Alistair Lorimer loses his fight against cancer - Updated

Alistair Lorimer’s career started at Hurrans after completing his studies at Reading University. Among other roles he managed the Heathrow Garden Centre and it was there that he established his link with Ken Allen. 

This was followed by a spell as a management consultant for Malcolm Scott Partnership. He advised several leading chains including Kennedys and worked often in the USA. He had a particular interest in training.

Alistair then re-joined Ken Allen who had left Hurrans to set up Jardinerie. He managed the Hampton-in-Arden branch at the innovative group of garden centres.

When Ken Allen retired in the late 90’s and Jon Kitching became chief executive, Alistair became head of buying. 

Following Jardinerie’s acquisition by Blooms of Bressingham in 2001, Alistair rose to be buying and marketing director at the AIM listed garden centre group.   

In 2007 Blooms was acquired by Sir Tom Hunter’s Wyevale and Alistair decided to leave a few months later to set up as a retail development consultant advising garden retailers of all sizes in the UK and Ireland.

Alistair was also an active member of the Woking Wildlife trust for over 20 years. He rose to become Vice Chairman.

Alistair Lorimer’s advice commanded wide respect within the industry. Colleagues have described him as popular, dependable and fun to be with.

His website says the philosophy behind Alistair's consultancy business is always to provide commercial, profit focused and practical support to retailers delivered with enthusiasm, humour, honesty and integrity.

Alistair left his wife, Alison, and two sons.

A service of celebration of Alistair Lorimer’s life will be held at St John’s Church Aston Cantlow on Tuesday 11 th July at 2pm.

Please wear bright colours. No Flowers. Donations to be divided between the Shakespeare Hospice and Warwickshire Wildlife Trust may be left at the service or sent C/I A E Bennett & Sons, 34 Sheep Street, Stratford- Upon- Avon. CV37 6EE.

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Here's what others have said...
Richard,  5 Jul 2017:
...A great loss to the industry. Alistair was extremely knowledgeable, enthusiastic, supportive and always had time for everyone. He will be be truly missed.
Paula,  4 Jul 2017:
...Alistair was a lovely person to work for (I always enjoyed sending him to Ireland, France and all over the country even when I sent him to USA where he flew all over he never complained) he was always jolly and very kind. I was very saddened to hear about him and send love and best wishes to Alison, Dom and Ollie. I always think of him with a smile he was a true gentleman. He was a pleasure to work for.
Geert Maas,  30 Jun 2017:
...All friends of Alistair, we have lost a fantastic man, the word ''fantastic'' was always with him, I wish his family power out this fantastic person.
David,  29 Jun 2017:
...Very sad news, indeed. Our Industry has lost an energetic, enthusiastic, hugely knowledgeable, well-respected, honest and humorous member of its community. Al was a real pleasure to do business with and I had the pleasure to work with him as a colleague over the past 3 years or so of his life. I'll miss him. My thoughts, prayers and deepest sympathy goes out to Alison and her family at this sad time.
Andrew West,  27 Jun 2017:
...Really sad news - a great former boss - the industry has lost a fantastic & very knowledgeable horticulturalist - always had time for everyone.
Paul Billingham,  27 Jun 2017:
...Sorry to hear this sad news. Alistair was a great tutor and mentor to me during the 90's and taught me a great deal of useful skills and tools for running a garden centre.

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