There's less than a week to go before Spring Fair opens its doors on Sunday, February 4. And for the first time there will be a Glee at Spring Fair. Here are 10 reasons why you must visit.

1.     

The leading showcase for home, gift, garden and lifestyle brands.   Spring Fair is the UK’s number one Home and Gift fair, and the introduction of Glee’s second edition at the show is set to further cement this reputation. Together, the two events will offer buyers access to the most comprehensive and exciting product showcase of any exhibition.

2.     

Conveniently located. The new Glee concession will be situated in a prime location in Hall 3, between Christmas Gifts, Floral & Seasonal Decorations and Greetings. This ideal location becomes a natural walk through for buyers interested in those products on offer from Glee’s exhibitors, including tools, growing media, pet products, Grow-Your-Own essentials, pots and planters, hand-crafted garden furniture and the latest plant varieties. Nowhere else at Spring Fair will buyers be able to see such a wealth of products from leading garden suppliers.

3.     

Leading gardening brands exhibiting:   Many leading names will be exhibiting at the inaugural event including Pouf Daddy, Durston Garden Products, Charles Taylor Trading, Design Toscano, Neat Ideas, Darlac Tools, Harrod Horticulture, Apac Packaging, Laurica Plants, VegTrug, SeedCell and Woodlodge.

4.     

See new ranges first. By attending Glee at Spring Fair in the first week of February, retailers get the opportunity to see and purchase new and best-selling ranges ahead of the spring season. A second edition at this time of year will give retailers an additional destination to refresh their ranges for key retail spikes before the September show, and will also provide garden buyers with access to the latest concepts and trends for 2018.

5.     

Twice the Glee. Maintaining its highly recognisable branding, and signature boulevard aisle, Glee at Spring Fair will also remain a leading showcase for Glee’s key show sectors such as Landscaping and Garden Decoration, Pet, Garden Care and Outdoor Entertaining.

6.     

Access to other exciting products for your store. Not only will retailers be inspired by the products on offer in the Glee concession, but they can maximise cross buying and profit potential by visiting Spring Fair 14 other sectors; many of which garden managers, owners and buyers might not have fully represented instore. Look out for brands across the Contemporary Gifts, Children’s Gifts and Toys, Beauty and Wellbeing, Greetings and Gifts, DIY, Kitchen, Dining and Homewares, and Party sectors.

7.     

Championed by the industry.  The leading industry trade associations; GIMA, HTA and Gardenex have all shown their support for the show and will be present to share their knowledge and advice to visitors in the Glee Cafe.

8.     

See the latest innovations in the market: Glee’s New Product Showcase is a great 'shop window' for buyers to see all that's new in one place. Based in the Glee Café, this is an area not to be missed, and will display the best new products from a range of Glee at Spring Fair exhibitors.

9.     

Unrivalled networking opportunities. GIMA will be once again holding its Buyer Connect event at the show, helping those exhibiting to maximise their exposure to key garden retail buyers through special speed networking sessions.  Gardenex will be hosting its International Buyers Event that provides UK suppliers with the opportunity of meeting overseas buyers on a one-to-one basis. Visiting retailers can also maximise their time at the show to reconnect with existing suppliers, whilst forging new relationships with brands they may not have previously come across.

10. 

Celebrating Christmas excellence.  Garden Trade News will be bringing its Greatest Christmas Awards to Glee at Spring Fair.  Taking place at 9am on Tuesday 6th February, within the Glee Café (Hall 3), the awards reward great garden centre teamwork over the festive season.  The best events, displays, grottos and food will be celebrated, helping to round off a hugely successful Christmas period for retailers, considered by many to the perfect end to what was another great year of trading within garden retail.

Find out more
Glee is the UK’s leading garden and outdoor living trade retail show, focussing on building year-round profits within core product categories including Garden Care, Landscaping & Garden Decoration, Outdoor Entertainment, Pet Products, Speciality Food and Catering, Home, Gift and Clothing, Plants and a dedicated Retail Experiences section. Each year the show attracts thousands of buyers from top retailers, such as leading UK garden centres, builders’ merchants, multiple retailers, and DIY stores. To keep up-to-date on all the latest news log onto www.gleebirmingham.com or call 020 3033 2160 to find out about exhibiting.

The final touches are being put to the preparations for the first-ever Glee at Spring Fair 2018 and all the signs are pointing towards a fantastic addition to the garden centre calendar of events.

Matthew Mein, Glee's Event Director, reveals why retailers should make sure they attend what promises to be an amazing show...

Why has Glee added an additional show at Spring Fair?

Glee at Spring Fair has been introduced for a simple reason – Spring Fair is the UK’s No.1 Home and Gift Fair, so the audience is already there, ready and willing to do business. Garden centres are already attending Spring Fair, with owner/operators and gift buyers out in force. Glee’s aim is to encourage other category buyers from across the gardening spectrum to maximise their attendance at Spring Fair.

Taking place from 4th-8th February, Glee at Spring Fair will give retailers the opportunity to see new and best-selling ranges ahead of the spring season. A second edition at this time of year will give retailers an additional destination to refresh their ranges for key retail spikes and also provide garden buyers with the latest concepts and trends for 2018, helping them to direct their buying. 

What shape will it take? What content will it have?

Glee’s concession will be located within Spring Fair’s Hall 3, located alongside popular product sectors such as Christmas Gifts, Floral and Seasonal Decorations (Hall 2), and Greetings & Gifts (Hall 3). It will be a concession that will deliver a selection of some of the best products from some of Glee’s core product sectors, retaining Glee’s signature boulevard aisle, highly-recognisable branding and with core gardening at its heart.

