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One of the UK’s largest commercial horticultural nurseries, Johnsons of Whixley, has changed its name to Johnsons Nurseries following a company rebrand.

The third-generation family business achieved a record sales turnover of £18.8 million in its last financial year and hopes the rebrand will boost its plans for growth. Its website address has also changed, from nurserymen.co.uk to johnsonsnurseries.co.uk.

Graham Richardson, group managing director at Johnsons Nurseries, said:

“We have used the generic term ‘nurserymen’ as part of our branding for years, and it has been an accepted historical collective term that describes the profession and not a deliberate specific reflection on gender within the workforce.

“We are proud of the diversity of our workforce and the contributions that all of our employees make.

“However, we are acutely aware of this being perceived as outdated and intend to phase out the term over time as we introduce our new brand. This is also an opportunity for us to solidify our place in the market and ensure that the quality and reputation of Johnsons’ products are maintained for future generations of our workforce, customers and stakeholders.

“Our values remain the same as we aim to continue the legacy of professionalism and reputation that Mr Johnson and the Richardson family have built.”

Johnsons was founded in 1921 by war veteran Eric Johnson and then purchased by John Richardson in 1964. It now employs 140 people, including 11 family members, at its 150-acre nurseries east of Knaresborough, in the Vale of York.

Industry ‘Oscar’ for car dealership

A Boroughbridge used car dealership has picked up a prestigious accolade at the 2023 Car Dealer Magazine Used Car Awards, which are often described as the Oscars of the motor trade.

Alexanders Prestige, based in Roecliffe, won the Days To Turn trophy, which was awarded by assessors looking for an efficient and well-run sales operation, with cars leaving dealers’ forecourts soon after they arrive. The quick turnaround of a dealer’s stock indicates high levels of pre-sale preparation, fair pricing and good levels of customer care.

James Baggott, editor-in-chief of Car Dealer Magazine, said:

‘‘In judging the Days To Turn award, we collaborated with Auto Trader to find the dealers who are selling their cars the fastest.

‘‘Their data team looked at nearly 13,500 dealers to help us identify the best – with those nominated then subjected to our own rigorous checks and mystery shopping.

‘‘Alexanders Prestige absolutely aced the mystery shopping round, and its online feedback showed countless customers had received similarly impressive levels of service and communication. This is a well-deserved win for the team.’’

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Business Breakfast: Johnsons of Whixley supplies thousands of plants to luxury hotel

Johnsons of Whixley has secured a contract to supply five thousand plants to a five-star luxury spa hotel in County Durham.

The horticultural business supplied a range of shrubs and trees to Seaham Hall Hotel, for planting around its bungalow lodges, spa area and hotel terrace.

Johnsons of Whixley worked with garden designer Richard Porter of Garden Vision Ltd.

Founded over 100 years ago, Johnsons is a three-generation family business. Previous hotel projects include Grantley Hall in Ripon.

Seaham Hall Hotel was converted into a luxury hotel in 2012.

Johnsons’ marketing manager, Eleanor Richardson, said:

“We are thrilled to work with the Seaham Hall Hotel team as their ambitious development plans get underway, in collaboration with our customer Richard from Garden Vision Durham, who delivered the design, hard and soft landscaping of the project.”

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A team from Berwins solicitors in Harrogate spent yesterday cycling in the centre of town to raise money for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

8 staff members of the legal firm- ranging from a director to team assistant- peddled in a fundraiser entitled “Go The Distance”.

The 85km static cycle was taken in stages by two team members at a time – cycling a theoretical journey from the YAA’s Air Support Unit at Nostell near Wakefield to the Berwins’ offices in Leeds, Harrogate and York before ending at RAF Topcliffe.

The air ambulance is Berwins’ chosen charity for 2023.

The Berwins team peddling away for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance