New Chairman announced for the Yorkshire Agricultural Society

The Yorkshire Agricultural Society is entering a new era as Chairman, Simon Theakston steps down from the role. The Society is best known as the organiser of the annual rural showcase, the Great Yorkshire Show, and for the last eight years he has been at the  Society’s helm, leading it through one of the most exciting and innovative periods in its long history. Read more - open to all

Simon Theakston with Nick Lane Fox at the Great Yorkshire Showground following the announcement.

Clocking up 133 years!

Staff at Pennell’s Lincoln Garden Centre said goodbye to their colleague Trevor Smith on Wednesday, who is retiring after a fantastic 53 years with Pennells! Read more - open to all

Fred Smith Retirement photo from May 1984 – with Trevor in the background

Joe Lydon scoops  Garland/Worth Gardening ‘sales agent of the year’ award

Taking advantage of many new product innovations, Joe Lydon has achieved a 22 per cent increase in sales for his area and has been voted the Garland/Worth Gardening ‘Sales Agent of the Year’.   Read more - open to all

Joe Lydon (r) receives the ‘Agent of the Year’ award from operations director, Tony Dedman

Celebrity gardener Chris Collins to give CarFest revellers free consultations on gardening this Bank Holiday

Celebrity gardener Chris Collins will be on hand for three days at CarFest South from 26th to 28th August 2016, giving free advice on how to make the most of your outside space – whether it is a balcony, roof terrace, patio or even just a windowsill. Read more - open to all

New apprentices for Bransford Webbs

The Bransford Webbs Plant Company are very proud to announce that two new apprentices will begin working with them in September. Arthur Dawes and Billy Wilce have both been offered a position on the nursery team. Read more - open to all

Bransford Webbs appretices past and present.

Continental ride to raise money for Cancer Research UK

The Director of Newspan Building Solutions, Mark Murray, will be supporting a fleet of cyclists in a charity bike ride on the 21st August – starting in Southampton and Finishing in Rome. Read more - open to all

Mark Murray, will be supporting a fleet of cyclists in a charity bike ride.

How Perennial helped over 1200 people last year

Perennial helped over 1,200 people last year battling illness, financial hardship, bereavement and disability. Read some of their stories. Read more - members only

Smart Garden appoints new Marketing Manager.

Emma Cooper is the latest addition to the expanding Smart Garden Products team as Trade Marketing Manager. Read more - open to all

Emma Cooper, Trade Marketing Manager

Andrew Weiss is BHETA's new Executive Chairman

The British Home Enhancement Trade Association (BHETA) has appointed respected industry figure, Andrew Weiss as its new Executive Chairman following the retirement of David Smyth. Read more - open to all

Andrew Weiss

Glendale Horticulture welcomes back Andy Dyer

Glendale Horticulture welcomes back Andy Dyer this month as a National Account Manager. Read more - open to all

Andy Dyer

Crest adds to creative team

Crest Garden has announced the appointment of two key brand roles to accelerate the development of Flopro and Kent & Stowe. Read more - open to all

Natalie Stubbington, Product Manager for Flopro

Ann-Marie Powell withdraws from the London Flower Show 2016

Award-winning garden designer, TV presenter, journalist and author, Ann-Marie Powell has withdrawn as Creative Director for the inaugural London Flower Show, being held at Osterley Park this September. Read more - open to all

Ann-Marie Powell

3 of the 4 GCA inspectors step down

Ian Boardman, Andy Campbell and newly appointed Alyson Haywood are standing down from their roles as GCA inspectors this year (2016). Only Roger Crookes will continue as the GCA begins the search for replacements. Read more - members only

Alyson Haywood

Weber® appoints new Country Manager

Weber® barbecues has appointed a new Country Manager to drive the brand’s investment in the UK market. Read more - open to all

François Lepeltier

Wyevale Nurseries’ staff receive long service medals

HRH Princess Anne presented three members of staff from Wyevale Nurseries in Hereford recently (June, 2016) with medals to honour their long service to the company. Read more - open to all