There will also be a Glee Café, which will act as a hub for Glee’s supporting trade associations – The HTA, GIMA and Gardenex. Offering a wealth of knowledge and benefits, the presence of these trade associations will be a well-attended part of Glee at Spring Fair. GIMA will be bringing its popular Buyer Connect event, helping those exhibiting to maximise their exposure to key garden retail buyers through special speed networking sessions. International buyers will also be able to meet with enthusiastic suppliers within Gardenex’s own International Buyer Event. With 121 networking meetings set to take place within these two events throughout the exhibition, the possibility for growth from both a supplier and retailer perspective is almost unmatched.

The New Product Showcase – a popular part of the annual Glee September show -  will also make its home within the Glee Café. This dedicated area will bring together the most exciting new products from Glee at Spring Fair exhibitors.

It has also been confirmed that on Tuesday 6^th February, GTN’s Greatest Awards Breakfast will be making its debut. This event will see all the winners of the 2017 Greatest Awards – put together by the team at Garden Trade News - come together for a special networking opportunity.

Who can exhibit?

We’ll be welcoming exhibitors from across the gardening spectrum who will showcase products that range from garden decorations, ornaments, statuary and water features, to garden structures and outdoor entertaining. Garden care, where fashion and impulse-buy potential is at its highest, will also be a key feature.

To date, we have already secured a number of key brands to exhibit at the inaugural event. Amongst the names confirmed are: Pouf Daddy, Durston Garden Products, Charles Taylor Trading, Design Toscano, Neat Ideas, Darlac Tools, Harrod Horticulture, Apac Packaging, Laurica Plants and VegTrug.

How will Glee at Spring Fair affect the main show in September?

Glee at Spring Fair will mark an additional opportunity within the buying year. The hope is that buyers that visit Glee at Spring Fair will also earmark the September show as a must-attend event to see what the exhibition has to offer on a much grander scale.

What has the response been to the recent introduction?

The response to Glee at Spring Fair 2018 has been incredibly positive. Garden centre retailers have been telling the Glee team that with shorter ordering patterns the introduction of Glee in February will be a welcome addition to the buying cycle. The second Glee show will provide an opportunity for retailers to revisit their ranges and see what else is new. Taking place at the start of the season, the concession show will enable retailers to fill last minute product gaps, ensuring a full provision for the key sales period ahead.

Who should visit?

Any retailer who wants to maximise sales of garden products in the year ahead – especially those with a strong design focus – will not want to miss out on visiting Glee at Spring Fair.

How much will it cost, and how can interested parties find out more?

Pricing depends on the size of exhibition space. The Glee team would be happy to discuss individual requirements. Booking space couldn’t be easier - simply contact the Glee team by calling 020 033 2160.

Where do I go to find out more?

Visit www.gleebirmingham.com for all the latest developments regarding the main September show as well as Glee at Spring Fair 2018 or just use this link to register for Spring Fair 2018.

The garden retail industry has been quick to show its support of this new chapter for Glee.

Leading trade associations, GIMA, The HTA and Gardenex have all confirmed they will be supporting Glee at Spring Fair, with all maintaining a presence at the event in February. GIMA has also confirmed it will also be bringing its popular Buyer Connect event, helping those exhibiting to maximise their exposure to key garden retail buyers through special speed networking sessions. International buyers will also be able to meet with enthusiastic suppliers within Gardenex’s own International Buyer Event, also confirmed for Glee at Spring Fair.

GIMA Director, Vicky Nuttall, said: “Glee’s proposition has continued to change, each time offering the garden retail industry even more value. The new Spring Fair concession is a great strategic move, helping to extend the retailer buying season, whilst also giving retailers a second chance to see new and best-selling ranges ahead of the spring season. GIMA is pleased to confirm its support, and look forward to being part of the show early next year.”

In addition to association support, Glee at Spring Fair has also secured a number of key brands to exhibit at the inaugural event. Amongst the names confirmed are Pouf Daddy, Durston Garden Products, Charles Taylor Trading, Design Toscano, Neat Ideas, Darlac Tools, Harrod Horticulture, Apac Packaging, Laurica Plants and Vegtrug.

Finally, it has also been confirmed that Glee’s popular New Product Showcase, in association with Garden Trade News, will also be present at Glee’s Spring Fair concession event.

Glee Event Director, Matthew Mein, said: “I’d like to extend my thanks to all of those who have confirmed their support of Glee’s concession show at Spring Fair. Retailing is a constantly evolving business, and we appreciate that the buying cycle for gardening, outdoor living gifts, and design-led products stretches across the whole year, with spring remaining a key focus for many. With this in mind we have launched Glee at Spring Fair as a secondary opportunity for retailers to source products in the first quarter of the year, whilst also increasing Glee’s visibility to those buyers that don’t normally attend the September show.”

Glee at Spring Fair – endless benefits for both retailers & suppliers

Glee at Spring Fair will give retailers the opportunity to see new and best-selling ranges ahead of the spring season, A second addition at this time of year will give retailers an additional destination to refresh their ranges for key retail spikes, whilst also providing a showcase of the latest trends and concepts, helping retailers better direct their buying. Categories that retailers can look forward to sourcing will include garden care, landscaping and garden decoration, and outdoor entertaining.

It's not just retailers that will benefit, a presence at Glee’s Spring Fair concession will also provide exhibitors with a secondary revenue opportunity in the year, Glee at Spring Fair will take prime location in Hall 3, considered to be in the main thoroughfare, and will have the signature wide boulevard synonymous with the September layout. Utilising a ‘shop in a shop’ concept, Glee has confirmed that the show’s recognisable branding will be present, helping to recreate the buzzing environment that is the hallmark of the September show.

