The evolution of AMES continued apace at Glee 2023, where the business entered a new chapter under the banner of The AMES Companies, where the ‘art of possible’ inspired change, bought innovation to the fore and opened up new sales opportunities through cross-category ordering.

This new name has been put in place to better reflect the company’s development and how the focus is shifting to the portfolio of brands under the AMES banner. From heritage, tried and trusted brands such as Kelkay, La Hacienda and Apta to new introductions that are already positively disrupting the market, the future is bright for the AMES Companies.

But it wasn’t just a new name that caught the attention at Glee, nor the incredible stand which enjoyed the largest single footprint of any exhibitor. It was the launch of AMES Tools and the new Apta Lightweight collection that called for pause amongst visiting retailers.

Featuring both carbon (24 SKUs) and stainless-steel (26 SKUs) options, AMES Tools will no doubt become synonymous with not just incredible quality and breadth of range but it will demonstrate the ‘art of possible’ that comes from combining over 250 years of heritage and experience, with unrivalled passion for design and innovation and extensive market research.

Already a wide range of retailers have registered interest, with several committing to significant stock ahead of the 2024 season, whilst the AMES tools ambassador, David Domoney is poised to support sales with a range of marketing activities in the pipeline for 2024.

With Apta Lightweight, the team has taken a heritage brand and created a new chapter to create a product hierarchy that opens up container gardening to all consumer demographics. In doing so, Apta reaffirms itself as the go-to supplier for all things pots.

Boasting strong environmental credentials, the complete Apta Lightweight offering is constructed from recycled materials, and the pots will be fully recyclable at the end of their lifespan. Perfect for indoor and outdoor usage, every product will be frost and UV resistant. 

Two collections have officially launched – Weben and Beton - both the result of significant market research undertaken by the AMES Companies to identify those trends which have mass consumer appeal. 

CONTACT DETAILS

Web: www.apta.co.uk / www.ames-tools.co.uk / www.ames-uk.com/

Tel: 01405 869 333

Altico reflect on what was a busy and fruitful Glee for the business, where they showcased over 60 new catalogue lines alongside a whole host of surprise ‘Glee Specials’. 

Marketing Director Sarah Winn explains: “Product is always king when it comes to Glee, so we worked hard as a team to ensure that as much of our portfolio was on display as possible. Not only did it showcase the growing breadth of range we have to offer, but it made for a diverse and interesting stand that welcomed new and existing customers. We went all-out, launching new lines across every category, coupled with interesting merchandising layouts and impactful displays. In addition, our ‘Glee Specials’ programme really turned heads and attracted customers to the stand.”

Altico’s ‘Glee Specials’ programme featured around 20 ‘unseen’ and unique products, starting from as little as £24.99 up to £2,000. It included a stunning collection of ‘one of a kind’ Natural Stone Feature Pieces, Natural Drilled and Ornamental Monoliths and specialist ceramic self-contained Water Features. 

Speaking of the programme, Owner Antony Harker added: “Our striking Natural Feature Pieces alongside our new Water Features drew interest and compliments from visitors every day of the show. We provided garden centre retailers with something very different and unique for next season and showcased our supplier capabilities in new ways for 2024. There’s always an expectation for newness at Glee, but our ‘Special’s’ selection presented garden centres with additional sales opportunities for the Landscape category that carry real store presence to entice shoppers in new ways.”

Evergreen Garden Care is moving rapidly towards becoming 100% peat-free within the growing media category alongside making industry-leading changes whilst focussing on the needs of its customers.

At Glee, EGC announced the expansion of:

• Growing Media Category: The new launches include top-quality soils for Miracle-Gro® and Levington®, expansion of the Levington® bark range, new Peat-Free offerings and new product sizes.
• Clear™: New products include BugClear™ Plant Shield Spray, RoseClear® Plant Shield Spray, FungusClear® Plant Shield Spray
• Roundup®: Expanding this year with the new Optima range (Roundup® Weedkiller Total Optima and Roundup® Path Optima) a glyphosate-free solution for gardeners that will be seeing the return of the iconic green bottle.

For more inspiration, please visit www.lovethegarden.com. 

For more product information, please visit https://evergreentrade.co.uk/  

Another season beckons, and once again, Primeur has brought to market two new product innovations that will not only shine a light on recycled material innovation but will also open up new sales opportunities for garden retailers.  

A key highlight of Primeur’s 2024 portfolio is the all-new Rubber Mat Tiles, which are set to increase cross-category opportunities within recreational and child-play products; an opportunity that very few landscaping products can boast. Like all Primeur products, these tiles utilise recycled rubber crumb to create products that offer multiple benefits, including unrivalled durability, longevity and UV and frost resistance.

Available in two designs - Rubber Tiles (50 x 50 x 2.5cm) and Playspace Tiles (1m x 1m x 1cm), and three colourways – these tiles offer unlimited amounts of usage within both the home and garden. Perfect to support outdoor leisure activities as well as functional flooring for sheds and garages, these tiles really come into their own when you consider their role within recreational activities, especially where children are in play. A spongy and non-slip surface makes these perfect for use around children’s play equipment to minimise injuries to boisterous little ones. 

The role that Primeur’s new rubber tiles have to play within recreational activities offers exciting new cross-sales prospects within the garden retail setting, as they can sit alongside other outside play products, including play sand, paddling pools and activity sets. 

In fact, the multiple benefits that Primeur’s new-for-2024 Rubber Tiles offers helped the team to scoop yet another industry award, with the Glee New Product ‘Landscaping’ Award joining the company’s trophy cabinet this summer. 

Planting new profit opportunities

Primeur’s Tierra Verde self-watering planter offering is what set the company on a journey of discovery upon its launch to the UK garden retail market in 2019, with the range winning multiple industry accolades since. Ahead of the 2024 season, new designs have been added, including the Cello, Barrel and Alto styles.  

Like the Rubber Tiles, the new Tierra Verde planters caught the eye of the Glee New Product judges, with the range gaining shortlisted status within the Growing Containers category at this year’s edition of Glee 2023.

CONTACT INFO:

Tel: 01274 518800

Email: sales@primeur.ltd.uk

Web: www.primeur.co.uk

Westland excelled at Glee this year, earning four impressive New Product Awards, including the esteemed Best Overall New Product recognition for Kent & Stowe SureCut Shears and Loppers.

Shaping the Future of Cutting

Kent & Stowe's cutting tools triumphed in the Garden Tools and Machinery category, claiming both the category winner title and the Best Overall New Product award. These tools guarantee an unmatched level of precision, delivering clean, precise cuts every time. The shears and loppers feature a patent-pending reflex energy system, which cushions impact and provides a gentle rebound for maximum comfort and minimal effort.

Extraordinary Details

Kent & Stowe's SureFit gloves offer exceptional protection for gardening tasks, that have been tested and rated for abrasion, cut, rip, and puncture resistance. With several options available in either leather, fabric, or high-performance polyethylene, these gloves ensure optimal safety.

Peckish For Nature

Peckish introduced an innovative and sustainable way to feed birds with their Coco-Not® Feeder, winning the Wild Bird Care and Wildlife category at Glee this year. The Coco-Not® has a reduced carbon footprint as they are not shipped across the world like coconut shells. The shells of the suet-based treats are made from UK-harvested crop waste and are packaged in plastic-free packaging. But filled with the same delicious suet treat as our previous coconut halves. They are100% natural, compostable, and biodegradable.

Inspiring 1.5 million new consumers to improve their lawn

Westland’s new lawn care range has been designed to simplify and reduce consumer walk away at fixture, helping to maintain or enhance existing lawns. The range has child and pet-friendly options available as well as products that resolve specific lawn problems such as patches. 

Bringing Plants to Life with Sustainable Compost

Westland’s compost range is our most sustainable yet, thanks to continued development and investment in ingredients, processes, and quality, including our next-generation wood fibre, West+ 2. Not all wood fibre is the same and the best just got better. From 2024 all our composts will feature West+ 2 delivering improved growing benefits. Westland compost has everything that consumers and their plants need. 

Improving the health of every houseplant and every home

Westland’s 2024 indoor range is formulated to extend the life of every plant, enriched with Seramis technology for improved water management and Zinc complex to stimulate root growth. The pest-resistant blends create healthier plants and healthier homes, making it easier for every houseplant owner to re-pot, grow, and maintain their plants. 

Creating a Nature’s Haven

Unwins has invested in a handpicked range of stunningly colourful and highly beneficial wildflowers that are expertly sourced to be the best in the marketplace. Boosting biodiversity and supporting sustainability are issues of vital and increasing importance to gardeners. So, the varieties we have chosen are suited to any garden and any gardener to maximise wildflower seed sales. 

Greetings cards publisher Woodmansterne marked its 70^thanniversary at Glee where visitors were invited to join the team for a glass of bubbly.

A specially-baked and decorated birthday cake was cut on the stand by MD Seth Woodmansterne, grandson of the founder of this respected third generation family business, who took over the reins from his father Paul (the company’s chairman).

The Emma Bridgwater brand provided the inspiring theme for this year’s Glee stand, offering impressive ideas for garden centre displays. The company already supplies some fantastic independent centres and is a popular choice for businesses looking for a one-stop shop for its greetings card requirements.

Meadow View Stone would like to thank everyone who attended their stand at Glee 2023, adding it was amazing to receive such positive feedback from customers on their new products and merchandising options!

The new products included a selection of premium concrete and natural stone stepping stones, two varieties of pebbles, and a premium decorative chipping, further strengthening the company's already widely successful range of hard landscaping products.

When starting a gardening project, all social media channels confirm, most people search for inspiration through themes and specific projects.  Therefore, recognising this as a natural way to shop, we launched a selection of “themed” POS depicting the most searched-for terms/projects.  

NEW THEMED POS

These themed POS vinyl’s were a huge talking point at the exhibition, creating theatre and a stunning backdrop to display landscaping products within four, very varied, display gardens.  Retailers can build displays to their specific stock profile, whilst directly positioning these products behind, with a view to providing greater cross-sales and ease of purchase for customers.

NEW PRODUCTS 

Zebra Pebbles was launched following the NPD team witnessing an increase in Google searches for Black and White stones. This attractive, stark contrasting pebble is available in a 15-25mm grade.

The Savannah pebbles in 20-50mm and chippings in 14-20mm can instantly elevate garden design with their brightening tones of peach and cream, an on-trend and contemporary colour heavily featured at Chelsea this year.

Our paving range is further enhanced by the introduction of two new stepping stones, natural stone in two colours, black limestone and fossil buff, and an oriental collection of premium concrete stepping stones in olive, ash, and sienna which were shortlisted for the GLEE New Product Awards.

We would like to say a big thank you to all our customers for their continued support.  For more information on any of the new product lines or point of sales support, please contact a member of our sales team.

Timber garden furniture, outdoor structures and GYO specialist, Zest described Glee 2023 as ‘fabulous’ and managing director, Steve Morgan added, “We were inundated with visits from customers old and new and received masses of compliments for our new and existing products.”  The company updated the trade visitors on new product development, marketing support and sustainable operations, and transportation.

With the emphasis on outdoor relaxation, entertainment, and life at one with nature, Zest’s product development is based on the latest consumer trends for outdoor living and greater environmental commitment.

