How women have made our garden centre bloom

March 8^th is International Women’s Day and here at Otter we want to celebrate the amazing women who have made our business what it is today.

Strong women have had a big influence on our direction and this goes right back to our foundation in 1964.

Marilyn White worked alongside her husband Malcolm when they began growing lettuce, cabbage and carrots for the local markets before moving into bedding plants, which were sold from their mobile home directly to the public. Marilyn worked passionately to take this small start-up and create a large independent garden centre business that is still family-run today.

Marilyn has always encouraged her daughters, Jacqui & Cathy into the business. Jacqui is now our Managing Director, while Cathy is our all-important IT Director, keeping all the tech running smoothly.

Stepping on yet another generation, Jacqui’s daughter Sabine has put her heart and soul into Otter and is now our Creative Director, with Cathy’s daughter Lara starting off her career in Stock Control.

Sabine now has a daughter herself, potentially the fourth generation of women who make our business so successful and so loved locally.

I have been Otter’s Managing Director since 2011. My first experience of the garden centre at Ottery St Mary was at just 4 days old so I have grown up here. I started helping out at just 7 years old by bunching cut flowers with Mum.

Soon after I moved on to making up the hanging baskets which I enjoyed, especially as I was able to earn some pocket money for it.

I do feel like the luckiest woman in business to get to work with my Mum, my sister, my daughter and my niece.

We’re proud that our wonderful teams across our seven branches include so many inspiring women,
many of whom have been part of the Otter family for many years.

Emma, Store Manager at Jack’s Patch

I joined Otter in 2015 and worked as a Branch Manager at the Torquay branch for 4 years, I really enjoyed learning more about the business from the established team there.

They were a super team to work with and I learnt a lot. In 2019 Otter bought the Wyevale centre in Bishopsteinton and I moved across to help them with the company changeover.

The role is really varied, from recruiting colleagues, changing around areas of the centre, and developing the ranges in the centre. Never a dull moment. It’s challenging and also fun.

What is your proudest achievement at Otter?

I think I am most proud of the work I have done with the team at Jack’s Patch. With head office support we have developed the previously under-supported centre into a thriving and high-performing busy garden centre.

The team are happy and motivated and have really helped put Jack’s Patch back on the map.

What advice do you have for the next generation of women?

Be proud of who you are and the strengths you bring to your role and to your business.

I have been really lucky to eventually work for an organisation that allows me to be myself and I am very grateful for the freedom I am allowed to do things my own way.

Don’t try and change yourself to fit a role it will probably make you unhappy in the long run.

Alex, Store Manager at Wincanton

I have worked for the Business for 9 years. I joined Otter as a Branch Manager after working for many years in Management for a very well-known Blue Chip Company.

The skills that I gained over the years were very transportable into Otter and these skills have not only enabled me to do my job at Otter Wincanton but have enabled me to influence the Business on a wider scale. It is so refreshing and rewarding to be asked for your views which in turn help to drive the business forward.

What is your proudest achievement at Otter?

During this time I have been able to work with my Head Office Colleagues to grow and further develop the Branch.

There have been many opportunities to do this over the last 9 years.

This has included-

Working with the Management team

at Head Office who have worked with me to continuously develop Otter Wincanton.

Recruiting

a very capable and loyal team who have helped me to drive the business forward in Wincanton

Ongoing development of “Home grown” talent amongst the team

I have several members of my Leadership team who are now Duty Managers and have several staff who started as Sales Advisors and with the right support, training and development have worked their way into positions such as Team Leader and Stock Controller both of which are sizeable and responsible jobs and we have further enhanced the role of Coffee Shop Supervisor. Over the next few years, there will be more Staff who will continue to develop into larger roles with more responsibility across the Branch.

Growing sales

in the Branch over the years by improving the layout and ambience of the Branch together with the introduction of new lines and continuing freshness.

Driving Otter promotions

in Branch to maximise our selling opportunities

Generating, proposing, influencing and delivering your ideas

to make the shopping and working environment better for all ie designing and extending the Plant and Yard areas to name but a few.

Driving Standards

across all of the Branches via the writing and introduction of a Store Standards programme which is used throughout the year

Designing and implementing an Annual appraisal process

which is used across the Business

I am proud of how the Branch has grown in so many ways whilst I have been here and there is still plenty more to do…I am not finished yet!

What advice do you have for the next generation of women?

After so many years in Management, my goals continue to evolve and my planning continues but at the heart of my goals will always be my team as…..

