Squires Garden Centres - House Plants, Garden Plants and Garden Accessories at great value prices across our regional Centres

Colin Squire

Chairman

Colin is the son of our founder D.J Squire and grew up with the business. He formally joined the company in 1956 after his National Service. He trained in architecture at Kingston School of Art (now Kingston University) and in Landscape design at University College London.

Colin designed many gardens in the Twickenham area in the 1950s and 1960s. He is a fellow of the Institute of Horticulture and a member of the Company of Gardeners (a London livery company). Colin was also a founder member of the garden Centre Association.

As you might expect Colin has a particular interest in garden design and always designs the Squire's exhibit at the Royal Horticultural Society Hampton Court Palace Flower Show.

Dennis Espley

Managing Director

Dennis gained his Diploma in Horticulture at Pershore College and has great experience in the garden centre industry. He joined Squire's in 1986 and became Operations Director before succeeding Colin Squire as Managing Director in 2003.

Dennis serves on a Royal Horticultural Society committee, is a member of the Worshipful Company of Gardeners, and Chairman elect to the UK Garden Centre Association, becoming Chairman in January 2011.

He enjoys visiting gardens and is particularly interested in evergreen and architectural shrubs.

Sarah Squire

HR and Marketing Director

Sarah started working in the business as a weekender while still at school. After qualifying as a Solicitor in 1991 Sarah came back into the family business in 1995 and took a part time course in horticulture at Merrist Wood College. Her favourite groups of plants are herbaceous perennials and roses.

Steven Palmer

Finance Director

Steven is a chartered accountant with experience as finance director of companies in the leisure sector including Marriot Hotels, Canons Health and Fitness clubs and Tiger Tiger bars. Steven joined Squire's in 2009.

Darran Oakley

Senior Buyer

Darran is responsible for all garden products (other than plants) and garden furniture and barbeques. Darran gained his diploma at Pershore College and has been in the industry for 25 years. He joined Squire's in 1998 and has a particular interest in Clematis and climbing plants and herbaceous perennials.

Paul Spencer

Plant Buyer

Paul gained his diploma from Pershore College and started working in the industry in the 1970s. His experience includes 13 years working with the Royal Horticultural Society at Wisley before joining Squire's in 2002. Paul has a particular interest in the native flora of the Bristish Isles.

Dax Smyth

Gifts and Leisure Buyer

Dax joined Squire's in November 2006. He is an experienced buyer who, in the past, has worked for Asprey, Whittard, John Lewis and Tesco.

Andy Bunt

Operations Manager

Andy started his career as a weekend student at Homebase. His professional experience includes Curry's, Haskins and most recently Chairman of the GCA South Thames Area. Andy joined Squire's in 2008.

Jo Ripley

HR Manager

Jo has a postgraduate diploma in HR management and a masters in employment law. She is a chartered member of the HR professional body CIPD. She worked for Marks and Spencer and Surrey County Council before she joined Squire's in the summer of 2005. Jo is a keen amateur gardener and enjoys working amongst plant experts who are on hand to give her advice and help.

Tony Palmer

Facilities Manager

Tony has a masters degree in Facilities Management and his experience includes working for the Home Office. Tony joined Squire's in 2004. Tony has an interest in Koi carp.

Sally Fahy

Marketing Manager

Sally has a postgraduate diploma in marketing and is an associate member of the marketing professional body CIM. She joined Squire's in 2007 and has experience with organisations as diverse as Vodafone and the Embroiderers' Guild. Sally has a keen interest in photography which she enjoys as part of her role at Squire's.

Mark Hardy

Catering Manager

Mark has worked in catering for over 20 years for companies such as PizzaExpress and Whitbread. His most recent position included the development of Cafe Zest in House of Fraser and French boulangerie Paul. Mark joined Squire's in November.