The IPPS Europe 6-pack award gives 6 ‘new to the industry’ horticulturists the chance to attend the IPPS European Region Annual conference, free of charge, taking place this year in Edinburgh, Scotland. Read more

Following the incredible response to the 2019 trends event, GIMA has confirmed that it will once again be partnering with leading trends intelligence agency, Scarlet Opus, to present an exclusive look at the future with the next Consumer and Design Trend Seminar (26th March 2020). Read more

HTA sees the appointment of George Eustice as Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs as a positive move given his knowledge of this industry. Read more

On Tuesday the Spring Fair seemed to be buzzing. But underneath there was uncertainty and concern about how the Coronavirus would impact imports of goods manufactured in China. Read more

Christmas sales fell in December, but overall turnover was marginally up according to the GCA.  Annually sales grew by 4.5% with catering the fastest growing category. Read more

Increased costs from the 6.2% increase in the National Living Wage will lead to price rises and put pressure on profits say garden centres. Read more

Here is a summary of the news stories published on Gardenforum during 2019:  Wyevale disintegration and the expansion of other groups, the environment, supplier consolidation and people in the news.  This review is open to all. Read more

Following the Tory election win, ‘Brexit will get done’ and the pound is rising. Is this good for the Garden industry? Or could there be turbulent times ahead? Read more

Separate reports from the GCA and the HTA show contrasting outcomes for garden centre sales during October. The GCA reports a fall for a second consecutive month, while the HTA reports a rise. Read more

Gardenforum looks at some of the resources available to help companies keep up to date with advice on Brexit and especially a no deal Brexit. Read more

As demand for UK grown plants increases, growers in the Green Heart of Glee reveal that prices will rise and there could be shortages. Read more

HTA chairman, James Barnes calls for the backing of members, especially growers, to hear him present plans to re-invigorate the HTA and to promote sustainability at the Cultivating Retail conference. Read more

The HTA’s Director of Policy and Communications tells the new PM that the ornamental sector, which supports 568,000 jobs, is essential for the Government’s environment plans. Read more

The big winners at last night’s Garden Industry Manufacturer’s Awards were the rapidly growing Smart Garden and industry newcomer, Primeur, with its recycled rubber, self watering planters. Read more

The first May bank holiday in 2020 will be put back 4 days to Friday 8^th May to celebrate VE Day in Europe. Read more

Garden centre sales in January rose by +7.7%. Houseplants continue to be the star performer, the category is now bigger than seeds & bulbs for the month, according to the GCA. Read more

Growers say it is difficult to see how their business could continue under the proposed immigration changes. The HTA says it stands ready to support Government targets on tree planting, import substitution, biosecurity… but the Government needs to support the industry. Read more

The PetQuip Awards, one of the most successful events to have been introduced into the pet trade sector in recent years, is set to take centre stage again in 2020. Read more

MSP’s have voted to keep the Uniform Business Rate in Scotland after lobbying from The HTA and other sector trade associations. Read more

The launch of the Young People in Horticulture Association has caught the imagination of the industry. New members are joining by the day and it has received ‘wonderful offers of help from all corners of the industry’. Read more

Later this month the Scottish Parliament is to vote on scrapping the Uniform Business Rate in Scotland, allowing local authorities to set their own rates. Read more

Sales over the Christmas period showed modest increases, but some Christmas categories and houseplants sold well. Some garden centres are +10% for the year. Read more

Figures just released by the GCA show sales grew 9% in November, with houseplants, clothing and Christmas growing fastest. Read more

BHETA is to provide officially sanctioned Challenge 25 artwork for suppliers, retailers and delivery companies involved in the supply of age-restricted bladed items such as kitchen knives and DIY and garden tools. Read more

September sales were 1% down on last year according to the latest figures published by the Garden Centre Association.   Read more

August weather was hotter and wetter than average. As a result both garden furniture and gardening sales prospered according to the GCA Barometer of Trade. Read more

Alternative to Chemicals, goes a step beyond replacing one chemical with another that's more environmentally friendly.  Hozelock and Westland see ATC as an important step preparing consumers for a 'free-from' future. Read more

GCA figures for July show garden centres increased sales by +11%, while the BRC reports that high street footfall dropped by -2.7% and footfall in shopping centres fell by +3.1%. Read more

2019 has the makings of a strong year for garden centres. Latest figures from the GCA indicate that garden centres are still +6% ahead of last year despite losing ground in June. Read more

May sales, while down -7%, were stronger than garden centres could have hoped for. At the end of the month they are still +9% year-to-date ahead of last year. Read more