Garden, outdoor living and design-led product suppliers are invited to contact the Glee sales team to find out more about how they can maximise this exciting new development.

Register for Spring Fair using this link.

Entries are being submitted by exhibitors for the Glee New Product Award, in association with Garden Trade News, that will be judged in Glee at Spring Fair on Sunday morning, 4th February 2018.

The winner will be announced at lunchtime on Sunday 4th February in the Glee at Spring Fair Cafe.  Register for Spring Fair here.

Glee at Spring Fair exhibitors who have yet to make their entries should contact: trevor.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk

Just in case you missed it last September, the winners from Glee New Product Awards, in association with Garden Trade News, for 2017 were:

Retail Services and Experiences
Winner: Mud Daddy – Mud Daddu 20A37

Finalists: Masterlock Sales UK Ltd – Select Access Smart Key Lock Box 20U42; SmartPlant App – SmartPlant Software 20A29.

Outdoor Entertaining
Winner: The Fire Pod – The Fire Pod – 17V51
Finalists: Delivita – Delivita Wood Fired Oven – 17Y02;Jagram SA – Genoa Stand with Gaya Basket – 20Q20.

Garden Decoration
Winner: The Solar Centre – Trueflame – 20S44

Finalist: Creative Products Ltd – Star Magic Motion – 18N30-P31; Neat Ideas Ltd – Friendly Froggies – 17R02.

Home, Gift and Clothing
Winner: Gold Leaf – The RHS Collection – 18K01

Finalists: Coffee Logs – Coffee Log – 20A31; Burgon & Ball – Enamelwares “Hang it” Pegboard – 19C26-E27.

Wildlife and Pets
Winner: Wildlife World – Dewdrop Wildbird Window Feeder – 18M50

Finalists: Blumen International Ltd – Blumen Natural Health Pet Seed – 18N10-P11; CarPET Hair Remover – Car PET Hair Remover, Box of 10 – 17P66.

Garden Care - Growing Accessories
Winner: Elho – Green Basics Grow House Flowerbridge – 19G10

Finalists Burgon & Ball – “Dotty” Kneelo Childrens Garden Kneeler – 19C26-E27; Garland – Self Watering Grow Pot Tower, Green -18H10-11.

Garden Care – Chemicals, Fertilisers and Growing Media
Winner:  Neudorff – Nematode range (all three) – 20R20-S21

Finalists: The Scotts Company – Evergreen Premium plus No Rake Moss Remover Lawn Food – 18M20-P21; Westland – Big Tom Tomato Feed and Westland Orchid Water – 19G20-H21.

Plants, seeds and bulbs
Winner: Wyevale Nurseries – Senecio Angel Wings – NB21

Finalists: Hawksmill Nurseries – Salvia Pink Lips – NB18; Taylors Bulbs – Perfect for Pots Bulb Collections – 19G02.

Tools & Machinery
Winner: Burgon & Ball – Wonderweed Puller – 19C26-E27

Winner: Crest Garden – Kent & Stowe Stainless Steel Lawn Aerator 4 Prong – 19G21; Gardena – Gardena Combisystem – 19C30-F31.

Landscaping
Winner: I-glo – I-glo Decking Disc – 20A49

Finalists: Panacea Products – Rosette Fence and Collection – 19F60; Screen with Envy – Mouchrabiya Garden Screen – 20A27.



Best of British
Winner: I-glo – I-glo Decking Disc – 20A49

Best @ Glee
Winner: I-glo – I-glo Decking Disc – 20A49

Consumers' Choice (sponsored by Modern Garden magazine)
Winner: Elho – Green Basics Grow House Flowerbridge – 19G10

The team at Hygeia Garden is delighted to present their range of garden care products at Spring Fair 2018.

As experts in the industry with almost 80 years’ experience of R&D and innovation, they look forward to launching our lawn care products in the UK.

These products include current market leaders in Ireland as well as exciting new developments for 2018.

"GreenForce Feed Weed & Mosskiller is our bestseller – it covers up to twice the area of the competitor product, offering fantastic value to the consumer and a new and exciting option to the retailer.

"Multi award winning GreenForce Lawn Gold is an organic based lawn fertiliser that is pet safe, child safe, and won’t turn moss black – that means no raking out!

"Come and see us at stand 3E15 to find out more. We look forward to doing business with you in 2018 and beyond."

For the first time in its 30 year history, Innovators International is pleased to be exhibiting at the Spring Fair, promoting the two of its market leading brands.

Products showcased will include the Winawood brand which is the market leader and fastest growing product within the zero maintenance area of garden furniture.

A 'Powder Blue' colour has been introduced for the 2018 season to extend the colour pallet of this range.  This attractive shade is a subtle alternative to traditional bench colours and is perfect for the summer months ahead.

Planters have also been added to the range which complement the furniture perfectly.

The luxury 'Majestique' rattan garden furniture brand will also be on display and included will be our award winning Bar Set's.

A selection of items from the hugely successful in Garden Giftware and Christmas collection will also feature on the stand.

Orders for our new design garden solar lights and garden figurines have exceeded expectations and these will feature strongly.

Show offers will be available so please visit our stand and discuss further with sales representatives Neil Russell and Peter Stroud.

Visit Innovators International Ltd in Hall 3 - 3A, Stand 3B17

To find out more about our ranges please visit www.innovators-international.co.uk or Tel : 0208 736 2700.

The votes are being counted and the judges meeting to decide who will be the winners in GTN's Greatest Christmas Awards, sponsored by Gardman, ready for the announcement and presentation of awards at a special Greatest Awards Winners Breakfast Reception on Tuesday 6th February in Hall 3 as part of Glee at Spring Fair.

