We understand the Government considers garden centres to have managed the economic recession better than many commercial properties, with large garden centres faring better than the lower end of the sector. This suggests larger garden centres (rateable values perhaps exceeding £75,000) may experience larger than average increases in rates charges.
“Along with our MSC colleagues we will be able to offer clients across the sector the best advice and support throughout the complicated consultation process and hope to see a resulting reduction in overall business rates for them,” added Nigel.
Harris Lamb charges are calculated on a performance related basis, ensuring the exercise is self-financing. Fees are set at a mutually agreed level, and documented in accordance with the guidelines set by the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).
For a discussion with the team, contact Nigel on nigel.fletcher@harrislamb.com
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Kent & Stowe – Know Your Soil – excels at Glee
Kent & Stowe have designed and developed a range of ‘Know Your Soil’ tools for soil types which are compacted and considered harder to work. The new tools based on traditional designs were launched to wide acclaim at Glee 2016...
 Knowing your soil is the first important step in gardening and finding the right tool for the job is essential. Kent & Stowe have designed and developed a range of ‘Know Your Soil’ tools for soil types which are compacted and considered harder to work. The new tools based on traditional designs were launched to wide acclaim at Glee 2016.
Over 45% of the UK is made up of clay soils, with the majority of new build properties containing this hard soil. Clay soils are rich in fine clay particles called ‘heavy soils’ and although hard to manage are potentially extremely fertile being very rich in plant nutrients.
These tools are tailored for specialist jobs such as planting, digging, potting and most importantly working difficult areas in the garden. There are seven tools in the range including a Clay Mule which has a flat blade to loosen and aerate, a Hand Pick Mattock for breaking up heavy ground and a Round Nose Shovel to easily penetrate hard to work soil.
Commenting on the new Kent & Stowe ‘Know your Soil’ range, Sue Larkin of Ducks Hill Garden Centre (Choice Marketing member) said: “This is perfect for customers in our area where we have heavy clay soils. The tools are good quality and the comprehensive range covers a wide range of tasks. The compact display module showing the tools in use is very effective and doesn’t take up too much space.”
The full colour, purpose built display stand which holds all seven tools has been designed to educate consumers and ensure that they select the right tool for the job. Large information panels help gardeners to identify their particular soil type and show lifestyle images of the tools in use.
The ‘Know Your Soil’ category carries a 10 year guarantee and forms part of the extended Kent & Stowe ‘Built on tradition, crafted for life’ range.
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Glee New Product Awards - Full list of winners
Ten ground-breaking new garden products were confirmed as the winners of the coveted Glee New Product Awards at Glee 2016, including Wildlife World (pictured) who won the Wildlife and Pets category...
Ten ground-breaking new garden products have been confirmed as the winners of the coveted Glee New Product Awards at Glee 2016.
The winning products were chosen by an expert panel of judges representing independent and multiple retailers, the media and international buyers.
