British Garden Centres Appoints Amy Stubbs As Managing Director

British Garden Centres is delighted to announce the appointment of eldest daughter, Amy Stubbs, as Managing Director alongside her father, Charles Stubbs and uncle, Robert. Amy, who has grown up actively involved in the UK’s largest family-run garden centre group, will work with the senior leadership team to develop the long term vision, strengthen operations and champion innovation across all areas of the business.

This marks a significant step forward in the company’s continued commitment to growth as it celebrates its 35th trading anniversary. Amy will strengthen the leadership team, as Charles, Robert, and Phillippa remain fully engaged in the company’s daily operations and future direction and will work closely with Amy to grow the business and strengthen the values.

British Garden Centres has seen phenomenal growth in 2025 with the acquisition of seven Dobbies stores (Gosforth, Shinfield, Gloucester, Heighley Gate, Rugby, Havant and Northampton) and Hayes Garden World at the start of the year. Amy has been working for BGC for eight years in a variety of roles, from plant buying and growing in the nursery to central and store management roles at the flagship centre, Brigg. More recently, Amy has been working with key central departments in the business to widen her knowledge and experience.

Amy also serves on the HTA Council and is also Co-Chair of the East region for the GCA. Her involvement in these roles allows her to actively contribute to the industry, ensuring the voice of members in her region is heard. Being part of the HTA Council and the GCA Exec provides Amy with valuable networking opportunities, influencing sector policies, and staying at the forefront of developments in horticulture and garden retail.

Amy said: “It’s a real privilege to take on the Managing Director role in the business that’s been such a big part of my life. I look forward to working alongside Charles, Robert and Phillippa and our fantastic teams across the UK to keep building on our family’s vision.”

Charles Stubbs, Founder of British Garden Centres, added: “We are thrilled to announce Amy as Managing Director. Her passion, energy and professionalism will help carry British Garden Centres into the future as the next generation. We are excited to work closely with Amy as we continue to deliver on our shared vision.” 

British Garden Centres (BGC) is the UK’s largest family-owned garden centre group with 73 centres around the country. The group is owned and led by the Stubbs family, who also own and operate Woodthorpe Leisure Park in Lincolnshire.

BGC was launched in 1990 with the opening of Woodthorpe Garden Centre by brothers Charles and Robert Stubbs. Since 2018, it has expanded rapidly with the acquisition of 50 garden centres, allowing it to grow from its heartland to the business it is now, with 73 garden centres spread from Carmarthen to Ramsgate, Wimborne to East Durham.

The group has a team of 3000 colleagues working across the garden centres, restaurants, growing nurseries, distribution centres, Woodthorpe Leisure Park, and Woody’s Restaurant & Bar.

Source : British Garden Centres

Image : Charles and Amy Stubbs - British Garden Centres

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