Squire’s Garden Centres has celebrated its 90th anniversary by recognising colleagues who have gone above and beyond for customers, communities and fellow staff.

Hosted by Colin Squire OBE, chairman emeritus, and his daughter Sarah Squire, chairman of Squire’s Garden Centres, the annual Make A Difference (MAD) awards brought together colleagues from across the family-owned business’s 17 centres.

For nine decades the company has built its reputation on horticultural expertise and service to customers and local communities.

The awards recognise those values, highlighting colleagues whose kindness, respect, teamwork and willingness to go the extra mile have made a meaningful impact.

Each year nominations are submitted by colleagues and customers, highlighting exceptional moments where individuals or teams have made a difference.

Examples include responding calmly and compassionately in emergency situations, offering thoughtful support to customers during difficult times and stepping in to help colleagues when it mattered most.

During the celebration lunch, members of the business’s senior leadership team served colleagues during the event, recognising their effort and commitment.

Sarah Squire said: “As we celebrate 90 years of Squire’s, we are reminded that our success has always been rooted in our people. The care, professionalism and warmth shown by our colleagues -day in, day out - are what make Squire’s so special.

“The MAD Awards give us the opportunity to recognise those moments of exceptional kindness and commitment that reflect the very best of who we are. My father and I feel enormously proud and privileged to work alongside such remarkable teams.”

Among the examples highlighted were colleagues going the extra mile on deliveries when drivers were unexpectedly unavailable, ensuring customers still received their orders on time.

In another instance, a colleague assisted an elderly gentleman who had slipped on an icy path in the road, providing first aid until the ambulance arrived.

A colleague also visited a children’s hospice to fix a fish tank enjoyed by young patients, while another helped a customer locate his late wife’s lost wedding ring.

The 2025 winners included Bradley Matthews, Teresa Trodd and Colin Tuck from Badshot Lea Garden Centre, Fulvio Bertani from the Woking restaurant, and Ellie Felloni from Woking Garden Centre.