IN the last year, Haskins Garden Centre has promoted 33 of its employees.

The staff, totalling more than five per centre of the company’s workforce, range from front of house employees to head office support.

To mark their hard work and dedication, Haskins hosted an in-house event where Warren Haskins, the company’s chairman, gave a speech to the staff and current employees presented their growth journey at the company.

Chief executive Julian Winfield said: “I am so proud that we have managed to promote more than five per cent of our staff in the last year.

“As a people-based business, it is essential that our staff are given opportunities to develop their careers and given new challenges.

“At our event we heard some fantastic examples of how these staff have challenged themselves and achieved real success for themselves and the company.”

Matt Hill, who has had a long, successful career spanning more than 20 years with Haskins, said: “I have worked for Haskins since leaving school.

“Last year, following eight years as a general manager, I took up a position in the buying office, adding a new dimension to my skill base.

“I have relished the opportunity and feel privileged to work in an organisation that has continually invested in my development.”

Haskins Garden Centres is based in Ferndown in Dorset, West End in Southampton and Roundstone and Snowhill in West Sussex.

The name Haskins was first connected with Dorset horticulture in 1882 when Harry Haskins founded a nursery in Poole.

Today the company is internationally renowned for its approach to garden retailing.

For further information visit www.haskins.co.uk