All of the nominated Christmas Teams and all of the winning teams from The Greatest Awards during 2017 are invited to join us at the Glee at Spring Fair Cafe in Hall 3 at 9:00am for a breakfast reception and the presentation of GTN's Greatest Christmas Awards, sponsored by Gardman, for 2017.

In a special issue of GTN Xtra we've included as many of the photo tours from the judges visits during the Christmas period as we can.  There will be more published later this month.  We hope they give you plenty of ideas and inspiration as you start to plan and buy your Christmas for 2018.

Ho, ho, ho!  See you on Tuesday 6th February in Glee at Spring Fair.  Register using this link.

Click here to read a special Greatest Christmas Awards Special edition of GTN Xtra, sponsored by Gardman

Marian Maenhoudt, Laurica Plants

Why have you chosen to exhibit at Glee’s Spring Fair concession event?

We feel that the timing of the Spring Fair exhibition is the ideal time of year to present our plants to the market, with immediate turn around to optimise consumer spending habits. The core sales season is just around the corner, so we want to be able to showcase our bay trees looking their best ahead of this key sales spike. 

Do you exhibit at the main September exhibition?

We do indeed. We have been proudly exhibiting at Glee for the last six years. The exhibition is a key part of our annual event calendar and planning.

What products/ ranges will you showcasing?

We will be using Glee at Spring Fair to showcase our bay trees, and Laurus nobilis topiary plants.  Both are the perfect for placing on terraces, throughout the garden or to frame the front door. Our trees are still relatively unknown in the UK so we’re excited to showcase the ‘Laurica difference’. 

Why should retailers visit your stand?

Any retailer wanting to access the most exciting selection of bay trees should make a beeline to our stand at Glee at Spring Fair (stand 3D30).  Our collection includes an assortment of bay trees - including crown on stem, pyramid shape, spiral stems, balls, and column on stem – all of which are grown at our nursery in Belgium. It is here where we stock the widest and most valuable collection of pre-shaped laurel trees in all Europe, all available at a highly competitive price.

What are your plans for the rest of 2018?

We are just about to embark on the main sales season so we’re excited for this. We have developed a lot of new and exciting stock, in a range of shapes and sizes, so we’re looking forward to bringing these to market.

We also have Glee’s main September exhibition to prep for! It’s set to be a busy year! 

What trends are you most excited about in the coming seasons?

There are two trends that we, at Laurica Plants, are particularly excited about. Firstly, the increased popularity of evergreen plants is an exciting prospect. The rise of houseplant sales is also helping to drive the market, particularly amongst the younger generation who recognise the health benefits of plants in the home.  

Whether preparing a garden of foliage and flora, or executing a well organised allotment to feed a growing family this season; consumers look to you the retailer to offer them an extensive range of products which will meet their every need.

With that in mind, UK based, Durston Garden Products Ltd is pleased to welcome all new and existing clients to its Stand G41 in Hall 3 where it will be showcasing its entire range of growing media products

For further information, or to book a visit in advance: call Durston Garden Products: 01458 442688

Why have you chosen to exhibit at Glee’s Spring Fair concession event?

We have decided to book a place at Glee’s Spring Fair concession show because the show is set to deliver a pool of visitors from across the garden and interior section, including key buyers that we are keen to showcase our products to.

Do you exhibit at the main September exhibition?

Yes. We made our debut at the 2017 show, and were impressed with the quality of the audience the show delivered. We hope to replicate this success as the Spring Fair event.

What products/ ranges will you showcasing?

We’ll be showcasing our wide range of traditional clay flowerpots and vases, including both indoor and outdoor designs. We are a family run business, and we pride ourselves on providing beautiful, handmade designs including our ever-popular Copenhagen Pot, as well as our wider Tuscan collections.

We’ll also be using Glee at Spring Fair to showcase our new glazed pots. We’ve gone back in time to recreate the old-fashioned glaze, providing stunning pots with deep and intense colour.

Why should retailers visit your stand?

Quite simply – we have a unique range of products that have not only been handmade but also handpicked for their beautiful and traditional designs. We’ve been sourcing pots from Tuscany since 1942, and we believe that this heritage, and our family roots, help to create a product offering unlike anything else on the market

What are your plans for the rest of 2018?

2018 will be a year where we continue to develop our product range, with a particular emphasis on expansion into the interior sector.

What trends are you most excited about in the coming seasons?

An expansion of colour will be a key trend in the coming season, with vibrant, pastel and classic colours all sitting side by side.  Within plants, we expect to see an increase in the number of edible plants becoming popular, echoing the trend for that will see the indoor become outdoor, an vice versa – look out for indoor gardens, and home interior trends spilling out into the garden space. 

To find out more about Berg Potter please visit www.bergspotter.com or visit them at Glee’s Spring Fair concession event.

Interview with Phil Aston, The Garden Furniture Centre Ltd

Why have you chosen to exhibit at Glee’s Spring Fair concession event?

We have chosen to exhibit at Glee at Spring Fair as we are keen to grow our trade base, and believe that exhibiting at the concession show will help us to forge new relationships with relevant buyers from across the garden and gifting sectors.

What products/ ranges will you showcasing?

We will be bringing with us to Glee at Spring Fair two product groups, both of which are entirely unique to The Garden Furniture Centre.

The first is the Fiji Big Core Rattan collection.  Featuring a hand-woven weave using 12, 14 and 16mm rattan strands, the overall effect is incredibly realistic. The collection also features sumptuous Olefin cushions, sturdy frames and resin finished teak feet throughout, together creating a quality collection that will be the envy of your friends and family.

The second collection is Midnight Montana. Using the same synthetic water hyacinth weave as our popular Montana range, this new collection features midnight black rattan, paired with cream, red and blue Olefin cushions. Look out for curved lines, plentiful proportions and deep seating, making for the most comfortable lounging experience.

