Glee Daily News is back to report all the news and views from the NEC showpiece, starting with this Glee Build Up special.

Then, on the show days of Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, the enewsletter containing all the latest news and pictures will be transmitted to email boxes.

If you have a story, picture or comment to make in Glee Daily News during the three days of the show, contact one of the reporting team:

Mike Wyatt - mike.wyatt@tgcmc.co.uk
Trevor Pfeiffer - trevor.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk

See our Glee Daily News gallery of pictures from Build Up here

Glee’s core values of ‘Discover, Network, Grow’ will be apparent with every step throughout the 2013 show. 

"This year we have stripped back the show’s non-exhibitor content, leaving a programme of key, hardworking activities that are designed to complement and enhance visitors' time at the show," says Glee's event manager Matthew Mein.  

"Now more than ever it is essential that retailers and suppliers come together to build bigger, better and stronger business. Glee is designed to facilitate this in the best possible way, and we hope that you will make the most of those refreshed features and product displays that are on offer."

This has been Matthew's first year at Glee’s helm and what a year it has been!  From a snowy start to a gloriously hot summer, the last 12 months have thrown many challenges at the garden retail industry.

"It is great to be able to say that together as an industry we have faced these challenges head on, and now enter into the 38th annual Glee exhibition in a buoyant mood, following an encouraging season for sales and increased consumer confidence," adds Matthew.

"The most important thing for visitors will be the hundreds of exhibitors that pack the halls each year. This year expect to see showcases from major brands and specialist manufacturers from across key industry categories – a unique resource that is not available anywhere else in the UK.  

"You’ll also not want to miss out on the 140 companies that will be making their debut at this year’s show.

"Finally, it’s time to say goodbye to Halls 4 and 5, as Glee is on the move!  From 2014 Glee will have a new home within the NEC, in Halls 17-20. 
This new location will provide a revitalised and refreshed show, providing exhibitors and visitors with the opportunity to explore Glee in new ways." 

Watch out on the Taylors Bulbs stand (5A07) at Glee tomorrow for their new range of Naturalising Scatter Boxes.

They are designed so that users simply scatter bulbs straight from the box and plant where they fall to create an informal, random and natural effect to brighten lawns, verges and wildflower areas.

Varieties have been specifically chosen in themes that will flower year after year with no effort.

There are four blends of spring flowering bulbs for autumn 2013 to choose from: Early, Mid & Late flowering mixes (RRP £5.99) and a Heritage Mix of Snowdrops and Bluebells (RRP £9.99). All are bee-friendly.

Check out, too, three new blends of summer flowering bulbs for spring 2014 sales: a Summer Blaze Mix of hot colours, a Scented Mix for garden fragrance and a Butterfly Mix (RRP £5.99) that is also bee-friendly.

All collections are presented in Taylors’ attractive and contemporary packaging with full planting instructions.

Agralan (5A11) have agreed with Tecman to market the ‘No More Slugs n Snails’ copper adhesive tape.

This unique, patented tape will be available alongside the existing range of slug control products, including traps, barriers and nematodes.

Export enquiries are welcome.

Information: www.agralan.co.uk

The Jeyes team will be revealing their all-new range at Glee tomorrow, including a redesign of the original Jeyes Fluid tins, the introduction of new Jeyes Patio Power and Jeyes Fluid Ready to Use plus the re-formulation for Jeyes Freshbin.

Head down to stand 5E20-F21 to see the full range and collect your FREE sample of Jeyes Fluid Ready to Use 500ml*. Bulk order discounts for wholesale and garden centres will apply for the duration of the show.

Trusted by generations, Jeyes Fluid is a remarkably versatile outdoor cleaner. Originally patented by John Jeyes in 1877 in Thetford, Norfolk, Jeyes Fluid was granted a Royal Warrant in 1896 and continues to supply the Royal household to this day. Today, the range is bigger than ever, with the latest products and packaging refresh expected to raise awareness and attract new users to the brand, as well as increasing usage and repeat purchase amongst the existing customer base.

