Having decided against a future in accountancy after finishing A-levels, 3 years at Merrist Wood studying Ornamentlal Horticulture later, I started my horticultural career as a Plantarea Manager, followed by Garden Centre Manager with Seymours Garden Centres in Surrey.After a short spell at Brinkmans, and for 19 years, I was Sales Manager at The Farplants Group where I managed a sales team of 20+, both office and remotely based. Initially employed to launch Farplants bedding and "impulse promotions", these rose to nearly 75% of the groups turnover and I was involved in growing Farplants from under £4m turnover when I started to its current level of just under £20m per year - catapulting them to the largest wholesaler of garden plants to Garden Centres and Multiples in the UK. During my time at Farplants, my many duties included.. Setting grower targets, Category Management, re-branding, sales training, Key Account Management of The Garden Centre Group, Squires Garden Centres and the RHS Wisley accounts.From 2013 - 2015, I returned to retail horticulture as Group Buyer (Plants) for Squires Garden Centres where my key tasks revolved around purchasing for 15 garden centres, with a combined turnover of in excess of £40m. In June 2015, I set up my own business, Tim Jacob Plants Ltd., working with a leading continental plant supplier (Garden Centre Fresh), helping to drive the company to the very top of its field. I am a proven manager with a wide range of managerial skills. I have successful experience in both wholesale and retail environments in the horticultural market for over 25 years.I am a strong negotiator with ability to communicate at all levels. I work well under pressure and to given deadlines. I enjoy working closely with suppliers, maximising their potential and developing relationships.