Colin Squire, Chairman of Squire’s Garden Centres, received his OBE from His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales at Buckingham Palace on Friday 18th May. He was given the award in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours list in recognition of his services to the horticultural industry and to charity.

Colin Squire said: “It was a very special day, and lovely to share it with my two daughters Sarah and Elizabeth and their families. I felt immensely honoured. I have been very fortunate to work in this wonderful industry and to have enjoyed the support and friendship of so many inspirational people over the years.”

Squire’s is a successful family business, with 15 garden centres across the South East. The company was founded by Colin’s father D.J. Squire as a nursery and landscape business over 80 years ago, and Colin (81) formally joined the business in the late 1950’s and developed the group’s garden centres.

Colin’s daughter Sarah Squire, Deputy Chairman at Squire’s commented: “It was a wonderful day, and an absolute privilege to celebrate my father’s achievements, both in horticulture and in his charity and community work. It is my father’s character, values and judgment that permeate the business, and his enthusiasm, ready smile and commitment are reflected throughout the organisation. We are all so proud of him.”