News & Events

​Trevor Pfeiffer on Nurturing Growth in the Garden Centre IndustryIn the latest episode of TheMorePeople Podcast, our host Andrew Fitzmaurice is joined by Trevor Pfeiffer, Editor of Garden Trade News and one of the most passionate voices in the UK garden retail sector. With decades of experience that spans motorbike advertising to publishing leading horticultural titles, Trevor brings unique insight into what makes the garden industry thrive and why it remains such a rewarding space to work in. From Motorbikes to MarigoldsTrevor's journey into the gardening world started in an unexpected place - Motorcycle News. Selling ads to bike dealers in the '80s, he eventually transitioned to publishing a range of specialist titles, one of which was gardening-focused. It was that seed which took root. Since the late ‘80s, Trevor has immersed himself in garden publishing, ultimately founding a business entirely focused on supporting and celebrating the sector.He now heads Garden Trade News, GTN Extra, and Garden Radio - a station playing in over 100 garden centres across the UK.“I always wanted to be seen as part of the gardening industry, not just the media,” Trevor shares. “You can’t run a trade title and beat up on the industry, you have to be there to help them.” Why the Garden Centre Sector Is DifferentOne of the biggest takeaways from the episode is how unique and emotionally-driven the garden centre sector is. Unlike many retail categories, the success of a garden business is deeply tied to nurture, seasonality, and authenticity.“Good retailers come from a growing background,” Trevor explains. “You can’t sell dead plants. There’s a natural sense of nurture that runs through this sector and you have to tap into that to succeed.”It’s also a sector that doesn’t always operate at breakneck pace. Trends often take years to evolve due to the seasonal nature of the products. Unlike FMCG or tech, garden retailers need to see how a new product performs over multiple growing seasons, not just months. Changing Customer ExpectationsTrevor reflects on the transformation of garden centres over the last couple of decades, from plant-focused retail to multi-faceted destinations. The rise of restaurants within garden centres has been particularly important, especially during years when the weather dampens plant sales.“If you sell good plants, you’ve got to sell good coffee,” Trevor says with a smile. “Customer experience now extends far beyond just the products on shelves.”The conversation also touches on how garden centres have adapted to more lifestyle-driven offerings, with concessions, giftware, and seasonal themes all helping attract footfall and increase dwell time. Why Garden Retail Still MattersDespite the challenges of unpredictable weather, inflation, and shifting consumer habits, Trevor is bullish on the future of the sector. Plants remain a powerful differentiator for garden centres, and an emotional one.“People might not buy a plant on the spot, but they’ll remember it, come back, and buy it later,” he says. “Plants make people feel good. And when people feel good in a garden centre, they’re more likely to spend.”He also highlights the intangible value of in-store discovery, something that online plant retailers can’t replicate. Whether it’s a surprise find in the plant area or stumbling upon a new product at a trade show, serendipity still plays a huge role in customer satisfaction. Music, Awards, and Garden RadioAway from the horticulture, Trevor’s passion for music shines through especially when discussing his work behind the scenes at industry awards like the GIMA Awards and GCA Conference. He’s the man who picks the walk-on songs for each award winner, aiming to capture the spirit of the category or company through music.“It’s not for the winners, it’s for the audience,” he says. “If they’re singing along, I’ve done my job.” Final ThoughtsTrevor’s love for the sector is undeniable and contagious. His deep understanding of what makes the garden industry tick offers valuable lessons for anyone involved in retail, media, or service provision in the space.At MorePeople, we couldn’t agree more with Trevor’s view: this is a people-first, purpose-driven industry. And for those who embrace its values of care, patience, and quality, there are still plenty of opportunities to grow.​​

