Why do you partner with Spring Fair? 

“We’re Glee media partners, so working with Spring Fair is a natural fit. But it’s also simply the better place for our awards. Everybody goes to Harrogate, and they’re busy with their Christmas buying. At Spring Fair, people are doing things differently. 

Bringing the awards to Spring Fair also brings more garden centres to the show. I know there are centres that come specifically to collect their awards, who maybe wouldn’t have come otherwise.” 

What are you most excited for at Spring Fair in 2027? 

“Last year was the first time we held the awards at lunchtime, and it made a big difference. So many people came to collect their awards, and to see what was going on, that we had to block the area off. It’s become quite a big event on the Monday of Spring Fair. 

This year I’m pleased to say we’ve been promoted to the Heart of Retail stage, which holds 150 people. I think we’ll fill it.” 

What can buyers expect from the GTN Awards in 2027? 

“Our awards are all about teams, not individuals, and the one garden centres most want to win is Christmas. Garden centres are now the heart of Christmas retailing, and the best ones get the whole team involved, not just the gift or seasonal team. 

There are two parts to it. Our judges visit up to 100 nominated garden centres to see what they’ve done and, most importantly, meet the teams. Then customers vote for their favourite, and we get between 10,000 and 20,000 votes. We end up with around 30 winners across different centre sizes and regional customer vote categories, and we invite them all to Spring Fair to celebrate. 

Father Christmas joined us for the presentation last year. I’m hopeful he’ll find time in his calendar again.” 

What’s your top tip for buyers visiting the show for the first time? 

“Plan your visit and look at the exhibitor list, but be prepared to walk the aisles. That’s where you’ll find the point of difference you’re looking for. Wear a sensible pair of shoes. And if you’re collecting a Christmas award, bring your Santa hat.” 

Your Love Letter to Retail 

“Garden centres are now the heart of Christmas retailing. The high street does a rather poor job of Christmas, I think, but go to a garden centre and you’ll see a really, really good effort. The ones that do it well get the whole team involved, not just the gift team or the seasonal team. Everybody gets involved, it gives them a real lift and they love doing it. 

And they’re always looking for something new. Independent garden centres really want to improve their range, the size of it and the quality of it, and the chances are they’ll find that new at Spring Fair.”