Inverness garden centre celebrates 25 years of growth

As Simpsons Garden Centre marks its 25th anniversary, it is a moment of reflection and celebration—a story rooted in passion, perseverance, and a love for horticulture that spans generations.

Executive Magazine chatted with the leadership team of the popular centre to find out what the past 25 years have looked like and what is yet to come.

What began as a modest seasonal garden centre in 2000 has grown into a thriving business with a rich history, an expansive retail space, and a dedicated team that continues to make gardening accessible and enjoyable for all.

Owner Andrew Simpson’s journey into the industry was inspired by his deep family roots in growing and floristry, a legacy dating back to the late 1880s.

“Growing and floristry is very much in our DNA,” said Andrew.

“My grandfather, great-grandfather, and even great-great-grandfather were all nurserymen, so the love for plants and gardening has always been part of our family.”

Andrew's journey began in the early 1990s when he assisted his mother, Kathleen, in reviving the Simpsons family market garden and nursery in Beauly.

His father, Gordon, had taken over the nursery in the 1960s and later expanded into floristry with the launch of Simpsons Florists in Inverness in 1970. The florists eventually found a home in the Victorian Market before settling at Simpsons, bringing together both nursery and floristry expertise once again.

The foundations of Simpsons Garden Centre as it exists today were laid in 1999 when Andrew secured the grounds where the centre now stands on Culloden Road.

The site, initially envisioned as a nursery, evolved into a garden centre and its doors officially opened on April 6, 2000. At its inception, Simpsons was a seasonal business operating from a 1.5-acre site with just two staff members, a portacabin office, a polytunnel for growing plants, and 14 parking spaces.

Over the past 25 years, Simpsons has expanded and transformed, achieving significant milestones along the way.

· In 2005, the first major extension allowed Simpsons to operate all year round, including the addition of a café with 40 covers.

· In 2009, a second extension introduced even more retail space and the current 260-cover restaurant, along with a substantial increase in parking capacity to 260 spaces.

· In 2020, Simpsons expanded further with the acquisition of Happy Plant Garden Centre in Mintlaw, Aberdeenshire, broadening its reach and influence.

· In 2021, a landmark moment saw the completion of a £1.5 million entrance canopy extension, enhancing the customer experience with a grand entrance walkway, additional retail space, and an event area.

Reflecting on these milestones, Andrew said: “Each expansion has been a response to the needs of our customers. We’ve always focused on evolving and adapting to offer the best experience, whether through our products, services, or facilities.”

With growth comes the need for a strong and dedicated team. What started as a two-person operation in 2000 has now expanded to around 150 team members across the Inverness and Mintlaw locations. The success of Simpsons is deeply rooted in the passion and commitment of its staff.

“Our team is the backbone of Simpsons,” said Simpsons general manager, Robin Bosworth

“Many of our staff have been with us for years, and their knowledge, expertise, and friendly approach are what make us stand out. It’s not just about selling plants and garden supplies; it’s about creating an experience that customers love.”

Surviving and thriving for 25 years in the ever-changing retail and horticulture industry is no small feat. For operations director, Colin Harrison, the key to longevity lies in a few fundamental principles: core values, quality products, a strong team, and deep community involvement.

“We have always prioritised providing high-quality products, an exceptional customer experience, and expert knowledge,” Colin explained.

“But beyond that, being part of the local community is crucial. We wouldn’t be here today without the support of our customers.”

To mark this significant milestone, Simpsons is giving back to the community that has supported it throughout its journey.

One of the standout initiatives is the Garden Project 25 campaign, through which the garden centre is committing £25,000 in vouchers to support local gardening projects across the Highlands and Aberdeenshire.

Marketing manager, Siobhan MacBean, explained: “We are really excited to see the amazing work that school, charity, and community garden teams are doing in our area.

“It’s our way of saying thank you and supporting projects that make a real difference.”

Alongside this community initiative, the Simpsons team will be celebrating internally, recognising the hard work and dedication of their staff while reflecting on the achievements of the past 25 years.

Like any long-standing business, Simpsons has faced its share of challenges, from economic fluctuations to global crises. Covid and the current cost-of-living challenges have tested the resilience of many businesses, including Simpsons.

“Retail and hospitality have faced significant challenges, and we are not immune to them,” shared Darren Kidd, restaurant experience manager.

“However, our team has always pulled together to adapt and ensure we continue delivering the best experience for our customers. Challenges come and go, but what remains constant is our commitment to quality and service.”

As Simpsons looks to the future, there is an exciting vision for continued growth and innovation.

“The future is bright, and we can’t wait to see what’s next,” said Andrew.

“There will always be challenges, but that’s what drives us to improve and evolve. With gardening at our core, we are always growing.”

One of the most significant recent developments is the arrival of Lakeland at Simpsons, an exciting addition that enhances the retail offering.

“Welcoming Lakeland was a huge positive step for us. As a trusted and much-loved brand, their values align with ours, and we are delighted to have them on site”, shared Siobhan.

“Lakeland joins Fishkeeper Inverness, who opened a store within Simpsons in 2014.”

Sustainability is also a key focus for the future.

In May 2023, Simpsons took a major step towards reducing its carbon footprint with the installation of over 300 solar panels on the roof of its restaurant. In just over a year, this initiative has saved over 18,000kg in CO2 emissions, the equivalent of planting 1,092 trees.

“Sustainability is an area we are passionate about,” Andrew explains. “This is just the first phase of our solar panel project, and we are committed to finding new ways to be more environmentally responsible in the years to come.”

Reaching 25 years is an incredible achievement, but for Andrew and the Simpsons team, it’s not just about business success—it’s about the relationships built along the way.

“We wouldn’t be here without our customers and the support of the community,” Andrew emphasised.

“This anniversary is as much a celebration for them as it is for us. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for being part of our journey.”

As Simpsons Garden Centre embarks on its next chapter, the spirit of growth, innovation, and community remains at its core. With a dedicated team, a passion for gardening, and a commitment to excellence, the next 25 years promise to be just as exciting as the first.

Here’s to celebrating a quarter-century of success—and to many more years of growth ahead.

Contact details:

Culloden Rd, Inverness IV2 5BA

T: 01463 250200

W: www.simpsonsgardencentre.co.uk

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