Steep & Sprout™, an innovative Shropshire-made plant tea from LOHAS Fertiliser Ltd, has been named the winner of the 2026 GIMA Innovators Seed Corn Fund, securing a package of funding and industry support designed to accelerate the product’s journey into the garden retail market. Read more - open to all

Pleydell Smithyman has strengthened its planning team with the appointment of Ethan Giles as Planning Consultant, increasing its capacity to support clients. Read more - open to all

Autumn Fair opened at NEC Birmingham with 800+ exhibitors, new brands, product launches, expert insight and a campaign supporting 90 minutes’ free town-centre parking.

Leading garden retailers have been named in the Government’s latest National Minimum Wage enforcement round, published on 3 September 2026. Read more - members only

Woodlodge has acquired Brannam Pottery, C.H. Brannam, Royal Barum Ware and Litchdon Potteries, together with the intellectual property and original design books. Read more - members only

The Garden Centre Association has unveiled its 2027 conference programme, featuring leading speakers covering retail, economics, consumer behaviour, data, leadership and business resilience. Read more - open to all

Autumn Fair and Glee brought home, gift, fashion, garden and outdoor categories together at the NEC, creating new crossover opportunities for retailers and suppliers.

PATS 2026 will showcase more than 400 new pet products, with 12 New Product Award categories judged by independent retailers at the NEC Birmingham.

Accounts for the year to February 2026 show that Dobbies remained loss-making, despite reporting “strong progress” since its restructuring. Read more - members only

Favourable National Planning Policy Framework changes may encourage garden centres to revisit shelved expansion and investment plans, says Pleydell Smirthyman. Read more - members only

Caulders Garden Centres has completed an investment of almost £1m in the refurbishment of its newest site, Caulders Merryhatton, near North Berwick in East Lothian. Read more - members only

Garland Products’ South-east sales agent, James Worby Agencies, has been named 2026 Sales Agent of the Year following a closely fought contest. Read more - open to all