Back by popular demand: ‘big picture’ economic insights from two HSBC experts HSBC Bank’s Chris Hare and James Sawley are returning by popular demand to speak at our conference in January 2027 following the success of their 2026 session. The duo will deliver a ‘big picture’ view of the macroeconomic landscape to delegates on January…
Garden centres: Growing communities, reducing loneliness & creating connections Garden centres have long been places where people come to find inspiration for their homes and gardens, seek expert advice and purchase plants and products to enhance their outdoor spaces. Increasingly, however, they are becoming something much more significant: vital community hubs that bring people together,…
Entries for Worrall Cup open earlier than normal Garden centre members are being asked to submit their marketing campaigns for our annual Worrall Cup competition earlier than in previous years to help give them more time (August 2026). Entries open September 1 and close October 31. The member judged as having the best initiative will…
Our members enjoyed a strong trading performance during July with overall sales increasing by +10.66% compared to July 2025 according to our latest Barometer of Trade (BoT) released today (August 17, 2026). Despite intense heat and water restrictions for gardeners in nearly all areas, garden centres nationwide delivered strong trading figures and exceeded expectations, and…
Former LEON CEO joins speaker roll call for our 2027 Conference Entrepreneur and former LEON Restaurants CEO John Vincent MBE has been booked to address delegates at our annual conference in January 2027. John will take to the stage on Tuesday, January 26 at the Crowne Plaza, Stratford-upon-Avon, to impart insights into navigating financial headwinds,…
What to do in the garden in August August is one of the busiest and most rewarding months in the garden. With a little attention now, you can enjoy a beautiful garden through autumn and set the groundwork for next year. One of the most important jobs this month is watering. Hanging baskets, containers and…
Behavioural expert joins our speaker line-up Leading consumer behaviour expert Kate Hardcastle MBE has joined the roster of speakers for our annual conference in January 2027. Kate will offer her expertise on consumer trends, retail futures and building trust with customers on Monday, January 25 at the Crowne Plaza, Stratford-upon-Avon. Expertise in consumer behaviour Our…
June BoT shows garden centre members resilient despite challenging weather Our members saw another month of highly variable weather conditions but proved resilient with overall sales increasing by +2.08% according to June’s Barometer of Trade (BoT) released today (July 20, 2026). Despite a month marked by periods of cold, wet weather followed by extreme heat,…
Making every drop count: watering pots and gardens during hot weather With high temperatures across the UK and hosepipe bans in place in some areas, gardeners need to be smarter than ever about watering. The good news is that a few simple changes can help keep plants healthy while reducing water use. Morning & evening…
Our 2026 Midlands, Wales & West regional winners Staff at garden centres across our Midlands, Wales & West region are celebrating after scooping awards during a presentation yesterday afternoon and evening at Gates Garden Centre in Hinckley (Thursday, July 16, 2026). Garden Centre of the Year winners were Planters Garden Centre, Tamworth in the Destination…