The UK’s Premier Business Hub for the Garden Centre Industry
Connecting Decision-Makers, Driving Market Evolution
26 September 2025 Convene Sancroft, London
ABOUT THE EVENT
Step into Garden Centre Conference & Expo, an exclusive event which will shape the future of the garden centre industry. This networking event opens doors to unprecedented opportunities, connecting selected leaders and decision-makers with cutting-edge innovations and strategic insights that drive substantial business growth.
Our carefully selected attendees represent the industry’s most innovative and successful leaders. Through focused seminars and carefully selected exhibitors, we create an environment where meaningful collaboration thrives.
Far from an ordinary event, Garden Centre Conference & Expo serves as a dynamic hub where industry leaders engage in meaningful dialogue, collaborative problem-solving, and strategic relationship building. This carefully orchestrated environment ensures that every interaction catalyzes innovation and drives sustainable growth across the garden centre sector.
With over a decade of experience in publishing Garden Centre Retail, a leading trade magazine for the garden retail sector, we’ve identified a need for a content-led, editorially driven event. Enter the Garden Centre Conference & Expo, an exclusive, one-day event designed to shape the future of the garden centre industry.
Backed by Garden Centre Retail Magazine, with its 4,500 print readers and 15,000 digital readers, we bring unmatched expertise, industry insight, and established connections to the table, ensuring GCR Connect is perfectly positioned to meet the needs of the market.
For advertising opportunities with our sister magazine, contact our Garden Centre Retail Commercial Director. Estefania Moreno - estefania.moreno@eljays44.com - 07843 794 622
WHAT’S ON
20 SPEAKERS
Ensuring focused and intimate settings with maximum exposure to key decision-makers.
Chosen for their ability to address sector challenges.
Twenty influential thought leaders will deliver their expertise and vision, driving innovation and shaping the future trajectory of the garden centre market.
50 Exhibitors
750 Visitors
Limited to an exclusive group of 750 industry leaders, GCCE brings together visionary decision-makers from the sector’s most influential and forward-thinking organisations. Our carefully curated, invitation-only format includes a thorough vetting process for all registrations. This selective approach creates an environment where senior executives can engage in meaningful dialogue and shape the future of the industry through high-impact collaborations.
9 Insightful Sessions Across 3 Seminar Theatres
Learn about the latest industry insights and address the most pressing challenges.
Sessions in both the morning and afternoon for balanced networking and learning.
PREVIOUS SPEAKERS
Managing Director
Alan Roper
Managing Director
MARKETING & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
SENIOR CATERING DIRECTOR
Director Communications & HR Director
Managing Director
Griffiths Director
Hannah Powell
nicola PUGH
Mark Farnsworth
Tammy Woodhouse
James Feuer
Mike Burks
Kay
Three Dynamic Streams of Seminars for 2025
Our carefully curated seminar program features three parallel streams focused on the key drivers of industry growth:
01. Business Growth & Diversification
Explore proven strategies for expanding your garden centre’s revenue streams, from food service to leisure attractions. Learn from success stories and discover untapped opportunities in this evolving market.
02. Technology & Digital Transformation
Stay ahead with sessions exploring modern retail systems, online sales platforms, and digital marketing strategies that are reshaping the garden centre industry.
03. Sustainability & Future-Proofing
Discover sustainable practices and eco-friendly innovations that appeal to modern consumers while reducing operational costs.
what’s on?
day event (10am - 4.30pm)
Fostering success through innovation, insight, networking & invaluable connections
50 EXHIBITORS
• Ensuring focused & intimate setting
• Maximise exposure to key decision makers
• Chosen for their ability to address sector challenges
• Exhibitors include leading technology providers, business services & innovative product creators
750 visitors
• Pre-qualified visitors
• The most influential figures in the industry
• Top decision-makers from leading garden centres
• They have the budget & authority to implement change
• Foster meaningful connections
20 speakers
• 9 insightful sessions across 3 seminar theatres
• Learn about the latest industry insights
• Content programme addresses the most pressing challenges for the sector
• Morning & afternoon sessions, providing time to engage with exhibitors
• Dynamic mix of learning & networking
VISITORS
EXHIBITORS & SPONSORS
Evening Gala: Building on GCR100’S SUCCESS
Following the tremendous success of last year’s GCR100 event, we’re elevating the networking experience with our exclusive Evening Gala.
The GCR100: Elite Industry Network
At the heart of our event is the prestigious GCR100 - an exclusive network of the UK’s top garden centre leaders. This carefully selected group represents:
• Over 60% of the UK’s premium garden centre market
• Representation from major garden centres nationwide
• Combined annual revenue exceeding £3 billion
An Evening of Excellence
• Carefully Curated Seating: 300 industry leaders across 30 strategically arranged tables of 10
• Culinary Excellence: Indulge in a sophisticated three-course meal prepared by expert chefs
• Premium Entertainment: Enjoy high-caliber performances throughout the evening
Structured Networking
• The evening is designed to maximize meaningful connections through:
• Pre-dinner welcome reception
• Strategic table arrangements to facilitate industry connections
• Post-dinner social gathering
This exclusive evening presents an unparalleled opportunity to forge lasting relationships with key industry decision-makers in an elegant setting.
TESTIMONIALS
“It’s been a really good event, really lovely networking, which is just so much fun.”
“The dinner tonight has been really good, has been very friendly, very lively… it has been a very nice evening.”
“It’s been a fun night, lovely bunch of people in a fantastic setting, it’s been really good.”
“Fantastic initiative, looking forward to getting more involved in the future as well. It’s been fantastic meeting some new people”
Amy Stubbs, Project & Development Manager, British Garden Centres.
Will Blake, Managing Director, St. Peter’s Garden Centre.
Peter Burks, Chief Executive, Garden Centre Association.
Iain King, Operations Director, British Garden Centres.
WHO ATTENDS?
750 Carefully Selected Decision-Makers:
OTHER PARTICIPANTS
Buying Groups,
“It’s important to establish our presence in the rural sector. We’ve strengthened existing relationships and formed new connections with renowned industry figures and garden centres.”
expo TESTIMONIALS
Lily – Business Development Manager for Appetite Me & First Franchise
“Human interaction and talking to other businesses is crucial for product development and market feedback. the collaboration and partnership opportunities have been invaluable, allowing us to connect with people outside our usual sphere”
“We’ve connected with existing customers, discovered new business opportunities, and explored potential partnerships. It’s been invaluable seeing how different businesses operate and interact.”
Niell – CEO of Pinntec
Kelly
Swinbank & Joy Pitt
–Corporate Sales Directors at Worldpay
INDUSTRY STATISTICS
As the sector embraces rapid evolution and digital transformation, this exclusive event brings together elite industry leaders to shape tomorrow's success stories. Through carefully curated sessions and hand-selected exhibitors, we connect visionary decision-makers with cutting-edge solutions that drive business growth. Join fellow innovators in exploring emerging trends, forging strategic partnerships, and unlocking new opportunities in this dynamic market.
£5.2 BILLION
MARKET VALUE
3.5% ANNUAL GROWTH
CURRENT SIZE OF THE UK GARDEN CENTRE INDUSTRY
40% OF revenue now comes from non-plant related producs & services
65% OF garden centres operate year-round with multiple revenue streams
85% OF garden centres have diversified into food service & retail operations beyond traditional gardening
75% OF garden centres are actively investing in digital transformation & new technology
22% year-on-year growth in garden centre cafe & restaurant sales
