Our People
Colin Squire OBE – Chairman Emeritus
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.
Sarah Squire – Chairman
Sarah started in the business as a weekender while still at school. After qualifying as a Solicitor she worked with a firm of solicitors and specialised in commercial property before deciding to cease to practice law and and come back into the family business in 1995. Sarah took a part time course in horticulture at Merrist Wood College and her favourite groups of plants are herbaceous perennials and roses.
Martin Breddy – Managing Director
Martin joined Squires in 2016. He began his career in marketing with Unilever, and became responsible for the Persil brand in the UK and Europe. He then pursued an international career with Unilever holding senior position in Australia, Turkey and Holland.
On returning to the UK Martin spent 3 years working for Glendinning Management Consultants, now WPP’s leading Retail consultancy business. In 2004 he joined the horticulture industry and spent over 10 years leading the Scotts Miracle Gro business in UK, Australia and China.
Martin knows Squire’s extremely well both as a supplier of products with Scotts and as a shopper; he lives in Farnham and has been a regular customer at Badshot Lea for the last 15 years.
Mark Wilson – Finance Director
Mark is a qualified Management Accountant with lengthy experience as a Finance Director and in other senior finance roles in the Consumer Goods sector in both Unilever, a major global business, and Vitacress, a family owned food business based in Hampshire. Mark joined Squire’s in 2017.
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 2005. Jo is a keen amateur gardener and enjoys working amongst plant experts who are on hand to give her advice and help.
Jo is a volunteer member of the Gardeners Welfare Committee of Perennial, a national charity for people who are working in, have worked in or have retired from gardening trades. It is a fantastic charity which offers advice, help and support for horticulturists who are facing need or difficulty.
Ross McEwan – Group Retail Operations Manager
Ross started his career with Squire’s in 1996 as a 16 year old weekend worker. With a love for gardening, he gained a Bachelor of Science degree in Horticulture at Writtle College.
Ross progressed to centre manager level across a number of Squire’s centres, then holding senior retail positions at the Royal Horticultural Society, including leading the retail design and developments at RHS Garden Wisley, before re-joining Squire’s in 2020.
Paul Larson – Group Restaurant Operations Manager
Paul joined Squire’s in 2024, bringing with him 30 years of experience gained across catering and retail businesses in the food industry. He has worked in various roles for organisations including McCarthy Stone as Head of Food & Beverages, Sodexo (UK & Ireland) as Head of Retail, Threshers and Safeway Stores plc. Most recently Paul was Head of Commercial Business Development for Surrey County Council.
Paul is responsible for overseeing all aspects of our Restaurant Operations including developing our menus to delight our guests, as well as overseeing our high service standards of service and training required to deliver the best guest experience.
Karen Smith – Group Marketing Manager
Karen has a broad understanding and knowledge of consumer marketing with over 25 years experience in the retail, fitness and leisure industry. Her previous roles include head of marketing for high profile leisure destination Legoland Resort in Windsor and premium chain of health clubs Esporta. Karen joined Squire’s in 2011.
Ricky Bowness – Group Purchasing Manager
Ricky joined Squire’s in 2010 having worked within the horticultural industry for 10 years. He has a degree in Landscape Management from the University of Reading and is a full member of the Chartered Institute of Horticulture. He is also a Chartered Accountant.
Ricky has managed several of Squire’s Garden Centres including Woking, West Horsley, and most recently, Milford, before moving into the role of Group Purchasing Manager in 2024.
Jenny Middleton – Gifts and Leisure Buyer
Jenny joined Squire’s in 2011. She is an experienced buyer who, in the past, has worked for Fenwick for 10 years, as well as Bentalls, and Hobbs.
Jenny is responsible for;
Everyday cards, wrap & stationery / Books / Kitchenware / Gardening Gifts / Home Fragrance / Bath & Body products / Giftware / Clothing, footwear / Toys.
Sally Lomax – Gifts and Leisure Buyer
Sally is an experienced buyer and has previously worked for Wyevale, Blooms Garden Centre’s and Jardinerie.
Sally is a qualified horticulturist and gained her H.N.D from Askham Bryan College. She joined Squire’s in 2014 and has worked in the horticultural industry for over 25 years.
Her particular interest is herbs and patio gardening
Sally is responsible for buying in the following areas;
Food & drinks / Christmas / Craft / Silk & Dried flowers / Pot Covers.
Jeremy Hall – Group Plant Buyer
Jeremy joined Squire’s as Group Plant Buyer in 2015. He has worked in horticulture for 38 years, 20 of these in plant buying. This includes time at Van Hage and Shoots, and since leaving Shoots he has worked for Next and Asda where he gained much useful experience; particularly in added value products.
Jordan Howell – Health, Safety & Facilities Manager
Jordan is responsible for leading Squire’s Health, Safety and Facilities matters for all Squire’s garden centres. He has considerable experience in compliance procedures. Prior to joining Squire’s, Jordan worked for Thames Water in service, inspection and compliance and also served with the British Army.
