Beast from the East claims another garden centre

A Bournemouth garden centre is running a closing-down sale while it waits to hear if a buyer has been found.  

Plowmans Garden Centre on Christchurch Road, Bournemouth is one of eight garden centres in the Home and Garden Group, which was recently placed into administration.  The centre is also the site of the West Parley Miniature Railway tourist attraction.

Home and Garden acquired Plowmans in 2015 from Vic Plowman, the original owner.

Garden centres in the group are expected to trade for around eight to ten weeks while a buyer is sought. The centres are:

- David's Nurseries (Worcestershire)
- Floralands Garden Centre (Nottingham)
- Ise Garden Centre (Kettering)
- Leighton Buzzard Garden Centre (Bedfordshire)
- Plowmans Garden Centre (Dorset)
- Rutland Garden Centre (Leicestershire)
- Stansted Park Garden Centre (Hampshire)
- Shopwhyke Garden Centre (Chichester)
- Willington Home and Garden (Bedfordshire)

Adam Harris of Mazars LLP, the administrators of the group, said: 

“unexpected, severe weather conditions at the beginning of 2018 have materially impacted the group’s cash flow”. The ‘Beast from the East’ in March also affected trading.

"Home and Garden is a well-established business with historically strong margins, and would represent a good opportunity for interested parties,”

“A sale would preserve jobs and provide the best outcome for stakeholders and creditors, and I welcome all enquiries.”

The cold, snowy and windy weather conditions in March and April - nicknamed the 'beast from the east' also had an impact on trading.

Locals have told the press that they will be sad to see the garden centre close, and expressed concern over what might be built in its place if a buyer is not found.

Source : The Insight DIY Team

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