Award winning garden centre business strengthens the team with key appointments

Award winning Bradford business Tong Garden Centre has strengthened its team with appointments in Marketing, HR and Finance.

Leigh Quinn from Leeds has been appointed to the newly created position ofOnline Insight Manager to develop Tong's online presence;Carrie Mackertich from Garforth is the centre's new HR and Training Manager responsible for recruiting new talent and developing existing talent and Emma Wiltshire from Pudsey runs accounts and payroll in her new role of Accounts Assistant Manager.

Leeds Rhino fan Leigh joined the team at Tong fromLeeds Bradford Airport and is looking forward to increasing Tong's reach to online visitors locally and nationally. Of the move, he said: "Developing our online presence and growing our e-commerce site are keystrategic roles going forward and I look forward to working with the committed marketing team to deliver growth in both areas."

Former Organisational Development Manager Carrie joins the senior management team after consulting for Tong Garden Centre and is proud of the way that Tong embraces family friendly working: "Tong has worked hard to place a great level of importance around finding a healthy work/home balance - they understand the importance of things like a children's sports day!"

Animal lover Emma joined Tong from a local steel fabrication company and is enjoying the challenge of leading the accounts team and the rewards of the food in the restaurant and the food hall, "although my waistline doesn't agree!" she joked.

Of the appointments, Managing Director, Mark Farnsworth said: "We're delighted to welcome Leigh, Carrie and Emma to team Tong. They have joined us at an exciting time in Tong's development as we plan to make further improvements to the centre to drive future growth and recruitment."

Tong Garden Centre is one of Yorkshire's biggest garden centres with 110,000 square feet of retail space and parking for up to 1,000 cars.

Ends

Photo:L-RNew recruits Emma Wiltshire, Leigh Quinn and Carrie Mackertich Strengthening the team at Tong Garden Centre

For more information or to arrange an interview with Mark Farnsworth, please contact Tracey Baty at three60 marketing on:

Direct line:01430 871360

Mobile:07971 961574

E mail:traceybaty@three60marketing.co.uk

Web:www.three60marketing.co.uk

Notes to editors

1.      For more information about Tong Garden Centre, please visitwww.tonggardencentre.co.ukand see the centre'sFacebook,Twitter,Instagramandnewsonline.

2.      Tong Garden Centre is one of the largest independent garden centres in Yorkshire, located near Bradford in West Yorkshire. It occupies a17-acre site near Tong village.Anoutdoor plant department and shopping departments filled with garden furniture, gifts, home accessories and leading brands spread across110,000 square feet of retail space. Also on-site is the Coffee Shop, Orchard Restaurant, children's outdoor adventure playground Grass Hoppers and a newly refurbished food hall.

3.      Tong Garden Centre recently triumphed at the Bradford means Business Awards won three awards at the Horticulture Week Awards 2018 and five at the North East regional GCA awards.