New Jeyes Patio Power is a unique and long-lasting pressure-washer compatible cleaner which kills 99.9% of germs and removes dirt, algae and mildew on all hard outdoor surfaces. Available now in a 2L format at an RRP of £9.99, and a 4L format at an RRP of £15.99.

New Jeyes Fluid Ready to Use is a convenient, pre-diluted version of traditional Jeyes Fluid. Available now with an RRP of £1.49 for the 500ml pack, and £9.99 for the 4L pack.

Retailers should contact 01842 757 575 or contact@jeyes.com to order products or for more information.

*while stocks last

Whitefurze Ltd, the UK manufacturer of plastic consumer products, is using its stand ((5D28-E29) at Glee to showcase an enhanced garden range with a new, eco-friendly element.

Following an ongoing programme of new product development, Whitefurze will be launching a brand new range of Water Butt Kits available in 100 & 230 litre capacities.

Manufactured in the UK, the new Water Butt Kits are simple and easy to install and come with everything you need to get started including stand and diverter.  The butts can be installed with no drilling required and make using stored water to look after your plants easy. Made from recycled materials, the new water butts are an essential part of any eco-friendly garden.

Also new for 2013 are Watering Cans and Athens Planters. The easy-to-carry cans are available in two designs and three sizes and come complete with detachable sprinkler rose. Practical and attractive, The Athens Range of planters includes five competitively priced lines including square, round and rectangular profiles. 

Visitors to the Whitefurze stand will also see their existing ranges of pots & saucers, planters, propagation lines and clever gardening accessories. Whatever you are looking for, Whitefurze has quality plastic garden products to suit your needs. 

La Hacienda will be launching a new range of decorative garden giftware at Glee 2013, designed to offer retailers an on-trend giftware selection for customers.

Best known for its selection of chimeneas, La Hacienda has expanded its product portfolio significantly in recent years, with retailers now benefitting from one of the widest selection of firebasket, firebowls, firepits, lanterns, garden oil torches and gel burners.  The addition of the new giftware collection will further cement the company’s dedication to delivering the most comprehensive outdoor heating and accessory range on the market.

The new giftware offering comprises four different categories: The first range of colourful and quirky animals includes Daphne the Duck and Penelope the Pig.  Made from metal with an intended ‘lived in’ look these animals benefit from a primary colour palette, making them an eye-catching and playful addition to the garden or home.

A range of realistic looking wild birds has also been created.  From the Regal Pheasant to the Flapping White Duck and Tall Heron, these unique statues combines contemporary materials with traditional design, perfect for use anywhere in the home or in the garden.

Birds also feature within La Hacienda’s new beaded metal animals range.  Featuring free-standing and wall mounted designs including a snail, butterfly, frog and fish, each animal includes an exotic metalwork body in either a washed or lacquer finish.  Finally each animal is adorned with brightly coloured or glow in the dark beads – the latter being a unique design feature in decorative products of this type.

The final addition is a stunning assortment of rustic ironwork accessories.  From a lucky horseshoe and hose holder to key hooks, decorative brackets and shoe brush, this new range has been designed to tap into the trend of rustic and traditional home and garden decorations that has proven popular in recent years.

La Hacienda MD Simon Goodwin said: “We are extremely excited to be launching this new range of giftware at Glee 2013.  We offered the industry a ‘sneak peek’ recently and found the response to be incredibly positive.  This strong response was not only because the products combine style and quality, but also because this diversification further strengthens our position as a one-stop-shop for the best in garden accessories – something that our customers tell us is incredibly important to them.”

In addition to launching its new giftware offering, La Hacienda will also be showcasing new additions to its existing product portfolio.  New designs of chimeneas, firepits, gel burners and garden mirrors will also be on display. 

Electric garden heating solutions, including the newly integrated Heatmaster® brand, will also be available to view.  A growing profit opportunity for both La Hacienda and its customers, this advanced range will be showcased alongside proven POS and merchandising solutions.

