Bents Garden and Home's company chairman and patriarch Ron Bent has been acknowledged by the garden retail industry with a lifetime achievement award in recognition of his long-term commitment and visionary approach to garden centre retailing.
His son Matthew Bent, who is the managing director of the business, said: "My father's approach to the garden centre industry saw the transformation of the Bents business from a small traditional garden centre to an award-winning garden, home and leisure destination.

"This award is a fantastic recognition of all the hard work, commitment and passion he has shown not only to our own business but the industry as a whole."

The award was one of two presented to Bents by Garden Retail, the second of which celebrated its commitment to staff development.

"We are very aware that much of our success is down to the enthusiasm of our people," added Matthew Bent. "We expect the highest standards of customer care from our colleagues so in turn are committed to providing each and every one with a strong personal development programme; an approach which has now been acknowledged by this fantastic award.

"We are hugely proud of both awards, but we particularly delighted for Ron. He is a very deserving winner and I know all our friends, work and industry colleagues would want to join me in congratulating him on this achievement."