The new range includes the Terraza Outdoor Kitchen which coordinates with the Garden Pizza Oven Table and award-winning, Zest Garden Bar and Two Stool Set.  There are two space-saving timber greenhouses, both sturdy, stylish and with loads of functionality, and the Zest Eco Hive Composter, shaped like a traditional beehive.  For relaxation, the new Zest Stirling Arbour is stylish and offers great value for money.

Cutting-edge new retailer support, included augmented reality technology was also on show at Glee. Augmented reality blends the digital and physical worlds seamlessly, allowing users to view virtual Zest products in their garden via a smartphone.

Whilst at Glee, Zest promoted the benefits of being a PEFC certified (PEFC/16-37-1490) company. The Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) is an assurance mechanism supporting sustainable forest management. Together with its main supply partners, Zest is dedicated to re-planting trees, nurturing woodland habitat and collaborating on replanting initiatives.  

Steve concluded, “We had a great Glee. Our matching floral shorts and sunglasses for Floral Thursday received a rapturous reception and added an element of fun to the show. The team did a fabulous job, showcasing the latest new products, marketing support and sustainability to a hugely appreciative audience. We really cemented Zest's position as the leading player in sustainable outdoor living, and as a one stop shop for innovation.”

For further information about Zest’s GYO, decorative and furniture products, visit www.zestoutdoorliving.co.uk.

Exhibitors and visitors agreed that the three-day Glee extravaganza at the NEC Birmingham had been a hugely successful event. As the exhibition closed on three busy days of activity, show director Matthew Mein spoke to GTN’s Trevor Pfeiffer and reflected on another memorable Glee.

“It's been an absolutely jam packed three days of so much good stuff going on. I’ll try and cover it off in this brief interview, but I'll probably miss bits out. Looking at the hall, we had over 400 exhibitors in this year with 183 new exhibitors at the show this year. There's been more for buyers to see in terms of newness, so that's going to really help the journey. I have met buyers that were here for three solid days walking the aisles because there was so much to get through.

“The other highlights for me were the Atrium and the not just the Green Heart and the benches there, but how we also built out the area with the Talent Store, having the outdoor plant area and houseplant pop up stores were great. Looking at the students that took part from the GCA members, that was a real highlight, how they've nurtured their projects along from January in the freezing cold to where we are now in extreme heat of build and fab effort from all.

“Talent Store should now be an intrinsic part of the event. It's about nurturing the next talent, giving them that opportunity to shine away from the store and take those learnings back in store after they've delivered something live at the show. You can see how proud each of those students were that took part in both stores on Tuesday.

“Then the other thing the other highlight was outside having the fire grill and chill space on the on the space outside the atrium. That created a real kind of theatre festival feeling. All the pizzas and steaks cooking outside, great smells, but great theatre out there as well. So that really added, I think for me to the whole depth of the show.

“I joined some of the New Product Awards sessions to look in and it was great fun looking at the, the passion that each of those suppliers had about their products. Probing questions back from the judges, but I think that really identified some brilliant winners across different businesses and new businesses which for me makes it the highlight of the show. 

“Visitors had lots of opportunity to find new products at Glee, not just in the new product area. We don't always get to see all the new products there, which can be frustrating at times, but actually the whole show just had thousands.  Thousands of new ideas that they could take back to their stores to sell to their customers. Seeing that is really rewarding. And some of the buyer feedback, people that, were here three days, but also just the ideas that they're getting and how they come away from Glee and how they think about their ranging, their planning post Glee. These next 4 to 8 weeks will be a really good opportunity to do that and start thinking about which suppliers they want to take forward in terms of their ordering for next year.”

Speaking of next year, Matthew closed with the dates for Glee 2024: “On the 25th to 27th of June. So that date line at the end of June. I think that's a really important thing, the quality of buyers that have come to the show over the last three days has been brilliant. So that's something that we want to develop going forward and continue the growth of attracting more and more buyers to that new timeline.”

One of the biggest developments for Glee 2024 will be the introduction of Connect @ Glee – the industry’s largest connections programme changing how the garden and outdoor living retail community do business. 

Launching in June 2024, Connect @ Glee is designed to help buyers find the right products and brands their customers will love, and for exhibitors to create leads, orders and opportunities in an incredibly efficient and effective way. Making it easy for everyone to grow their network.

The platform enables suppliers and buyers to request meetings, which are double opt-in, meaning buyers get to meet exhibitors who have the products they want, and exhibitors get to meet buyers they’re interested in; no longer leaving it solely to chance to be approached during the show. 

All Connect @ Glee meetings are scheduled based on mutual availability between both parties, with meetings taking place on the exhibitor’s stand. This means you can take part in as many meetings as you like throughout the day, at the times that suit you and the other party. Plus, with the meetings located at exhibitor stands, buyers get to experience a full range of products in-person, and exhibitors don’t even have to leave their stand. It’s blooming brilliant!

If you’re a supplier, Connect @ Glee enables you to:

• View the profiles of thousands of buyers prior to Glee, so you can proactively select who you want to meet at the show.
• Re-engage with existing contacts to identify new sales opportunities.
• Cultivate new leads, network and do business effectively and efficiently.

Exhibitors at Glee are automatically enrolled in Connect @ Glee. Meetings are scheduled based on mutual interest and availability, meaning you’ll only meet buyers who want to meet you!

If you’re a buyer, you’ll want to take part in Connect @ Glee to:

• Quickly and easily meet the suppliers behind the products your customers will love.
• Find the specific product features and supplier terms that your business needs.
• Discover new suppliers and be inspired by emerging products.

The best part? Buyers participate in Connect @ Glee at no cost. Once you register for your free ticket to Glee 2024 (registration opening date TBC), we’ll be in touch with how to take part…

Learn more at https://www.gleebirmingham.com/connect

Red Gorilla® may well be the best kept secret at Glee. Although you may not be familiar with the brand, in 1995, Red Gorilla® invented a product that changed the face of gardening.

A product sold in near enough every garden centre in the country. That’s because they developed, manufactured and marketed the world’s first two handled, flexible tub. They named it the Tubtrug®, which you probably have heard of.

Since then, they’ve gone on to sell millions of units, worldwide, to an ever-expanding customer base, but always being sure to maintain a close eye on the quality and usability of their products. Now, nearly 30 years on, they have a whole host of other products for the home and garden, as well as other lines for equestrians and professional tradespeople, many of which they have created and brought to market themselves.

Red Gorilla® are also a true business to business business, with a wide range of merchandising and POS options, a wealth of marketing assets, and, above all, a focus on customer satisfaction and friendly service. Their ‘Stock Turn Guarantee’ allows you to buy with the confidence that if you’re not entirely satisfied, they’ll work with you to find ranges that suit you better, at their expense, and they also have bundled deals which they call Profit Packs®, which offer even better prices on their products when bought in standard quantities, and with carriage paid orders at only £250.00, it’s easier than ever to stock Red Gorilla® in your garden centre. Visit them at stand J64 in hall 20 of the Glee show and see for yourself whether you agree that the original is still the best…

www.redgorilla.red

STAND: J64 HALL 20

CONTACT INFO:

01455848184

sales@redgorilla.red

www.redgorilla.red

Red Gorilla, 21, Moat Way, Barwell, LEICS, LE9 8EY

This year Protek celebrates 40 years of trading and what better place to do it than Glee where they have exhibited for the last 24 years! 

The business was started in 1983 by Eric and Janet Thornborough, today it is run by their daughters, Becky and Harriet.  They, like their parents, have the same company vision to sell water-based paints that are easy to clean, good for the environment as well as long lasting and durable. All the paints are safe for children, pets, plants, birds and even bees.

The biggest change over the last 40 years is colour.  When Protek started there were only browns available, now there are over 100 colours to choose which will allow each garden to look as individual as its owner. 

There are 6 paint and stain ranges to choose from with each offering a variety of different finishes and price points to match the budget available. 

Their most versatile range is Wood Stain and Protect. This ‘does everything product’ can be used on wood, masonry, walls and planters including plastic and terracotta.  The finish allows the natural grain of the wood to be visible. There are 40 colours in this popular range including 4 NEW colours created to mark Protek’s 40 years of trading.   The range is very affordable with prices starting at £22.50 for 2.5Litres. 

Visit stand 6B61 to find out more and how to become a stockist.

Robbie Toys Ltd are the official importers and UK distributors for Rolly, Ferbedo, Razor,Buki, Winfun, Lionel, Nikko, Toimsa, Totum, Pilsan, Paradiso and more recently Goki and Engino with new manufacturers joining their portfolio, all the time.

As you browse through the website you will find a wide selection of products from the above manufacturers and many more including licensed children’s bicycles.

• Rolly – Licensed Pedal Tractors, Diggers, Wheelbarrows
• Razor – Powered & Manual Scooters, Electric Ride-Ons
• Buki – Stem Gifts
• Winfun – Preschool
• Lional – Harry Potter + Polar Express Train Sets
• Nikko – RC Vehicles 
• Totum – Licensed Arts + Crafts 
• Toimsa – Childrens Bicycles
• Pilsan + Paradiso – Outdoor Swings, Slides, Playhouses
• Goki – Educational Gifts
• Engino – STEM Construction Sets
• Launching for Xmas 2023:

SmarTrike’s Xtend range – 3 New products which are world firsts. 

• A patented balance bike that turns into a 12” Pedal Bike and can extend to a 14” frame.
• A push along for a 2-year-old which converts to a Manual Scooter which the frame can be extended, which can last the child up to 12 Years of Age
• A Push scooter which the frame can Extend as the child grows from 3- 12 years of age

We hold Stock and offer a complete direct despatch service on all products, large or small. 

Weblink – www.Robbietoys.co.uk

Stand info – Hall 8-20 8G46/ 8G42

Contact info – Email: Sales@robbietoys.co.uk  Phone: 01843604448

Celebrating their 20^th anniversary, Smart Garden was again at Glee with an extremely strong marketing package for 2024.

“Over 250 new products can be seen on our stand and that is without the next wave of exciting Christmas developments being launched later in the year,” said Paris Natar, Chairman of the Company.

“Next season is likely to be challenging with softer demand in a recessionary economy. In stark contrast to other major players, we were the ‘last in’ with delayed and very modest price increases during the pandemic and now we are the ‘first out’ of the Covid period with amazing price reductions that will keep our customers’ tills ringing irrespective of interest rates and inflation!”.

Smart’s new pricing is not being unveiled until their 2023-24 catalogue is published in the last week of July, in tandem with the re-opening of their Peterborough and Abingdon showrooms.

MD Jonathan Stobart added: “We are really looking forward to welcoming as many of our customers as possible onto our Glee stand. We are also encouraging them to book a showroom visit as soon as possible where we can roll out the red carpet and provide our undivided attention. We are determined to help all our customers optimise their 2024 sales and profits from our vast array of best-selling products and brands!”.

As specialists in the design and manufacture of original bespoke garden stone cleaning products, the Patio Black Spot Removal Company Ltd unleashed  their amazing new product GO FERROUS at Glee.

Made from recycled Greenleaf vegetables the acid free solution removes Rust staining from Garden Stonework!

Another problem solved, for previously frustrated Gardeners.