Simon added: “I strongly believe that we have one of the most comprehensive offerings on the market, and feel that Glee is the right place for us to showcase this to the market.  We look forward to meeting with the garden retail industry once the doors open in September – it’s set to be a great show!”

Find out more: For further information about La Hacienda’s outdoor heating ranges visit www.lahacienda.co.uk or call 01285 762060.

• Dents Garden Centre (Gothic arch canopy)
• Dunbar Garden Centre
• Dobbies (both King's Lynn and Inverness)
• Northwood Garden Centre

National Structures are also currently undertaking a retail canopy area project at Smiths Nurseries (Bagington) Ltd and also working on a project of replacing roof areas and  refurbishing existing buildings at Garson’s Farm Esher.

And the company have been awarded the contract to supply the canopies for the Galgorm Castle Garden Centre project in Northern Ireland.

National Structures are on stand 5H36. For more information visit www.nationalstructures.co.uk



Pictured above: Dents Garden Centre. Below: selection of pictures from Dunbar Garden Centre.

Gardman (5B30-C31) unveil their Big January Sales at Glee tomorrow (Sunday)...

“January can be a poor month for garden centre sales,” said Duncan Ross, director of garden centre sales at Gardman.  “There is little to entice people into garden centres in the New Year, with the gardening season yet to get under way and there being no major reason to buy gifts and other goodies.

“Our January Sales offers will give retailers something extra to really drive up footfall – appealing products at great prices and as part of compelling promotions.”

Gardman traditionally provides retailers with a range of sale products for the New Year. This year, they have developed January Sales as part of their ‘Stronger Off£rs’ initiative. One of five sales initiatives within the company’s new ‘Trust us to Deliver’ strategy, it provides retailers with a greater depth in the range of products available and a faster turnover.

Seed specialist, Suttons Seeds, will be launching their new Wildlife Sanctuary Seed Collection at this year’s GLEE.

This new collection has been designed in conjunction with the BBKA (British Beekeepers Association) to provide nectar and pollen for the honey bee and other pollinators all-year-round.

The collection is made up of 38 flower, veg and herb varieties with each packet clearly detailing whether the variety is good for nectar or pollen.

Did you know?... One in three mouthfuls of the food we eat is dependent on pollination!

Keeping our pollinators strong and healthy enables them to pollinate our crops so we can enjoy delicious fruit, veg, salads and even chocolate! However, it’s not just the food we eat that is important, pollination helps to feed many other animals and birds in the food chain plus, it is a vital part of creating the diversity in the environment that we all enjoy.

In a recent survey, Suttons found that 44% of gardeners were growing plants to encourage wildlife in their gardens.

Suttons new Wildlife Sanctuary meets the consumer desire for growing varieties that will not only attract bees, butterflies and other pollinators to their gardens, but will also put food on the table and brighten their homes.

The collection has been designed to meet a real consumer concern, create interest and maximise profits plus, the 68cm display will only take up a small amount of room in store! The display for Suttons new Wildlife Sanctuary is eye-catching and playful with attractive point of sale material that even includes your very own ‘Betty Bee’ wobbler.

While Suttons is donating to the Charity directly, inside each packet the consumer also has the opportunity to ‘Adopt a beehive’ or become a ‘Friend of the honeybee’. All money raised through these channels is ploughed back into the BBKA to support essential scientific research to prevent the decline of the honey bee.

Other new products to look out for include:

Rapid Green II, Self-Repairing Lawn Seed
Suttons new Self-Repairing Lawn Seed gives up to 30% more cover than conventional lawn seed! It gives you a lush, thick, even lawn that has a high tolerance to drought and even the most enthusiastic children and pets –with no more patch repairs!

James Wong Plants
New 5 litre Homegrown Revolution plant range coming soon!

Microgreens
Grow your own ‘Indoor Allotment’ all-year-round with the latest culinary ‘must-have’ that’s packed full of nutrients and vitamins.