Together, Everyone, Achieves, More

I hope that in some small way during my Retail Career I will have inspired others to push their boundaries of what is possible if you work hard enough for it.

It’s never too late to set a goal of what you would like to do however small or large but you have to “Stop Dreaming and call it a Plan!”

Wendy, Furniture Manager at Ottery St Mary

I started working at Otter on 8th March 1992, which is exactly 31 years today! I am local to Otter, born and bred in Devon. I’m married and have 2 wonderful children and 2 grandchildren.

What is your proudest achievement at Otter?

I started working at Otter part time on the tills to fit in with my young family. I moved into the furniture department and my proudest achievement is playing a major role in the team that has made the department the success that it is today.

Which woman inspires you the most?

My late Mum is the woman who inspired me. She has made me disciplined, dedicated and independent.

What advice do you have for the next generation of women?

Be kind and caring. Work hard, play hard and live your dream.

What advice do you have for the next generation of women?

Dream big, be who you want to be, know the world is your oyster and remember to hold your own counsel.

You don’t need to tell everyone how you’re feeling and sometimes it’s kinder to remain silent.

Have 10 babies or have none you are still valuable in whatever way you contribute to the world and last but not least know your body and don’t let anyone tell you it’s normal to be in pain or suffering because you are a female… it isn’t.

Charlie, Coffee Shop Manager at Taunton

I have worked for Otter since they bought the Garden centre here in Taunton which is nearing its 4 year anniversary in July.

Although my role has always been as leader of the coffee shop it has definitely been diverse during these past 3 + years. Our business has grown from strength to strength and I like to think I can turn my hand to most things including the cooking and chief trolley sanitiser during the hard years of covid – all of which I do with an open heart as I work in a business where I feel part of something special and valued.

What is your proudest achievement at Otter?

It would be hard to put a finger on one achievement since we became Otter and honestly, it is not something I can claim for myself – I work and have worked with some remarkable people and our achievement is looking at our community coffee shop thrive in a difficult climate, especially within the food and beverage industry.

I am surrounded by people that have a like-minded vision of what a coffee shop should be like, bustling, full of talk and laughter and there to listen on the days when times are tough, serve you a strong coffee or a celebratory piece of cake made with love. We have a genuine passion for simple, good-quality food.

Which woman inspires you the most?

I am lucky to have been surrounded by strong, emotionally intelligent women all my life so to pick one would be too hard!

I do however have to say that if you want to look for a female role model there is no better in my opinion than Queen Elizabeth II. I have always respected our late Queen and although I would not call myself a royalist I am someone who can respect and appreciate a life given to service. Especially by a woman who was also a daughter, sister, wife and Mother alongside a public family life and the challenges that it brought to her door.

Her ability to remain calm and unbiased in the most challenging of times is something I aspire to. She witnessed a period of history that has been through such immense change and she was able to grow and change with it … versatility beyond words… enough said.

Visual

Our visual team of 7 inspirational ladies, make sure our Otter garden centres are always looking eye-catching and appealing to our customers.

Our team, headed up by Group Visual Manager Jo, work hard to produce the most creative, innovative product and display merchandising to increase sales, get buyers’ attention and provide an excellent in-store experience.

If you have visited our Otter stores you will have seen their beautiful work and engaging displays which are particularly special during our Christmas and Summer months.

Marketing

Our marketing team of 2 creative ladies, make sure our Otter garden centres are always looking on brand.

Our team headed up by Marketing Manager Chris, manages all customer communications whether it is in-store, online or print advertising.

They co-ordinate and produce all marketing materials for Otter and keep all channels of communication current, relevant and up to date.

Kate, Visual Merchandiser at Plymouth

I have worked for Otter for 27 years. I started as a weekend girl whilst at school. When I left school I started working full time and worked my way up to Assistant Manager. When my family came along I took the position of Visual Merchandiser so I could be more flexible with my hours having children. I am now heavily involved with the Christmas department in Plymouth.

What is your proudest achievement at Otter?

My proudest achievement whilst working at Otter is being part of the team to make the whole business grow and expand as it has. From a small shop area and limited coffee shop to the place it is today being very successful.

Which woman inspires you the most?

A woman who inspires me is J. K. Rowling. She has a rags-to-riches story where it would have been easy to give up but she has persevered and been resilient to her darkest times. This has shown a strength we all have to find at times in our lives.

What advice do you have for the next generation of women?

My advice to the next generation is to not let other people put you off what you want and to never give up on what you believe you can achieve.

Buying

Our buying team has 6 passionate women on the team who carefully select the best range of products which you see on our Otter shelves today.

