Andrew Burton of Pleydell Smithyman writes why he Believes Pleydell Smithyman is the Go-To Garden Centre Consultancy in the UK
- Andrew Burton
- Aug 29
- 2 min read
Over the past 24 years, I’ve had the privilege of working with some incredible garden centres across the UK, and one thing has become really clear: every garden centre is unique.
My journey has evolved through senior management at the garden and leisure group, through to consultancy since 2019. Over the past 2 decades it was clear to me that Pleydell Smithyman were the leading consultancy for design and development within the industry in the UK, and I couldn’t have been happier to join the team in 2023.
Why did I join them – for numerous reasons. Firstly, we don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, we focus on understanding each business, its challenges, and its goals—and then we work closely with our clients to help them thrive. I’ve seen first-hand on both sides of the fence how the right guidance can transform a garden centre. Whether it’s a small independent site or a large destination, our team has helped owners improve their layouts, boost their retail and catering operations, and even reimagine their sites to attract more visitors and drive growth. There’s something incredibly rewarding about walking into a garden centre we’ve worked with and seeing the results of careful planning, smart design, and hard work.
The values of the business support the independent audience we work with alongside the 30 years’ worth of experience, support all areas of development for a garden centre, from strategy and planning, through to design, delivery and operational support.
What Pleydell Smithyman Do
For me, the most exciting part of what we do is that no two projects are ever the same. Some of the areas we get involved in include:
Business and strategic planning – helping owners map out the future of their garden centre.
Site development and master planning – making the best use of space, traffic flow, and customer experience.
Design and architecture – creating beautiful, functional environments people love to visit.
Project management – ensuring every development runs smoothly from start to finish.
Retail and catering advice – improving day-to-day operations and maximising revenue.
Feasibility studies and events planning – helping businesses explore new opportunities and revenue streams.
Business rates guidance – giving practical advice to manage costs effectively.
Why This Work Matters
What I love most about working in this sector is the impact it has. Garden centres are more than just shops—they’re destinations. They bring people together, showcase fantastic plants and products, and provide experiences that create lasting memories. Being part of that process, helping owners take their centres to the next level, is hugely satisfying.
At Pleydell Smithyman, we don’t just give advice—we partner with our clients. We roll up our sleeves, get involved, and see projects through with them. We’re proud to be part of the GCA, HTA and Farm Retail Association, staying connected to the latest trends and best practices means we can help our clients stay ahead.
The Bottom Line
If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years, it’s this: the right advice, combined with practical support and a clear plan, can make all the difference. That’s what we aim to deliver at Pleydell Smithyman—helping garden centres grow, thrive, and succeed for years to come.
