Douglas-Davies to leave British Garden Centres

British Garden Centres has announced that Boyd Douglas-Davies is leaving at the end of April. He will be setting up his own consultancy business, advising the garden industry and visitor attractions on various projects.

For the immediate future, Scott McCabe, group buying director, will take on the overall strategy of plant buying with Julian Palphramand promoted to head of plants. Amy Stubbs, development and project manager, will head up the marketing and communications department. Iain King, operations director, has assumed responsibility for the e-commerce business.

BGC credits Douglas-Davies with overhauling the family-run chain’s plant operations, with the group now projected to grow over two million plants from three nursery sites – the most recent addition being the leasing of Temple Nursery from Hawkesmill last month.

Douglas-Davies was also the head of communications and PR, and “significantly” raised the profile of BGC, including the rebranding of the group and the development of the red butterfly logo that was launched to represent the transformation and development of the business as it opened its 62nd store in 2022.

Douglas-Davies said, “Working with the BGC family has been an exciting journey since I joined in 2019. The business has grown hugely through, without a doubt, the industry’s most ambitious acquisition programme ever. I’ve enjoyed being part of the transition from regional favourite to national player and I’ll be cheering the team on as they develop the business further!”

Charles and Robert Stubbs, directors and owners of BGC, added, “Our thanks go to Boyd for his many years of enthusiasm and commitment to BGC. We wish him much success in the future and will miss him in the BGC family but will continue to work with him. We hope to continue to see his big character create waves in the horticulture industry with his new venture. The strong team Boyd leaves at BGC are ready and determined to continue driving sales and promoting gardening to the local communities each store serves.”