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.
Darran Oakley – Director of Purchasing
Darran is responsible for all purchasing in the Group and personally controls garden products (other than plants), garden furniture and Christmas ranges.
Darran gained his diploma at Pershore College and has been in the industry for 35 years. He joined Squire’s in 1998 and has a particular interest in Clematis, climbing plants and herbaceous perennials.
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 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.
Mark Hardy – Group Catering Manager
Mark has worked in catering for over 25 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 2009.
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.
Ross McEwan – Sustainability & E-Commerce 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.
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;
Every day cards, wrap & stationary / Books, Cds & DVDS / Kitchenware / All general gifts (candles etc.) / 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 and drinks / Craft / Silk & Dried flowers / Pot Covers / Gardening Gift
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.
