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…
DetailsBack 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…
DetailsEntries 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…
DetailsOur 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…
DetailsFormer 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,…
DetailsBehavioural 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…
DetailsJune 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,…
DetailsOur 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…
DetailsOur North region summer 2026 award winners Our North region members met yesterday afternoon and evening at RHS Bridgewater in Greater Manchester for their Area Award presentations (Wednesday, July 15, 2026). Destination Garden Centre of the Year, (DGC) was presented to Bents Garden and Home, the Garden Centre (GC) award went to Fron Goch Garden…
DetailsOur 2026 South East region summer award winners Garden centre teams from across our South East region are celebrating today after scooping awards during a presentation evening yesterday at Birdworld, Haskins Forest Lodge in Surrey (Tuesday, July 14, 2026). Garden Centre of the Year in the Destination Garden Centre (DGC) category was Haskins Snowhill, the Garden…
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