NEWS


GCA opens up sponsorship for 2026 annual conference


The Garden Centre Association (GCA) is seeking potential sponsors both big and small for its annual conference, taking place from 25–28 January 2026. The GCA wants to hear from businesses with horticultural industry relevance that would like to be associated with


the event, which takes place at Carden Park Hotel near Chester.


Peter Burks, Chief Executive of the GCA, who is organising this year’s conference with Chairman Elect and Operations Director at Haskins Garden Centres, Ben Harrison, said: “We have lots of opportunities


Harewood International joins BHETA


Trading since 1968, Leeds- based home and garden company Harewood International Products has joined BHETA. Offering solutions for home, electrical heating and cooling products as well as a comprehensive fireside accessories range and a garden décor range, which include gifts as well as galvanised garden utility. Harewood International


Products has moved with the times offering solutions for digital and ecommerce platforms as well as volume distribution for traditional outlets. The company offers retailers merchandised bays with point of sale materials.


Seema Grantham, BHETA’s sector manager for housewares commented: “Harewood International Products has


PEOPLE NEWS DIY supplier bolsters sales team


Ariel Plastics – a market leader in the supply of UK manufactured roofing sheets, rooflights and roofing accessories – has made a number of appointments in order to strengthen its sales and business development team as part of the business’ ambitious growth plans.


The team consists of David McCandlish, covering Scotland and the North East; Victoria McLaughlin’s area is the North of


England and North Wales; Craig Finch’s territory is Central England and Wales; and Ian St John is in London and the South East. Paul Goddard, who has been a well-known figure at Ariel Plastics for more than three decades, will be supporting the team in his role as Commercial Manager in the South as well as being responsible for the South West area. The new appointments bring years of experience and contacts from right across the construction industry.


Toolstation appoints Sam MacGregor as new Retail Director


Toolstation, one of the UK’s largest suppliers of tools, accessories and building supplies, and part of Travis Perkins plc, has appointed Sam MacGregor as its new Retail Director. MacGregor joins the business from Homebase, where she held the


role of Retail and People Director, and for two years before that held the position of Head of Marketing. She has held senior roles at some of the best-known retailers in the UK including HEMA, BHS, Asda, B&Q , Somerfield and M&S. MacGregor said: “I am delighted to be joining Toolstation at such an exciting time and look forward to delivering even better experiences for our customers by focusing on retail innovation,


growth and customer service excellence so that Toolstation continues to be the go-to destination for tradespeople and DIYers.”


6 DIY WEEK JUNE 2025


a comprehensive range of attractive and practical products. I’m delighted to welcome the team to BHETA.”


available this year but in essence we are looking for overall sponsors, dinner and reception sponsors, award sponsors and lots of other secondary sponsors.


“Sponsors will have access to delegates who are key decision makers from the nation’s leading garden centres,


including owners, directors and managers, in a relaxed and friendly environment, over breaks, meals, in the auditorium or during our Associate Event. More than 400 delegates are expected to attend the annual GCA Conference across the two days. Visit www.gca.org. uk for more details.


Burgon & Ball supports UK schools gardening tour


Burgon & Ball is helping to grow young people’s love of gardening as Tool Partner to a UK school gardening tour spearheaded by Lee Connelly, also known as the Skinny Jean Gardener. As Tool Partner for the 2025 UK School Gardening Tour, Burgon & Ball is supplying a range of tools and equipment from its RHS- endorsed Growing Gardeners range. The tools will be used during Connelly’s in-school gardening sessions and can then be used by the schools to continue to get more children growing.


This year Connelly will visit 15


schools in person and additionally will support a further 15 schools through engaging educational content. The aim is to reach a huge 10,000 young gardeners in just one week!


Bira Direct appoints Bev Bailey as Head of Sales


Leading buying group for independent retailers, Bira Direct, has strengthened its future with the appointment of a new Head of Sales. Bev Bailey joins Bira Direct after nearly 30 years working within the independent retail sector. She began her career with Bargain Booze, a franchise organisation where she spent almost three decades working alongside independent


retailers, with Bestway forming part of that experience. From there, she moved to Spar, the convenience store group, where she worked with independent retailers as symbol operators. During her time at Spar, Bev launched the innovative ‘Stock and Sell’ scheme, designed to drive promotional activity within stores. Bailey said: “I’m delighted to be joining Bira Direct as Head of Sales. My passion has always been working with independent retailers, and even though the buying platform is different from my previous experience, supporting independent businesses is what I love.”


What More promotes Matt Hand to Production Operations Manager


What More UK, the Lancashire housewares manufacturer, and owner of the well-known brands Wham and BetterWare, has announced the promotion of Matt Hand to the position of Production Operations Manager. Having dedicated 24 years to the company, Hand’s commitment and expertise have been instrumental in driving the success of various departments within the company. Starting his journey as a machine operator, Hand joined What More


UK through the recommendation of colleagues who recognised his potential. Over the years, he has worked diligently across the plastics department, steadily advancing through various roles. His hands-on experience and commitment to learning paved the way for him to become a production supervisor, where he practices his skills in machinery operation and production planning. In his new role as Production Operations Manager, Hand will oversee both the plastics and bakeware production lines.


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