​Careers Rooted in Passion: A Conversation with Rae Goss on the MorePeople PodcastIn the latest episode of TheMorePeople Podcast, our Managing Director, Richard Hanwell, sat down with one of our very own recruitment experts, Rae Goss. While many listeners may already recognise Rae as the voice behind the podcast, this time she stepped into the spotlight to share her journey, insights into the agricultural recruitment world, and why she’s passionate about helping people grow careers in this dynamic industry. From Live Entertainment to RecruitmentRae's career didn't begin in agriculture. Originally from the US, she came from a background in live entertainment. But like many during the pandemic, Rae was forced to pivot when her role ended. After relocating to the UK and running low on funds, she stumbled across an opportunity at MorePeople. With a natural flair for communication and a curiosity for learning, she applied despite knowing little about the sector. Three years later, Rae has become a vital part of our team, recruiting for commercial roles within the agriculture, horticulture, and garden industry manufacturing space. Why Stay in Recruitment? It's All About People and PurposeWhat’s kept Rae in recruitment? Two things: the people and the industry itself. From working with candidates excited about new roles, to engaging with employers driven by purpose, Rae highlights the deep passion that runs through agriculture and horticulture.“This industry is full of people who really care about what they do,” Rae shares. “Whether it's food production or getting plants into garden centres, it’s vital work. And we get to play a role in making that happen by connecting the right people to the right opportunities.” Flipping the Narrative for Young TalentOne of Rae’s key focuses is helping younger individuals, many coming from family farms, see a future in commercial roles like sales and account management. Often, these candidates love the industry but want more sociable, stable roles that still keep them close to their roots.Rae explains, “Sometimes it’s just about showing them what’s possible. They’ve got the knowledge and background, they just need that nudge to see how they can apply it in a different way.”The same goes for career changers, those who’ve worked hands-on for years and are ready for a new challenge but want to stay connected to the industry they love. Broadening the Talent PoolWhile agriculture-focused universities like Harper Adams or RAU have historically been hotspots for industry talent, Rae notes a shift. More employers are now open to candidates from diverse educational and career backgrounds, as long as they bring the passion and transferable skills.Recruiters like Rae play a key role in encouraging businesses to think outside the box. Whether it's someone coming from a fresh produce background moving into seed sales, or someone from finance looking to pivot into horticulture, there’s untapped potential everywhere. Education, Opportunity, and GrowthDuring the episode, Rae also reflected on her recent speaking appearance at the HTA conference, where she highlighted the importance of succession planning and developing internal talent.“There are young people out there who want to be part of this industry. But they need to see a future. Employers need to invest in training, mentorship, and clear career pathways,” she says. “Too often we overlook passionate people already in the business because they don’t tick every box. But with support, they can thrive.”The industry has proven its resilience in recent years, from the essential role of food and plant production during the pandemic to the unexpected boom in gardening. Rae believes this stability and purpose are key messages to share with job seekers, especially in a post-COVID world where career security matters more than ever. Laying Out a Clear PathwayRae and Richard also touched on the expectations of the younger generation. While it's true that some grads come out of university asking for high salaries and quick promotions, she sees this as a learning opportunity for both sides.“It’s about communication and transparency. Lay out the progression path early, talk about learning and development. And from our side as recruiters, we educate candidates about what’s realistic while also advocating for their growth.” Final ThoughtsWhether you're a hiring manager looking for fresh talent or a candidate thinking about your next step, Rae’s story is a reminder of how careers can take unexpected, and incredibly rewarding turns.As Rae puts it: “You’ve got to water the plants you already have to help them grow.” A fitting metaphor for both horticulture and career development.​​