Floral Fusions Flower Mixes
Sensational selection of flower mixes that are easy to sow and will quickly add colour to any garden.

For more information on Suttons new Wildlife Sanctuary Seed Collection, or if you would like to stock the collection, visit the Suttons Seeds team at GLEE, Hall 5 Stand 5E 22.  www.suttons.com

Forest Garden has confirmed its attendance at Glee, where the company has decided to relocate its stand into the ‘heart of the industry’ within Hall 5.

Breaking from its traditional Hall 4 presence, the decision to move into Hall 5 (stand E40) was a simple one, as Forest’s head of marketing, Vicky Nuttall explains.  

She said: “Our product portfolio has diversified significantly in that we now offer a wide range of decorative garden products, breaking us out of the traditional ‘landscaping’ mould. We felt that Glee’s Hall 5 is much more representative of where we are as a business and also of our offering for garden retailers."

Forest will also be using Glee to showcase a range of new retail solutions. The introduction of a smarter pricing policy with competitive pricing solutions, combined with a new and improved delivery service, will help drive growth for customers. New retail solutions, including a selection of new merchandising and display solutions will also be on display.

Forest’s Glee 2013 product selection will also be more diverse than ever before. Core lines will be complemented by a range of inspirational new products for the 2014 season. 

Looking to stock boots that are smart and stylish but above all practical, comfortable and hardwearing?

Whether your customers are keen gardeners, enjoy the great outdoors or need boots for equestrian and country pursuits, the Grub’s® range from Worklite on stand 5D53 is the answer.

Grub’s® boots are made to the highest quality using the latest, innovative materials and new technologies that work seamlessly with each other to give a new level of performance footwear.

The Frostline 5.0™ range is a high performance field boot with the TRAX sole which is ideal for work or leisure activities.

Available in a range of colours including Moss Green, Black, Fuchsia, Violet and Camouflage these boots certainly live up to expectations.

All Grub’s® footwear is made using their self-insulating INSU-FOAM ULTRA™ bootie construction which is super soft and super bouncy, with a compression set of less than 7% versus 20-25% for other neoprene boots, so they remain soft and comfortable for much longer.

Made with the latest technology, Grub’s®  Frostline 5.0™ boots include a tough texturised nylon face with a durable water shedding finish, 5mm light buoyant insulating foam and moisture wicking terry knit lining.

Grub’s® offer an extensive range of both neoprene and leather footwear – visit stand 5D53 at GLEE for a warm welcome.

With sales bolstered by the introduction of the ‘Specialist Choice’ range of John Innes composts alongside the new Farmyard Manure and Large Chip Bark, Durstons has seen sales increase by record levels this year, bucking-the-trend for the sector, and giving the company an excellent starting point for the coming season.

“We’re looking forward to meeting up with new and existing customers at GLEE 2013,” says director, Chris Durston. 

Formore information visit www.durstongardenproducts.co.uk or call 01458 442688

Garden tools and accessories company Darlac continue celebrating its 50th Anniversary in 2013 by returning to Glee with even more ‘Best Buys’ under its belt, as well as a series of new and innovative products on offer.

The new products include a Perennial Shear, Geared Pruner and a Hose End Tap, along with a Soap Dispenser for use in conjunction with the popular Swop Top window/conservatory cleaning system. The company has also added a Fruit Picking Basket to its Expert range.

For more information visit www.darlac.com, email sales@darlac.com or call 01753 547790.

Every year there are products launched at Glee that become bestsellers, but how do you know just how big a bestseller they become and how much in-store promotion you should give them?

GTN Bestsellers is the answer. Every week Top 50 Bestsellers charts are published, compiled from garden centre Epos data, giving the best and most up to date garden centre trading information on the market.

If you’d have been a subscriber this year you’ll have known that Roundup Weedkiller Gel, launched at Glee 2011, was the No.1 best selling weed killer product for 25 weeks this year and topped the garden products chart for one week in May. And that Vitax Slug Gone, launched at Glee 2012, was the GTN Bestsellers New Product of the Year, featuring in the Top 50 for 12 weeks, reaching a highest position of No12.