Already finalist at  RHS CHELSEA 2023,  in the ‘Best New Sustainable Garden Product of The Year Category’, GO FERROUS is the perfect addition, strategically adding to Garden Centre sales.

A BCorp Certified, family business based in Staffordshire, Hortiwool has worked with natural materials for almost two decades – the favourite being wool! Originally utilising its amazing properties for packaging innovations, Hortiwool has worked behind the scenes to investigate wool’s many benefits when gardening. 

Created, was a 100% British wool, versatile garden pad for use around the home, garden, or allotment, which harnesses the amazing natural properties of wool: they boast awesome weather protection properties, retain moisture for maximum hydration, and as they break down, the wool even adds vital nutrients back into the soil. The pads are completely natural, and 100% plastic free, perfect for those looking for an easy way to be more sustainable in the garden.  

Replacing the need for multiple products, harmful chemicals or using peat in compost, Hortiwool is a truly innovative way to improve your gardening arsenal, and perfect for:  

• Hydrating hanging baskets  
• Nutrition for plant root balls  
• Growing medium for micro greens & micro herbs  
• Protection against slugs  
• Capillary matting 
• Insulation from frost for young plants  
• Adding into compost as a nutritional aid  
• For mulching   
• Soil temperature regulation 
• Nesting for wildlife

Hortiwool is available as a pack of five handy Garden Pads which covers just under 1m² in total, or a pack of two specifically sized Hanging Basket Liners. Visit www.hortiwool.com to shop online, or to find out more.  

Experts in home and garden care, Sipcam are partnering up with outdoor cleaning brand Block Blitz as part of a distribution deal in the UK. Sipcam Home & Garden is part of Sipcam Oxon Group, an international leader in crop protection and development of bio-technologies.

With the flexibility of a small business, from the security of a large group, Sipcam supply exceptional products to customers across Europe and have a growing brand portfolio dedicated to products that are kinder to the planet.

The new partnership sees Sipcam Home & Garden become the UK retail distributor for Block Blitz range of patio products. This joint venture is set to deliver good synergies, with two companies that have a similar ethos and products that complement each other.

Block Blitz are a market leading brand in outdoor cleaning products that has become synonymous when it comes to developing non-toxic, multi surface cleaning products that are safe and effective for commercial and domestic use. Proudly developed and manufactured in the UK, Block Blitz eco cleaner can be used on various outdoor surfaces like, block paving, gravel & decorative aggregates, artificial grass, tarmac, paving slabs, resin drives and decking.  New to Glee, the brand will also launch an acetic acid, fast acting weed killer. When situated next to the cleaner, customers are able to pick up the perfect patio pack that removes weeds, cleans and protects.  

The move to partner with Block Blitz strengthens Sipcam’s patio care offering, provides retailers with a deeper range of outdoor cleaning solutions and reinforces Sipcam’s focus on eco-friendly products that perform well.

Block Blitz Managing Director Dave Moore said:“We are pleased to be working together with Sipcam and share a lot of common ground. Sipcam, like us, place a real importance on products that perform really well whilst being sensitive to the environment. We are excited about what we can do together."

Block Blitz now joins the likes of ecofective, SPOT-ON and GET OFF in offering an assortment of safer alternatives to conventional home and garden care products on the market. Sipcam are focused on becoming the supplier of choice for garden care and developing a unique portfolio.

General Manager of Sipcam Home & Garden Matt Jones also commented on the partnership: “We are very excited about this joint venture that will deliver mutual benefits, not just in terms of products but also in our ethos and cultural values. Together, we will work hard to develop this business as Block Blitz now becomes part of our brand family here at Sipcam."

The partnership is being launched at Glee Birmingham where Block Blitz products will debut on the Sipcam stand 6G10-H11. To celebrate this and other key developments Sipcam will be hosting Patio Hour Tuesday and Wednesday at Glee (27th-28th June) from 4-5pm where the focus will be on the new collaboration. What’s more buyers who attend could be in for a chance to win a 60cm wooden display stand, full of SPOT-ON stock.  Visit the Sipcam stand today to see a market beating garden care offering!

Introducing NatureHarmony Homes, a pioneering brand dedicated to promoting biodiversity in our everyday environments. We're excited to launch our innovative range of eco-friendly wildlife homes, designed to enrich your backyard while supporting the welfare of local wildlife. 

Birdhouse Bliss, a charming abode for feathered friends 

Each product, from Birdhouse Bliss to PricklePad Dwellings, BuggyBungalow, and DormyDen Dwellings, is tailor-made to provide shelter to specific creatures. Birds, hedgehogs, bugs, and dormice can each find a safe haven in these aesthetically appealing and functional habitats, that blend seamlessly into your garden's landscape. 

PricklePad Dwellings, a cozy haven for hedgehogs 

Crafted with durable, eco-friendly materials, NatureHarmony Homes are designed to withstand various weather conditions, offering a year-round sanctuary for your garden's wildlife. This commitment to sustainability and biodiversity makes us more than a product line — we're a cause dedicated to enriching our shared environment. 

BuggyBungalow, an architectural marvel for beneficial bugs. 

We invite you to join us in our mission to support biodiversity and enhance the vibrancy of your outdoors. Explore the complete collection at NatureHarmony Homes. 

Create harmony with nature in your own backyard with NatureHarmony Homes. 

For more information, visit Flat Pack Sheds or contact us at info@flatpacksheds.co.uk. 

You can also visit Timber World Limited at Stand: Hall 8-20 7C56-D57. 

About Timber World Limited: A leading manufacturer of garden buildings, Timber World Limited is committed to providing products that meet clients' diverse needs. 

Press Contact: Baggy Tiwana, 07971 241120, info@flatpacksheds.co.uk 

See partner link https://lp.flatpacksheds.co.uk/partner-program 

And How it works https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FtfMHsaciPI 

Come and see Handy at Glee, stand 20H20-J21, and find out how retailers can make considerable savings on chainsaws, log splitters, leave blowers and Shredders + lots more as part of its Autumn dealer promotion. Retailers can benefit from increased margins of up to 70% on orders placed before the end of August 2023.

Autumn is the time you’re most likely to hear chainsaws in the garden, as trees get pruned and turned into firewood. Handy has a comprehensive range of chainsaws and logs splitters to make light work of this frequently challenging aspect of gardening.

For added convenience, combined Vacuum/Blowers are also available, which collect and shred debris into compostable mulch.  Eleven Vacuum/Blowers have been included in Handy’s special promotion, including Greenworks cordless, The Handy and Q Garden electric, McCullough and Webb petrol models.  

When it comes to getting rid of leaves and garden waste, a shredder is ideal.  Three shredders are included in Handy’s special Autumn offers The Handy Electric Impact Shredder with Box & Detachable Hopper, 

Over 70 garden machinery products have been included in Handy’s new Autumn Garden machinery promotion.

For more information, visit Handy at Glee Stand 20H20-J21, or go to Handy at Glee. 

To become a stockist, please email sales@handys.co.uk or call 01793 333220

At UK Greetings, we don’t believe one size fits all, that’s why we carefully curate our product displays specifically to cater for consumers differing needs and voices.

Our homegrown initiative is a perfect example of how we have done this, specifically tailored for garden centre shoppers.

This new initiative with its modern and stylised display units offers a perfect showcase solution for our distinct and established brands which have been developed with the differing consumer lifestyle choices in mind, as well as offering a differentiated retail solution.

Designed for garden centres, Homegrown offers a comprehensive display planning service including product brokerage, a quick and easy one stop solution ensuring your displays are filled with the most sought-after designs, full display sales analysis and an excellent merchandising service! 

At UK Greetings we are passionate about product but equally, service and sustainability.

We are committed to playing our part to help secure the future of our planet for future generations and in doing so we are constantly introducing innovation to our products, initiatives to reduce waste reusing and recycling as much as possible.

If you are visiting Glee this year, you won’t want to miss out on the opportunity to speak with our fabulous team, so make sure you head on down to stand 7D42-E43. Qualifying purchases will receive a 2’ free standing display unit of our beautiful new Mother’s Day card range (T&C’s apply). And don’t forget to enter our free prize draw for the chance to win a Fortnum & Mason Hamper worth £100 (T&Cs apply).

https://www.ukgreetings.co.uk/

Stand 7D42-E43

Contact: Robert Marsden 

Email • robert.marsden@ukgreetings.co.uk

Tel •  07779 348196

Charles Taylor Trading are celebrating their 10th anniversary at Glee and are offering visitors birthday specials on three popular products.

The company, known for producing traditional garden furniture handcrafted in the UK, are offering the products at the same trade price as they were 10 years ago.

The products, which are also FSC certified, can be seen on the Charles Taylor Trading stand (6B10-C15).

We’re back!

The most well-known recreational warmer brand in the UK, HotHands is thrilled to be joining Glee for a second consecutive year after an incredibly successful 2022/23 winter season.

Get ready for winter gardening 

Gardens and growing spaces require all year-round care and there are plenty of jobs to get stuck into during the cold seasons, including taking care of winter plants, looking after wildlife, harvesting crops, pruning and reshaping bushes or planning ahead for warmer days. 

To keep on top of your gardening jobs in colder weather, stock HotHands to stay warm when gardening so you’re happy as your plants!

On-the-go heat you can’t beat

HotHands is available in 3 key variants; Hand Warmer, Foot Warmer and Adhesive Body Warmer to provide warmth to the whole body. 

They are designed to heat up quickly and provide up to 8-10 hours of continuous heat, ideal to provide warmth, wherever you are. The warmers are ready to use and heat up in minutes once exposed to the air. Hand Warmers are great to keep in gloves or pockets to keep your hands toasty and Foot and Body Warmers can be found as an adhesive style so they stay in place while you work.

Why HotHands is a must stock item for coming winter season 

• The most recognised* air activated warmer brand in the UK 
• Exceptional value* - it’s considered by many as the best value air-activated warmer in the UK market!
• Unbeaten duration of warmth (Up to 8-10 hours of continuous warmth), allowing you to stay working outside for longer!
• Available across multiple categories including; Gardening accessories, Gifting, Clothing, Camping and DIY accessories – it is used in more scenarios than you realise!

Adding value for retailers

This is a Japanese invention and Kobayashi Healthcare (HQ: Kobayashi Pharmaceutical Co.,Ltd.) has the oldest history, since 1915, continuing to research and develop recreational warmer around the world.

With over 20 years’ experience in the UK, we have unrivalled knowledge of how to make our product work in many different channels. We offer various merchandising options to make the most of your space and we can tailor this on a store by store basis!

Inspired? You’re just in time.
This is a must stock item and you’re just in time for this Winter so for more information and samples, come and see our friendly and experienced team at Stand 8G58 during Glee 2023 (27-29^th June)

Contact: 

Mike Fenner-Warner

National Account Manager

Kobayashi Healthcare Europe Ltd 

Mob: +44 (0)7908447098

E-mail: m.warner@kobayashi.com

*Based on Kobayashi research (March 2023)

Yorkshire Flowerpots attended Glee for the 28^th year.

As part of the family-owned Naylor Group, Yorkshire Flowerpots has a heritage firmly planted in 133 years of clay manufacture.  More than a century’s experience, high quality work and a unique firing process have all made Yorkshire Flowerpots the UK’s foremost manufacturer of frostproof flowerpots.

