Flicking through press releases and websites brings these juicy snippets :
Knotcutts branch out
Knotcutts have launched three new websites www.mattocks.co.uk specialist Rose growers, www.waterersnursery.co.uk for its Rhododendron and general ericaceous products and www.notcuttsnurseries.co.uk which now boasts an interactive site which enables you to view on line availability and print off a plant label in up to seven styles.
My only concern here is brand fragmentation - do Knotcutts detect a bid coming or perhaps a possible carve up of the group?
Blooms recommends takeover
West Coast Capital the investment vehicle for Sir Tom Hunter has tabled a recommended bid for Blooms of Bressingham which values Blooms at £30.2 million. The bid has the full backing of directors and over 37% of shareholders.
Blooms of Bressingham is one of the longest established names in the industry and I wonder if Sir Tom will keep it going?
Jobs boom
Things are looking up for 2007 for Landscapers as available jobs in the sector rise by 33%.
Horticruitment, one of the UK's largest recruitment agencies for land based industries say that 5 years ago landscaping was bottom of the pile but now with a booming economy it is top.
Salaries range from £12k for a gardener to £35k for a landscape Manager
Oil Prices delay bedding
High oil prices last year have forced a shift in bedding availability, according to Peter Wood, managing director of growers Delamore.
Growers are reluctant to buy plugs too soon because of the cost of growing them on during the colder months. If energy prices remain high then it could see a later start to the season or a massive hike in prices passed on to the consumer.
My view is growers should start to look at heating alternatives such as solar panels or geo-thermal water pipes. The sun is free and could be harnesses.
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