Plus, you’ll have benefitted from the GTN Bestsellers Tip of the week – a gem of a sales idea every week derived from 5 years of GTN Bestsellers charts.

So what are you waiting for? You need to buy a subscription to GTN Bestsellers right now. For just £145.00, you get a printed GTN Bestsellers chart posted to you each week, full access to the GTN Bestsellers charts and the GTN Archive on-line and your own copy of Garden Trade News in the post each issue.

And there’s more!! 

If you take out a GTN Bestsellers subscription before Glee, we’ll send you, as a bonus, the GTN Bestsellers Charts for the critical sales periods through June July and August this year when, according to our gathered Epos data, sales of garden products were up year on year by 10.3%.

And there’s even more!!!

Buying a subscription now means you’ll get every issue with the GTN Bestsellers Christmas charts too. It’s an invaluable chart to follow as your Christmas sales build, allowing you to spot new trends, make changes to your promotions and POS.  And, be one more step ahead of the competition when it comes to your Christmas buying for 2014.

So, what are you waiting for?  To get your subscription to GTN Bestsellers up and running, simply subscribe online here

or contact us by phone on 01733 775700 or by e-mail: karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk

GTN Bestsellers – Garden Centre Bestsellers, Guaranteed!

Each day of the show, Glee Daily News will be walking around the show in search of visitors wearing an “I’ve thought about it!” pink badge. We’ll be picking one lucky visitor at random every day to win a bottle of champagne courtesy of Catering Design Group. For your chance to win, simply pick up your badge from the Catering Design Group stand within the Catering Zone (Stand 5K20-L25).

The badges form part of an innovative idea from the team at CDG who have been providing garden centres with a range of solutions, hints and tips in the run up to the show around the theme: “Have you thought about…” They have covered solutions to problems with queuing, acoustics, sustainability and creating synergy between front and back of house.

Gilbert Evans (5J34), the largest and most experienced team in the UK, have been involved in the majority of larger garden centre transactions in recent years.
In the past 12 months they have sold or acquired garden centres with a combined value of more than £20m.

Their expertise spans buying and selling/leasing garden centres, concessions, valuations, rating, rent reviews and lease renewals and development consultancy.

Smart Solar (5C06) start celebrating their 10th anniversary when Glee opens tomorrow.

They tell us this is a really important Glee for the company, with 50 new products and more than 100 new promotions as well as displays of their Haxnicks and recently added Greentree ranges. “We expect our stand to be buzzing for the three days,” said a spokesman.

    

Daily seminars at Glee's Knowledge Hub and Catering Zone will offer up top the minute debate, information, research and inspiration

Topmorrow's seminar programmes

The Knowledge Hub

Sunday 15 September 

12.00 Garden Retailing As Usual? There is nothing ‘usual’ about it – John Stanley

 2.00 Are you making the most of social media? – Edwin Meijer, Garden Connect

 3.00 Plant Workshop – Kevin Walters

 Food & Catering Zone

Sunday 15 September

1.00 Ignoring Social Media is like Ignoring your Customers Karen Fewell, Digital Blonde Ltd

3.00 Ignoring Social Media is like Ignoring your Customers Karen Fewell, Digital Blonde Ltd

In the Glee Official Catalogue there is a correction to the listing under CXC (HC) Holdings Ltd (stand) 4C22. The company name should be Anping County Yexiang Hardware Wiremesh Products Co Ltd.

The correct contact details are as follows:
Wire Mesh Industrial Park, Anping County, Hebei Province, China.
Tel: 86-318-7026399
E-mail: info@yexiangwiremesh.com

To build on the success of Miracle-Gro Flower Magic, launched at Glee last year, Scotts Miracle-Grow are launching Flower Magic Pots & Containers for 2014.

