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. He is particularly interested in evergreen and architectural shrubs

Harry Manning

Finance Director and Company Secretary

Harry has a degree in law and joined Squire's in 1988. He has extensive experience in the aviation and petrochemical industries. Harry is keen on lawn care and also fond of herbaceous plants.

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.

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.

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 Squires 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 Squires in 2007 and has experience with organisations as diverse as Vodafone and the Embroiderers' Guild. Sally is keen on photography and animals.