‘Our core values are still the same as they were on day one: strength, durability, style and community’
Andrew White, Head of Sales & Marketing at Rhino Greenhouses Direct, tells us why a greenhouse isn’t just for sowing season…
Tell us a bit about Rhino?
Rhino was established back in 1999 after the founders grew frustrated at what the market had to offer. They knew that they could come up with a greenhouse made from the highest quality materials, that wouldn’t succumb to weather damage or wear and tear within the first few years.
I think we can see the inspiration behind the name
Yes, the founders take conservation seriously, and were inspired to name the brand after one of the strongest, most resilient creatures on the planet.
So, after almost a quarter of a century, how have things changed?
Well, we’re a little bigger now, with more staff, but our core values are still the same as they were on day one: strength, durability, style and community. We’re also proud to be British. Rather than moving production overseas, we invested in a brand-new, purpose-built building at our base in East Harling, Norfolk – just across the yard from where it all started.
Remaining part of the community is clearly important
It really is. Staying in the UK means we’re able to support other local businesses and also keep an eye on all the materials being used, ensuring the quality we’re so proud of. However, the Rhino community stretches far further than just our little corner of Norfolk.
Tell us more…
Everyone who buys a Rhino greenhouse becomes part of the family. Our customers take us with them on their greenhouse journey, sharing photos, tips and progress on social media and the Rhino forum – and we’re not just talking photos of successful tomato crops, either. In recent years, we’ve seen a move from greenhouses being purely functional to being part of an overall lifestyle. They can obviously provide a quiet space – somewhere to enjoy a peaceful cuppa and a moment of calm – but we’ve also seen them used as a venue for intimate dinner parties under the stars, home gyms, cosy living spaces, yoga studios and even as pop-up shops. Our loyal customers continue to inspire us, and we must inspire them too, as we’ve been voted Britain’s Best Loved Greenhouse for four consecutive years now.
Wow, what an accolade!
It’s a huge honour! It’s stuff like that and the fact that we’re still British made that keeps us motivated.
So, where can we see a Rhino greenhouse?
You might already have seen one as part of your Friday night viewing. Our beautiful Rhino Premium in Silver Sage often makes an appearance in Carol Klein’s segment on Gardener’s World, and on her own Channel 5 show, Gardening with Carol Klein. We’ll also be taking a selection of our greenhouses on tour during show season – we’d love people to pop over and say hello.
And what seeds are being sown for the coming year?
Working on winning that fifth Best Loved Greenhouse award, of course! There are some exciting new products and projects in the pipeline, too – including a very special appearance at a certain prestigious event… although our lips are sealed for the moment. We’ve never been one to rest on our laurels and we’ll continue to strive to be the very best that we can be, but 2023 is set to be the year of the Rhino.
For more information on Rhino, visit rhinogreenhouses.co.uk or follow on Instagram: @rhinogreenhouses.