Volume of GC acquisitions to remain high in 2026

Garden centres sales specialist, Christie & Co, expects high transaction volumes in 2026, in part due to stabilising borrowing costs. Read more - members only

Christies of Fochabers sold to Simpsons in retirement sale

£4m expansion of Mayberry Garden Centre in Portslade nears completion

Tates’ Mayberry Garden Centre, a family-run business located on Old Shoreham Road, Portslade, is set to unveil its extensively revamped store this summer. Read more - members only

Benjamin Tate, Tates Executive Director (left) with Mark Brumfitt

Long-standing Milton Keynes Garden Centre announces closure

One of Milton Keynes longest-established garden centres has announced it has made the “difficult decision” to close down after more than 50 years of trading. Read more - members only

Webbs’ Toy Emporium shortlisted for Toy Department of the Year

Webbs Garden Centres’ new Toy Emporium has been named a finalist for Toy Department of the Year at the Toy Retailer of the Year Awards 2025. Read more - members only

LOFA chairman Steve Millington to step down early

Ill health forces Steve Millington is to step down from the chairmanship of LOFA a year early.  He is to be succeeded by the vice-chairman Alwyn Williams. Read more - members only

Steve Millington

HTA streamlines structure and axes HTA Council

The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA), the UK’s leading garden industry body, will discontinue its long-standing Council from 2026, marking a significant shift in its governance. Read more - members only

Fran Barnes

Major site consolidation at Charles Bentley

Following the 6th generation taking the reins at Charles Bentley last year, it has announced a major site consolidation. Read more - members only

Grass Gains doubles turnover and wins investment for expansion

UK-based lawn care and plant nutrition brand Grass Gains raised £300,000 from private investors after it doubled turnover in 2025. Read more - members only

BGC starts 2026 with the acquisition of Ferndale

British Garden Centres has expanded its reach with the acquisition of Ferndale Garden Centre in North Derbyshire, now rebranded as Dronfield Garden Centre. Read more - members only

Neil and Linda Grant with Charles Stubbs and Helen Watson

BHETA to hold live Marketplace Day

BHETA is launching its first Marketplace Day in January as platforms such as TikTok Shop, B&Q Marketplace, Tesco lead one of the most significant channel shifts for the industry. Read more - open to all

Government relents over Inheritance Tax Relief threshold

The UK government has announced a significant increase in the threshold for inheritance tax (IHT) reliefs, a move expected to provide substantial benefits to family-owned businesses within environmental horticulture. Read more - members only

Bulrush opens new coir plant to strengthen supply

Bulrush Horticulture has opened a new coir processing plant in Northern Ireland, boosting capacity and securing supply for growers as peat shortages and raw material pressures continue. Read more - open to all

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