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Darran Oakley is to retire from Squire’s

, by George Bullivant

Squire’s Garden Centres have announced that Purchasing Director Darran Oakley is to retire at the end of next season. He will move to Devon during the Summer of 2024.

The company said that Darran has enjoyed a long and illustrious career with Squire’s starting in 1999, when he joined from Kennedys Garden Centres as Group Product Manager.

Darran graduated to the Board of Directors in 2011 and has held this position with distinction ever since. Under his leadership of purchasing, the business has tripled its turnover, and enhanced its reputation in the UK Garden Centre Market.

Chairman Sarah Squire said, “Darran has provided inspirational leadership during his many years with Squire’s, earning the respect of peers and suppliers alike. He has enriched the reputation of Squire’s, as well as successfully leading the Sundries buying of the Tillington group for many years. He has brought a mix of knowledge, wisdom, integrity, and sheer industry to the role. We will all miss him greatly and wish him all the very best in his retirement”.

Darran commented; “I have greatly enjoyed my long career with Squire’s and the many challenges we have faced. I will miss the camaraderie and support of everyone at Squire’s and Tillington but am greatly looking forward to a change of pace and lifestyle.”

Plans to appoint a successor to Darran will be announced shortly.

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Here's what others have said...
Martin,  25 Sep 2023:
...Darran, I must admit I was very shocked to hear this news of your retirement! You honestly don't look old enough! I just wanted to wish you all the best and to let you know out of all the buyers I have ever dealt with you were always the most courteous, professional and commercially astute in the industry. You will be a hard man to replace. Wishing you and your family all the best for the future. Take care Martin
Richard Lockwood,  18 Sep 2023:
...Enjoy your retirement Darren, surely those days at Kennedys were only a few years ago? You don't seem to have changed one bit and its always been a pleasure to chat with you over the years. Best wishes
Darran,  15 Sep 2023:
...Many thanks for all your kind words, really appreciated! i will no doubt see many/all of your over the next few months
Nicola,  5 Sep 2023:
...Can't believe you are retiring you are far too young!! I am so jealous, enjoy Devon.xx
Maxine - Garden Pride,  29 Aug 2023:
...Good Luck and Happy retirement Darran! We look forward to one last season working with you.
Edward Cantle,  27 Aug 2023:
...I have had the pleasure of working with Darran for many years. When I was a Tillington negotiator, during my time at Bridgemere and Webb’s, I was guided by Darran’s experience on numerous occasions. Moving into sales, I have been lucky to maintain contact and supply the Squires stores. Never one to be hesitant with feedback, Darran has always been calm, constructive and guiding. Enjoy your time in Devon Darran.
Richard Barrow,  24 Aug 2023:
...Darran, we go back a long way and seen huge changes, developments and growth. I’ll miss our regular industry supplier reviews. Thanks for the business over the past 24 years. But there is still one to go…. All the very best in retirement.
Geoff Wooldridge,  24 Aug 2023:
...Happy Retirement Darran Well deserved You have done so much for Squires and for garden industry I have always looked forward to seeing you, and shall miss your positivity and your always cheerful attitude I hope you might consider making a guest appearance at Glee. We would all love to see you
Malcolm Wheeler,  24 Aug 2023:
...Darren I wish you a long & happy retirement, It was always a pleasure to visit and do business with you
Paris,  21 Aug 2023:
...Darran, here's wishing you all the very best for your well-earned retirement next year. I don't know why I was surprised at this news as I soon reflected on the fact that I am getting on a bit too! You have been a great, positive and constant influence on our industry for such a long time that you will be hugely missed. I hope you will stay in touch with us from time to time. Thank you for everything!
Adrian Allen,  21 Aug 2023:
...Good luck Darran on your retirement next year, it has always been a pleasure doing business with you, Enjoy your well earned rest. Adrian Allen
Dave King,  21 Aug 2023:
...Good luck with your retirement Darran. Thanks for your friendship, always nice to see you. Kindest Dave King
Boyd Douglas-Davies,  18 Aug 2023:
...Well, shocked that one so young can be contemplating retirement! Darran has been brilliant for more years than I, or he, would probably like to remember. Had the absolute pleasure of selling plants to him in the early 90's when he worked for a bloke called George Bullivant! The industry and Squires will miss him as his influence has benefitted all. Enjoy your well-earned retirement (when it comes) and well done on deciding to head to Devon.

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