A business that was begun by two brothers selling plant cuttings at the roadside will celebrate 35 years in operation this year and has become one of the largest garden centre chains in the country.
British Garden Centres last month took over Hayes Garden World in Ambleside bringing to over 3,000 the number of staff employed at 73 different sites.
It’s a rapid development for the Lincolnshire-based concern in a sector where not everything has come up roses.
Rivals Dobbies announced closures earlier this year while BGC’s expansion was in part the result of the acquisition of sites once run by the Wyevale chain.
The former Hayes Garden World site is the latest addition to the network but the family who now own it say any change will be gradual.
“It’s built a reputation over the years as one of the best destination garden centres,” Amy Stubbs, project and development manager and daughter of British Garden Centres’ founder Charles told Business Crack.
“I remember as a child going to the Lake District and what an amazing site Hayes is. We see so much opportunity there.
“I think it is slightly different from our usual model because of how tourist-based it is but from a brand awareness point of view and opportunity of the site we feel it’s a really exciting opportunity for us.”
The seasons and weather affects sales and so far this spring business has been brisk as consumers make the most of opportunities to get out into gardens neglected over winter.
“We learned a lot during Covid and every year there have been different challenges we have been facing but as an industry are not afraid of change,” Amy said.
“Over the last few years we have got closer to what facts and figures are telling us and ways of managing costs and monitoring what they are.
“We continue to face lots of challenges; this is the first month when wages have gone out at the higher rate of national insurance but luckily we have had amazing weather. We’re confident that as long as we adapt and change we will continue to strike forward.”
So what changes will we see at Hayes?
The name will remain – although Garden World will become Garden Centre – and there are plans to make more of the site’s food and drink offer.
Amy said: “We’re keen not to make rash decisions but we see expanding the restaurant as a real opportunity.
“We’re keen to trade through this busy season but then hoping to make changes through Christmas. Hayes have always had a strong reputation for their Christmas displays which we will aim to meet or exceed.”
Amy also confirmed that the close proximity of the University of Cumbria could lead to students finding a warm welcome in a business dependent on up and coming talent. Local businesses too have been supportive of the change of ownership.
“We’re really keen to carry on acquiring and grow the business but we’re very much family run with family values which makes us unique,” Amy said.
