Following the on-going success of the Garden Centre Association’s (GCA) innovative Westland Horticulture-sponsored Rising Stars initiative it has this year relaunched its hospitality section.
Coordinated by Costas Constantinou of Kosko, it has been created to highlight and develop talented individuals in garden centre restaurants and cafés and to recognise the important industry role hospitality plays.
Peter Burks, Chief Executive of the GCA, said: “After a few years away, we’re delighted to reintroduce this bespoke training programme, brought together by Costas. It includes activities with companies that are true market leaders with specialist training teams who will deliver something genuinely unique for our Rising Stars, supporting their development and future careers within our sector. We would like to thank our sponsors Brakes, Gratte Brothers and Beanworks for helping make this happen by getting behind the Academy.
“Our existing Rising Stars programme, sponsored by Westland Horticulture, has gone from strength-to-strength and remains a significant benefit to GCA members wishing to develop their staff. It is also an important tool for garden centres wishing to celebrate and acknowledge those staff that give their all and are eager to learn more. The benefits to the individuals taking part are huge and the programme is a big boost to career progression.
“For most garden centres, certainly in recent years, the percentage of hospitality staff is at an all-time high. We felt that it was right to develop a Rising Stars section that ‘caters’ specifically for their needs. So, we have re-launched a separate hospitality programme with the aim of developing individuals within our industry.
“We’re grateful to Costas, who has more than 40 years of hospitality leadership, for sharing our vision and acknowledging the need to develop the talented individuals within our sector.”
A brief outline of the programme includes (where two dates are given this gives the opportunity to split the delegates as the venue cannot cope with large numbers):
Beanworks Coffee Roastery – March 17 & 18
Delegates will gain first‑hand experience of premium coffee roasting before taking part in an in‑depth Barista Masterclass.
Brakes Innovation & Market Insight – May 12 & 13
A rare opportunity to spend a full day with the world’s largest foodservice supplier.
Rational UK – June 3
A day with the world’s most popular combination‑oven manufacturer.
Corby & Fellas EPOS at Ruxley Manor – June 29
A practical session exploring Corby & Fellas’ industry‑leading EPOS system in a live environment. Followed by a behind‑the‑scenes tour of the award‑winning Ruxley Manor Garden Centre restaurant.
Unox UK – July 15
An exclusive chance to access one of the most advanced hospitality equipment manufacturers.
Gratte Brothers – August 12
The morning session provides a step‑by‑step guide to planning a kitchen redevelopment or upgrade. Gratte’s experts also deliver a Service & Maintenance Masterclass. In the afternoon, Costas leads a workshop on running a profitable, successful garden centre restaurant.
Insight6 Customer Experience – September 16
The morning offers an introduction to customer experience strategy delivered by Mel Evans, a recognised garden centre specialist with more than 30 years’ industry experience. In the afternoon, delegates tour Pugh’s Garden Village award‑winning Orange Tree Restaurant & Café – GCA’s 2022 & 2023 hospitality winners.
Costas Constantinou of Kosko adds: “We are committed to ensuring every attendee receives thorough, ground‑up training, with no assumptions about existing knowledge or skill levels.
“We’re now inviting applications from member garden centres who would like to put candidates forward. Application forms are available to GCA member garden centres through the members’ section of the GCA website. The closing date for applications is February 28, 2026.”