​As we start the new year with resolutions, quite often revolving around our healthy eating plans, Mintel has conveniently released its UK Consumer Snacking Report for 2024. This report analyses how the cost of living affects snacking habits, including the frequency of snacking, consumer product preferences and attitudes towards healthier snack choices. Let’s summarise Mintel’s report and discuss how as recruiters within the food industry, this can impact our line of work. ​How does the market currently look?​Whilst the cost of living crisis has become a challenging time for many food manufacturers, the snack food market seems in a relatively good position, as Mintel found that 52% of UK consumers agree to paying more for certain healthier attributes like high-quality ingredients. With the start of the new year, there is always a spike in attitudes around healthier lifestyles which in turn has a positive effect on healthier snack consumption. ​What snack products are trending?​In previous years, there has been a focus on exposing Ultra-Processed Foods, and publishing the concerns of having UPFs as a part of your diet. Projecting into 2024, we have seen more consumers scrutinising the ingredients of snacks, making a commitment to clean eating, and specifically low-sugar attributes. Another common priority in snack purchasing is their benefit to energy levels. Consumers are more likely to purchase snacks that advertise their ability to balance energy levels throughout the day, this in turn helps justify more frequent snacking. This could particularly apply to brands targeting consumers who are into fitness or wanting to boost energy levels at work. ​2024 saw the rise in trending flavours where consumers have become more experimental in their choices. Caramelised biscuit variations of sweet snacks being the most common trend, which doesn’t seem to be leaving any time soon. Similarly, the increase in innovation from dessert, ice cream and chocolate manufacturers has heightened, with an even higher success rate of snacks that are portioned out with less than 100 calories. ​Misconception around the price of ‘healthier’ snacks​We all commonly hear that to eat healthier, you need to spend more. In relation to snacking, to a degree this is true. For snacks that combine many ingredients like cereal and fruit bars, this report has highlighted that healthier ingredients justify a higher price due to the quality of ingredients. Additionally, products that are sold based on health properties, such as protein, vitamins and minerals are in a good position to command a higher price. However, whole foods and one-ingredient snacks like fruit and nuts are still classed as lower priced items, leading to consumers trialling new healthy recipes out at home: overnight oats and baked oats are some good examples. ​Is 2025 the year for continued clean eating? Mintel’s UK Consumer Snacking Report has shared valuable insights into the evolving snack market. It is evident that the snacking market is benefiting from the strong demand for healthier choices – specifically advertising benefits like energy levels, vitamins and protein. As recruiters within the food industry, this information is crucial for understanding current market trends within the sector. ​You can read the full Mintel Report here.​Looking for a new position within the food and fresh produce industry? Or want to explore your recruitment opportunities as a company in this sector? We’d be happy to help! 01780 480 530 info@morepeople.co.ukContact us!​

​This year’s LAMMA Show was a great experience for the MorePeople team. Held annually, LAMMA has become a cornerstone event for the agricultural sector, showcasing the latest innovations in machinery, technology, and trends. It’s a fantastic opportunity for professionals across the industry to connect, learn, and explore the future of agriculture. Here’s a snapshot of our experience, highlighting insights from two of our team members, Jake and Ryan.Jake’s Perspective: A First-Time Attendee’s Take on Technology and TrendsAs an Engineering Consultant at MorePeople, Jake attended LAMMA for the first time this year. His aim was to gain a deeper understanding of the cutting-edge advancements shaping the agricultural machinery sector.Why LAMMA?Jake shared, “I came to the LAMMA Show to gain a deeper understanding of the latest developments in the agricultural machinery sector. For me as an engineering recruiter, it’s essential to stay up to date with emerging technologies like autonomous machinery and electrification, as these are shaping the future of the industry.”Highlight of the VisitFor Jake, the highlight was seeing innovative technologies in autonomous and electric machinery firsthand. “As someone in recruitment, this is crucial for understanding where the sector is heading and what technical skills will be needed. It’s been exciting to witness these advancements and think about how they’ll impact the types of roles we’ll be recruiting for in the near future,” he said.