Our team headed up by Chrissie our Head of Buying, extensively research the market for upcoming trends and consumer insights so they can buy the best quality products for our customers.

They work hard to create strong relationships with all our suppliers and negotiate the best prices so we can bring you quality products at great prices everyday!

Lauren, Clothing Team Leader at Ottery St Mary

I have worked at the Ottery branch for 9 years. I started as a Saturday girl in 2014 and have been lucky enough to develop my skills in varying roles within the company every since.

I enjoy my current role and the various challenges it brings, no day is the same. Whilst, at Otter, I’ve spent a lot of time fundraising for Hospiscare with the Otter team, which is something I also enjoy. I’ve even signed myself up for a skydive this May!

What is your proudest achievement at Otter?

My proudest achievement while working at Otter is becoming the youngest team leader (in March 2022) which has allowed me to develop my skills further thanks to the brilliant team I work alongside.

Which woman inspires you the most?

As a teenager who loved playing football I always looked up to Steph Houghton for her ability to captain and lead a successful ladies’ football team at Man City and England. Something which inspired me as a young footballer and even now I’ve stopped playing football those strong leadership skills are still aspirational.

What advice do you have for the next generation of women?

The advice I would give to the next generation of women is to try and make a positive difference wherever you can, simply by listening to others, or perhaps using your skills for good or volunteering your time. Someone will always appreciate it.

Tracey, Clothing Team Leader at Plymouth

I started working part time at Otter after starting a family. I have now been with the company for 20 years. I now work full time on the clothing department.

What is your proudest achievement at Otter?

My proudest achievement while working at Otter has been achieving large growth in sales, introducing new brands, creating inspirational displays and giving great customer service.

Which woman inspires you the most?

A woman who inspires me is Karen Brady as she has achieved financial success. She can be confident and professional in a male-dominated environment and all while raising a family.

What advice do you have for the next generation of women?

My advice to the next generation is to be kind, fair and professional, and listen to all age groups you can learn from them all!

Karen, Shop & Sundries Team Leader at Torbay

I very much enjoy cooking from scratch to see which culinary delights I can come up with.

I’ve worked for Otter for 4 1/2 years now starting as a Christmas temp on the tills. I was asked to work in the shop and then an opportunity came up for a team leader. I’m currently the shop & sundries team leader, a very varied and challenging role which makes the job very interesting and rewarding.

What is your proudest achievement at Otter?

My proudest moment working for Otter has to be getting through the tough times of COVID and the lockdown because of being vulnerable myself. My illness is very much under control I haven’t had any flare-ups. I have Otter to thank for that because doing this job has made me fitter and healthier, who needs a gym when you can work in sundries!

Which woman inspires you the most?

Dame Deborah James. An extremely brave and positive lady who by speaking out made women (and men) aware that early investigation makes a difference. Screening tests are very important.

A member of my family was diagnosed early following a screening test meaning the cancer was caught early. Deborah said whatever life throws at you life is still worth living.

What advice do you have for the next generation of women?

My advice for the next generation of women is never to be afraid to try something, you will very often surprise yourself with what you are capable of.

Accounts

Our accounts team keep the wheels turning here at Otter. This team of leading ladies manage all financial transactions for the business.

They work with every area of the business across our 7 garden centres.

The team is very service-oriented and are always ready to go the extra mile both internally and for our external suppliers.

Caroline, Coffee Shop Manager at Lymington

I am Lymington coffee shop manager and have been here from the first day the coffee shop opened in September 2014

What is your proudest achievement at Otter?

My proudest achievement since being here is ongoing as we started a very small coffee shop relying on trade from the garden centre to now having our own regular customers and still growing.

Which woman inspires you the most?

At this present time, my MUM inspires me for always supporting me!

What advice do you have for the next generation of women?

Advice to other women is to follow your dreams and learn along the way!

Liz, Head Chef at Lymington

I’m the Head Chef for Lymington coffee shop and have been here since it opened 8 ½ years ago.

What is your proudest achievement at Otter?

My proudest achievement would be helping to make the coffee shop the success that it has become and still growing the business yearly.

Which woman inspires you the most?

Women that have inspired me would be Gran who taught me so much and helped shape the person I have become, she never gave up even when life was tough.

What advice do you have for the next generation of women?

My advice would be never to give up on your dreams and always believe you can succeed at want you want to achieve.

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2024 will be our 60^th year as a business.

This has only been possible with the commitment of our workforce
including the many inspiring and dedicated women who make every area of our business bloom.