A Bradford headquartered garden centre group has created a new group role in the plants department of its growing business.

The Yorkshire Garden Centre group (YGC) has created a new Commercial Plant Manager position across its sites at Tong, Tingley, Otley and Bingley.

Marc Salama started his career at YGC when he was appointed Outdoor Manager at Tong Garden Centre in 2022 before a promotion to Centre Manager when YGC acquired the former Stephen H Smith's site at Harden, Bingley. His latest role is designed to streamline plant buying throughout YGC to secure economies of scale to benefit the consumer.

"I'm looking forward to the diversity of the role. I'll be visiting growers and building relationships with suppliers to source plant ranges that will inspire our customers to create great gardens and outdoor spaces at home. I will then work with the teams at each centre to communicate our unique proposition, including seasonal special offers, plants of the month, hints and tips and loyalty card offers," said Mr  Salama.

YGC Commercial Director, Sharon McNair said: "We've been inspired by Marc's plant expertise and creativity since he joined YGC in 2022. We're excited about his plans to source plants directly from our network of nurseries and to work with the marketing team and colleagues at each of the centres and to communicate his vision to our customers."

Mr. Salama, who lives in Norwood Green, Halifax, previously spent 14 years in the Royal Navy and trained as a battlefield medic. He spent time doing search and rescue in Scotland, running the first aid school and saw active service in Afghanistan in addition to travelling the world playing rugby as a Royal Navy team member.

The Yorkshire Garden Centres (YGC) group comprises Tong, Tingley, Otley and Bingley Garden Centres. Otley and Bingley were known as Stephen H Smith's before they were acquired by YGC in 2022.