“The atmosphere at the LAMMA Show was incredibly engaging and forward-thinking, with a real sense of excitement about the innovations on display,” Jake concluded.Ryan’s Perspective: A Leader’s Insight on Networking and ChallengesAs the Agriculture Team Manager at MorePeople, Ryan has a broader view of the industry’s opportunities and challenges. LAMMA 2025 offered him a chance to connect with the agricultural community and glean valuable insights.Networking Opportunities“Heading up the Rural and Agricultural team at MorePeople, I saw LAMMA as a fantastic event to network with current contacts as well as potential new ones,” Ryan said. “Having a whole agricultural and rural network all under one roof is beneficial for us as a team.”Event AtmosphereRyan noted the event’s vibrant energy: “The atmosphere was very upbeat. People of all ages and paths of agriculture seemed to really enjoy networking, looking at new machinery, and exploring trends across the industry.”Challenges and TrendsRyan highlighted some of the pressing challenges facing the industry, such as rising costs and the introduction of new government regulations. “With the price of fertiliser tripling and increases in fuel and machinery costs, the strain on farmers and sustainable food production in the UK is immense,” he explained.However, Ryan was equally optimistic about emerging trends, especially in automation and high-tech equipment. He cited Garford’s latest innovations, including their “inter-row weed recognition tool” and the next-generation Robocrop AI system, as prime examples of how technology is pushing the boundaries of efficiency and precision in farming.Takeaways from LAMMA 2025LAMMA 2025 showcased the resilience, ingenuity, and forward-thinking spirit of the agricultural industry. From the latest advancements in machinery to the invaluable networking opportunities, it was clear that the event serves as a vital hub for driving progress in agriculture.For our team, it was a reminder of the importance of staying connected to the industry’s pulse. The insights gained will undoubtedly shape our approach to recruitment and our understanding of the evolving needs of the agricultural sector.We’re already looking forward to LAMMA 2026 and continuing to be part of this fantastic industry! 

​What is it with everyone going crazy in December for groceries, including the retailers themselves? We all saw the 15p vegetables in Tesco, right?! At what point do retailers start giving it to customers free of charge just to get them in the door? Whether that tactic actually works and pulls in increased footfall/market share is, in my eyes, yet to be determined. I can’t help but feel sorry for the growers and producers who see their products devalued. Yes, they get increased volumes and presumably, for the most part, the same prices from the retailers. But the average consumer must question “Why aren’t they this price year round?” or “Are they overcharging us for the rest of the year?”The latest data from Kantar headlines, ‘Household spending reaches new high as shoppers splash out on premium lines and festive fizz’.It was found that household spending on take-home groceries hit a record high at Christmas at £460 on average and rose by 2.1% over the four weeks to 29 December compared with last year meaning supermarket sales surpassed £13 million during the 4 weeks of December.Kantar states that the average household made nearly 17 separate shopping trips this December – the busiest month for retailers since the pre-lockdown rush in March 2020! I thought I was the only one who ran around like a headless chicken and failed on several visits to do “the big Christmas shop” to get all of the things I forgot on the first failed attempts. Whilst this stat made me feel better about how disorganised I was, it also highlighted what a fantastic opportunity the holiday period is for retailers and suppliers to grab the attention of shoppers and win/keep their business. Category data shows the difference in generations, with those under 45s opting for a sausage roll, panettone, antipasti & party food while those over 45s accounted for the majority of Christmas Cake and fortified wine sales. “The seasonal biscuit, however, knows no bounds appealing across the generations”, how does this sit with your household & generation? There wasn’t a single biscuit consumed in the Edmondson-Matthews household over Christmas, so we must be in the minority there. Instead, we opted for a mixture of party food for the Christmas build-up and New Year and a traditional turkey roast with all the trimmings for the big day. NB I did want to cook a Beef Wellington as a main and avoid turkey but got overruled by my wife as the in-laws said the turkey was a must. If your Christmas dinner spans multiple generations and family members, as many do, I think the data has to be taken with a pinch of salt. Read the full report form Kantar here.If you’d be interested in chatting about your thoughts on the sector, Christmas delivery, prices, data or have a general natter, please get in touch at Tom@morepeople.co.uk

