Westland Horticulture was established in 1990 in Dungannon, Co Tyrone, by business partners Edward Conroy and Robert Lavery with an initial business concept of supplying mushroom casing to mushroom growers.
It has since been at the forefront of product innovation and development, supplying compost products for the gardening/horticultural markets in both Ireland and the UK. The Westland brand is sold through DIY and grocery multiples in addition to over 2000 independent garden centres. In August 2004, Westland purchased two of the oldest and most recognisable gardening brands - Unwins Seeds and S.E. Marshall & Co. The company believes that this strong combination will make a significant impression in the gardening market. With over 300 employees, Westland's total sales for year end August 2006 was £37 million which is expected to grow to £55 million in 2008.
Products/Services
Westland Horticulture manufactures over 10 categories of gardening products including compost, barks, aggregates, lawn treatments, lawn seed, plant food, control products, and seeds and bulbs. Product innovation is at the core of the company's ethos with Westland holding a number of accolades and achievements in this area. Last year Westland set standards in gardening through developing a revolutionary reduced-peat compost - West+ Advanced Compost - for all plants, that guarantees the best performance, out-performing all other standard multi-purpose composts yet kind to the environment as it is produced from a sustainable resource.
Customers
Westland Horticulture supplies to independent garden centres, nurseries, landscapers, as well as large garden centre groups, multiples, groceries and government authorities across the UK and Ireland. Key clients includes Wyevale Garden Centres, Dobbies Garden Centres, Atlantic Homecare, Woodies DIY, Dunnes Stores, Homebase, Tesco and B&Q.
What vision prompted you to start up in business?
We started Westland Horticulture in 1990, having built up a thriving business supplying compost into the local mushroom sector. But the actual catalyst for starting Westland was a visit to the BGLA (British Growers Look Ahead), a horticultural trade exhibition in Birmingham, where I immediately identified the unfulfilled opportunity in the sector and we set out on our vision to build the best horticultural company in the market.
What personal attributes do you think have contributed most to your success?
I always prefer to lead rather than follow. My key strength is having the vision to predict changes in the marketplace so that we are prepared for what is going to happen next. I am a natural optimist and a good team player and have tremendous enthusiasm. Since my early days, I have had a business partner, Robert Lavery. We have different but complementary strengths that combine to make us a potent business team.
What is your biggest business achievement?
Our biggest single business achievement is the fact that last season more than 30 million Westland products were bought by discerning gardeners. It is a highly competitive market with many established brands. To have built Westland to be the brand leader from zero in 17 years is a major achievement.
How do you recharge your batteries?
I've got four children aged between nine years and 21 months. Spending quality time with them and keeping them entertained is an excellent antidote. I enjoy grafting in the garden. I find it therapeutic and great for focusing the mind. I enjoy following all sports and, in particular, the Six Nations Championship - especially when Ireland win!
