The winners of the 2018 Glee Buyers Power List were announced Tuesday 11th September during an exciting awards ceremony within Glee’s ever-popular Seminar Theatre.

From individual garden centre buyers to multiple retailer buying teams, the Glee Buyers Power List was introduced to recognise and celebrate the many garden retail buyers who have gone ‘above and beyond’ to make a difference within the industry in the past 12 months. 

Speaking at the Glee Buyers Power List awards ceremony, which was well attended by retailers and suppliers alike,Glee’s Event Director Matthew Mein confirmed: “The Glee Buyers Power List was set up to recognise a key group of decision makers in the gardening industry who are often overlooked: garden retail buyers.  Through these awards, we are pleased to be able to celebrate and reward their continued hard work, passion and dedication.  Our huge congratulations to all of the winners, the finalists and the many excellent shortlisted nominees.”

 

The winners and finalists were announced as follows:

Best Independent Garden Centre

Almondsbury Garden Centre

Alton Garden Centre

Aylett Nurseries

Barton Grange Garden Centre

Bents Garden & Home

Burford Garden Centre

Chessington Garden Centre

Fron Goch Garden Centre

Highfield Garden Centre  

Holly Bush Garden Centre

Mains of Drum

Monkton Elm Garden Centre

Old Railway Line Garden Centre

Perrywood Garden Centre

 

Leading indoor pot supplier, Ivyline, has been spreading happiness throughout 2018 which has led to a fantastic donation of nearly £3000 to Greenfingers Charity.

Ivyline launched a range of “Happiness Teacups” which proved to be an instant hit with garden retailers and their customers.  The set of two set of two triple pack teacup planters, each with an adorable face and their own unique persona, are ideal for cacti, succulents, herbs and alpine plants, or simply as decoration within the home.

The teacups were launched at Glee last year, with large orders coming in immediately from large garden centre groups and thousands being sold across the country.  25p from every set sold has been going directly to Greenfingers to aid their work in funding, designing and creating magical, inspiring outdoor spaces in hospices for children to relax in and benefit from.

UK and Ireland Sales Manager, James Brindle at Ivyline presented Linda Petrons, Director of Fundraising and Communications at Greenfingers Charity with a cheque for £2835.25 at Glee on Tuesday.

James said: “We are delighted to be partnering with Greenfingers and sales of the Happiness Teacups have been strong since their launch last year. The fun, quirky teacups appeal to both gardeners, as well as non-gardeners and are on trend in gardening today.  We are thrilled with the response to them so far and hope they continue to raise funds for Greenfingers’ precious work into 2019 and beyond.”

 

Top Drawer is delighted to announce Ben Langworthy Paper Goods as the winner of the Autumn/Winter 2018 Spotted Award.

Spotted is Top Drawer’s curated showcase of innovative, market ready, design-based businesses new to the major UK trade fair market. Since its inception, Spotted has helped to launch over 200 small businesses and is now firmly established as one of the show’s main attractions.

All new brands accepted into the September 2018 edition of Spotted at Top Drawer Autumn were eligible, and entries were judged by a panel made up of the following industry experts: Annabelle Dodds, Senior Buyer at the V&A; Charlotte Abrahams, Spotted Curator; Dan Flower, owner of AIM Brands; Johnathan Brown, Founder of Cult Vinegar; Nicki Sloan, Founder & MD of Cubic Products Ltd and Sophie Hughes, PR & Brand Marketing Manager of West Elm.

The brands were judged on originality and innovation, commercial viability, clarity of brand, communication of message and the overall quality of their products.

Spotted Award Winner: Ben Langworthy Paper Goods

Ben Langworthy makes vintage-inspired paper goods featuring strong colours and typography, underpinned by his belief in the special importance of a hand-written note. He hand-draws all his designs using traditional techniques, and everything is printed in the U.K. His cut out cards – which can be cut and folded to make a miniature model – are particularly special.

---