interview
none MRG members and soon had but our customers want to come in The HTA National Plant Show perspective to UK garden centres. We
30 exhibitors, which resulted in us out the early spring and we believe Hall 1 takes place at the same venue in need to work to do all we can to hold
growing the warehouse. Customers will provide a far more comfortable June this year. Is the British Plant on to the business even if and when
were also asking for the opportunity experience. Fair involved with this event and the price advantage starts to move the
to buy smaller volumes from individ- how excited are you by this major other way.
ual growers, have one delivery and How crucial have these events be- commitment to the plant sector? As far as selling into Europe is con-
reduced paperwork. Our history come to the UK growers given Yes we are involved with both myself cerned growers are often seen as slow
within the MRG has been to initiate their ‘seasonal’ businesses? and Dave Chilvers ( Bransford Webbs to respond and somewhat conserva-
ideas and see them find a commercial They are part of the service growers Northern Area Sales Representative) tive in their thinking. However you
footing on which to develop further. offer their customers. We are all still part of the organising committee. The have to bear in mind the current op-
At the end of 2008 the management communicating with our customers British Plant Fair will be running a portunity to supply an increased level
of the fairs passed to the Bransford through fax, e-mail, telephone and Market Place at the show so retailers of stock into existing customers –
Webbs Plant Co as we set about find- visits as we see fit. The fairs provide a will be also able to buy stock by the which we would be foolish not to pur-
ing a new venue, organising a central chance to catch up, check out the shelf for immediate delivery. I am sue. In many cases our product takes
order consolidation service and build- quality of stock, look at material from very excited by the creation of a Na- at least two years to grow and many
ing a web site. suppliers you don’t currently deal with tional Plant Show. I believe this to be nurseries are running at capacity for
In February 2009 we ran our first fair and order looking good with even a timely and much needed initiative the spring period so decisions have to
in our new location in the Blackdown more confidence - all in one central for the HTA which British growers made regarding increase in production
building at Stoneleigh Park Warwick- location. and Garden Centre retailers should and the infrastructure in which to
shire. We also introduced the Market capitalise on...and some! grow it. If sterling does remain weak
Place a fully stock controlled central In both your role with the British The current weakness of sterling against the euro I have no doubt
ordering service enabling retailers to Plant Fairs and Bransford Webbs, against the euro offers what look like growers will move to take advantage.
buy by the shelf with pre pricing and what are the most significant a long term opportunity for U.K
bar coding. Our fairs now offered changes you have seen in respect growers to capitalise on! Given that Finally, what is your own wish for
both options either buy direct or buy of retail plant buying? only a handful of these nurseries 2010 in respect of the plant sector?
from the Market Place. We had the I think the move from simple A-Z chose to support the CHA at the re- Gardening is one of the few retail sec-
worst snow in 20 years on the morn- stocking to more inspirational display cent IPM Essen spectacular, what tors which has not been turned into
ing of the fair but it was still a great and marketing in garden centres. It more needs to be done to initiate national chains by large retailers. The
success and we ran another three dur- has helped bring on board a whole more euro driven business for the nationals are there and we enjoy deal-
ing 2009. new customer in people who want U.K. Grower. Well I am no econo- ing with them but I wish for a
their gardens to look great but may mist and even they seem to differ on continuation of a strong and diverse
Why the move to Hall 1 at not be gardening experts. Being able how long our “advantage” will last. I customer base for our products.
Stoneleigh? to see the plants you are going to dis- think we should assume it will not last This, I believe is good for the industry
The Blackdown buildings are not play before you buy at British Plant long and do all we can to build our and perhaps more importantly - good
heated which is fine in the summer Fairs is, I hope, inspirational in itself. offer from both a product and service for the gardener.
Retail Plants & Shrubs - Garden & Hardware News 5
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