Merchandising success news in brief


‘Full of knowledge!’ Ian Miles, Burston GC


‘Very interesting – amazing how much there is to think about when merchandising’ Alex Cooper, Burston GC


Twelve delegates from Burston and two other garden centres attended the HTA Merchandising Skills Workshop run by Kevin Waters at Burston Garden Centre, St Albans. As well as learning about the principles of merchandising, the group used examples at the host centre to consider positioning, lighting, colour, displays and link-sales opportunities. Following the workshop, Burston


Plantarea manager Darran Major said, ‘It is essential to any retailer that their team has strong merchandising skills they can put into practice across all


departments. Our staff can now deliver this expertise within our centre at every opportunity. We believe this will enable us to drive extra sales, even in a challenging economic climate. Having staff learn key merchandising skills has to be a very worthwhile investment for any retailer.’


_If you would like to find out more about merchandising skills training please contact Penny Evans or Sian Stiles in the training team on 0118 930 3132


Celebrating success Garden Retail Diploma


This year has got off to a flying start as more colleagues have been awarded the HTA Garden Retail Diploma. The diploma (12 modules) has been designed specifically for garden centre staff at all levels who wish to develop their retail and horticultural skills for the garden retail trade. The HTA recognises the hard work and


dedication that has been put in to achieve such high standards – congratulations!


Spring 2013 achievers Susan Asprey RHS Wisley Plant Centre Lucy Marshall RHS Wisley Plant Centre Hannah Moore Meadowcroft Garden Centre Barbara Munson RHS Wisley Plant Centre


Benefits of the course Staff members who have an enhanced level of retail and horticultural knowledge are much more confident when dealing with customers and can deliver excellent service, good advice and are better at selling products. The practical activities completed


in the course are directly linked to the garden centre business, which means learners will easily progress to take on roles in a variety of areas. The course is available as a full


diploma or learners can pick and choose


topics on a module-by-module basis. _Give Penny or Sian a call on 0118 930 3132 or email training@the-hta.org.uk to talk through the best options for you and your business


Garden Re-Leaf Day Join in the fun on 8 March and put on an event for Garden Re-Leaf Day to showcase our industry to gardeners of all ages and abilities. It’s a great opportunity to launch the new gardening season and raise


money for the Greenfingers charity. _Register your event at www.gardenreleaf.co.uk


Beechgrove Garden back on TV Beechgrove Garden returns to TV screens on Thursday 4 April at 7.30pm on BBC2 Scotland. The programmes will also be available to view for the whole of the UK from Sunday 7 April. Award-winning garden designer and presenter Chris Bearshaw is joining the programme, which _is now in its 35th year.


www.thebeechgrovegarden.com


Grower of the Year Awards 2013 Leading names from across the ornamentals and edibles production horticulture sectors go head to head on 20 March at the Grower of the Year Awards. The ceremony is being held at


London’s Lancaster Hotel. _For tickets to the awards or to see the shortlist please visit www.groweroftheyear.co.uk


DCF is up for a Grower of the Year Award The David Colegrave Foundation’s entry Wallflower F1 ‘Sugar Rush’ has been shor tlisted for Best New Variety in the Bedding Plants category. The scented variety, bred by Floranova and supplied by Ball Colegrave, is the first dual-purpose, hardy, F1-hybrid wallflower to flower in the autumn, overwinter and re-flower again the following spring.


Bees and neonicotinoids Keep up to date with the latest information about neonicotinoids. _Members can download a free information sheet from www.the-hta.org.uk/neonicotinoids


HTAnews I March 2013 I www.the-hta.org.uk 7


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