contents A year to remember


It’s been a memorable year for the gardening retail industry. Despite the obvious challenges associated with Brexit and international retailers such as Amazon squeezing margins in some sectors, there is still a strong sense of optimism.


At GLEE and the recent Garden Media Guild Awards, it was apparent that the future remains bright for the industry. With the issues of both sustainability and carbon footprint becoming


increasingly important for both business and consumers, we as an industry have an important part to play in this step change in society. With this in mind, our early issues in 2020 will focus on how the industry is ensuring it’s leading the debate when it comes to sustainability.


In this issue we look back on 2019, with an exclusive interview with Paul Jackson, sales and brand manager at MNP Flowers, who explains why its Granvia Gold – Xerochrysum was a worthy winner of the Best New Product Award at this year’s GLEE 2019. There’s also a round-up of the yearly Garden Media Guild Awards, which took place recently in London.


CONTACTS Editor:


Alex Fordham Email: afordham@datateam.co.uk


Publication Manager: Sallie Payne - Tel: 01622 699 151 Email: spayne@datateam.co.uk


Product News Coordinator: Ed Waugh - Tel: 01622 699 153 Email: ewaugh@datateam.co.uk


Art Editor:


Claire Noe - Tel: 01622 607963 Email: cnoe@datateam.co.uk


Publishing Director: Paul Ryder


Email: pryder@datateam.co.uk


Curwood CMS Limited Datateam, PO Box 35, Robertsbridge TN32 5WN Tel: 01580 883844 Email: datateam@c-cms.com


@ GCUpdateUK 4 8


@ GCUMagazine 4


The Big Interview- Sue Allen Industry news


11 Decorative garden products 14 A year in review: Garden Media Guild Awards 16 A year in review: GLEE 2019 18 Legislation – offensive weapons 22 Association comment


Elsewhere, the industry associations review the year and look ahead to 2020, and there’s an in- depth look into how retailers can remain one step ahead of tightening knife legislation laws.


I wish you all a healthy and prosperous New Year.


Alex Fordham, Editor afordham@datateam.co.uk


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14 GCU December/January 2020 www.gardencentreupdate.com | 3


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