NEWS


GCA BoT shows garden centre members resilient


Garden Centre Association (GCA) members saw another month of highly variable weather conditions but proved resilient with overall sales increasing by +2.08% according to June’s Barometer of Trade (BoT). Despite a month marked by periods of cold, wet weather followed by extreme heat, the industry maintained


positive


growth, taking year-to-date performance to +1.23%. Peter Burks, GCA CEO, said:


“The industry had to endure another month of very variable


weather but again demonstrated its great resilience by returning a small increase of +2.08% in sales compared to June 2025. Plants and gardening once again suffered with neither the cold and wet, or the extreme heat, really being conducive to sales. “Fortunately, furniture and had


BBQs another strong


month, while catering and food again did well, ensuring that the figures weren’t too poor. However, it’s certainly a very challenging period for the shop floor as July has also recorded some very high temperatures and some areas


have hosepipe bans too.” The strongest


performing


category during June was clothing, which increased by +11.13% when compared to June 2025. This was closely followed by seeds & bulbs, up +10.43%, and furniture & BBQs,


which rose by +10.11%. Catering


also enjoyed a


positive month, increasing by +6.51%, while food hall/farm shop sales were up +3.63% year-on-year. Another category recording growth was gifts, up +1.58%.


Golf day boosts Greenfingers fundraising


A charity golf day organised in support of Greenfingers Charity has helped Team Greenfingers move closer to its £250,000 fundraising target following its recent Mount Kilimanjaro challenge. Held at Ombersley Golf Club, the event brought together supporters from the horticultural and financial sectors to raise additional funds for the charity, which creates gardens for children with life-limiting conditions in hospices across the UK. Team Greenfingers has now


PEOPLE NEWS Doff & Pest-Stop strengthens UK sales team


The Pelsis Group has strengthened its UK retail sales team with the appointment of two new Area Sales Managers, supporting the continued growth of its Doff and Pest-Stop brands.


Mark Boland joins the business overseeing the North of England and


Scotland region, while Natalie Giles takes responsibility for the East of England territory. With extensive experience in sales and customer relationship management, Boland will focus on developing existing partnerships and


identifying new opportunities across his region. Giles joins the business with a strong background in


retail and product management and will work closely with customers across the East of England to provide ongoing support and tailored solutions.


Chris Johnson, Head of General Sales for UK & Ireland at Pelsis Group, said: “We’re delighted to welcome both Mark and Natalie to the team at an exciting time for the business. With strong momentum across our retail brands, they have both made a fantastic start and are already building strong relationships with customers across their regions.”


Matt Balm of Smeg UK joins BHETA’s SEA committee


Matt Balm, Sales Director at Smeg UK has joined BHETA’s SEA Committee. The committee focuses on the latest opportunities, challenges and legislative issues in the small domestic


electricals market Balm’s appointment 6 DIY WEEK JULY 2026 strengthens


the committee’s representation from senior commercial leaders within the electricals and housewares sector.


and


Balm has extensive experience in the electrical and housewares sector and will bring additional practical retail experience into SEA committee discussions. He has a strong track record of driving commercial growth and building effective retailer relationships. As a member of the BHETA Committee, Balm brings a practical, results-driven perspective and is committed to supporting collaboration across the industry and contributing to the continued development of best practice.


Natalia Ciecierska promoted to Senior Marketing Executive at BHETA


BHETA has promoted Natalia


Ciecierska to Senior Marketing Executive, recognising her growing contribution to the association and the Exclusively Show.


Ciecierska joined BHETA as Marketing Executive in October 2024 and has since played a central


role in developing the organisation’s marketing and communications activity across its membership services and flagship industry event.


One of her major achievements has been her involvement in the development and launch of BHETA’s new website and member login system. Natalia helped shape the website structure, member journeys, content, imagery


and overall user experience,


raised more than £244,000 following the Kilimanjaro challenge and subsequent fundraising events.


Phil Dutton, who organised the


golf day, said: “The determination to continue fundraising after the challenge has been inspiring. The support from everyone involved has been outstanding.”


Boyd Douglas-Davies, Chairman of Greenfingers Charity, added that every donation helps bring the charity closer to creating another garden for children and their families.


HIATT


Hardware joins BHETA


Home improvement product distributor, UK


has


Hiatt Hardware joined


other


security DIY


in BHETA.


The company supplies an extensive range of door handles, cabinet hardware, hinges, and


products essentials


to trade professionals and consumers across the UK and Europe. Established


2009 and


backed by decades of industry expertise, Hiatt Hardware has built a reputation for delivering high-quality, design- led hardware solutions that combine style, functionality, and value. Operating from its centrally located Birmingham distribution hub, the company offers a portfolio of more than 5,000 products, serving thousands of customers through its fast-growing e-commerce platform. Steve


Sector Manager


Edwards, BHETA’s for DIY


&


Gardening, commented: “BHETA looks forward to supporting Hiatt Hardware as it continues to expand its reach, enhance its offering, and drive further growth within the sector.” Nipun Agrawal, Group CEO at Hiatt Hardware,


added:


“Joining BHETA is part of our strategy to build a stronger, more diversified group with market-leading brands across the hardware and home improvement supply sectors.”


supporting


BHETA’s aim of making its services and resources more accessible to members.


She also led the development of the new Exclusively website for the 2026 show, with a particular focus on visitor journeys, usability and the quality and presentation of content.


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