Naylor was founded in 1890 following the discovery of a rich seam of Yorkshire clay during the construction of the Denby Dale Viaduct.  The great-grandfather of current CEO Edward Naylor set up the company to produce underground drainage pipes.  Its pipes are still used today and enjoy a reputation for durability in the toughest conditions.

The Yorkshire Flowerpots range is a more recent innovation, but the company has combined its industrial heritage with a modern design to make a durable, desirable product that is 100% made in Yorkshire and frostproof.  Yorkshire Flowerpots are the UK’s only volume manufacturer of terracotta planters, producing over 200,000 per year.

Durability, high quality and creativity have been close to the company’s heart ever since it was founded. Unlike products fired at lower temperatures Yorkshire Flowerpots locally sourced clay is fired to the highest temperatures – in excess of 1030°C. This ensures the products have a toughness which makes them more than a match for the rigours of a British winter.

We look forward to seeing you during the show.

Yorkshire Flowerpots

Clough Green

Cawthorne

Barnsley

South Yorkshire

S75 4AD

Tel 01226 794059

Email info@naylor.co.uk

Web www.yorkshireflowerpots.co.uk

Woodlodge announced some exciting new designs and additions that will join its already successful decorative planter ranges and place them under the buyers’ spotlight.

EcoMade extension

With ocean plastic pollution still a pressing environmental concern and a successful launch of EcoMade at last year’s Glee, Woodlodge is continuing to manufacture its innovative planter range made from plastic dumped on beaches and in the sea into its new designs.

Making their debut at Glee 2024, the EcoMade squares are available in a traditional panel style and modern, clean-lined square. The new squares are a perfect statement accent to any outdoor space, look stylish and are good for eco-savvy consumers too.  Constructed from ocean-reclaimed material including reclaimed fishing nets and ropes, EcoMade’s squares deliver an amazingly attractive planter with rolled edges, resulting in a sleek, finished appearance.

When merchandised together with the existing round EcoMade planters, retailers can display the full versatility of this single pot range through colour and shape, and pots in different sizes to create the illusion of height and texture.

New for Heritage Garden

There is no doubt that the Heritage Garden pottery collection, the flagship container range is a winner for both retailers and gardeners in the UK. The latest container gardening trends have seen the Heritage Garden range being one of the most photographed planters on social media and with this in mind,  Woodlodge is proud to unveil new designs for its most popular market-leading brand.

New for 2024 is the Heritage Edwin Garden Planter Jars and Bowls in blue and green reactive glazes.  With reactive glazed colours popular this year, consumers are gravitating towards interesting shades as they look to harmonise with nature. The jar shape of these new Heritage designs will be perfect for a country cottage-style container, whilst blending seamlessly into the natural environment.

With terracotta landscaping proving popular at this year’s Chelsea Flower Show, the look, feel and style of the Mediterranean can be recreated at retailers with the new Heritage Elizaplanters will provide warm tones with its ribbed, just-thrown design.  The soothing terracotta hues are also apparent with Heritage’s newest Audley design, with its handle and cylinder pots looking like they could belong to a larger garden in Tuscany as well as our urban garden.

Additions to Earthenware

Terracotta and natural shades are the latest trend taking over Instagram feeds and Woodlodge has taken these rich, earthy tones and applied them to the latest Earthenware designs to be revealed at Glee. We've been seeing the use of natural materials and artisan products take centre stage as we connect back with nature and the new Earthenware shapes and styles will help retailers tap into this consumer trend in store.

The earthy red colour of fired terracotta, ceramics and pottery is timeless and is one of the trends that will never go out of fashion.  Earthenware’s latest designs are made from natural and organic materials such as clay and come as beautifully proportioned classical pots or bowls.   Planters come with artisan-inspired patterns that have been etched into the terracotta, an aged finish, or glazes in opaque green, gold and black to together decorative elements in the garden,

Retailers can get all fired up over the Earthenware collection which epitomises Greek culture which will complement a whole array of plants whilst slotting in seamlessly on the sales floor and with garden greenery.

Michael Wooldridge, Director of Woodlodge said: “Retailers know better than anyone that consumers are now seeking eco-friendly products that are kind to the environment as well as their pockets.  The new EcoMade square planters will help them satisfy that demand whilst the additions to Heritage Garden and Earthenware will only reinforce the existing collections’ exclusive design, quality and durability."

RocketGro is bolstering its offering with the addition of six new bagged products, which were revealed at Glee.

The new bagged lines, combined with a brand-new liquid feed range, take RocketGro’s portfolio to an impressive 22 products; providing retailers with a comprehensive organic, peat-free growing media offer from an exceptional brand that is shaking up the industry.

The addition of these new bagged products – which include Premium Bark Nuggets, Farmyard Manure, Rose Compost, Chicken Manure, Top Soil, and a 50-litre bag of RocketGro Multi-Purpose Compost – means that RocketGro is now able to provide retailers with a full-range service.

In keeping with RocketGro’s ethos, all new products are chemical free, 100% organic approved, British grown, sourced and manufactured. Packaging is also 100% recyclable. 

RocketGro has brought together the most compelling eco story of any compost manufacturing business in the UK operating at scale with eye-catching branding and a price point that makes the products built to sell.

The brand-new ranges join RocketGro’s stellar organic, peat-free line up, including its flagship Magic Mulch, UK’s biggest Tomato & Veg planter, and RocketGro’s impressive River Cottage-endorsed collection of composts.

RocketGro Managing Director Toby Thomas said: “We’ve responded to demand with these new products and it means we can provide a full-range service for retailers. We are changing the game when it comes to sustainable, peat-free growing. All our products are British made, Soil Association-approved for organic growing, chemical free, have 100% sustainable attributes and, combined with the fact that they are a by-product of green bio-gas production, mean we have an eco-story that is hard to beat.”

Find out more

If you want to learn more about RocketGro, make a beeline for the RocketGro (6B50-C51) or Barrus stand (20D40-E41), where you can get hands on with these fantastic new lines. To speak to the team before or after Glee, please contact Toby Thomas (hello@rocketgro.co.uk /07936 928 981) or Andy Abraham (andy@rocketgro.co.uk / 07446 937902). Discover more about the RocketGro story at www.rocketgro.co.uk

It was a busy time on the Eliza Tinsley and Greenman Garden Tools stand at Glee.

We’ve found it very encouraging to see how well our tools have been received. A special mention must go to our range of contractor tools which have been a real surprise hit with you all. Under our Eliza Tinsley banner, we’ve been providing the agricultural and fencing market with all manner of chain, rope, fixings and more for nearly 200 years. The contractor tools are a very recent addition to our range, hard working and super sturdy, they’re set for the jobs that need tough tools.

Whilst the eye-catching artisanal range of garden tools from Greenman are stand out examples of quality workmanship, it’s obvious that something that may not look as pretty but delivers in extreme durability, has made you all take note of the Eliza Tinsley Contractor Range.

QuickTrade, our mobile ordering app has shown how easy it is to work with Eliza Tinsley and we’re delighted that we’ve been able to set so many of you up on the system. With QuickTrade, you’ll be in control, able to view real time stock levels, your own prices and of course, place orders at a time to suit you.

www.elizatinsley.co.uk www.greenmangardentools.com 0121 502 0055

NEW PRODUCTS FOR GLEE

Robotime, a unique and diverse collection of intricately cut 3-D scale models. Enter the world of super-tech model making to create familiar images or state-of-the-art mechanical working models with blueprint accuracy, Interior lifestyle designs and classic iconic subjects all with illustrated instructions with everything required to make the model in the box! 

For nearly 50 years, FlamIngo has developed a huge range of pet accessories and snacks to keep pets and their people happy.  Demonstrating how much we care about pets and constantly developing new products to keep pets happy.

GLEE! The perfect opportunity to visit FOUNTASIA™ not only to see the exciting evolution of our famous Home and Garden Décor ranges but also NEW GLOBAL BRANDS presented and distributed in the UK and Eire exclusively by Fountasia.

UDEAS, Safe and stimulating toys and games for toddlers designed to inspire imagination, creativity, fine tune manual dexterity and nurture social development as children learn through play.

Clothes moths are an all year round problem in the UK, peaking during the warmer months. Acana is the No1 Moth Control Brand, with the advanced 3 stage system, and it has never been easier to treat, control and monitor moths around the home.

In the UK we are seeing a growth in moth infestations. Traditionally, moths would have been found in older high density housing; in areas like London. However we are hearing more and more from people that have found moth infestations in new builds and countryside properties. Because these moths will derive their nourishment from your clothes and furnishings, they are can cause extensive damage in a short space of time. Wool and cashmere are a popular food source, but they will feed on any natural fibres such as silk, fur, feathers and leather.

At Acana, we find that there are three kinds of moths that generally cause an issue for our customers. These are:

1. COMMON CLOTHES MOTH (TINEOLA BISSELLIELLA
2. CASE BEARING CARPET MOTH (TINEA PELLIONELLA)
3. COMMON FOOD MOTH (HOFMANNOPHILA PSEUDOSPRETELLA)

Maximise your sales by having the treatment readily available for this common problem, in a handy display stand (or buy the product without the stand) This is the Acana Advanced 3 Stage System:

1. Monitor and Discover infestation activity with the Acana moth trap and refills,
2. Stop moths in their tracks with the moth killer sprays, available in Lavender or Fresh Linen
3. Keep the moths at bay with the hanging moth killer for wardrobes and the sachet for drawers and storage units. These can be placed safely near your clothes and fabrics.

Did you know?

• Moths are normally drawn to light, but actually the moths that infest closets, clothes, and furniture actually prefer dark, undisturbed areas?
• Adult moths that you see flying around your home do not have mouths so they are not responsible for the damage to your clothes or fabrics. They are really a distraction from where your main problem lies!  It is the larvae that makes the holes found in clothing items, or even furniture, and this is what needs to be treated. 
• The only sure way to deal with the problems of eggs and larvae is by using chemical action. This will kill the eggs and larvae to ensure no more damage is suffered to the items in your home.

For trade enquiries contact Wilsons at

www.wilsonscolchester.com

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/wilsonsdistribution

Instagram-  https://www.instagram.com/wilsonsofcolchester/

Linkedin- https://www.linkedin.com/company/wilsons-colchester/

Twitter- https://twitter.com/Wilsons_Colch

Come and see Acana at the Wilsons stand at Glee Hall 8-20 Stand 8E45!  Here at Wilsons, we provide a top class customer service, order by 1pm for same day despatch, we have over 5000 product lines sitting in our warehouse for immediate despatch! We make dealing with us super easy. Request an account today on our website or call us sales@wilsonscolchester.com

The Hamac stand showcased the company's new 2024 Garden and retail products as well as a sneak preview into its large commercial Display portfolio.

Hamac Lifestyle Garden portfolio includes the largest range of water features in Europe, resin animals, figurines and signature GRC pots. 

Hamac are advocates of using sustainable energy sources and encourage customers to use renewable solar energy to power our garden products.  We have once again this year extended our Solar water feature range and introduced new Solar Powered Garden Creations Product. This will play an important role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and lessen climate change.

Also on display is an exciting new concept in large pots and urns which are light weight, glass reinforced concrete and frost & UV resistant.  After receiving extremely positive feedback from our 2023 pots we have extended the range for 2024.