(L-r) IT and Stock Control Manager at Wyevale Nurseries, James Mattock, Maintenance Engineer, Graham

Decco’s COO, John Findlay, names his successor

John Findlay has announced that he will retire from Decco at the end of March. Charlie Lacey has been named COO designate. Read more - open to all

John Findlay

Denny completes channel swim

“I celebrate internally when I get stung by jellyfish as I know it'll distract me from the pain in my arms and shoulders,” writes HTA’s Dave Denny about his channel swim, last week. Read more - open to all

Start of Dave Denny's swim

Stuart Gooden leaves Planters Garden Centres and moves to pastures new

After 14 very successful years, Centre Manager Stuart Gooden is looking to take it slightly easier and moving to the South West.  Read more - open to all

Stuart Gooden

Hale Events appoints new Sales Executive

Hale Events are delighted to announce that Lesley Meaker has joined the Hale Events Sales Team.  Following their acquisition of the Hotel, Catering & Retail Show last year, they now run 5 successful trade shows, and have expanded their sales team accordingly.   Read more - open to all

Chairman of Squire’s Garden Centres awarded honorary degree

Colin Squire, Chairman of award-winning family business Squire’s Garden Centres, has been named Honorary Doctor of Art & Design by Kingston University. A former student of Kingston University, Colin Squire was given this honour in recognition of his outstanding contribution to horticulture and the local community. Read more - open to all

Colin Squire (right) receiving his honorary degree from Ron Tuninga (left).

Chris and Kyle start Management Trainee Scheme

Chris King and Kyle Ross have this month (July, 2016) started their two-year Management Trainee Scheme at one of the UK’s leading nurseries based in Hereford. Read more - open to all

Management Trainees - Kyle Ross and Chris King.

Boningale expands its national sales team

Midlands-based Boningale Nurseries has added two new members to its sales team in order to facilitate the company’s growth and expansion plans in the North and South.  Read more - open to all

ucy Bravington

Deco-Pak manager raises £1,000 for late mother’s hospice

The staff of Hipperholme based decorative aggregates and bird box suppliers, Deco-Pak, joined over 1,600 runners in a 5k colour run to raise money for Overgate Hospice in Elland.  Read more - open to all

Selfies on the run - Craig Hall

David Denny is to swim the Channel for Greenfingers

Read Dave Denny endures sunburn and furry tongue as he prepares to swim the Channel for Greenfingers in a few weeks. Read more - open to all

David Denny with his support boat

Michael Cole to retire from Notcutts

Michael Cole, former MD of Notcutts, is to retire next January after 38 years with the garden centres. Read more - open to all

New chief executive for Dobbies UPDATED

Dobbies’ new owners have appointed a former commercial director of B&Q as its new chief executive. More recently John Cleland was CEO of Maplin. Read more - members only

John Cleland

Carla is named Apprentice of the Year

Carla Nash who works at one of the UK’s leading commercial nurseries has recently been announced as the Midland Regional Growers’ Apprentice of the Year. Read more - open to all

David Domoney presents Carla Nash with her glass trophy.

La Hacienda sales agent Ivor Stepney retires

La Hacienda announce the retirement of Ivor Stepney, one of their long serving regional sales agents. Read more - open to all

Ivor Stepney

Tim Vine to Host a full house at the GIMA Awards

With bookings for this year’s GIMA Awards exceeding all expectations those lucky enough to have bagged a spot will be entertained by top comedian, TV celebrity and actor Tim Vine. Read more - open to all

Tim Vine, this year's host at the GIMA Awards

Deborah Skillicorn steps down at Greenfingers

Deborah Skillicorn is to step down from her position as Charity Director of Greenfingers, it has been announced today.  After over eight years in the role Deborah is leaving to pursue consultancy work across the charity industry and beyond. Read more - open to all

Deborah Skillicorn

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