Yorkshire Garden Centres Join the Elite Circle of Garden Centre Association

Two Bradford-based garden centres, Tingley and Otley, have achieved a prestigious milestone by gaining membership in the Garden Centre Association (GCA).

This recognition places them among the top 200 garden centres nationwide, acknowledged for their excellence and professionalism in garden retailing.

Achieving High Standards

The inclusion of Tingley and Otley Garden Centres into the GCA was no small feat. They underwent a rigorous audit process, scrutinising all aspects of their operations. This accomplishment proves the dedication and hard work of their teams in meeting the GCA's stringent standards.

Mark Farnsworth, Managing Director of Yorkshire Garden Centres (YGC), expressed immense pride in this achievement, emphasizing their commitment to superior customer service, high-quality plants, and overall reliability.

Stellar Customer Service at Tingley and Otley

During the audits, Tingley Garden Centre impressed inspectors with its outstanding customer service, scoring an impressive 95%. Inspectors noted that every team member was actively engaged in their work while making a concerted effort to interact with customers, a testament to the centre's customer-first approach. Dan Moore, the acting manager at Tingley, has played a pivotal role in fostering this customer-centric environment.

Similarly, Otley Garden Centre excelled in customer service, achieving an even higher score of 97.5%. Inspectors praised the superb interactions at the tills, highlighting the centre's potential to become a "super centre."

Under the management of Andy Bradley, Otley has demonstrated remarkable service quality, earning its place among the elite garden centres.

The Role of the Garden Centre Association

Founded in 1966, the GCA promotes the sharing of information and experiences across all levels of garden centre management. Membership is contingent on passing a thorough annual inspection, ensuring that members consistently uphold the high standards set by the association.

The GCA's network spans 200 garden centres across the UK and Northern Ireland, fostering a community dedicated to excellence in the industry.

Expansion and Growth of Yorkshire Garden Centres

The Yorkshire Garden Centres group, which includes Tong, Tingley, Otley, Bingley, and the newly acquired Dean's York and Scarborough, continues to grow and strengthen its reputation. The recent addition of Otley and Bingley Garden Centres, previously known as Stephen H Smith's before their acquisition in 2022, has further expanded the group's reach and capability.

Commitment to Excellence

The membership of Tingley and Otley Garden Centres in the GCA not only highlights their exceptional standards but also reflects YGC's broader commitment to excellence in the horticultural retail sector. As these centres continue to thrive under the guidance of dedicated managers and staff, they set a high benchmark for quality and customer satisfaction in the industry.

Final Points

Joining the Garden Centre Association is a significant achievement for Tingley and Otley Garden Centres, marking their dedication to maintaining high standards of service and quality. This recognition is a testament to the hard work and commitment of their teams, setting a precedent for excellence within the Yorkshire Garden Centres group and the broader garden retail community.