Gardens business’s 120th year

A FAMILY-OWNED garden centre business with an outlet in Widnes will be marking its 120th anniversary this year.

Notcutts was founded as a nursery in 1897 by Roger Crompton Notcutt in Suffolk.

The company has gone from strength-to-strength and currently employs 1,300 staff at 18 garden centres across the UK with an annual turnover of around £70m.

Throughout 2017, Notcutts Rivendell on Mill Lane in Widnes will be celebrating the 120th birthday with a variety of exciting events for customers and colleagues.

Since its small beginnings, Notcutts has remained a family business and is currently in its fourth generation of family-ownership.

Roger’s grandson, horticultural pioneer Charles Notcutt, was involved with growing the business for over 50 years and his daughter Caroline Notcutt is vice chairman today.

Caroline said: “120 years is such a wonderful milestone and it’s fantastic to see how Notcutts has grown and developed since my great-grandfather established it in 1897.

“More than anything a passion for gardening has always been at the heart of the company and I’m so proud that our values of passion, inspiration and expertise still shine through today.

“We have big and exciting plans going forward so here’s to another fantastic 120 years!”

After the First World War, Notcutts started supplying modest houses and smaller gardens with a range of plants, trees and flowers.

Over the years it has also become well known for its shrub and tree production as well being a rose specialist.

Notcutts has made a contribution to some of the national flower and horticultural shows including the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, where the Notcutts’ show gardens have won 50 gold medals.

In 2016, Notcutts received the highest accolade at the Sandringham Flower Show winning a large gold medal.

Notcutts is currently investing into its future by implementing a five-year investment plan to update and reposition its garden centres within their respective markets.