industry news


Johnsons Lawn Seed set to strengthen its presence in DIY and hardware sectors as demand soars


A resurgence of interest in domestic lawns coupled with the stay-at-home-culture arising from the Covid-19 pandemic is set to drive sales of lawn seed via DIY and hardware channels in 2021, according to Johnsons Lawn Seed – the UK’s oldest grass seed supplier. With Covid-19 cases on the rise across the UK


and a new three-tier system of lockdowns coming into operation, hardware outlets have so far benefitted from being classified as essential retail if the toughest restrictions are brought back into force – allowing consumers to readily access lawn care products if other outlets are forced to close. Johnsons Lawn Seed, which is celebrating its


200th anniversary this year, says the 2020 season has ignited sales of lawn seed as consumers who have been unable to travel abroad looked to improve their outdoor spaces, focusing on features such as lawns that are proven to enhance biodiversity, reduce flash flooding and keep temperatures cool in summer. As lockdown was eased, Johnsons Lawn


Seed’s sales ran at five times their usual volumes during June and July, while the company’s leading Tuffgrass and Quick Lawn brands witnessed year-to-date increases of 35% and 30% respectively. The standout success this summer has been Johnsons’ Shady Place Lawn Seed, which experienced a sales rise of 60%.


BHETA lobbies government on knife legislation


Ahead of the latest suggestions on the timing of new legislation in relation to the retailing of bladed items, The British Home Enhancement Trade Association (BHETA) is again lobbying Government. The Association has approached Simon


Eglington of the Tackling Crime Unit at the Home Office reference the ongoing Offensive Weapons Act 2019 consultation. The purpose of the lobbying is to reiterate


the need for urgent advice ahead of any actual legislation to enable suppliers to put all legal


requirements in place in a timely manner. BHETA has drawn attention to the fact that notwithstanding Covid, it is concerning that since initial responses to the Offensive Weapons Act Draft Statutory Guidance to the Home Office in October 2019, the industry is yet to receive any response from Government – even general guidance on potential timing. Having now heard indirectly that Spring 2021 is the most likely date for implementation of new legislation, BHETA has asked for an urgent update on the revised Statutory Guidance to be released to the industry as soon as possible. This would be to ensure that manufacturers, importers, suppliers and retailers had sufficient time to address labelling and process changes. BHETA and the leading industry suppliers set up a supplier / retailer steering group to identify collaborative initiatives that could contribute to responsible and safe knife retailing. Following initial meetings, consensus has been reached on the approach to roll-out Challenge 25 packaging and POS to include knives and bladed items.


Bradford Centre wins Outstanding Employer award


The team at a Bradford Garden Centre are celebrating after winning the Outstanding Employer award at the 15th annual Yorkshire Post Excellence in Business awards. The team at Tong celebrate the good news with Neil Barwise-Carr in the foreground Tong Garden Centre's Head of People and Culture, Neil Barwise-Carr represented the team


6 | www.gardencentreupdate.com


at Tong in a unique online awards ceremony that was hosted by former BBC news presenter, Harry Gration. "The Outstanding Employer award celebrates


employers who value and reward their staff and empowers employees to play a role in moving the company forward, so we're absolutely delighted to win the award," said Mr. Barwise-Carr.


Tong Garden Centre employs 196 local people at its Tong Lane site. Mr. Barwise-Carr and his colleague, Becki Smith have spent the last 18 months developing a raft of initiatives including e-learning platforms, enhanced staff benefits and improved communication and employee engagement to ensure that Tong continues to be a great place to work.


GCU Winter 2020


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