​Supporting Mental Health at Work: MorePeople's Commitment to a Healthier WorkplaceAt MorePeople, we believe that a successful workplace isn’t just about performance - it's about people. In our latest episode of The MorePeople Podcast, host Andrew Fitzmaurice sat down with our very own Laurence Rayner to explore the topic of mental health in the workplace.This conversation wasn’t about textbook solutions or clinical diagnoses. Instead, it was a candid look at how we, as a recruitment business, and more importantly, as a team try to spot the signs when someone might be struggling and create an environment where it's safe to speak up. Why Mental Health Matters at WorkWork is a huge part of our lives. For many of us, we spend 80% of our time in the workplace. It's no surprise then that how we feel at work can seriously affect our overall wellbeing. Laurence, a trained Mental Health First Aider, shared how that training isn’t about becoming a therapist, it’s about being able to recognise signs, listen without judgment, and point people towards the help they might need.“We’re not there to solve all the problems but we can be the first step in getting someone the right support.” – Laurence Rayner Spotting the (Often Hidden) SignsWhen it comes to mental health, the signs aren't always obvious. Sure, some people wear their hearts on their sleeves. But more often, it’s the quiet changes that matter: someone always being the first in and last out, changes in eating habits, withdrawing from social chats, or suddenly seeming fine all the time.Laurence emphasised the importance of knowing what’s “normal” for each individual because everyone is different. And when things seem off, even slightly, that’s the moment to check in. Creating a Culture Where It’s OK to Ask for HelpOur business runs on people; candidates, clients, and our own team. As recruiters, we naturally develop high emotional intelligence, which helps us connect with others. At MorePeople, we try to extend that same EQ inward, building a culture where everyone can be themselves at work.We believe in authenticity, and we talk about it a lot. Why? Because when people are trying too hard to be someone they’re not, whether to hit a target or “fit in”, they burn out. That’s why we’re committed to letting our team be their true selves, with all the quirks, strengths and individuality that comes with that. Mentoring, Buddies and Human ConversationsWe’ve also rolled out a buddy system to help new starters find their feet, not just with training and tasks, but socially and emotionally. Having someone to talk to from Day 1 can make a big difference. We’re not just interested in what people do, but how they’re feeling while they do it.Laurence also shared how powerful mentoring can be, not just as a career development tool, but as a way to connect, reflect, and even talk about the hard stuff.“Mentors aren’t just there to tell you where the coffee machine is. They’re someone you can bounce off when you’re not sure if you’re doing OK.” – Laurence Rayner Signposting Support: What’s Available?Part of being a Mental Health First Aider is knowing what support is available. It’s not just about saying “Are you OK?” - it’s about knowing where to direct someone next.At MorePeople, we make sure our team knows about:Mental Health First Aid England: Training, resources and tools for individuals and businesses.Private healthcare benefits: Support already available through the schemes we offer.Charities like Mind, which provide advice, support lines and specialist help.The NHS, with more digital and in-person options than ever before.And most importantly, we encourage our people to use them. You don’t have to be in crisis to talk to someone. Sometimes, it’s just about keeping things on track.​​

Our dedicated Professional Services team do a fantastic job at recruiting within our specialist industries, whether it be Food, Fresh Produce, Horticulture or Agriculture. It is evident that professional services roles can be found within every business in these sectors and with the vast talent pool our team have created, they are very successful at finding perfect matches.​What roles do Professional Services cover?Finance – CFO through to Accounts Assistant, with Business Partnering, Analyst and Data roles included. Human Resources – People Director through to Admin/Assistants. Information Technology – Again, Head of roles through to assistants, support desk and analyst positions. Admin / Business Support – Everything admin, PA, sales, Office Manager etc.​ Hear some feedback from our clients:"We have worked with MorePeople in various areas of the business, but we had never worked with their HR team. We had a requirement, and gave them a go, and from the off they didn’t disappoint. Natalie was upfront and honest at every step of the way, and the candidate she provided has been successful and hit the ground running, making waves still now. We couldn’t be happier. I can’t recommend them enough, and if you use them in Technical or Operations, I encourage you to use them in all aspects, they won’t disappoint". Continue Reading"Our relationship with MorePeople has been ongoing for some years.  