Visit us at - HALL 20 STAND F18-G19

Living a more sustainable lifestyle is at the forefront of many of our minds, so it’s good news for those who care about their environmental footprint as Town & Country has just launched a new range of gloves made from recycled plastic bottles and ocean plastic waste.

The Eco-Flex range answers the demand for a reduction in single use plastic and allows people to buy a pair of gloves for the long term, safe in the knowledge that their choice is helping, not hindering, the environment.

This new range is displayed in a eye-catching bespoke design tailored to look like the plastic bottles the gloves are made from. It incorporates the specific glove details along with the eco-savings associated with the range.

The collection encompasses four new pairs of gloves made from recycled materials for a variety of different gardening needs and in a range of different sizes and colours.

The Eco-Flex Finesse gloves provide a thin protective coating for increased dexterity and comfort when carrying out delicate or intricate gardening tasks. Available in navy with teal, the pair is breathable, lightweight and machine-washable with fitted wrists. 

For slightly more protection, the light-grey and teal Eco-Flex Comfort gloves are soft, comfortable and light, providing all day cosiness. This pair is also smartphone friendly, allowing you to carry on using your phone while out in the garden.

With great wet and dry grip, the Eco-Flex Ultra gloves are soft yet hard-wearing, providing extra protection in all weather conditions.

Ideal for professionals or experienced enthusiasts, the Eco-Flex Pro gloves provide extra durability, tailored protection and greater grip, in all conditions. The breathability, fitted wrists and crinkle grip ensures they are comfortable for the most demanding tasks. 

While the entire Eco-Flex range is made from ocean waste, it is not a case of having to choose the environment over practicality. The entire range is hardwearing and tough, offering buyers a range of different options to choose from.

Barrus Stand; Hall 20, D40-E41

Contact: CustomerServices@Barrus.co.uk 01869 363636

EKJU now offer the production of the highest quality building components and finishing timber materials. In this new range are construction and landscaping products such as planed slats and boards. 

EKJU have always had strict quality management standards at their 18-acre production site in Latvia.  During production they use extensive knowledge, techniques, and state of the art machinery to ensure consistency and smooth product finishing. As a result, producing a construction component range is seen as a natural progression from the diligent approach they have instilled when making quality garden furniture.

From decking boards to bespoke components

The components range features Decking & Cladding Boards, Planed Boards, and assembled products such as boundary fencing. Special orders with bespoke lengths and specifications are also available and can be supplied with natural green, brown and the NEW grey pressure treatment, all processed at EKJU’s production site.

EKJU has the capability to produce 100,000m³  of timber annually. Within this output there are hundreds of possible construction components that they can produce. Most importantly, EKJU can offer products at the correct moisture levels of 18-22% ensuring the components adhere to construction regulations.

Experts in timber processing

Being experts in timber processing, EKJU are obsessed with sustainability and quality. Their products are produced using FSC pine and spruce that grow in the northern European forests. This live wood is high quality and stronger due to its slow growth. Before preservative treatment, kiln drying occurs in 4 separate kiln ovens where components are dried in a time-controlled environment to ensure a finished product with the correct moisture levels and therefore delivered as dry as technology allows. This process prevents warping or bowing providing the end user with a more robust longer lasting product. 

For customers wanting extra durability Thermowood is available, offering improved stability, and resistance to decay. This is an in-demand material ideal for both exterior and interior applications in the construction and design industries.

EKJU takes care of you, from design to delivery

With a skilled and attentive team, EKJU offers peace of mind to customers with expertise in product design which provides new product development support. Due to the experience of exporting throughout Europe for over 25 years, EKJU also takes care of Logistics with on time in full deliveries and short production lead times where possible. With a customer focused approach, offering minimal order quantities, EKJU can provide a tailored service and even eco-friendly treatments if this is required.  

EKJU will be available to discuss how they can support your business with their components range at Glee Birmingham. Speak to the EKJU team today to discuss the range at stand 6H40 – J41. For enquiries email matiss.boikovs@ekju.lv. For more information visit www.ekju.com.

View EKJU’s new catalogue by clicking here.

First impressions matter, and what better way to welcome guests into a home than with a hardwearing yet stylish and inviting coir doormat? At Southern Trident, we are thrilled to unveil our latest addition to our product lineup—our merchandising stand designed to display our exceptional doormat range.

This stand is more than just a functional display; it's a statement piece that elevates the entrance of any retail space, providing a glimpse into the world of warmth and charm that our doormats bring.

Our merchandising stand is crafted with precision and aesthetic appeal, reflecting the quality and style of our doormats. Its sleek design and durable construction ensure that it seamlessly integrates into any retail environment, from boutique home decor stores to bustling garden centres. With its eye-catching presence, it becomes a focal point, drawing customers in and inviting them to explore our diverse range of 70+ doormats.

One of the standout features of our merchandising stand is its versatility. Its wheeled design allows for easy repositioning, accommodating various doormat sizes, shapes, and designs. The stand's adjustable shelves and hooks enable a dynamic and visually appealing presentation, ensuring that each doormat is showcased to its full potential.

We understand that convenience is essential when it comes to retail displays. That's why our merchandising stand is not only visually appealing but also highly practical. The easy-to-access compartments and thoughtfully designed organization system make it effortless for customers to browse through our doormat collection. By providing a seamless shopping experience, we enhance customer satisfaction and increase the likelihood of a purchase.

Fandango Fire Tools shared news of the resounding success of the Kindling Cracker.

Visitors also discovered the range of stunning new Espegard REIN clean burning fire pits from Norway.

The innovative Kindling Cracker firewood splitter - invented by 13 year old schoolgirl Ayla from New Zealand - has revolutionised the way people prepare firewood.

The patented product is a must-have accessory for anyone with a log burner, fire pit or pizza oven. The design allows you to split firewood with ease, without the need for dangerous sharp tools. With just a few strikes, you'll be ready to ignite your fires in no time.

Incredibly Robust Design & 5 Year Warranty

Crafted from high-quality, recycled cast iron, this incredibly robust tool ensures durability and long-lasting performance. The design keeps your hands safely away from the splitting edge, preventing accidents and injuries. No more struggling with axes or knives. Enjoy effortless firewood preparation with the reassurance of a 5 year warranty.

Thousands of 5 Star Reviews & Happy Stockists

The Kindling Cracker receives thousands of rave reviews and glowing reports from fire enthusiasts. BBC Gardeners World love it too - their review couldn’t speak highly enough of Ayla’s invention.

Join our roster of existing happy dealers (Blue Diamond, Burford Garden Co, Kadai, The Pizza Oven Shop, ThemHouse of Bruar and many more) to elevate your fire-starting game. Many stockists who came on board after Glee 2022 have sold out and reordered multiple times.

Espegard

Fandango Fire Tools are also showcasing Espegard fire pits and accessories.

For more than three decades, Espegard has been offering a high-quality range of fire pans, furniture and accessories. We’re very proud to be their UK distributor.

We have five fire pits on show - all are made in Europe. Four of them have exciting clean burn technology - come and see us to discover this stunning range.

HJ Hall extends its offering with its new range of underwear. For practical convenience, HJ Hall has opted for a breathable cotton fabrication when designing its new underwear styles. Cotton is known for keeping wearers feeling fresh, with the added benefit of feeling incredibly soft against the skin, a key consideration for this collection.

Brands and consumers have become increasingly aware of cotton’s impact on the environment; HJ Hall’s use of the responsibly sourced cotton mitigates these concerns and showcases HJ Hall’s dedication to making environmentally conscious choices.

The responsible sourcing helps cotton growing communities thrive, whilst also considering the soil in which cotton is harvested, forging a sustainable programme for cotton manufacturers. The softness of HJ Hall’s cotton underwear is further enhanced thanks to soft touch inner seams and hems for an exceptionally smooth finish.

A tag less care label prevents irritation against the skin and a gentle hold waistband provides all-day comfort. The new styles are ideal for all age demographics, with HJ Hall releasing four styles including slip briefs, cotton stretch trunks, Fly-front briefs and woven boxer shorts.

Colours across all styles are classic, appearing in white, blue, and black. The packaging uses a one size box, perfect for stacking or hanging.

Nature Safe, launched in 2019, is a range of natural, organic, and sustainable garden care products, including lawn care and liquid plant feeds made from a combination of seaweed and plant-based nutrients.  

In 2021, Nature Safe launched a range of liquid feeds and this year Nature Safe will be expanding this range of plant-based feeds with three new outdoor granular plant feeds retailing at £7 each:

• Nature Safe Rose & Shrub Feed 2KG - brilliant for blooms and optimum plant growth
• Nature Safe Fruit & Veg Feed 2KG - Promotes a naturally healthy eco system 
• Nature Safe Seaweed Enriched Feed 2KG – For Stronger Plant Immunity

With sustainability at the heart of everything we do and continuing to make our products and packaging more environmentally friendly, this range will be available in 2kg boxes. Seaweed is one of the most prominent ingredients featured across the Nature Safe range. Hand-harvested on the Connemara shoreline in Galway, which ensures there is complete regrowth every 3 years, making it the most sustainable option for Nature Safe, using nature to nurture nature, enriching the soil and the plants that we grow and eat with seaweed’s natural micronutrients.  The seaweed is also cold pressed, giving a richer more nutrient dense seaweed extract without the use of heat extraction or added chemicals.

All products in the Nature Safe range are plant-based and organic, making them completely safe for children, pets, pollinators and wildlife.

This new range of children’s arts and crafts products is suitable for ages 3-10 and feature colourful designs to appeal to both children and parents alike. PepPlay is a premium eco conscious brand, with many of the products designed to be reusable and recyclable. 

All of the products are non-toxic and conform to CE and ASTM standards. The range is made up of around 20 products initially, with plans to expand the range in the coming year. The range includes Reusable Doodle Placemats, Sticker Puzzles, How-to-Draw books, Origami Art, Dough Art, Velvet Colouring Cards, Painting by Numbers, 3D Model Kit and No Sew Pillow Kits.

The reusable doodle mats are a particular highlight and come in a range of designs. The placemats are designed to make mealtimes fun at home or on the go. Take the stress out of eating at restaurants with little ones, by giving them this fun activity whilst they are waiting. Children can learn and play whilst developing skills such as concentration, fine motor and coordination for early writing skills and correct pencil grip. They are printed with fade proof black ink on food grade, non-toxic Polymer sheets and are BPA free. Colour in the pictures, wipe clean and the mats are ready to be reused again!

The educational sticker puzzles are fantastic for encouraging independent, exploratory play. Each scene card features designs that are divided into spaces, each with a number, that corresponds to a sticker. Find the sticker, peel it, and place it in the right space and see how beautifully the complete scene is made! The stickers are repositionable, so that they can be replaced in the event of an error.

Visit the Toyway stand at GLEE to see the full range and speak to a member of the team for more information.

www.toyway.co.uk

Stand - 7A47

sales@toyway.co.uk

Johnsons Lawn Seed, the UK’s oldest lawn seed brand, has invested £3.5 million in new equipment to meet retail demand and significantly improve its overall product offering efficiency.