Why should retailers visit your stand?

We pride ourselves on offering a unique range of furniture and accessories, all within a relaxed atmosphere and with no pushy sales people! We’ll also be showcasing ranges unavailable anywhere else, so the perfect place to source unique and beautiful garden furniture.

What are your plans for the rest of 2018?

We have a busy year ahead of us, with an aggressive expansion plan underpinning much of our activity. Look out for our trade arm, as they exhibit all over the world including Singapore and Dubai.  

What trends are you most excited about in the coming seasons?

Each year, we are seeing the boundaries of design pushed further and further as a response to retailers and manufacturers wanting to try and get ahead of their competitors. It’s exciting to be part of such a bustling market.  

Mark Hall, MD, Creative Products, reveals why his company is exhibiting...

Why have you chosen to exhibit at Glee’s Spring Fair concession event?

Glee is the UK’s top garden trade show and as regular exhibitors, we are excited to be showcasing some of our new products at the first ever Glee at Spring Fair concession.

Our main customer base is made up of garden centres so the show will provide a great opportunity for us to catch up with them. Along with our second stand within Spring Fair itself, we are hoping to be able to engage with as many visitors as possible.

What products/ ranges will you showcasing?

We have a number of new items that will be revealed for the first time at the show that we are very excited about.

Why should retailers visit your stand?

Not only will retailers visiting our stand be able to check out our selection of new products for 2018 as well as our impressive new branding, we will also be demonstrating how our unique merchandising and no risk retail solutions with dedicated in-store customer support provide garden retailers with a fantastic opportunity to boost sales.

What are your plans for the rest of 2018?

2018 will see Creative Products continue to keep sourcing innovative, useful products for the garden and home, and showcase ways to bring them to life with our in-store media promotions.

What trends are you most excited about in the coming seasons?

With Mintel predicting that consumer spending on garden products is set to continue to grow and the continuing trend for outdoor living, we are excited to see how some of our garden products and outdoor cooking solutions perform. Not only that, with our increasingly busy lifestyles, sales of products that make everyday tasks such as cooking and cleaning that little bit easier show no sign of slowing.

with all the news direct to your e-mail inbox.  The best news service every weekend and all the breaking news as it happens.

Subscribe for free using this link: http://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/gtnxtra/7rulj2yio7x?a=6&p=49514304&t=20355005

The team from GTN are proud to be the official media partners for Glee at Spring Fair producing seven issue of Glee Daily News.

From now until the end of February the Glee Daily News, in its unique e-mail format, will keep visitors up to date with what they can see at the show and gives exhibitors the most up to date e-mail vehicle for ensuring buyers know about their new products and other Glee at Spring Fair activities.

Here's the schedule for the Glee Daily News at Spring Fair 2018:

• • • Launch issue - 17th January
    • Show Preview  - 29th January
    • Build up preview - Live from the Show - 3rd February 
    • Live from the Show Day 1 - 4th February
    • Live from the Show Day 2  - 5th February
    • Live from the Show Day3   - 6th February
    • Omnibus Issue                 - 22nd February

To make sure you get your own copy of Glee Daily News sign up here

For advertorial and advertisng opportunties please contact Ben Greenwood, Alan Burdon or Mandy Davies at Potting Shed Press Ltd, 01733 775700, owners and publishers of Garden Trade News, Garden Radio and The Greatest Awards.

What a week that was! The dog n' bone to GTN's Newshound was red hot from Thursday lunchtime and after long hours spent sniffing out which of the many rumours was actually correct our trusty Newshound is now resting in his kennel preparing for another potentially busy week following up all of the sub plots that last weeks news has created.

The garden industry has certainly started the New Year with a frenzy of activity as major changes take place at retail giants Wyevale Garden Centres and Dobbies, plus news that award-winning Burgon & Ball has been bought by a Canadian company.

Rumours and counter-rumours were rife throughout the week, especially concerning the two major retail groups. Eventually, both Wyevale and Dobbies confirmed that they were undergoing a re-structure at their head offices.

In case you missed our coverage of these major events we have re-printed the stories in this issue of GTN Xtra, see the links below.

In the meantime, GTN's Newshound asked us to thank all the readers who called in with information, your input to GTN Xtra is greatly appreciated.

What do you think will happen next at Wyevale and Dobbies?  Please use the comments link below or e-mail trevor.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk 

Rumours circulating in the garden industry today that Nicholas Marshall had left his job as CEO of Dobbies have proved be unfounded although two of his senior team – Lorrie Robertson and Andrew West – have left the company. Commuting to Edinburgh has been given as the reason for their decision to leave.

In a statement issued late Friday afternoon, the company said:

"Dobbies today announced a re-shuffle in some of its senior leadership positions. Graeme Jenkins is to become Chief Operating Officer, in addition to his present role as Chief Financial Officer. Graeme replaces Lorrie Robertson, who has left the Company.

"Marcus Eyles, currently head of online and horticulture, will take the role of Purchasing Director, replacing Andrew West, who has also left the Company for personal travel-related reasons.

"Dobbies congratulated Graeme and Marcus on their new roles.

"Nicholas Marshall, who was appointed CEO at the 35-centre chain, remains Chief Executive."

Nicholas Marshall took over at the top of Dobbies in March last year and within months of his arrival he had put together a team full of former colleagues.

In an interview with GTN last November Marshall said: “The theme here before I arrived was a pound shop. Actually it was worse than that – they had some things that cynical retailers would sell. In the DIY industry they go to China, they buy cheap products, bring it over here, put it at a price which is ridiculous and then they half-price it and people say what a good bargain, and it isn’t. Do we like garish, no.”

