Martin Breddy has started his new role as managing director at Squire's Garden Centres, following the retirement of Dennis Espley.
Mr Breddy is well known and respected in the horticultural industry having spent over a decade with the Scotts Miracle-Gro Company. Prior to that, his experience includes many years with Unilever and subsequently Glendinning Management Consultants.
Said Mr Breddy: "I am thrilled to join Squire's Garden Centres in their 80th anniversary year. Having worked as a supplier to them for over 10 years, I know the business has the highest standards and always acts with utmost integrity. It's a family business, with a strong sense of family values, and this translates into great customer service. In today's rapidly changing retail environment that's a rare and precious commodity.
"My vision for Squire's is very simple - to offer a world-class retail experience. Squire's is already an outstanding operator, but the world keeps changing so we will have to evolve. We must always strive for underlying growth in revenue and customer numbers, even in a low inflation environment with ever increasing numbers of competing channels. Understanding and anticipating our customers needs and wants will be key to achieving this.
"The business has grown recently by upgrading sites and acquiring new ones. Milford was acquired in 2013, Long Ditton has just been upgraded with 25% more selling space and Chertsey is undergoing a re-build. I'm sure that there will be more opportunities for growth in the future.
"Squire's has a large and diverse product range, however I always feel that the best garden centres have superb quality plants at the heart of their offer, and this could not be truer in the case of Squire's."
Squire's Deputy Chairman Sarah Squire commented: "We are delighted to welcome Martin to Squire's. His skills and experience will very much complement the talents of our existing team. I look forward to working with Martin and to growing and developing our business further in the coming years."