We've had the pleasure of working across many functions that their business has to offer, whilst building existing and brand-new teams. MorePeople has always provided us with good calibre candidates and are very clear with their communication throughout processes". Continue Reading"We have found MorePeople a joy to work with on a number of occasions. Most recently we have worked with Sandra to recruit a Management Accountant and she was absolutely fantastic from start to finish". Continue Reading.​Get in touchYou can reach our consultants via their contact details below, or by calling our main line on 01780 480 530.Sandra Poskaityte | Executive Consultant | 07375 967 911| sandra@morepeople.co.ukNatalie Overland | Consultant | 07841 037 154 | natalie.overland@morepeople.co.ukAngus Macbeth | Consultant | 07375 967 908 | angus@morepeople.co.uk

​2024 has been a rollercoaster for garden centres, with a mix of successes and challenges shaping sales compared to 2023. While the year started on a positive note, unpredictable weather and shifting consumer habits added some unexpected twists along the way. Early 2024 brought heavy rainfall—February alone saw more than three times the usual levels compared to the same month in 2023. Surprisingly, sales still managed to grow by 6% year-on-year. However, it wasn’t the traditional gardening categories driving this growth but areas like catering, which saw an impressive 20% increase. It seems customers were more interested in enjoying a warm coffee and a slice of cake indoors than braving the rain for outdoor purchases! By mid-year, the momentum slowed. June, typically a strong month for garden centres, recorded a 3% drop in sales compared to June 2023. Outdoor plant sales were hit hardest as poor weather discouraged gardeners from spending time outside. Industry experts highlighted how garden centre success often depends on foot traffic and spontaneous purchases—both of which take a hit during prolonged bad weather. Fortunately, sales rebounded towards the end of the year. November saw a 6% increase compared to the same month in 2023, with Christmas products leading the way. These seasonal items accounted for around 26% of total sales, while catering continued to shine with a 9% boost. Food and farm shop categories also performed well, seeing a modest 3% rise. Looking at the full year, total sales were up by around 1% compared to 2023. But there’s a caveat: when catering is excluded, sales actually dipped by 1%. This highlights just how important non-gardening categories have become in keeping overall performance steady. The sector had to navigate rising energy costs, staffing shortages, and increasing wages, all of which put pressure on margins. Yet, despite these obstacles, major players like Blue Diamond expanded their operations and achieved record turnovers. It’s proof that with the right strategy, growth is still achievable. In summary, 2024 tested the resilience and adaptability of garden centres. While weather and economic pressures posed significant challenges, diversification into catering and seasonal products proved to be a successful strategy.Here’s to hoping 2025 brings better weather and even stronger results!The Garden Centre Retail team at MorePeople are always up for a chat about industry trends, we're speaking with candidates and clients daily and with our ever-growing network, we can help find the best candidates and opportunities for the industry! Felicity Mitchell | Senior Consultant, Garden Centres | Felicity@morepeople.co.ukMichail Michailou | Consultant, Garden Centres | Michail@morepeople.co.uk

​We started our sponsorship with Stamford AFC with some lovely advertising boards around the pitch back in September 2023. Then in June 2024, The MorePeople Stand was created! Our design was inspired by the Stamford AFC badge, incorporating the three lions and chequerboard. As we continue to support Stamford AFC, being our local club, we’re proud to announce MorePeople is the sponsor of the Women’s Team Kit as well – which is purple of course! It was only right that the team bought their very own shirt for 2025, MorePeople’s 25th Anniversary year!MorePeople CEO, Andrew Fitzmaurice, comments;“We love supporting our local football teams and now to be across both the men’s and women’s teams at Stamford AFC. Much like the process of creating the advertising boards and the stand images, it’s been a huge amount of fun to collaborate on a kit. It had to be purple of course – and we were thrilled that the club allowed us to use it. We wanted to emulate the first team kit as well as incorporating a MorePeople flavour. The team at Chroma and Macron also played their part and it was lovely to work with people who shared our vision. Let’s hope that the pride felt when wearing the new kit inspires the team to a new level of success!”