A series of training events is being rolled out around the UK early next year aimed at helping garden centres maximise sales.
Former Garden Centre Association inspector Liz Hutson is organising the courses, which are supported by a number of key suppliers.

The one-day Grow Your Own Profits events will take place in February and early March and will show how to target, educate and communicate effectively to new and existing customers.

The key aims are to increase footfall and average spend, particularly in core gardening, via as many channels as possible.

Subjects covered will include: reasons why sales of core garden products and many plants are nowhere near their full capacity despite potential customer demand; how to target customers of all ages and abilities; appropriate plant and product groups; identifying needs, and anticipating and overcoming obstacles to buying; increasing average spend; thinking outside the box to sell more effectively; keeping it cohesive to make the most of all resources and opportunities; and making it happen in the garden centre in a strategic, sustainable and realistic way.

As well as enhancing staff product knowledge and selling skills there will be a focus on marketing, inspiring and educating customers and raising overall awareness via materials supplied.

The course is intended for planteria and sundries staff, owners, managers and marketing staff, and Ms Hutson says centres will gain the maximum benefits if each area is represented so that they can coordinate the various tips and resources effectively once back at their businesses.

Supporting companies include Bayer Garden, Gardman, Hozelock, The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company, Mr Fothergills, Agralan, Maxicrop, Neudorff and Taylors Bulbs.

Event dates and venues are: Maidstone, February 16; Guildford, February 18; Cambridge, February23; Birmingham, February 25; Chester, February 29; and Perth, March 2. Prices per delegate start at £70 plus VAT. Contact Liz Hutson on 01531 631592, liz.hutson@ledburybband.co.uk, www.bookwhen.com/growprofits.