Read the full interview with Nicholas Marshall at: https://issuu.com/gardentradenews/docs/gtn_nov_2017

See GTN's photo tour of Christmas at Dobbies Mellville in GTN's Greatest Christmas Awards, sponsored by Gardman, in the Image gallery below.

Wyevale Garden Centres have revealed that challenging trading conditions have forced them to review their structure at head office with the risk of job losses.

GTN Xtra contacted the garden centre group after being tipped off that at least 40 jobs were are risk.

A Wyevale Garden Centre spokesperson said: “We have recently reviewed our head office structure to ensure it is appropriate for the long term and continues to support our business plans.  

“The challenging trading conditions make it even more important that we are focused on the right areas to deliver for our customers.

“Following the review, we have informed colleagues that we are making changes to the CSC structure. As a result, some colleagues will be redeployed into new roles and we also expect there to be a reduction in headcount.

“We are in consultation at present with those colleagues who are impacted and our focus is on ensuring they remain well supported during this process.”

Since receiving the statement from Wyevale Garden Centres, GTN Xtra has learned that up to 48 jobs are likely to be lost.  Within Wyevale Garden Centres the CSC Structure relates to all head office roles.  Some speculation received by GTN's Newshound wonders wether the losses are as a result of the implementation of a new computer system, as reported by GTN Xtra in October last year.

Venanpri Tools, the Hand Tools division of Venanpri Group and owner of the Bellota and Corona brands, announced yesterday (Thursday) it has acquired Burgon & Ball Limited. The terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Headquartered in Sheffield, England – where it can trace its roots back to 1730 – and supported by a sales and marketing office in Poole, Dorset, Burgon & Ball’s products are primarily sold through garden centres and other fine retailers in the U.K., Europe and other countries around the world.

“Burgon & Ball has a remarkable legacy and has built an impressive reputation based on its high-quality products and customer service, which has led to strong growth and established the company as a market-leader in many of its segments,” said Cristobal Valdes, President of Venanpri Tools.

“We’re very excited to partner with the Burgon & Ball team to grow the company both domestically and internationally in the years to come.”

Heather Culpan, Managing Director of Burgon & Ball added, “The success of Burgon & Ball has been built on its commitment to the creation of design and function-led products with enhanced customer appeal and drawing on its Sheffield heritage.

“I am confident that the company will continue to progress through seizing new product and investment opportunities and synergy with the Corona and Bellota businesses.”

Venanpri Group is a global organization with two divisions (Tools and AgriSolutions) and more than 1,400 employees.

Venanpri Tools produces and distributes thousands of manual hand tool products, including pruning tools, shovels, masonry trowels, machetes, files and hoes (among many others) for professional and consumer use in the agricultural, gardening, construction, and industrial segments.

Venanpri Tools sells its products under the well-recognized brands of Bellota and Corona. Venanpri Tools sells in more than 80 countries and has manufacturing and distribution facilities in the U.S.A., Spain, Mexico, and Colombia; sales offices in more than 20 countries.

Venanpri AgriSolutions is the global market leader in the manufacturing of consumable wear components (including discs, coulters, sweeps, openers, tines, springs and blades) that are embedded into soil preparation and seeding implements such as plows, disc harrows, sugar cane harvesters, and planting/seeding machines.

AgriSolutions’ products are high precision wear components, selling under widely recognized brands including Ingersoll, Bellota, Solbjerg and Rozalma as well as the brands of its OEM customers for both new equipment and the aftermarket.

For more information on Burgon & Ball, visit its website at www.burgonandball.com.

Since the initial announcement of the change of ownership GTN now understands that Heather Culpan will continue to be involved in the business in a role yet to be determined.

Squire’s Garden Centres have announced the winners of their annual garden centre awards. With 15 centres across the South East competition was tough, but Squire’s in Long Ditton came out top and won the double – best Garden Centre and best Café Bar of the year!

They also won top awards for their Christmas Department and Pets & Aquatics Department.

The awards were voted for by the senior management team at Squire’s, and are based on results as well as customer feedback. Anne Deadman, Manager at Squire’s in Long Ditton, received the trophies from Chairman Colin Squire and Deputy Chairman Sarah Squire.

Other notable winners included Theresa Scattergood at Squire’s in Washington, and Emma Large at Squire’s in Badshot Lea, who both won Customer Service Awards for their work in the Garden Centre and Café Bar respectively.

Deputy Chairman Sarah Squire said, “These awards recognise the great effort and achievement made by our garden centres, and by individual employees, throughout the year. A big well done and thank you to everyone for their hard work which is much appreciated.”

This week's GTN Bestsellers focussed on Christmas 2017, which many garden centres described as “Challenging.”  Indeed overall trading was down on all of the previous three years in the run up to Christmas, as our All Product index graph below shows. 

Some ground was made up with Week 51 being a full week, but not enough to make up the lost ground.

However the sales volumes of the Top 100 Bestselling Christmas product told a different story, up by 22% on last year.  Our graph of the weekly GTN Top 50 Christmas products shows the increase in these bestselling line sales ran right through the season.

To subscribe to GTN Bestsellers email karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk

Each year we endeavour to be better, eat better and exercise better. Make this the year you succeed by signing up to one of the Garden Re-Leaf challenges to raise money for Greenfingers Charity.

Shed those festive pounds by signing up for the Garden Re-Leaf Day Walk which will take place on Friday 16th March starting from Wyevale’s World’s End Garden Centre, Buckinghamshire. You can either take a gentle 10-mile stroll, or complete a more challenging 20-mile route through the Chilterns which is the ideal way to get in shape following the Christmas break.

