Glee Roadshow Programme 2026

Join Matthew Mein and Boyd Douglas-Davies as they set the scene for the day ahead, exploring the key forces shaping garden retail across the region and nationally. This opening session will outline why collaboration, honesty and shared experience matter more than ever. 

In this candid conversation, Nigel Gates shares the story behind one of the UK’s most successful independent garden centres. From its roots in 1948 to a fourth-generation business continuing to evolve at pace. 
 
From expansion and ecommerce to experiential retail, events and food, Nigel offers an honest perspective on what it takes to grow a destination-led business while staying true to family values, quality and community. Expect practical insight into diversification, long-term thinking and building a business designed to thrive for generations.

Finding and keeping the right people has never been more challenging. In this session, recruitment specialists and garden retail leaders come together to explore what’s really working. From attracting new talent to creating cultures where people want to stay and grow. 
 
With audience input shaping the discussion, expect practical takeaways, fresh thinking and honest conversation on how to futureproof your workforce.

Over lunch, continue the conversation with peers while contributing to our live Slido question: “What is your greatest challenge for the year ahead?” 
This is your opportunity to shape the discussion and ensure the afternoon sessions reflect the real pressures and priorities facing your business. 

In this session, leading retailers come together to explore how centres can evolve beyond traditional retail to create more engaging, commercially successful businesses. From events and workshops to food, partnerships and new revenue streams, the discussion will focus on practical ways to diversify, reimagine space and enhance the customer experience to drive repeat visits. 
 
Expect honest insight, real examples and actionable ideas from businesses that are successfully transforming their offer.

In this closing conversation, Martin and Jennie Turner share how they have built an award-winning, high-performing garden centre on just over an acre, proving that scale is no barrier to success. 

From exceptional retail standards and standout merchandising to a thriving food offer that keeps customers coming back, this session explores what it takes to maximise every square foot. With recognition from across the industry and even a royal visit, their story is a powerful example of independent garden retail done brilliantly. 

We’ll close the day by drawing together the key themes, insights and challenges raised throughout the Roadshow and our Sli.do poll. You’ll leave with clear takeaways, new connections and renewed confidence in the direction of your business. 

An opportunity to continue conversations and build lasting regional connections.