Freehold garden centre values are holding firm
Freehold garden centre values are holding firm and the market remained buoyant in 2022, says a report published by business property adviser, Christie & Co. Read more - members only
Freehold garden centre values are holding firm
Freehold garden centre values are holding firm and the market remained buoyant in 2022, says a report published by business property adviser, Christie & Co. Read more - members only
Topping fronts GCA campaign to raise £100k for Greenfingers
A personal plea from Guy Topping launches the GCA’s bid to raise £100,000 for Greenfingers. Contributors will be entered into a Grand Draw of amazing prizes. Read more - open to all
BPOA Technical Conference 1st February 2023
Last chance for the early bird ticket offer which ends on 6th January 2023 - don’t leave it too late to book your ticket at the special offer rate! Read more - open to all
The headlines that made 2022 unique - a round-up
2022 was dominated by the recovery from the distortions to trade caused by Covid. It was a year of acquisitions. There were some game changers and sadly we lost some leading characters. Read more - open to all
45,000 visas for seasonal workers in horticulture
Daffodil growers recognised as Defra increases by 50% the number of seasonal workers allocated for businesses in edible and ornamental horticulture next year. Read more - members only
Nicholas Saphir re-appointed as Chair of the AHDB
The Government has re-appointed Nicholas Saphir as Chair of the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) for one year, with effect from 1 April 2023. Read more - open to all
Peter Burks to become GCA Chief Executive
Former GCA chairman Peter Burks is to become the new CEO of the Garden Centre Association, starting in January. Read more - open to all
Perennial launches Christmas appeal
In the lead up to Christmas, Perennial, the charity helping people in horticulture, is launching an urgent appeal in response to the worst cost of living crisis seen in a generation. Read more - open to all
Allensmore reaches final for International Grower of the Year
Allensmore reaches the final 10 from growers around the world in the AIPH International Grower of the Year (IGOTY) Awards 2023. Read more - members only
Be Safe – Be Sure – Be LOFA Assured
The Leisure and Outdoor Furniture Association is made up of the best brands within the outdoor leisure industry and the products they supply are not only of the highest quality but also safe. Read more - open to all
Great news for students studying horticulture
Smart Garden Products is giving some fantastic support to the recipients of Colegrave Seabrook Foundation scholarships. Read more - open to all
Choice celebrates 20 years and names Westland as top supplier
Choice Marketing celebrated its 20th anniversary with a convention for 300 members and suppliers. Awards were presented to Westland and other top suppliers. Read more - members only
Perennial's successful free service for physio treatment
In line with its ongoing commitment to raising awareness of good health and wellbeing in the industry, Perennial the charity for people in horticulture, has referred 70 people for physiotherapy since launching its free service last year. Read more - open to all
New Chief Executive to take HTA to next level
The HTA has named Fran Barnes as the new Chief Executive. With the recent additions of directors of Marketing and of Public Affairs it has a new management team. Read more - open to all
Five Ornamental Growers of the Year
Five winners of the first HTA Grower of the Year Awards were revealed at the HTA conference. They include Allensmore, Ball Colegrave and Palmstead. Read more - members only
YPHA next in-person event
The Young People in Horticulture Association are excited to announce 2023’s first in-person event which will be run in conjunction with Coolings Nurseries and Garden Centres. Read more - open to all
Applications for Scholarships are open until the end of January
The 31st January sees the closing of the application season for the varied range of Colegrave Seabrook Foundation scholarships for 2023. Bursaries from £500 up to £5,000 are available. Read more - open to all
New chair for the Tillington Group
The Tillington Group has announced that Caroline Owen, Managing Director of Scotsdales Garden Centres, has taken over the chairmanship of the Tillington Group from Dennis Espley. Read more - members only
Christmas sales down -14% in November
November figures from the GCA show sales were lower than last year in almost every category except garden centre restaurants. Read more - members only
Garden Centre Christmas display winners
Brimsmore Gardens and Garsons Garden Centre Esher have been announced as the national winners of the 2022 Garden Centre Association’s (GCA) annual Christmas display competition. Read more - members only
David Austin Roses becomes the final Key Partner for the YPHA
The Young People in Horticulture Association has revealed David Austin Roses as their final key partner for 2023-2024, joining Floramedia, Boningale, ICL and the RHS. Read more - members only
Extended support for garden Centres in Hunt’s autumn statement
The Autumn Statement by Jeremy Hunt aimed particular support at the much-beleaguered hospitality, leisure and retail sector, meaning that garden centres and farm shops will benefit from increased and extended relief. Read more - open to all
A sharp increase in catering sales props up garden centres
GCA figures for October show that garden centre sales were -5% lower than last year. Excluding a big uplift in catering income, product sales were down -11%. Read more - members only
Become a Perennial Mental Health First Aid Ambassador
Perennial is calling for organisations to become ambassadors and participate in its Mental Health First Aider training programme. As part of the charity’s health and wellbeing focus the programme aims to put more Mental Health First Aiders in the workplace. Read more - open to all
Perennial introduces ‘nudge’
Perennial, the charity helping people in horticulture, is introducing a new service called ‘nudge’ to support the financial wellbeing of people in the industry. Read more - open to all
RHS becomes key backer for Young People in Horticulture
The RHS has signed to become a YPHA Key Partner for 2023 and 2024. It will be the 5th to back the 300 strong group of young people in horticulture. Read more - members only
Perennial offers home for rent within community housing
Perennial, the charity for people in horticulture, is offering a home for rent within its community housing for retired horticulturists near Cambridge. Read more - open to all
Rory Bremner to host 2022 GIMA Awards
Renowned impressionist, comedian, satirist and columnist, Rory Bremner, has been confirmed as the host of the 2022 GIMA Awards. Read more - members only
Alan Titchmarsh MBE to be patron of Colegrave Seabrook Foundation
Horticulturalist and broadcaster Alan Titchmarsh has agreed to be the new Patron of The Colegrave Seabrook Foundation, the charity which supports students studying horticulture. Read more - open to all
LOFA partners with Perennial to promote health
LOFA pledges £20,000 to Perennial and sponsors an Interactive Health Kiosk offering a Health MOT, an early warning of potential health problems, to visitors at industry events. Read more - members only