Tom Allen to host the GIMA Awards

Comedian, presenter and Sunday Times bestselling author, Tom Allen, has been confirmed as the host of the 2024 GIMA Awards.

Read more - open to all

Comedian, Tom Allen

Beechcroft Nurseries and Garden Centre sold

Alexander Mackie Associates announces the sale of Beechcroft Nurseries and Garden Centre located at Belbroughton, Stourbridge, West Midlands. Read more - open to all

The pioneers behind Floral Fantasia

Plant pioneers gather at Floral Fantasia, the only independent UK trial grounds for bedding plants and perennials, originally championed by the late Peter Seabrook.  Read more - members only

The Pioneers behind Floral Fantasia  See text for names.

New Mental Health & Wellbeing course released on GCA’s GROW

A new Mental Health & Wellbeing course has been launched this month on the Garden Centre Association’s (GCA) Garden Retail Online Workshops (GROW) e-Learning platform. Read more - open to all

GROW Mental Health & Wellbeing

YPHA teams discover their Launch Success challenge

YPHA’s students are divided into teams to compete for the right to launch a new and yet to be named Begonia.  Read the reports by two of them. Read more - open to all

Introducing National Garden Gift Cards

A year ago, the Horticultural Trades Association announced that after over 50 years of trading, paper vouchers would no longer be issued. Read more - members only

GIMA Buyer Connect: The Klondyke Group - 8th August, Virtual Event

GIMA’s Buyer Connect events continue later this summer with a virtual event in partnership with the Klondyke Group. Read more - open to all

BIS HTA Study Tour Scotland June 2024

The first HTA Business Improvement Study Tour of 2024, sponsored by Westland horticulture and Smart Garden took place earlier this month. Read more - open to all

Six new health & safety courses

Six new online courses covering health and safety have been unveiled this month on the Garden Centre Association’s (GCA) Garden Retail Online Workshops (GROW) e-Learning platform.

Read more - open to all

GCA Chief Executive, Peter Burks.

BHETA to hold packaging seminar

BHETA to hold packaging seminar entitled ‘Getting to the Root of Packaging Regulation’ from new BHETA business service provider, Root. Read more - open to all

Huge opportunity for horticultural landowners

Change to permitted development rights offers a huge opportunity for landowners to capitalise on their property and diversify their operations. Read more - members only

GCA launches a hunt for a new inspector

The Garden Centre Association (GCA) is launching a search for a new inspector following an announcement earlier in the year that Gordon Emslie tis retiring. Read more - members only

Phil McCann, Alyson Haywood, GCA Chief Executive, Peter Burks, Colin Farquhar and Gordon Emslie.

April sales fall for a third year

Despite April sales falling for a third year,  Garden centres were ahead of 2023 at the end of April with catering and garden sundries prospering. Read more - members only

Clothing (+14%) and Catering (+13%) were the bright spots.

First FutureGrow Expo unveiled by the HTA

The HTA has announced the inaugural FutureGrow Expo, on 8 October at Stoneleigh Park, to connect horticulture growers with technology innovators. Read more - members only

Fran Barnes

GIMA members vote in new President

Kate Ebbens has been voted in as GIMA President for the 2024 and 2025 term.  Craig Hall takes over the Vice President role. Read more - members only

GIMA President Kate Ebbens with past president Jenny Douthwaite

Mr Fothergill’s and Franchi Seeds end UK trading agreement

Mr Fothergill's has shifted its focus back onto its core brands and away from 'guest brands', so has agreed with Seeds of Italy Ltd to end their trading agreement. Read more - members only

Read comprehensive Horticulture Industry Survey by MorePeople

Read the Horticulture Industry Survey by MorePeople with insights into key industry trends, challenges, and opportunities. Read more - members only

Biggest reform to the planning system

The Government’s to proposed reforms to the planning system present opportunities for garden centres and other rural businesses seeking to capitalise on surplus land. Read more - open to all

76th AIPH Annual Congress set to take place in Warsaw

The 76th AIPH Annual Congress will be held in Warsaw, Poland, from 3-7 September 2024 alongside trade show Green is Life.  Read more - open to all

Solar and LED lights aid carbon footprint reduction

Taylors Bulbs have been reaping the rewards of their recent solar panel and LED lighting installations. Read more - open to all

Adam Taylor on the roof

GCA Sustainability Webinar

In a popular and well attended webinar on June 26th, on one of the hottest days of the year so far, 37 GCA members and Associate members heard how to tackle issues surrounding sustainable practices in their businesses. Read more - members only

Well-known English garden centre to be extended by Smiemans

Longacres, the UK's largest independent garden centre, is to be extended by Smiemans Projecten in early 2025. Read more - members only

HTA & GCA collaborate over new retail committee

HTA forms a new retail Committee with permanent GCA representation to increase collaboration between the two horti-retail groups. Read more - members only

Dutch plant lorry drivers to boycott the UK?

Inadequate training and poor facilities at border posts cause damage to products and frustration for drivers. Read more - members only

 picture by TLN

Huge industry support for the YPHA Launch Success Challenge

YPHA reveals details and industry backing for its programme to develop the next generation of leaders in the horticulture industry. Read more - open to all

Natalie Boynton at the Garden Press Event scheme launch

Gina Hinde promoted to General Manager at LOFA

Gina Hinde steps up to General Manager at LOFA, Gina joined the association in 2019 as the Marketing Manager. Read more - open to all

Gina Hinde, General Manager at LOFA

A further two Yorkshire garden centres join the GCA

Tingley and Otley Garden Centres have been awarded membership of the GCA.  They join sister centre, Tong, a member since 2016.  Read more - members only

Dan Moore Acting Centre Manager and James Tolson Assistant Manager

Biggest Wellbeing Survey for UK Horticulture Industry launches 

Perennial, the charity dedicated to supporting people in horticulture, is proud to announce the launch of its largest ever survey to gain a snapshot into the wellbeing of those working in the industry. 

  Read more - open to all

YPHA members to hold a Cotswolds regional event at Ball

The Young People in Horticulture Association (YPHA) has arranged for members to visit the Ball® 'Summer Showcase on 26th July.  Read more - open to all

YPHA unveils new website

YPHA, the voice of the next generation of horticulturists, has a new website to support its membership which is fast approaching 1000. Read more - open to all

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