Based in Inkberrow, Worcestershire, the business has been an industry leader in lawn seed for over 200 years, providing world-class products to a wide range of garden and DIY retailers and helping Brits around the UK cultivate green healthy lawns. The new mixing pant, named Titan encompasses all these things and continues to support the growth of DLF UK’s operations.

Titan has 48 seed bins of seven cubic metres which hold up to 1.2 tonnes of seed depending upon the species being mixed. The Pneumatic closed system inputs 12 tonnes per hour into bins and then 6 tonnes per hour from bins to mixers, improving Johnsons’ line efficiency with increased capacity and capability through automation.

Before being distributed into Titan to work its magic, the seed is filtered on input with a “star cleaner” - also used in the food industry - to remove any debris and ensure nothing other than pure seed makes its way into the box. Titan’s rotary valves, diverter valves and connecting pipes are all self-cleaning, ensuring there is no contamination during the mixing process.

The bespoke control software is fully integrated with Nav, DLF’s operating software system and the investment in Titan now brings all of its mixing and some treatments in-house, improving availability in season for consumers who want to care for their lawns in peak periods.

Guy Jenkins, Consumer Manager at Johnsons Lawn Seed said: “The new mixing plant will be a fantastic asset for the DLF and Johnsons site.”

View the full range of mixes at Glee on stand 20H40-J41

If you want to start stocking Johnsons Wildflower Mixes, then please visit the team at Glee or call your local sales agent or visit the website http://www.johnsonslawnseed.com/product-range.aspx

Strength, British Heritage and reliability reflect the traditions upon which the Bulldog name has been built. Skill and craftsmanship have been the key to the company’s success for over 240 years.

Our forged spades and forks have heads made from a single piece of carbon steel, no welds, and no weak points. We use only the finest quality timber from sustainable sources to make the spade and fork shafts, then bury the shaft deep within the socket. Each tool is backed by a “ Lifetime Guarantee “ as standard.  The range includes Treaded Rabbiting spades, Tree planting spears, Bulb planters, and Forged Edging Knifes for lawns, Rose Forks, Wizard Rakes with removable and replaceable rubber tines, our famous Springbok Rake and five types of digging spade and fork to suit every type of garden and aspect. We can supply a merchandiser of “ Best Sellers “ or we can work on a bespoke retail solution to suit small or larger areas. 

To see the range please come and chat to the team about what we can do for you on Stand 6J44-20A45 Hall 8 -20. 

www.bulldogtools.co.uk or email sarah.cottle@rollins.co.uk

Helping garden centres support gardeners of all skillsets in their growing endeavours, Durston Garden Products Ltd showcasedtheir full range of quality composts, grow bags and soil improvers.

At Glee this year, Durstons will showcase their stellar line-up of growing media – a comprehensive and quality offer that caters to all gardeners, from novices to expert growers. The show will give buyers the chance to browse a host of best-sellers, including a range of multi-purpose composts that are guaranteed to drive sales and become a staple line for retail customers. 

Within this quality line-up is a Multi-Purpose Compost that boasts an impressive nutrient value, essential for healthy plant growth, thanks to Durstons’ unique organic additive, GRO BOOST. Available in 10, 20, 40, 50, and 60 litre packs, the best-selling compost also contains a wetting agent and is blended perfectly for optimum water absorption, aeration and drainage.

Another top-selling product is Multi-Purpose Compost with John Innes (50 litre pack), which also benefits from innovative GRO BOOST technology, plus added John Innes to help retain water for longer and assist in re-wetting compost if it has been allowed to dry out.  

With 22 products in Durstons’ portfolio – from Specialist Composts to Soil Conditioner and Decorative Bark – buyers will be spoilt for choice when it comes to filling gaps in their growing media offer.

Helping retailers to shape their ‘good, better, best’ offering and provide customers with quality products at keen prices, Durstons will have its competitive Manor Farm range on show. Manor Farm Multi-Purpose Compost is a firm favourite with garden retailers, who hail the range as an excellent value multi-purpose compost that promotes healthy growth for all plants and vegetables.

With attractive packaging across the board, all Durstons products provide real ‘stand-out’ on the pallet thanks to eye-catching imagery and clear, concise messaging, which helps garden centre customers navigate the confusing world of compost more easily and find the right product for the job.

Find out more

Durstons has been established for over 150 years. To find out more about the latest developments, visit www.durstongardenproducts.co.uk or call 01458 442688. 

Glee saw the launch of a beautiful new RHS Gifts for Gardeners design collection from Sheffield-based Burgon & Ball, creator of beautiful premium gardening tools and accessories since 1730. It was also the first outing for the latest additions to the company’s flagship range of RHS-endorsed stainless steel tools, plus the latest additions to the much-loved Sophie Conran for Burgon & Ball range.

RHS Gifts for Gardeners

Entitled ‘Asteraceae’, the new ‘RHS Gifts for Gardeners’ collection adds exciting new gifting options to update and refresh the range. It also includes new twists on top-selling lines from previous design collections. In tune with consumer expectations, the eye-catching packaging is plastic-free and easily recyclable. 

The new pattern showcases flowers from the daisy family. It has been created by Burgon & Ball and features watercolour illustrations dating from circa 1810, specially selected from the RHS Lindley Collections of historic botanical art. 

RHS-endorsed stainless steel tools

Planting is one of the more creative and satisfying tasks in the garden, and continues to be the top-selling category of stainless steel tools. To help retailers make the most of this passion for planting, Burgon & Ball is adding no fewer than six new RHS-endorsed stainless steel tools for planting.

Specially developed to make specific planting tasks easier, the three trowels, short-handled perennial spade, and small digging spade and fork feature design to bring the wow factor. All the new additions carry a lifetime guarantee.

Sophie Conran for Burgon & Ball

Moving to another of Burgon & Ball’s licensed ranges, this year’s additions to the Sophie Conran for Burgon & Ball collection tap into the emerging Modern Rustic trend. There are two indoor watering cans and a seed organiser in galvanized steel, bringing the Sophie Conran galvanized collection to five complementary pieces. 

In addition, a covetable new heart-shaped trowel in mirror-polished stainless steel joins the Sophie Conran line-up of gift-boxed hand tools. It combines perfect planting performance with irresistible good looks.

With all new launches from Burgon & Ball at GLEE, there’s something for every retailer this season, across both Garden and softer Gift environments.

Launching at Glee 23, a fabulous new non-competing category in pet products. Oh So Precious!

Oh So Precious is a brand new, innovative range of pet keepsake gifts showing pet owners you understand their love for their pet.  Beautifully packaged , easy to display  and offering healthy margins with a roadmap of innovation into 2024

Please stop and visit our brand,  a non-competing range with great impulse purchase potential from pet lovers!

Sign for a trade account today www.ohsoprecious.co.uk

This summer M&G’s exclusive range of bottles has doubled in size, offering an extended choice of glorious fine art designs on 500ml insulated stainless steel bottles.

A distinctly summery feel is provided by the Natural History Museum’s Ulysses Butterflies and Lemons all-over bright sunshine yellow and sky blue design, our you could choose Dee Hardwicke’s fresh English countryside ‘Hares and Berries’ or the dramatic ‘Bee Pattern’ by Catherine Rowe.

The V&A provides a colourful quartet of Victorian classics-with-a-twist, and a juicy modern rainbow from the Tate and an Amethyst bottle from the NHM make up the complete collection.

Joining the bottles, M&G are launching a range of 12 insulated stainless steel travel tumblers with matt accent colour lids coordinating with classic prints on the cylindrical mug body. Four choices from the V&A are joined by designs from the British Museum, Vincent van Gogh, Sarah Campbell, Catherine Rowe and Helen Ahpornsiri for Wild Press. These are perfect for drinks on the go.

Come to our stand to see our exciting range of greeting card, stationery and gift products: 7A60-B61

Backed by over 40 years of knowledge, testing and experience in the Industry from AHS Ltd and A W Jenkinson Forest Products Group, the Heart of Eden Range of premium bagged barks and growing media was at Glee for the first time!

We are super excited to unveil our bespoke stand, where you can see products first-hand and discuss finer points with experienced staff. Kiya-Ellen Rose, our sponsored garden designer competing at RHS Tatton Hall, will employ her signature style to create our planters. You can also see how our outstanding products would look in your Garden Centre, with PoS displays presenting them at their best.

Our stand also highlights our All-Purpose Natural PEAT FREE Compost, Composted Bark Fines and Decorative Bark, which have been entered in the New Product Awards.

Our team are on hand from 9am daily to answer any questions. Visitors can collect a lavender plug, rooted in a blend of our own growing media, dressed with our Composted Bark Fines, in recycled bamboo pots. We are also offering homemade flapjacks to help fortify you for the busy days ahead.

Heart of Eden products were carefully developed with the environment in mind – every component is made from sustainable or renewable UK sources and completely PEAT FREE. We source materials from as close to production as possible to minimise carbon emissions and are proud to have earned the Plant Mark Accreditation.

So, whether you are looking to lead the way in “Greener Gardening” options with our All-Purpose PEAT FREE Compost or mulching solutions with the best-selling Decorative Bark, we have you and your customers covered.

Osprey Charging, a leading electric vehicle charging network, provides a range of solutions for landlords and property owners who want to offer charging at their properties. 

From grid applications, planning and design to installation, ongoing maintenance and customer care, Osprey Charging can help retail businesses navigate the complex process of adding EV charging facilities. 

Furthermore, installing EV chargers can enhance brand image, demonstrating an organisation's commitment to reducing carbon emissions and promoting green energy solutions. By partnering with Osprey Charging, you can ensure that your EV charging facilities are reliable, efficient, and user-friendly, giving you peace of mind that you are providing a high-quality, leading service to your customers.

One company that has recognised the value of rapid EV charging for retail businesses is British Garden Centres. The UK’s largest family-owned garden centre group have partnered with Osprey Charging to install rapid EV charge points across its retail stores.

Amy Stubbs, daughter of the founder, from British Garden Centres said: “We work hard to provide our customers with expert gardening knowledge, great value, the industry’s best gardening products and the highest quality of food in our restaurants. Partnering with Osprey allows us to build upon this further by letting our growing number of EV driving customers charge their vehicles at a time and location that is convenient for them, whilst they visit our stores.”

British Garden Centre's decision highlights the growing importance of EV charging infrastructure in the retail industry. As more and more business, fleet and private drivers switch to electric vehicles, retailers that offer charging facilities will have a competitive advantage over those that do not. For landlords and property owners, installing rapid EV charging stations brings further benefits. By enhancing properties with charging infrastructure, landlords can increase the value of their assets, improve customer experience, and attract new customers who value the convenience of charging their vehicles on site.

The new S/S 24 Outdoor Collection from Ivyline features 115 brand new lines, many of them made close to home in Europe with strong sustainable principles in mind.

Premium handmade terracotta urns and planters in trend-focused colours are frost proof, UV stable and elevate this planter category to new heights, bringing a Tuscan flavour to the British countryside. A wide range of styles, shapes and sizes are available, from extra-large to small and discreet.

New lines can be beautifully merchandised with Ivyline's bespoke in-store display solutions that will attract shoppers like bees to honey! The two-tiered display and stunning POS offers full product access that can be optimised to suit any store layout, whilst an additional merchandising unit is available for the classic Brampton outdoor terracotta model.