It has the same 3-in-1 mix of coir compost, four-month feed and flower seeds. The flower seed mix contains 22 different varieties, which are more compact and suited to growing in containers, but are also suited to the fronts of beds and borders.

The pack is endorsed with the RHS Perfect For Pollinators mark. Each pack is sufficient for up to 10 x 30cm (12in) containers. It’s potentially another great seller and must-have product.

The Air Lamp from LUXA (5B47) is a totally new concept for homes, with a trendy retro look and a lampshade that floats in mid-air.

The Air Lamp contains a patented system of top-end electronics that produces an electro-magnetically repulsive column above the centre of the lamp base, supporting the shade against the force of gravity. The electronics have been programmed to make the shade gently rotate, so that light, colour and movement are all achieved from thet same lamp.

The lamp has energy-saving LED lighting and can be used as an up and a down-lighter. The upper and lower lights can be operated independently or both together. Power consumption is around 11w with the lights on and 3w without.

The shades are mounted on a small magnetic disc that can carry weights of up to 100g, so when the shade isn't being used,  other objects can be rotated in mid-air - messages, little presents, reminder, for instance.

The Air Lamp is currently available with white, red or silver lampshades and with silver metal or red lacquered stand.

Information www.luxa.co.uk.

Vitax (5D02) will be showing around around 20 new products for the 2014 season when Glee opens tomorrow.

2013 has been an exemplary year for the company. Since the acquisition of the Slug Gone brand in 2012 the product has gone from strength-to-strength receiving a range of accolades and awards including Soil Association accreditation.

Slug Gone also took centre stage on Vitax’s stand in July at the Coronation Festival. One of just 200 Royal Warrant holders invited to exhibit in the grounds of Buckingham Palace to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Queen’s Coronation, the four-day event saw Vitax meet with over 60,000 visitors from across the world.

Amnong the Glee launches will be Premium Q4 liquid fertilisers to complement their existing Q4 granular products.

Developed with both the amateur and professional gardener in mind, the new premium range consists of: Q4 Premium Vegetable Feed, Q4 Premium Flower & Fruit Feed and Q4 Premium Tomato Feed.

Each product has been uniquely developed to stimulate growth and prevent plant stress. Containing seaweed and organic nutrients for a longer lasting feed, they also employ humates for healthier roots and improved uptake.

Zest 4 Leisure (4A40-B41), one of the UK’s leading supplier of high quality timber garden furniture, will unveil a number of new products, at Glee tomorrow.

Zest 4 Leisure supplies more 400 garden centres nationwide. Its existing range is extensive, offering durable FSC-approved timber products from pavilions and gazebos to fence panels and posts. At Glee they will be announce the introduction of new ergonomically designed garden furniture and attractive feature pieces, including obelisks and hanging flower bells.

The new Lily Rocking Chair will complement the existing ergonomically designed Lily single and double Relax Seats.

Displayed for the first time will be the Twilight Arch, which extends in width and adds a flexible feature to any garden. A range of stylish obelisks that add interest to borders and beds will be revealed alongside a striking range of hanging flower bells, providing gardeners with creative ways to arrange climbing plants.

Zest 4 Leisure works hard to manufacture and source quality products at competitive prices and develop custom made items to suit exact specifications. A flexible approach is taken to delivering exactly what trade customers require.

Steve Morgan, managing director of Zest 4 Leisure, said: “We have enjoyed rapid expansion over the past 18 months and we have taken the time to listen to the exact needs of our buyers and their customers. The new ranges launching at Glee are extremely well made, using quality FSC timber. I’m sure our retailers and their customers alike will be delighted with our striking timber features and furniture.”

Information www.zest4leisure.co.uk

Or call 01352 752 555

The Tidal brand is returning to Glee this year in a Deco-Pak exclusive.

The exquisite range of stainless steel and natural stone water features is complemented by a unique merchandise display unit that can be manoeuvred easily into position.

Visitors are invited to join Deco-Pak on the stand in Hall 4 (4K10) at 11am tomorrow (Sunday) for a champagne reception, when the new range will be introduced.

