“In my books Hillier is ‘It’” Carol Klein
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Horticultural Supplier of the Year 2024 – Allensmore Nurseries
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Garden Centre Employee of the Year 2024 – Lucy Cuckney, Banbury
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Garden Centre of the Year 2024 - Hillier Garden Centre Horsham
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George Hillier on stage
The Hillier Garden Centre Awards praised the dedication, passion, and hard work of individuals and teams that make Hillier a renowned name in the horticultural industry. Chairman, George Hillier stressed that this included suppliers who are a key part of the Hillier family.
Looking back at 2024 he said, “I know we’re all here to celebrate another year in the gardening world, but let’s be honest—at times, it felt like the weather had other ideas. Relentless rain & floods, a spring with at least 3 false starts, and a wind that seemed determined to rearrange every outdoor display carefully set up, it felt like we got through the alphabet twice on named storms, it was tough! I think we’ve all earned a medal just for keeping the show on the road in the last year. I’m extremely proud of how we have responded and adapted to meet the latest challenges whatever they were.”
Chris Francis
Hillier, watched by his father Robert Hillier, gave special thanks to Chris Francis, the Director of Retail and Wholesale, who retires after the next season. In his 11 years at Hillier the group has grown from 12 to 22 garden centres and sales have ballooned from £17m to £70m. He has turned around the business and built the foundations for future growth.
The Awards were presented by veteran TV personality Carol Klein. She said, “In my books Hillier is ‘It’. Everything about them is top class.”
The 2025 Awards Winners
Home and Leisure
- Supplier of the Year 2024- Bramble Foods Ltd
- Shop of the Year 2024 – Hillier Garden Centre Newbury
Profit increases +220% with great displays showing their passion.
Garden Shop
- Supplier of the Year 2024 - Woodlodge Products
They really are part of the team, even tidying other suppliers’ stock - Shop of the Year 2024 – Hillier Garden Centre Botley
They rejuvenated the outside areas with little or no investment and increased profit by +20%
Horticulture
- Supplier of the Year 2024 – Allensmore Nurseries
Plants are always in excellent condition - Plant Area of the Year 2024 – Hillier Garden Centre Banbury
Leadership of the plants was second to none.
Employees
- Nursery Employee of the Year 2024 – Gill Dowling
Her propagation skills are second to none. She is an unsung hero of the business.
- Garden Centre Department Manager of the Year 2024 – Kevin Moss, Aldermaston
He is a great support to his manager. His rapport with customers and creative flair are second to none. - Garden Centre Employee of the Year 2024 – Lucy Cuckney, Banbury
Praised for her passion in her work - Gardening Club Champions 2024 – Hillier Garden Centre Hemel Hempstead
Manager, Rob Wiles, said he was delighted as this was the result of a real team effort
Restaurant
- Supplier of the Year 2024 – Creed Foodservice
- Restaurant of the Year 2024 – Hillier Garden Centre Horsham
Restaurant staff play a key role within their communities - Destination Restaurant of the Year 2024 – Hillier Garden Centre Eastbourne
They continue to set new standards for the group - Garden Centre of the Year 2024 - Hillier Garden Centre Horsham
They stood out as a great performer in all areas in a difficult season - Destination Garden Centre of the Year 2024 - Hillier Garden Centre Eastbourne
Showed true passion and a great ‘Can-Do’ attitude.