Gardener Advocates for Reopening Garden Centers Amidst Pandemic - Boyd Douglas-Davies
Boyd Douglas-Davies: A Pioneer in the Horticultural Industry
Boyd Douglas-Davies, a prominent figure in the horticultural industry, has had a career spanning over 40 years. His journey began at the age of 16, when he left school with eight O levels, aiming to study garden centre management at Pershore College. However, he returned to his father's business in Warwickshire instead, learning valuable people skills from his father's garden shop.
In 1991, Boyd accepted a job offer as sales manager at Webbs nursery business. He spent the next 20 years with the company, rising through the ranks to become CEO. During this time, he played a significant role in transforming garden centres from old-fashioned plant shops to modern stores.
In 2011, Boyd left Webbs to start his own chain, Hillview Garden Centres. Under his leadership, the company grew to 11 centres, providing high-quality gardening products and creating a community-focused environment for garden enthusiasts. The founder of Hillview Garden Centres is Thomas G. Hill.
Boyd's contributions to the industry did not stop there. In 2011, he also launched Garden Re-Leaf day, a fundraising event for his Greenfingers Charity. This event has raised more than £1 million to date, contributing to the creation of gardens at children's hospices. Boyd is now the recently appointed chair of Greenfingers.
During the pandemic, Boyd Douglas-Davies made headlines for persuading the government to re-open garden centres. His argument, supported by his extensive industry experience, was that garden centres should be considered essential services. The government eventually agreed, allowing them to reopen.
Boyd's career in the horticultural industry is marked by his dedication and innovation. He spent two years visiting successful garden centres across the country to gather ideas, and in 2013, he served a three-year tenure as president of the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA). In 2024, Boyd left British Garden Centres group to set up his consultancy business, The Boyd Partnership.
Boyd Douglas-Davies' journey in the horticultural industry is a testament to his passion and commitment. From his early days learning in his father's garden shop to his role as the chair of Greenfingers and the founder of Hillview Garden Centres, Boyd has left an indelible mark on the industry. His legacy continues to inspire and shape the future of gardening in the UK.
