industry news Westland acquires
Gardman Group Westland says it’s ‘business as normal’ following its acquisition of one of Europe’s leading consumer garden product firms. Westland Horticulture has acquired Gardman Group and has immediately taken them out of administration. The purchase includes all trading assets, stock, infrastructure and Gardman brands, which include Cole and Bright, Grow It, Moulton Mill and Gardman Wild bird care.
This acquisition will bring much needed stability for customers and to the Gardman business, Westland adds. The immediate focus will be to work with all customers to provide as much continuity as possible and ensure a smooth transition over the coming weeks. The purchase of Gardman provides the opportunity
to put a greater focus on core gardening by joining together the product strengths in Westland and Crest with those of Gardman. The growth of wildlife, the increased interest in the outdoor space and the opportunity to re-energise propagation and growing were factors in purchasing the business. Westland managing director Edward Conroy said: “We have always believed that Gardman is an important part of the gardening landscape, and we are committed to maintaining this for the long term. “Gardman is fundamentally a strong business with good products. Our focus is to work together with all customers to make the transition simple and clear to all. It is imperative that in the coming days we keep our lines of communication open with customers and stakeholders alike. Westland is focused on delivering a strong future for Gardman categories which can only thrive from being part of the Westland family. For now, it’s very much business as usual for all concerned.”
Squire’s holds competition to
showcase easy gardening ideas In order to dispel some of the myths around gardening and encourage visitors to take the plunge and get gardening, Squire’s Garden Centres recently held a competition between each of their garden centres. The aim was to show customers that gardening can be really easy and full of fun. The purpose of Squire’s ‘Easy Gardening’ competition was to inspire customers with simple, cost-effective and creative ideas that could easily be replicated in their own gardens at home.
Squire’s chairman Colin Squire and deputy chairman Sarah Squire judged the competition. Squire’s in Milford won the ‘Best Focal Point’ award (pictured), and Squire’s in Chertsey won the award for ‘Best Showcasing Of Easy Gardening’. Commenting on the winners, Sarah Squire said: “Squire’s in Milford won the ‘Best Focal Point’ award as we thought that their design captured every element of the competition. It looked stunning and was full of really good easy gardening ideas from plants to products. The use of the gazebo gave height and made the display stand out from wherever you were in the plant area. Plus everything was really well explained to show customers how to re-create the look in their own garden. “We gave Squire’s in Chertsey the ‘Best Showcasing Of Easy Gardening’ award. They had
some great ideas for how to get the best out of a small urban space. The use of the two levels here was really clever, with pots hanging on the railings, and even a ‘tea for two’ set on the balcony. It shows people how to create height even when space is limited.”
Colin Wetherley-Mein confirmed as GIMA Membership Ambassador
Former Vitax national sales manager and GIMA president Colin Wetherley-Mein has recently joined the team at GIMA as Membership Ambassador, helping to boost the trade association’s relationship with its members and to communicate its member benefits. Having recently retired from his role at Vitax after 25 years, Colin found retirement a little too quiet for his liking, and recognising the value of GIMA from his time as President, it felt only right that he uses his time to support the association and its members. In his new role as part-time Membership Ambassador, Colin will take to the roads to meet with as many members as possible. From garnering a better understanding of each members’ organisational set up and product offering, to helping them take full advantage of GIMA’s member benefits. This new role will boost the lines of
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communication between GIMA and its members, whilst also allowing Colin the time to enjoy his beloved cricket and to continue his work with the Greenfingers charity.
GIMA director Vicky Nuttall said: “We’re so pleased to have Colin on board once again. Having someone dedicated to working with our members will be an invaluable resource and a great support to me. I’m sure our membership base will be pleased to welcome Colin to their businesses, so he can help them make the most out of being part of GIMA.” Colin Wetherley-Mein added: “Members are the lifeblood of any trade association, so being able to work closely with GIMA’s will be, no doubt, a hugely rewarding experience for both myself and all those involved in GIMA. I look forward to getting started, and to meeting with as many members as possible in the coming weeks and months.”
GCU October 2018
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