Growth opportunities

4 December 2020

A good number of stories on this site during the summer reported strong demand from people on furlough wanting to hire equipment for gardening jobs.

A report by the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) suggests that nearly three million people took up gardening during the initial lockdown and that many are pursuing their new interest well beyond the normal season.

People enjoyed being outside in the fresh air, and health experts have extolled the mental and physical benefits that the activity can bring.

Garden centres remained busy well into November and the furlough scheme’s extension until March has perhaps led to a continuation of interest.

Wetherby Tool Hire is typical of the hire companies that have also witnessed this growth in demand. Hire Manager Andy Richardson tells me that they have been adding to their fleet to keep pace.

“Garden maintenance contractors were able to keep working throughout and we’ve been buying more equipment like Altrad Belle mixers and compaction plates, Camon turf cutters (pictured), JCB minis and dumpers, along with cut-off saws and other tools to meet demand.

“We have seen a sharp increase in domestic customers, many of whom have not hired equipment before. After they cancelled their summer holidays, many decided to make home and garden improvements instead.”

The HTA’s report says that sales of gardening products in October were 45% up on 2019 and that most of its members are comparatively optimistic about the future. Positive signs indeed.