Country Living just keeps getting better as the Outdoor Collection unfolds, with two-tone Hazleton Copper and reactive glaze pebble planters, whilst the introduction of Honey coloured glazes looks ahead to next year's Pantone colour of the year, a similar Apricot hue.

Covetable elevated planters such as Dallas or Seattle bring a height boost to outdoor plants, whilst 100% recycled materials used throughout the Ella outdoor pots, troughs and vases brings sustainable manufacture to the fore once again.

A new Ivyline collection would not be the same without a touch of Classic Luxury, where unique two-tone metallic finish planters will set the bar for stylish outdoor living. The addition of beautiful new trellis and plant support designs in the hugely popular Lifestyle Gardening Grow-Your-Own range extends the high-end feel.

Stand: 6E60-F61 

Website: www.ivylinegb.co.uk

Email sales@ivylinegb.co.uk

Tel: 024 7633 9180.

Pioneer Brush have been making painting tools for many years and are one of the leading producers worldwide for professional tradesman and DIY consumers of top quality products.

With the launch of or ECO and Woodcare ranges we are taking a fresh look at the products we manufacture and respond to the need to reduce the impact on the planet wherever we can by using the right environmentally friendly methods and materials within our manufacture.

Without any compromise to quality all products in the ECO and Woodcare ranges are made to the same high standards as our current production with the same attention to quality and performance.

• Packaging made using recycled paper
• Trays made using paper pulp from waste
• Dustsheets made from biodegradable agricultural film.
• Paint brush and paint roller handles made from recycled polypropylene and bamboo composite.
• Bamboo composite is produced from waste material used in furniture making that would other wise be destroyed.

Web: www.pioneerbrush.net

Stand Number: 7F57

Email: Info@pioneerbrush.com

Tel: 0044 (0) 1924 468327

Contact: Ted Heath 

Glee went Floral Thursday today in support of Greenfingers Charity. The event, supported by Garden Trade News, saw exhibitors and visitors to Glee joining in the fun by wearing an array of floral clothing throughout the day.

All those taking part were asked to support the charity by buying a raffle ticket which was entered into a prize draw to win fabulous prizes.

Ground-breaking new garden and pet products have been confirmed as the winners of the coveted Glee New Product Awards 2023, run in association with GTN. The Overall Best Glee New Product went to Westland Unwins for its Kent & Stowe Surecut Loppers & Shears.

The winning products were chosen by an expert panel of judges representing independent and multiple retailers, consumer gardening media and trade media.

After initial judging of the new products entered, the judges selected finalists in each category. Then those finalists had the opportunity to meet the judges, answer questions and make a pitch to be chosen as the winner.

The results:

Wild Bird Care and Wildlife Products

Winner: Peckish Natural Balance Coco-Not Wild Bird Feeders – Westland Unwins

Pet Products

Winner: Pet Bed Topper – The Wheat Bag Company

DIY Products

Winner: Racan Premium Anti-Rodent Sealant (RACARSM) – Lodi UK

Landscaping

Winner: Rubber Play Space Tiles – Primeur Ltd

Retail Services & Experiences

Winner: Indoor Gardening Essentials Merchandising Solutions (G.E.M.S) – Westland Unwins

Gifts, body and bath, Christmas, greeting cards, toys and games 

Winner: Playpress Vets Mini Playset – Playpress Toys

Homewares, clothing and fashion accessories 

Winner: Recycled Bottle Scarf – Art on Scarves

Leisure & Entertaining

Winner: Firestorm Phoenix Pellet Patio Heater – Pinnacle Agri Products Ltd

Tools & Machinery

Winner: Kent & Stowe Surecut Loppers & Shears – Westland Unwins

Garden Decoration

Winner: Gemini Solar Wall Light pk of 2 – The Solar Centre

Growing Containers

Winners: Cottage Garden 12L Beehive Planter – EP Barrus Ltd 

EcoMade Indoor Hemp Planters – Woodlodge Products

Growing Accessories

Winner: ClipGlove Warm 'n' Waterproof – Treadstone Products

Growing Materials

Winner: Coco & Coir Houseplant Compost – Southern Trident Limited

Plants Seeds & Bulbs

Winners: Nymphya Purple Fantasy – Anglo Aquatic

Petunia Tumbelina Nicola – Colegrave Seabrook Foundation/Kerley & Co

Glee Sustainable Product Award

Winner:  EcoMade Indoor Hemp Planters – Woodlodge Products

Best of British Award

Winner:  Firestorm Phoenix Pellet Patio Heater – Pinnacle Agri Products Ltd

Overall Glee New Product 2023

Winner: Kent & Stowe Surecut Loppers & Shears – Westland Unwins

The Judges were: Mel Livingstone (Fron Goch Garden Centre), Andy Bunker (Alton Garden Centre), Ian Hodgson (Garden News), Nicci Gow (Retired Garden Centre Owner), Elliott Kirby (RHS Retail), Lilidh Matthews (Online Buying Consultant), Roger Crookes (Pughs Garden Centre), Pat Flynn (Retired Trade Association Manager of PetQuip), Tom Grinnall (Blue Diamond), Bryn Saysall (Blue Diamond), Boyd Douglas-Davies (Industry Consultant).

The Glee New Product Showcase, in association with GTN, has generated huge interest as Glee. After drawing up their shortlisted products for the New Product Awards, the judges listened to pitches from exhibitors.

The final winners were announced at 5pm today (Wednesday).

The judges

The following categories and shortlisted products were pitched to the judges on Wednesday morning:

Gifts 

MightyBugs, Andermatt

Paint your Own Solar Butterfly Light, The Solar Centre

Playpress Vets Mini Playset, Playpress Toys

RHS Gifts for Gardeners 'Asteraceae' herb set, Burgon & Ball

Xtend Bike, Robbie Toys Limited

Home

Botanical Wax Melts (Darjeeling Delights), The Flora Lab

Fire Starters: set of 12, Candles @ Miss Soy

Recycled Bottle Scarf, Art on Scarves

Tapestry Bee Door Stop, The Wheat Bag Company

Leisure & Entertaining

Eco Fuego, Eco Fuego

Firestorm Phoenix Pellet Patio Heater, Pinnacle Agri Products Ltd

Zest Stirling Arbou, Zest Outdoor Living

Zest Terraza Outdoor Kitchen, Zest Outdoor Living

Tools & Machinery

AMES Digging Spade, AMES UK

AMES Double Sided Soil Rake, AMES UK

Kent & Stowe Surecut Loppers & Shears, Westland Unwins

Wing-Lock Hose Connector, QuickHose

Garden Decoration

DécorDisk, Smart Garden Products Limited

FireFly Solar Garden Light, The Solar Centre

Gemini Solar Wall Light pk of 2, The Solar Centre

Growing Containers

Cottage Garden 12L Beehive Planter,  EP Barrus Ltd

EcoMade Indoor Hemp Planters, Woodlodge Products

Tierra Verde Planters - New Collection, Primeur Ltd

Growing Accessories

ClipGlove Warm 'n' Waterproof, Treadstone Products

Germie - Reusable seed growing kit, Germie

Memory Foam Folding Kneeler, EP Barrus Ltd

Verty Plant Anchoring System, Verty 

Zest Eco Hive Composter, Zest Outdoor Living

Zest Tall Botanical Greenhouse, Zest Outdoor Living

Growing Materials

BugNet, Andermatt

Coco & Coir Houseplant Compost, Southern Trident Limited

RocketGro Tomato food, RocketGro

Vitax Liquid Acer Feed, Vitax Ltd

Plants Seeds & Bulbs

BEES® Gardener's Calendar, G Plants Ltd

Brtish Mini Orchid in Ceramic grown in Peat Free Media, The Horti House

Nymphya Purple Fantasy, Anglo Aquatic

Petunia Bridal Blush, Colegrave Seabrook Foundation/Kerley & Co.

Petunia Tumbelina Nicola, Colegrave Seabrook Foundation/Kerley & Co.

The following categories and shortlisted products were pitched to the judges on Tuesday afternoon:

Wild Bird Care and Wildlife Products

Barrel Bird Nestbox, Wildlife World

Chicken Snack Tower, Fauna Bird

Gardman Wild Bird Novelty Suet Treats, Westland Unwins

Peckish Natural Balance Coco-Not® Wild Bird Feeders, Westland Unwins

Solar Powered WiFi Bird Box Camera, Green Feathers

Pet Products

Earthy Sustainable medium pet bowl made with coffee, Earthy Sustainable

Extra-Large Compostable Poo Bags, Twiggy Tags Ltd

GET OFF Lawn Rescue, Sipcam Home and Garden

Pet Bed Toppe, The Wheat Bag Company

TrailFinder Dog Safety Light, Twiggy Tags Ltd

DIY Products

Exterior Wood Stain, Furniture Clinic

Garden Furniture Restoration Kit, Furniture Clinic

Racan Premium Anti-Rodent Sealant (RACARSM),  Lodi UK

Landscaping

Oriental Stepping Stones, Meadow View Stone Limited

Rubber Play Space Tiles, Primeur Ltd

Shell Chippings, Deco-pak

Retail Services & Experiences

QCR GLS1 Glass Bottle Crusher, QCR Recycling Equipment Ltd

Indoor Gardening Essentials Merchandising Solutions (G.E.M.S), Westland Unwins

Tumblebug On Site Food Waste Processor and Mushroom Farm, Tumblebug Ltd

See you at The Stage!

The winners of the Glee Buyers Power List were revealed today. The Glee Buyers Power List was set up to recognise the individual buyers and buying teams who have gone above and beyond to make a difference within the garden retail industry this year.

