HTA streamlines structure and axes HTA Council
The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA), the UK’s leading garden industry body, will discontinue its long-standing Council from 2026, marking a significant shift in its governance. Read more - members only
What attracted Sam Dickson to Squire’s
What drew Sam Dickson, an experienced FMCG retailer, to become MD of Squire’s, one of the most successful family owned garden centre groups in the UK? Read more - members only
New appointments as APAC expands into UK garden centre market
APAC expands into the garden centre market, appointing Hannah Shoesmith as Head of Sales. In addition former Crest MD, Nick Davies, has been brought in to help. Read more - open to all
Hillier hosts The Chatty Café Scheme
Hillier Nurseries and Garden Centres has announced a partnership with The Chatty Café Scheme, launching the initiative in four of its locations: Botley, Syon Park, Eastbourne, and Newbury. Read more - members only
GIMA director Vicky Nuttall is to step down next year
GIMA Director, Vicky Nuttall, will step down in May 2026, marking the end of a successful 12-year tenure building the influence and effectiveness of the trade association for garden manufacturers. Read more - open to all
Dobbies' refurbishment programme completes 7th store
Dobbies Garden Centre has continued its nationwide refurbishment programme with a major upgrade to its Moreton Park site in Shropshire, making it the seventh store to be refreshed in 2025. Read more - members only
Garden Centre sales flourish in wet November, Christmas trade shines
The UK’s garden centre sector delivered robust trading results in November, according to the latest HTA December Market Update. Read more - members only
Ayrshire garden centre devastated in overnight fire
Hayes Garden Land, at Bogend near Symington, will be closed for the foreseeable future following a devastating fire. Read more - members only
Garden Centre sector thrives, says Christie & Co
The UK garden centre market experienced a robust surge in 2025, with transaction volumes reaching their highest levels in recent years, reports Christie & Co. Read more - members only
Blue Diamond new build planned for Yorkshire
Alan Roper, managing director of Blue Diamond garden centres, has confirmed that his company is behind the proposed new garden centre at the Thorp Arch retail park near Tadcaster. Read more - members only
Best GCA garden centre Christmas displays named
The Garden Centre Association’s (GCA) reveals results of national garden centre Christmas displays competition. Winners include include Bents, Garsons and Brinsmore. Read more - members only
2025 Budget: Lower rates but RV hikes ahead
"Permanently lower tax rates" for garden centres and farm shops announced in the Budget are likely to be offset by potentially tripled Rateable Values in 2026, advises Malcolm Scott. Read more - members only
