Sales and trading profits increase at Yorkshire Garden Centres

YGC Group Limited reports 5.1% sales growth to £26.5m, improved EBITDA and reduced losses, despite weaker restaurant and play business performance and rising costs. Read more - members only

Kingfisher to roll out agentic AI shopping

Kingfisher has announced a multi‑year partnership with Google Cloud to introduce agentic AI‑powered shopping across its e‑commerce platforms, including B&Q in the UK. Read more - members only

Blue Diamond dances to the beat of Alan Roper

Over 700 partied into the night at the Caribbean themed Blue Diamond awards for its most profitable garden centres.  Read more - members only

Party time!

Garden centre sales up despite ongoing cost pressures

Horticultural Trades Association reports February garden centre sales rose 4%, driven by strong plant sales and footfall, despite ongoing cost pressures and cautious outlook for the 2026 season.

Read more - members only

HTA warns of postcode lottery with recycling of plant pots

Millions of gardeners could face inconsistent recycling services at the end of March unless local authorities update their guidance to reflect new national rules on plastic plant pots, the HTA has warned. Read more - members only

Spoga+gafa moves to September from 2027 onwards

After consulting with exhibitors Spoga+gafa in Cologne will change dates to the first weeks of September from 2027.  The 2026 show will proceed as planned from June 22 to 24. Read more - members only

Homebase demise delivers market share gains for B&Q

Kingfisher has reported solid results for the year ended 31 January 2026, with strong performances from its UK businesses, B&Q and Screwfix. Read more - members only

Garden Centres at Risk as 2026 Business Rates Revaluation looms

Garden centres face a business rates revaluation from 1 April 2026; Malcolm Scott urges businesses who have not done so, to take advice now. Read more - members only

Chris Primett

Dobbies Garden Centres invests £1.5m in nationwide foodhall rollout

Dobbies Garden Centres has completed a £1.5m investment in a new foodhall concept, which has been rolled out across 48 of its UK garden centres. Read more - members only

Opperman Plants files notice of intention to appoint administrators

Lincolnshire grower Opperman Plants has filed a Notice of Intention (NOI) to appoint administrators as financial pressures mount on the long‑established nursery. Read more - members only

Martin Ward to become the new Director of GIMA

GIMA has announced the appointment of Martin Ward as its new Director, succeeding Vicky Nuttall, beginning a new chapter for the trade association representing garden and horticultural suppliers. Read more - members only

Martin Ward

The restaurant investment at Weyhill points to the future for Hillier

Betty Hillier, 6th generation descendant of the founders, cut the ribbon on the Weyhill restaurant relaunch, offering the first glimpse into plans to elevate the Hillier profile. Read more - members only

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