The Nominations and Winners 2023 

Plants buyer/buying team of the Year

Winner: Colin Dale (Notcutts)

Second: Tom Cook (British Garden Centres)

Third: Zoe Willis (Perrywood)

Nominations: Zoe Willis (Perrywood), Colin Dale (Notcutts), Marcus Eyles (Dobbies), Tom Cook (British Garden Centres), Marcus Cousins (Aylett Nurseries)

Garden Care buyer/buying team of the Year 

Winner: Al Sheppard (Haskins)

Second: Selina Hammond (Perrywood)

Third: Terry Head (Stewarts Garden Centres)

Nominations: Selina Hammond (Perrywood), Al Sheppard (Haskins), Elizabeth Brennan (Dobbies), Bryn Saysall (Blue Diamond), Terry Head (Stewarts Garden Centres)

Outdoor Leisure buyer/buying team of the Year 

Winner: Nigel Gates (Gates Garden Centre)

Second: Jay Bunker (Alton Garden Centre)

Third: Matt Shorter (Longacres)

Nominations: Lynsey Abbott (Dobbies), Nigel Gates (Gates Garden Centre), Jay Bunker (Alton Garden Centre), Matt Shorter (Longacres), Liz Finney (Chacewater Garden Centre)

Landscape buyer/buying team of the Year

Winner: Dan Kirby (British Garden Centres)

Second: Scott Proven (Klondyke)

Third: John Birch (Baytree)

Nominations: Scott Proven (Klondyke), John Birch (Baytree), Dan Kirby (British Garden Centres), David Danning (Blue Diamond), Keith Wilbin (Downtown Garden Centre)

Home & Gifts buyer/buying team of the Year 

Winner: Jodie Smith (Perrywood)

Second: Al Sheppard (Haskins)

Third: Kati Taylor (Fron Goch)

Nominations: Jodie Smith (Perrywood), Sara Cooksley (Dobbies), Al Sheppard (Haskins), Tom Grinnell (Blue Diamond), Kati Taylor (Fron Goch)

Pet buyer/buying team of the Year

Winner: The Old Railway Line

Second: Paul Williams (British Garden Centres)

Third: Planters Tamworth

Nominations: Ryan Holmes (Dobbies), Planters Tamworth, The Old Railway Line, Dan Reep (Squires), Paul Williams (British Garden Centres)

Retail Food & Drinks buyer/buying team of the Year 

Winner: Bents Garden & Home

Second: Sarah Jaques (Perrywood)

Third: Pughs Radyr

Nominations: Sarah Jaques (Perrywood), Amy Siergiejew (Dobbies), Garsons Esher, Bents Garden & Home, Pughs Radyr

Christmas buyer/buying team of the Year

Winner: Rachel Churcher (Perrywood)

Second: Louise Burks (The Gardens Group)

Third: Lynsey Abbott (Dobbies)

Nominations: Rachel Churcher (Perrywood), Lynsey Abbott (Dobbies), Lynn Charlick (Meadowcroft), Louise Burks (The Gardens Group), Andrew Porwal (Sapcote)

On-Line buyer/buying team of the Year 

Winner: Helen Hensaw (Crocus)

Nominations: James Oakley (Hayloft Plants), Helen Hensaw (Crocus)

Overall Multiple Retailer Buyer/Buying Team of the Year – (hardware, DIY, high street)

Winner: QD Stores

Second: B&M

Third: John Lewis

Nominations: Home Bargains, QD Stores, B&M, John Lewis, Robert Dyas

Overall Multiple Garden Retailer Buying Team of the Year – 6 stores or more

Winner: Blue Diamond

Second: British Garden Centres

Third: Squires

Nominations: Dobbies, Blue Diamond, Klondyke, British Garden Centres, Squires

Overall Independent Garden Centre Buying Team of the Year – up to 5 stores 

Winner: Haskins

Second: Perrywood

Third: The Gardens Group

Nominations: Perrywood, Haskins, Longacres, St Peters, The Gardens Group, Pughs

Glee’s horticultural hub, the Green Heart, has seen Hills Plants crowned this year’s winners of the Best Glee Green Heart Display award.

Judged by Andy Bunker from Alton Garden Centres the Hills Plants stand stood out from amongst the competition thanks to its unique way of displaying houseplants.

Speaking of the winner, Andy Bunker said: “For me, it's got something for everyone; appealing in both range and pot size. Whilst they are a foliage houseplant grower, Hills Plants’ display demonstrates that, by adding a simple bit of flowering plant to the display, you can make a great garden centre display, especially when supported with some consumer information. The display created by the Hills team is outstanding and would certainly inspire impulse purchase.”

In recognition of their win, the team at Hills received a bottle of champagne and a certificate that will, no doubt, take pride of place at their Chichester headquarter. Talking at the award presentation Hill Plant’s Laura Marner said: “We’re over the moon to have won this award. Our display is all about creating the dream vision for houseplant lovers, something that we know so many retailers strive to do within their own stores. We hope that we’ve inspired a few to give it a go!”

Glee’s Matthew Mein said: “Huge congratulations to Hills Plants. The team has demonstrated how effective and impactful some simple floral additions can be. The design is also transferable to the shopfloor and I believe many of our visiting retailers will be inspired to recreate something within their own stores.”

Hills Plants is a fourth generation small business, dedicated to growing British houseplants since 1920. Recent developments for the company include a two-year journey to becoming peat-free and also the introduction of The Little Botanical brand. Find out more at www.hillsplants.com or www.thelittlebotanical.com

Find out more

Glee remains open until Thursday 29th June at the NEC Birmingham. Every year the exhibition connects the garden industry to inspire change, drive growth and launch innovation​. To keep up to date on the latest Glee news visit www.gleebirmingham.com. 

After weeks of planning, the winners of the Glee Talent Store have been announced on the first day of Glee.

There could only be one winner out of the two teams and it was the Outdoor Plants merchandising team that impressed the judges Debbie Flowerday, Visual Merchandiser and Stylist Consultant, and Peter Burks, CEO of the GCA.

The winning team consisting of Katherine Davies (Pugh’s Garden Centre), Freya Markwood and Amber Dowsett (Perrywood Garden Centre), Nathan Evans (Bents Garden & Home), Louisa Power and Damian Walker (British Garden Centres). The team’s merchandising concept of a bug hotel aimed to give visitors an ‘out of the box’ ideas on how products can be showcased whilst keeping sustainability at the heart of the display.

Concepts included a tablescape of edible ideas that not only look good but taste good too, a pond in a pot that will make a difference to the ecosystem in customers’ outdoor space, a display of pollinating plants to create a wildlife sanctuary, as well as a wildlife product display that will turn the garden into a bug wonderland.

The runner-up group made up of Clare Forster (British Garden Centres), Natasha Priddy (Pugh’s Garden Centre,) Claire Baker (Bents Garden & Home), Abby Barbrook (Perrywood Garden Centre) and Matthew Bone designed a pop-up shop that took visitors on a walkthrough houseplants in a world of colour saturation, inspired by recent popular palettes from Trend Bible.  

Each colour of, blue, green, pink and yellow, took people on a journey and reflected different moods.  Each colour acts as a visual draw with specially chosen houseplants and containers to create visual and eye catching interest.

Debbie Flowerday said: “I’d like to congratulate all participants in the inaugural Glee Talent Store.  Both teams worked hard to create exciting and innovative concepts that garden retailers can take home and try in store. Visual merchandising is an important part of the retail experience and is responsible for attracting and making customer’s purchasing decisions.  Everything you see in the Glee Talent Store at the show can be used to create a scene and retail theatre, guiding customers through a store, and we hope that retailers are inspired to try these simple tips when they get back to their businesses.”

What is the Glee Talent Store?

Designed to nurture and celebrate garden centre and retail visual merchandising excellence, the Glee Talent Store is an interactive feature that showcases the different ways that houseplant and outdoor plant merchandising displays can be interpreted in store, and how different designs can be utilised to highlight the same products and trends in a variety of inspiring ways. 

The Glee Talent Store kicked off with a ‘bootcamp’ where 24 entrants had a crash course in visual merchandising, branding and retail. Once they had received this insight, 11 Talent Store students were selected and tasked with designing their own pop-up store, which can be viewed in the Atrium at Glee alongside the Glee’s ‘Green Heart’.

Find out more 

Glee remains open until Thursday 29^th June at the NEC Birmingham. Every year the exhibition connects the garden industry to inspire change, drive growth and launch innovation​.

To keep up to date on the latest Glee news visit www.gleebirmingham.com.  

Glee 2023 took shape on build-up day as exhibitors put the finishing touches to their stands in halls 6, 7, 8 and 20 of the NEC. Glee Daily News photographer Paul Webb captured all the action to give you a clear picture of what to expect over the next three days. The exhibition is open from 9am until 6pm tomorrow (Tuesday).

See the picture gallery below...

The team from GTN are proud once again to be the official media partners for Glee producing the Glee Planner, the Glee Show Catalogue and the Glee Daily News.

After this launch issue we will be publishing further Glee Daily News issues as follows:

• Preview - 21st June
• Build-up - 26th June
• Day 1 - 27th June
• Day 2 - 28th June
• Day 3 - 29th June
• Omnibus - 28th July

Exhibitors should contact Alan Burdon, alan@pottingshedpress.co.uk, or 07939 048899, for advertising details. 

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By the time the show closes tomorrow, more than 130 meetings will have taken place across the three days of the show.

Retail buyers apply in advance of the event and GIMA then matches them up with exhibitors for 10-minite table-top sessions.

"It's a great way for exhibitors to get a foot in the door with the retailers they want to do business with," said GIMA director Vicky Nuttall. "It's especially useful for new exhibitors who might otherwise get overlooked. We all want to have new business and innovation coming through at all times and this also helps to bring in new members for us."

Entrants to the 2023 Rising Stars scheme organised by the Garden Centre Association in association with Westland Horticulture spent the day at Glee today, touring stands for advice and inspiration to help with their projects.

The scheme was conceived as a way to nurture the garden retail professionals of the future with a series of workshops and practical sessions. The progress of participants is assessed during the season and finalists are chosen to present their projects at the GCA's annual conference in January, when members will vote on an overall winner.

As the doors opened on another annual Glee exhibition, the GIMA team was busy crowning this year’s winners of the GIMA Innovators Seed Corn Fund (GISCF) – Germie.   

The supplier of innovative seed starting kit, Germie impressed the judges with its passion for ‘revolutionising the gardening experience’ with reusable, innovative and ultra-compact solutions that hold environmental and sustainable practices at their heart. Already a bestseller within the French market, Germie is expected to repeat this success within the UK.

The Germie collection currently features three grow kits, ranging from 13-41 plants, and is suitable for all types of fruits, vegetables and flowers. Each kit is supplied in an easy grab bag, complete with the reusable ‘grow cells’, with prices ranging from RRP £16.90 - £24.90. Made from locally sourced recycled plastic, fully recyclable and guaranteed for 10-years, the grow cells can be assembled within 60 seconds and filled with seed starter mix and selected seed. From here, seedlings can be encouraged and, once planting out is required, the kit really comes into its own thanks to a unique and patented process. As Germie grow cells do not have a bottom, the plants are not limited and, therefore, the roots continue to grow according to the needs of the seed. As a result, the roots are numerous and well-oxygenated. This, in turn, allows for young plants to be easily released without putting undue stress or damage on the roots during transplantation. Thinning out is also eliminated, as plants can be transplanted directly to the right spot.

Germie also encourages quicker germination, as the seeds are buried at the thickness of the seed, allowing them access to light, water, and nutrients. What’s more, the ultra-compact kits provide the ideal conditions for seed development, making it possible to repeat the germination process multiple times throughout the year.

Germie is now the eighth recipient of the GISCF, which was first introduced in 2014. The team will receive an incredible prize fund package, comprising a grant of up to £6,000 which includes a year’s full GIMA membership, plus a wide range of business support tools including free exhibition space at Glee and free PR support during the event. In addition, the winners package also includes design, development and manufacturing or marketing cost support up to the value of £3,000; access to an industry business consultant; one-year ACID (Anti Copying in Design) membership; and an advert in the next GIMA Product Digest.

GIMA Director, Vicky Nuttall said: “Congratulations to Germie for scooping this year’s GIMA Innovators Seed Corn Fund. The team is bringing to market a concept that is proven in other markets and is set to open up new sales opportunities for UK garden retailers. 

“The approach to growing is clearly very considered, whilst the environmental impact of the material innovation is heartening to see. It’s a strong proposition that offers a complete, easy-to-follow process that will increase consumer confidence with gardening.”

To find out more about the GIMA Innovators’ Seed Corn Fund please join GIMA on-stand in the heart of Hall 6 at the GIMA Buyer Lounge.

Germie can be found at Glee within Hall 7 Stand 7F85.