Why Pleydell Smithyman Values Work For Everyone

All clients expect their consultants to be capable—to bring expertise, sector knowledge and experience in solving business challenges. That’s the baseline. What sets Pleydell Smithyman apart is how we approach the work: with integrity, empathy, and a genuine understanding of what helps rural businesses thrive.

As market leaders, Pleydell Smithyman has spent over 30 years working with garden centres, farm shops, and rural enterprises. Along the way, we’ve learned that lasting impact for clients and communities comes not just from what you know, but how you listen, build trust and collaborate. 

Our core values—Passion, Empathy, Solution Focus, and Partnership—are more than just words. They shape our thinking, guide our relationships, and support a ‘client first’ approach in all aspects of our work.

We care deeply about what we do - bringing real passion to our work. We work with clients who are equally invested in their businesses, and that shared commitment helps drive meaningful, long-lasting outcomes. Our passion is reflected in how our multidisciplinary team approach every stage of a project—from first conversations to the execution.

Empathy is central to how we work. Understanding your goals, values and challenges means we can design strategies that align with the way your business operates. We take time to listen, ask questions, and explore what’s needed for each individual client—because effective solutions aren’t off-the-shelf.

We take a clear, solution-focused approach, aiming to deliver thoughtful, practical outcomes that balance creativity with commercial sense. Our recommendations are grounded in experience and crafted to fit your specific context.

And we believe in partnership—genuine collaboration built on trust, shared knowledge, and open communication. We work alongside you, bringing the best of both sides to the table and building long-term success together.

Clients come to Pleydell Smithyman not just for advice, but for a working relationship based on understanding, reliability and commitment to making progress. A strategic partner who knows what it takes to grow a strong, sustainable garden centre, farm shop or rural business.

Whether you're looking for support with a garden centre, farm shop or rural development project, you’ll be working in partnership with a team that’s invested in your goals—and experienced in helping bring them to life.