Highland Garden Centre in full bloom
Inverness firm named Best Garden Centre in Scotland
It’s all coming up roses for a Highland garden centre after winning a string of awards, and being named a top visitor attraction by the national tourism agency.
Inverness based Simpsons Garden Centre has been named Best Garden Centre in Scotland by industry body The Garden Centre Association (GCA) for the second year in a row.
The family run business, originally based in Beauly, also won Best Garden Centre Restaurant, Best Plant Area and Best Garden Centre Staff awards, again for the second year running.
In a further boost to the business, Simpsons Garden Centre has been upgraded from a three star to a four star visitor attraction by VisitScotland.
The prestigious award is issued only after a rigorous audit by VisitScotland, which considers the helpfulness of staff, the quality of catering and retailing and the presentation and cleanliness of the facility.
Opened in 2001, Simpsons Garden Centre has grown to become the largest independent garden centre in the Highlands, and one of the most successful in Scotland, employing 75 staff from its base in Inshes, Inverness.
Expanded in 2009, the facility now includes an award winning 240 seat restaurant, The Glass House, and there are plans to extend the centre further with a new 3000 sq ft food hall earmarked for 2012.
Managing Director Andrew Simpson said: “We are absolutely delighted to receive these awards from the Garden Centre Association, particularly as we celebrate our 10thanniversary. To win four top awards two years in succession is a remarkable achievement, and a tribute to our hardworking staff. I am particularly pleased that our team has been named the Best in Scotland. It is a richly deserved award.”
He added: “We have worked hard over the past decade to grow the business into one of Scotland’s largest and most successful independent garden centres and we are delighted that VisitScotland have also recognised our investment in the business with a new four star grading.
“We have exciting plans to expand the centre so that we can provide an even better visitor experience for customers, and create new jobs for the area. In a market dominated by national chains, we are proudly independent and firmly rooted in the Highlands.”
Gillie Westwood, Chief Executive of the GCA, said: “We are delighted for Simpsons and the achievements of their staff; it is no mean feat to win this accolade two years running as the standards inspection programme run by the GCA is extremely detailed and rigorous. The fact that they have improved since becoming members is a great credit to them – the way they are going it won’t be long before we see them win the top award of UK Garden Centre of the Year!”
Notes to the Editor
In a recent inspection report, the GCA scored Simpsons Garden Centre 84.93% (out of 100), up from 82.29% in 2010. The business was highly rated for its people, garden care and catering, with each category scoring above 90%.
The GCA report described Simpsons Garden Centre as: “A busy centre with stunning views. Friendly staff, high standards, great plants and a popular restaurant make this centre a must for the local people of Inverness.”
-ENDS-
Donald Morrison, New Horizon Media
0141 848 6627/ 07915 853129
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