Change at the top for Highfield Garden World

Gloucestershire’s leading independent garden centre has strengthened its management team with the appointment of a new board member.  Tim Armstrong, who has been General Manager at Highfield Garden World for five years, joins mother and son team Joan and Tim Greenway, plus Planteria Manager Jon Mason, on the Board of Directors.

COVID crisis highlights strengths

Like every other garden centre in the land, Highfield has had a roller coaster few months during the COVID crisis.  Tim Armstrong’s agile approach to the challenges faced played a hand in the timing of him being asked to join the Board.  Tim Greenway, MD, explained;  “Tim brings an array of skills to the table, and it’s great news that he’s joining the board.  Since he came to Highfield his input has become pivotal in every aspect of running the business, and never more so than over the last nine or ten months.  Now feels exactly the right time to recognise his contribution and to strengthen our lead team as we look to the future.” 

Three generations of family input

Prior to joining as General Manager in 2015, Tim Armstrong had already built strong links with Highfield during 15 years spent as a Regional Manager for World of Water – the first concession to set up shop at Highfield back in 1995.  He commented;  “Highfield is a hugely successful business with a brilliant 135-strong team behind it.  I have always valued the open, honest way in which the management team operates, and I am delighted to be joining the board.  With three generations of the founding Greenway family collaborating within the business, a century’s worth of heritage underpinning it, and thousands of loyal and new customers to its name, I believe Highfield has a bright future ahead.  I look forward to being part of it.”

Key strengths

Asked about new Director Tim’s particular strengths, MD Tim Greenway said;  “He’s great with people – staff, customers and suppliers alike.  He’s also cost-conscious, a strategic thinker and a very positive person.  He’s a true all-rounder.”

Asked about Highfield’s particular strengths, Tim Armstrong explained;  “The fact that it is independent and run by a family that is passionate about pleasing customers, and willing to adapt to changing times.  These factors help create a unique experience which the customers love.  The family feel also means staff feel part of something, and that shows.  This has been especially obvious over lockdown with many going above and beyond to pull together under some really difficult personal circumstances created by COVID.”

www.highfieldgardenworld.co.uk