The popular Plantathon will return with Greenfingers calling for garden retailers across the country to pot up as many plants as possible.  This year the time frame to plant as many pots as possible will be 12 hours and promises to be a popular event.

Where does the Garden Re-Leaf money go?

In July 2011, Hillview Garden Store CEO, Boyd Douglas-Davies announced the inaugural Garden Re-Leaf Day at the Garden Retail Awards in London.  Now in its seventh year, Garden Re-Leaf Day is the biggest charity fundraiser in the garden industry’s calendar and has raised over £500,000.

Positioned as the garden industry’s answer to Comic Relief and Sports Relief, the aim of Garden Re-Leaf Day was to celebrate the start of the garden year with fundraising events to raise money for Greenfingers, a charity dedicated to improving the lives of children in hospices through the creation of magical gardens.

For the garden industry, the day creates valuable team building opportunities and brings more shoppers into garden centres earlier to extend the peak Spring season. Garden centre managers, staff and other industry professionals tirelessly set up fun and exciting ways to not only raise money for Greenfingers, but also to promote gardening as an enjoyable pastime.

But where do these vital funds go?  Most will already be aware that the money raised is used to build Greenfingers hospice gardens which enable children and their families to enjoy special time together outside enjoying the therapeutic benefits of nature, and away from the bedside. 

Greenfingers work exclusively with each hospice to come up with a unique design that suits the needs of the children and families they care for.  Each garden is created with top industry designers and landscapers, as well as help from the local community, volunteers and gardening clubs.

In total, 53 Greenfingers gardens have been built since the charity’s creation in 1998 with many being funded by monies from Garden Re-Leaf Day.  The inaugural Garden Re-Leaf Day in 2012 raised more than £55,000 for Greenfingers, helping a specially designed, family garden to be built at both Robin House Children’s Hospice in West Dunbartonshire, and Donna Louise Children’s Hospice in Stoke-on-Trent.  In 2017, two new gardens were opened – the new Kaleidoscope Garden at Helen & Douglas House in Oxford, which features a colourful and protected garden pavilion that is being enjoyed by patients, their families and hard-working hospice staff.

The Courtyard Garden at Keech Hospice Care in Luton was officially opened by garden designer and Greenfingers Ambassador Adam Frost and featured a multi-coloured soft, but durable, flooring in swirling shapes and will be well used by families who are now able to enjoy mealtimes and activities outside in this new bright and sheltered courtyard.

The most recent Greenfingers garden was started in October by landscaper and designer Jody Lidgard of Bespoke Outdoor Spaces. The pirate themed garden is being built at St Andrew’s Hospice in Grimsby, which provides palliative care for children and young adults suffering from progressive life-limiting illnesses. 

More gardens are in the pipeline to be built in 2018 but this is where Garden Re-Leaf Day comes into its own, raising much needed funds.  The garden industry will be exploding with colour with plenty of FUNdraising activities throughout the day. 

Boyd Douglas Davies said: “Garden Re-Leaf Day has resulted in life-limited children and families who spend time in hospices every single year being able to enjoy precious time together in a Greenfingers garden.  It’s really easy to take part, you can sign up and participate in one of this year's organised initiatives such as the Garden Re-Leaf Walk or Plantathon.  Why not organise your own event, and register it so that it can be included in all the media briefings that raise awareness of the cause?”

You can sign up to take part in Garden Re-Leaf Day events or register your own by visiting the Greenfingers Charity website www.greenfingerscharity.org.uk/gardenreleaf

If you want to find out more about how to get involved in Greenfingers Garden Re-Leaf Day 2018, whether by putting on events in your garden centre, through sponsored solo activities or simply by donating - contact the Greenfingers office on 01494 674749 or email Linda@greenfingerscharity.org.uk.

Smart Garden Products are delighted to announce that they are bringing the Three Kings range, their new Christmas brand for the 2018 season, to Spring Fair 2018.

Over 60 products to adorn the home and garden, from a warm welcome at the front door to the cosy surround of the fireplace, will be available to see in Hall 2 - Stand 2K29, where buyers can come to discover a collection which has been carefully designed to provide a variety of price-points across multiple categories. 

Jonathan Stobart, Managing Director of Smart Garden Products, comments: “We were thrilled with the response our range received at Harrogate and so have taken the opportunity to show Three Kings to more customers at the Spring Fair. This is a precursor to a fuller range which will be developed for next year and beyond." 

Fleur Morgan, Director of Category Management, adds: “It is a really exciting launch for Smart and with over 60 fabulous products to choose from, we feel that we have provided a compelling selection for the festive season."

The range will be complemented by stunning packaging and practical merchandising solutions.

To find out more about Smart Garden’s market leading product offering please visit www.sgpuk.com

Deco-Pak’s ‘Quintessentially British’ range of bird houses and feeders feature four new designs - a garden shed, a London Underground sign, a wine rack and a mini mockup of number 10 Downing Street. 

Now available to view on Deco-Pak’s website, www.deco-pak.co.uk/product-category/birdhouses-feeders/quintessential-british-range/, this new for 2018 range has already been nominated for best Garden & Outdoor product at Spring Fair (Hall 6, Stand Q08 for Deco-Pak's stand).

The new additions are expected to be popular with those looking for gifts, collectors of quirky garden designs and fans of the original range, which continues to grow in popularity.   For example, the Red Lion Inn was most recently featured in the Sun’s gardening pages at the end of January to mark National Nestbox Week (February 14-21).

On the subject of a possible boost for garden centre tourism, Deco-Pak Director Rod Slater said: “Our partnership with US wild birdcare designer Garden Bazaar gives us a unique insight into what visitors want to see and buy.  With 41.7m tourists set to visit here next year, after a record year for UK regions and nations outside of London, we know our customers will be interested in a slice of the pie.  These birdhouses and feeders will of course be available to all of our customers in Europe and further afield, where we expect them to do well thanks to the value of the pound and a recent surge in popularity of the UK as a holiday destination.”

