COMMENT Everything’s under (pest) control Editor, Fiona Garcia: fgarcia@datateam.co.uk


First issue back from taking a year off to have my son and it was a bit of a baptism of fire, having set myself the task of writing a piece about changes in legislation affecting the rodenticide industry for our annual pest control feature.


“Fear not, you shouldn’t get caught in any traps!”


Whilst I am obviously playing catch up on the topic, having not seen the gradual drip-feed of developments over the past 12 months, I did find myself going rather cross-eyed reading through screeds and screeds of information, stats and reports, attempting to familiarise myself with the names of chemical active ingredients, what seemed like an endless procession of initials that abbreviated the names of governing bodies (not helped by the fact that I also wrote a story about the use of banned neonicotinoid pesticides in the same week) and trying to make sense of the new rulings. Thankfully, some very kind people in the pest control industry took pity on me and gave over some time to explain the changes to me and what impact they may and are already having on the market, so I am certainly more clued up about the topic than I was a fortnight ago. But it did leave me wondering how some busy retailers would get on top of the subject and make sure they were up to speed with their obligations. Hopefully our feature will help give a clear picture of the changes coming into effect and break down the topic into more digestible tidbits (possibly not the best turn of phrase when talking about rodent poison). Fortunately, the suppliers I spoke to also told me they are very much committed to keeping their retailer customers well informed and supported throughout this process, so fear not, you shouldn’t get caught in any traps (sorry!).


PEOPLE NEWS Chairman elect


The Garden Centre Association (gca) has recently (2017) announced its chairman elect for 2018/19.


Mike Lind, who is the managing director of Monkton Elm Garden & Pet Centre in Somerset, was revealed as the GCA’s Chairman elect for 2018/19 during its annual conference, which took place in St Andrews, Scotland. Said Mr Lind: “When I begin my work as chairman of the GCA in January, 2018, I will


announced for the GCA


continue to focus on the core benefits of membership and our strategy. Above all I want to strive to make sure the GCA remains relevant to the interests of our members and is seen as an association that is beneficial to our businesses but is also fun to be part of.” Mr Lind will take on the role


from current chairman, Julian Winfield, in January 2018. The Chairman of the GCA works closely with the GCA Executive and full Board of elected directors. The


Andy McIndoe honoured with Veitch Memorial Medal


Garden industry expert Andy McIndoe was recently presented the Veitch Memorial Medal by the Royal Horticultural Society, one of the highest accolades in the world of horticulture.


Mr McIndoe, former MD of Hillier Nurseries and designer of 25 Gold medal-winning gardens


4 DIY WEEK 10 MARCH 2017


at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, was presented with the award at the RHS Awards ceremony in London last week (February 22). RHS president Sir Nicholas Bacon presented the award in recognition of Mr McIndoe’s “outstanding contribution to the advancement of the practice of horticulture.”


Andy McIndoe was presented his prestigious award by RHS president Sir Nicholas Bacon


Mike Lind will take over the role of GCA chairman from Julian Winfield next January


GCA supports constructive relationships with other entities connected with retail and wholesale in the sector and promotes best practice across the industry.


New sales director for Weber barbecues


Weber barbecues has appointed Chris Howard as the new sales director for the UK and Ireland. With 20 years of proven commercial success across retail and FMCG, Mr Howard will be responsible for leading the Weber UK and Ireland team. Mr Howard said, “I am excited to start a new challenge with such an iconic and and market-leading brand.”


Editor: Fiona Garcia


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© 2015 Datateam Business Media Ltd. DIY Week incorporates Decor Retailing, DIY Retail Leaders, DIY Superstore, Do-It-Yourself Retailing, Domestic Electrical Appliances, Excellence In Garden Retailing, Excellence In Woodcare Retailing, Excellence In Timber Retailing, Excellence In Tile Retailing, Garden Retail Leaders, Garden Retailing, Hardware Merchandiser, Hardware Trade Journal, Homecentre, Home Storage Retailing, The Ironmonger, Ironmongery & Hardware, Lighting, Martineau & Smith’s Monthly Circular, Mercantile Guardian, Superstore Management, Tools Retailing, and Wholesale Leaders. No part of this publication may be reproduced by any means without prior written permission from the publishers. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of material published in DIY Week. However, Datateam Business Media Ltd will not be liable for any inaccuracies. The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the editor or publishers. DIY Week is registered at Stationers’ Hall. ISSN 0954-8823. DIY Week is printed on environmentally friendly paper; both text paper and cover stock are elementary chlorine free and sourced from paper suppliers with a well planned environmental policy. This issue of DIY Week includes some editorial photographs provided and paid for by suppliers. Printed by Buxton Press.


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Chris Howard is the newest face at Weber


Former Garden Store director joins Home & Garden


The Home & Garden Group has appointed Neil Stevens, former owner and director of The Garden Store Ltd, to its management team as business development manager. Mr Stevens ran the Garden


Store chain of 10 centres with Marcus Eyles before it was bought by The Hillview Group in 2014. The pair remained with the company before leaving at the end of August 2016 to “pursue new interests”. Mr Stevens’ appointment co-incides with H&G’s spring sale.


Neil Stevens has joined The Garden Store Ltd


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