Information www.deco-pak.co.uk

Campingaz unveil their new collection of state of the art barbecues at Glee tomiorrow (Sunday)

The range follows a multi-million dollar investment combining advanced technology and features with eye-catching designs.

While the flagship products are the premium RBS® models, the 3 and 4 Series Cast Iron and Classic barbecues boast an efficient stainless steel tube burner system paired with a new, stylish design. Budget-conscious consumers are catered for with the compact yet powerful 2 Series Classic range and, when space is at a premium, the 2 Series Compact offers a portable, space-saving design with folding trolley.

Innovative features include the Culinary Modular System on seeveral models, allowing barbecuers to replace the inner ring of the cast iron grid with a convenient modular insert enbabling use of the optional wok, pizza stone or paella pan.

With the patent-pending Campingaz InstaClean™ System, dirty or greasy barbecue parts can be put straight into a dishwasher.

4 Campingaz recently appointed Paul Lilwall as National Account Manager. A barbecue enthusiast, Paul’s previopus experience includes roles with major brands including Guinness and Beefeater Barbecues. Focusing solely on the new Campingaz barbecue collection, Paul will be on hand at the show to meet buyers.

NedFox has created the first national product database for garden centres to support UK businesses with stock control and label printing without commitment to an EPOS system.

‘Garden-Pool’ contains information about of hundreds of thousands of products from national and large regional suppliers and wholesalers including names like Alexander Rose, E.P. Barrus (Wolf Tools & Wilkinson Sword), Bosmere, Burgon & Ball, Decco (Wholesale), Forest Garden, Gardman, Hozelock, Outback, RSPB, Smart Solar, Suttons, Taylors Bulbs, Thompson & Morgan, Tom Chambers, Town & Country, Weber, Westland (incl. Unwins), William Sinclair Horticulture, Woodlodge and many others.

NedFox’s managing director Ernst van der Linde said: “We have 1.4 million lines on our Dutch garden centre database, covering more than 95% of all garden centre product lines stocked. We work with garden centre chains and buying groups, adding great value for both retailers and suppliers alike.”

The service is cloud-based and the retailer does not need servers to maintain the database – just a current WIFI system and hand-held scanner. The service will be formally launched at Glee by NedFox on stand 5F28.

Information www.nedfox.co.nl

Or email: ernst@nedfox.nl

Space Catering (5L23) is marking its first appearance at Glee by showcasing a range of proven tools that help garden centre operators make their ideas for a new café, restaurant or food hall a reality.

As well as design and project management advice, Space will also be dishing out free practical resources in a handy goody bag from its stand in the Food and Catering Zone.

Space are specialists in designing and supplying food service facilities in garden centres, with more than a decade of experience working for many of the biggest and most prestigious operators in the industry. Operators working with Space receive practical guidance every step of the way.

 “Whatever your idea for a new food service facility is, whether it’s a rough sketch or a more developed plan, we can help you turn it into the catering operation you’ve always wanted,” says Mike Mellor, managing director of Space Catering. “Many clients come to us with just a few ideas about what they want to do; we sit down with them to turn those ideas into workable, stylish schemes that not only open up a new source of revenue for them, but also create a major draw for customers.

 “We do it by having an experienced team of designers and project managers dedicated to each client, taking them from concept and design right through to installation and handover, with training to help operators get the most out of their new café or restaurant.

 “We also offer unique tools such as a guide to making your catering operation as sustainable as possible produced in conjunction with the Sustainable Restaurant Association,” he adds. “And we have a clever ‘virtual tour’ facility that you can put on your website so that customers can walk round your garden centre from their smartphone, tablet or laptop, to see what’s on offer, before they even set foot outside.”

Spaxe are inviting visitors to stop by for coffee and cake and an informal chat.

Information: www.spacecatering.co.uk or call 01452 383000

• An Apple iPad 2
• The entire range of Grumpy Gardener products
• A bottle of Champagne.