After initial judging of the 305 new products first thing on Monday morning the judges selected finalists in each category. Then, for the first time at Glee those finalists had the opportunity to meet the judges on Monday afternoon to answer questions and make a pitch to be chosen as the winner. The winners were:
 Retail Services and Experiences
Winner: Compass Group (stand 17U30)
Finalist: Malcolm Scott Consultants (17T59)
 Outdoor Entertaining
Winner: Cadac - Urban Chef (17Y26)
Finalists: CPL - Homefire Olive Briquettes (17V10) and Panacea - Vintage Beverage Washtub (19F60) 
Garden Decoration
Winner: Smart Garden - Solar Daffodil (18K30-31)
Finalists: Fallen Fruits - Dog Bench (18H30) and Pot Pal - Classico (20A13)
Home, Gift and Clothing
Winner: Briers - Julie Dodsworth Orangery Comfi Gardener Gove (19H05)
Finalists: Briers - Navy Neoprene Wellington Boot (19H05) and JKS Creations - The Aquabrush (20B55)
 Wildlife and Pets
Winner: Wildlife World - Simon King Brushwood Robin Nester (18M50)
Finalists: Petface - Memory foam and microfibre mattress (18M30 - N31) and Wildlife World - ground feeder range (18M50)
 Garden Care - Growing Accessories
Winner: Lows - skALE Greenwall (19H51)
Finalists: Burgon & Ball - Large Hip Trug (19C26-E27) and LBS - Flexigrow – (18L60)
 Garden Care – Chemicals, Fertilisers and Growing Media
Winner: Block Blitz - Block Blitz (17R03)
Finalists: Westland - Safe Lawn (19G20-H21) and Westland - Gro Sure Smart
 Plants, seeds and bulbs
Winner: Javado - Growing Light Bulbs (20C30)
Finalists: Channel Island Plants - Petunia Tumbelina Maria (NB33) and Javado - Planted Wek Jar (20C30)
 Tools & Machinery
Winner: Scotts Round Up Gel Wand (18M20-N21)
Finalists: Greenworks - 40 volt Cordless Garden Cart (19C30-E31) and NAP Brands - Black and Decker Snake Wand (17Y40)
 Landscaping
Winner: Decopak - Milano Porcelain Paving (20J30-K31)
Finalists: Cadix - Birdbath (20E26-F27) and Panacea - Decorative Landscape Edging 19F60
 Best of British
Joint winner: Pot Pals and Block Blitz
 Going Green
Winner: CPL Homefire Olive Briquettes
 Best New Product at Glee
Lows - skALE Greenwall
Glee and Garden Trade News would like to thank the judges for Glee New Products 2016 for giving their time: - Andy Bunker, Alton Garden Centre
- Brian Archibald, Coolings
- Claudia Roberts, Notcutts
- Gabor Knorr, British Garden, Austria
- Heidi Towse, Frosts
- Michelle de Lavis Trafford, Choice Marketing
- Nigel Poyner, Consultant
- Stuart Whalley, Blue Diamond
- Val Kempster, Rosebourne
The judging panel was chaired by Trevor Pfeiffer, MD of Garden Trade News and kept in order by Harry Sinclair and Rebbecca Dean of GTN's owners The Garden Communication & Media Co Ltd.
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Every week GTN receives and analyses epos data from a number of UK garden centres to produce the GTN Bestsellers charts and weekly bestsellers sales tips. The full charts which provide useful insight into product sales peaks, new trends and new link sales opportunities are published in the weekly GTN Xtra printed newsletter.
As the year goes on we give sales volume comparisons with 2014 as well as 2015 to allow your teams to see variations over a three year period. Access is by subscription only. For £145.00 per year you and your team can have access to the most up-to-date gardening sales analysis that has already helped many UK garden centres increase their sales. To subscribe call 01733 775700, e-mail karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk or buy on-line using this link.
Highlights of the GTN Garden Products Bestsellers chart for this week are here
Highlights of the GTN Garden Plants Bestsellers chart for this week are here
Highlights of the GTN Veg-2-Gro Bestsellers chart for this week are here
Highlights of the GTN Growing Media Bestsellers chart for this week are here WARNING the GTN Bestsellers Charts seriously improve the business of our subscribers. Invest 15 minutes each week in improving your sales using the GTN Bestsellers charts and your turnover and customer satisfaction will improve too.
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Get the GTN Bestsellers charts in full every week in the GTN Bestsellers newsletters delivered via the post for only £145.00.
GTN Bestsellers is the only industry source of weekly garden centre sales information, collating Epos data from centres with an aggregate turnover in excess of £120m.
Use the weekly Garden Products and Growing Media Top 50 sales volumes charts to plan your hotspot and other promotions and ensure you have the right products in stock to satisfy the needs of your customers.
For further information contact karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk or call 01733 775700.
Buy your subscription today and start receiveing the GTN Bestsellers charts this week.
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