10 Downing Street feeder

Watch wild birds challenge the pecking order and protest to the ministers of birdfeed.  Features include window frame detail, shingled roof and chain for hanging.  RRP

£29.99

London Underground Nest box

Commuter birds will enjoy the convenience of nesting behind this tube sign. Handmade from FSC plywood with access hatch.  RRP £16.99

Garden Shed nest boxes

Includes miniature details such as a wheelbarrow, spade, fork, terracotta pot and plant.  There is a 32mm hole to allow smaller desirable birds, such as tits and house sparrows - deterring larger, predatory birds.  RRP £19.99

Wine bottle feeder

With sparkling wine sales up 76% in the last five years, Deco-Pak has latched onto another trend and devised a great way of resusing empty bottles.  The product features two rings made of exterior grade plywood and are able to incorporate a wine bottle (purchased and drunk separately) that can be filled with any type of birdseed.  Simply upturn and let gravity do the work as the contents are drip fed as birds peck away at the at the bottom.  RRP £19.99

Find out more

Visit www.deco-pak.co.uk, connect via twitter @deco_pak, or call the customer service team to find your nearest stockist on 01422 204394

Spring Fair is set to once again host a new range of products launched by UK leading wildlife product designer and manufacturer, Wildlife World.

The company is expanding its current range significantly with many exciting new products, as well as several new items especially designed and created in partnership with wildlife author and TV presenter, Simon King OBE. These products carry Wildlife World’s ‘Simon King’ brand.

At the show, the company will be showing many new products including the award-winning Dewdrop Wildbird Window Feeder and a new premium National Trust range.

Norman Sellers, Managing Director at Wildlife World commented, “We are really excited to be working with both Simon King and with the National Trust to create some great new designs. This has allowed us to create products that are different to our usual collection and that are innovative and some of the best in the market.”

A number of Wildlife World’s best-selling and recently released products for birds, bees, bugs, amphibians and hedgehogs are also on display at the show. Since last year’s Spring Fair, Wildlife World has introduced many new products to the market including a premium range of high quality multi-purpose bird food for garden birds and a line of nesters under the Simon King brand.

Wildlife World is proud to have won two accolades for its products in 2017. Its Simon King Brushwood Robin Nester was awarded the Best New Retail Product (Wildlife) at the 2017 Garden Retail Awards held by Horticulture Week and the Dewdrop Wildbird Window Feeder won Best New Product at the 2017 GLEE Awards.

Addressing the ongoing decline in hedgehog numbers, Wildlife World will be showing its popular hedgehog houses and accessories. Designed to encourage the much needed breeding of hedgehogs, the products provide a safe haven for hedgehogs to shelter with a small entrance to ensure that they are protected from both cold weather conditions and predators.

Wildlife World has a strong commitment to wildlife species and the environment and designs and tests all of its products in-house to ensure that they are sustainable and safe for wildlife to use. The company creates each product using environmentally-friendly materials, including FSC certified timber, recycled plastics and water-based paints so that wildlife cannot be harmed from using its new feeder or habitat.

Visit Wildlife World in Hall 5, Stand 5E43 to find out more about their upcoming products and work with Simon King.

Further information is available from Wildlife World on 01666 505333, by emailing david@wildlifeworld.co.uk or by visiting the company’s website at www.wildlifeworld.co.uk

Launching at Spring Fair 2018 are the new cutting range of Shears and Loppers from Pedigree Garden by Bulldog Tools.

Pedigree Garden is the new generation of British Bulldog tools bred from 235 years of heritage, craftsmanship and manufacturing bloodlines.

This year we launch our brand new "Geared Bypass Lopper" and our "Geared Hedge Shears"   giving 20% more power for cutting through thicker wood and for easy hedge trimming,

Each product is made with Teflon (TM) coated blades, has lightweight but strong reinforced handles, a comfortable soft touch grip, and bumper protection for the knuckles, making pruning, clipping and cutting an altogether much more pleasurable experience.

The Bypass Lopper retails at £32.99 and the Geared Hedge Shears retail at £34.99.

For more information about the Pedigree Range please go to www.pedigreegarden.co.uk or call Sarah Cottle on 0773 606 1255 or email on sarah.cottle@rollins.co.uk  or see the range at The Spring Fair on stand 6J06.

After the hugely successful launch of Block Blitz, the UK's first block paving specific cleaning product, the Block Blitz brand has launched Block Blitz Gravel Treatment – another UK first.

Manufactured and developed in the UK, Block Blitz treatments are unique biodegradable mineral and plant based barrier detergents, which have been designed to clean and protect paving without any physical or mechanical means.

Block Blitz paving treatments are 100% nonabrasive, contain no bleach, acids or biocides, are biodegradable and have a minimal environmental impact.

Visit Block Blitz at Spring Fair on Stand 10B21, the DIY hall.

www.blockblitz.co.uk

Traditional Garden Games are in the business of creating fun and happy memories!

While the classic games continue to be family favourites, for 2018 the company is excited to launch 10 NEW games. 

"Hook a winner with ‘Big Fish, Little Fish’ or together, pull your opponents over the winning line with ‘Tug of War’, we know our trend inspired and perfectly price pointed collection will appeal to all ages.

"We’re also buzzing about the new SEMBRA ‘sow and grow kits’ which will be an exciting retail offering for budding hobby gardeners of all ages."

Visit Traditional Garden Games at Spring Fair 2018 in Hall 5, Stand 5G77.