August’s GCA BoT shows a positive year-to-date Our members recorded an overall sales increase of +1.64% during August when compared to August 2025 according to our latest Barometer of Trade (BoT) released today (September 21, 2026). Despite the continued hot weather, no rainfall and widespread restrictions on watering at home using hoses affecting gardening activity…
Vote for your Associate Member of the Year 2026 We’re inviting our garden centre members to nominate their Associate Member of the Year with the winner crowned at our Annual Conference in January 2027 (September 2026). The award recognises companies or individuals that have contributed to the success of the sector and are highly regarded…
Full programme revealed for our Annual Conference 2027 The full programme has now been unveiled for our 2027 conference – showcasing a diverse line-up of speakers and sessions designed to inform, inspire and support members. Taking place on Monday, January 25 and Tuesday, January 26 at the Crowne Plaza, Stratford-upon-Avon, the two-day event will bring together…
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…
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,…
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,…
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…