HortWeek launched the then Top 30 Ornamental Growers & Plant Suppliers listing in 2016, as the first of its kind in the industry. Ten years on, the listing has grown to 100 growers.
The 10th annual Top 100 Ornamental Nurseries report reveals the state of the UK ornamentals industry, detailing the turnover figures of growers across the country. In 2024, poor weather led to a fairly weak year. The 10th annual report shows a post-Brexit shift to UK-grown plants, particularly trees, away from imports, which are being hit by border inspection costs and delays.
Alba Trees head of growing operations Kyle Ross comments: “Government tree replanting targets (despite being slashed recently) in both England and Scotland are a driving factor. Some new young-tree growers have entered the market off the back of this and the public are becoming more conscious about their carbon footprints and are planting trees. Many big corporations are using tree planting as a way to offset their carbon footprint.”
Hillier amenity director Adam Dunnett reports that more local authorities are demanding “plant healthy” and “UK grown” as pre-tender requirements. Garden designers want more UK-grown stock, but with developers and landscapers it often comes down to price only, he adds.
Some of the Top 100 turnover figures include the firms’ associated businesses. VAT is not included. The figures are from Companies House, the firms themselves, estimated or derived from other sources, and all were as up to date as possible at the time of going to press. Comments to matthew.appleby@haymarket.com
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