SOLD! Popular Garden Centre Snapped Up
One of Gloucestershire's most popular garden centres, Hazelfield Garden World near Newent, has been sold to a Channel Islands based company.The new owner is the Blue Diamond Group which has its headquarters in Guernsey and already owns eight other garden centres in the UK.
Hazelfields has been sold for an undisclosed amount by Steve and Sally Browning who bought the centre 10 years ago after moving to Gloucestershire to escape the London rat race.
Now they've decided it's time for change although they plan to remain in the area.
It is understood they agreed the offer with Blue Diamond because they were impressed with its operation, selecting top managers for their sites with the seven-acre Hazelfield centre expected to be allowed to retain its distinctive character and appeal.
Mr Browning said the deal would be of benefit to the staff, Newent and the surrounding area. More jobs are expected to be created.
Mr Browning originally trained at London's Royal Parks while Sally studied at the Royal Horticultural Society's Gardens in Wisely. They purchased and ran two garden centres near London before moving to Gloucestershire in 1997 with their three children and taking over the Hazelfield centre.
It grows 70% of the plants it sells and underwent a huge redevelopment with an enlarged indoor shopping area and parking for 400 cars.
The Blue Diamond Group dates back to 1904 and employs 550 people with an annual turnover of £33 million.
Yesterday Blue Diamond's managing director Alan Roper said: "Our customers are constantly looking for the difference factor, we must create an inspirational environment which our customers aspire to."
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