Glee Roadshow

The Glee Roadshow brings the garden centre community together across the UK. Garden centre retailers can join us for half a day of open discussion, shared learning and practical problem-solving – all designed to help your business flourish. 

Brought to you by Glee, the UK's leading garden retail trade show. 

 

Sign up for the roadshow now

Join us in the East of England

Gates logo

Gates Garden Centre

 

When: Thursday 30 April, 11am–4pm
Where: Gates Garden Centre, Oakham

Who is the Roadshow for: Garden centre/garden retail managers, executives, directors and senior buyers from the immediate region or neighbouring counties.

We're heading east for the very first time to dig into the challenges, opportunities and trends shaping both garden retail right now, both regionally and nationally.

This is a platform for thoughtful, informed conversation that genuinely supports retailers as they plan for the months and years ahead.

 

Why attend the Glee Roadshow

Step away from day-to-day pressures and take stock of what's happening in the sector. 

The focus is firmly on the 'now': honest conversations, peer-to-peer insight and meaningful networking. You'll leave with tangible takeaways you can put into action back at your own business. 

Put down roots locally

Put down roots locally

Connect with garden centre owners and industry professionals from your region and grow your network. 

Gain practical insight

Gain practical insight

Hear how others are navigating similar challenges and share your own experiences. 

Get a taste of Glee

Get a taste of Glee

Discover why Glee is the garden retail community's most loved trade event, with fresh inspiration to help your business flourish. 


​​​​​​

Sign up for the Glee Roadshow

 

Complete the form to express your interest in joining the Glee Roadshow. The roadshow is designed for garden centre/garden retail managers, executives, directors and senior buyers from the immediate region or neighbouring counties. Spaces are limited and only garden centre retailers can participate.

 

 

 

Glee Roadshow Agenda

Loading
  1. 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. 
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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. 
  5. 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.
  6. 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. 

  7. 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. 
  8. An opportunity to continue conversations and build lasting regional connections. 

 

Meet our sponsors

FAQs

What is the Glee Roadshow?

The Glee Roadshow is a series of events held across the UK, bringing the local garden retail community together for an afternoon of discussion, networking and shared learning. 


Where are the roadshows held?

Each roadshow is hosted at a different garden centre across the UK. Check above for details of our upcoming events. 


Can anyone attend these roadshows?

The roadshows are designed for garden centre owners, operators and industry professionals looking to connect with others in their region. 


Are the roadshows free to attend?

Yes – attendance is completely free. Just register now to secure your spot. 

Join the Glee Roadshow

Attendance is free, but spaces are limited. Secure your place early. 

Sign up now