Meet Our Team

Our Team

Behind every great business are the people who help make it great!  Here are our team of Directors, Managers and Supervisors to tell you what working here means to them! Don’t forget to say hello when you see them in store!

John Little
Chairman

“I delight in the smiles of our staff and the positive attitude they bring to their work. Many of our customers have become friends and we love to see different generations of the same family visiting. I really believe Poplars fills an important need in the local community”.

Bridget Little
Director

“I am still involved in the business and spend my time shuffling paper! We have such lovely staff. They all give me such a warm welcome and I hope that they feel part of our family, which they certainly are”.

David Little
Managing Director

“The two things I like the most are the people and the coffee. I have a great team of people who work with me and lovely customers too! Gardeners really are among the happiest people on this earth”

Zoe Goodhand
Director & Gift Buyer

“I am really proud of how our family business has grown. Our many loyal staff & customers have all helped to make Poplars the success it is today. Long may it continue!”.

 

Colin Goodhand
Shop Manager

I am responsible for the purchasing of all horticultural products and I also assist with Christmas buying. No two days are ever the same at the garden centre and every day brings a new surprise or challenge!”

Jack Goodhand
Business Development Manager

“I get involved in all sorts of projects around the business and enjoy seeing the positive effects that my work has on the team and on the experience that customers have with us. I’m proud to work alongside my family in the business that I have been surrounded by my whole life and hope to continue improving the business during my time here.”

Zoe Allen
Garden Sundries Supervisor

“I worked on the Information Desk when I first joined Poplars. It was here I gained the knowledge and experience to be able to progress to Garden Sundries Supervisor”

David Young
Plant Area Manager

“A passion for plants makes leading the plant team at Poplars a great job. Sourcing the best quality plants and the knowledge to back it up has helped us become an award winning Plant Area along the way”.

 

Aaron Piper
Plant Area Supervisor

Laura Dring 
 Gift & Leisure Supervisor

“I enjoy bringing the different seasons to life within the gift and leisure departments through our eye-catching displays and merchandising. I work with a great team of people who make coming to work all the more enjoyable.”

Mikala Jackson 
 Epos Manager

“I first joined Poplars in November 2007 as a weekend till operator. After a year, I worked in both the gift and leisure departments before happily taking on the role of Epos Administrator in May 2014 and then became Epos Manager in 2021. Poplars really is a wonderful place to work and I am very lucky that I get to work with some of the best people around.”

Gareth Mackey
 Catering Services Manager

Working in a garden centre gives such a wonderful variety to my working day. I believe that the restaurant is the beating heart of our business. I love hearing the buzz and laughter of our guests enjoying their time with us but nothing gives me greater pleasure than the satisfied look that comes with a full tummy!…. PS never trust a thin Restaurant Manager!”

Stefan Patel
Head Chef

“I genuinely love what I do and the best part of my job, other than working with some great people is being allowed to create and showcase my skills and knowledge.”

 

Alison Hill
Restaurant Front of House Manager

“I warmly welcome all our customers into our friendly restaurant.  I have witnessed many changes but one thing that remains the same is the loyalty of our customers who come through our doors”.

Alison Burnage
Restaurant Front of House Supervisor

“I like to keep busy and love a challenge! When the restaurant opened in March 2016, I really did appreciate the loyalty and patience of our customers during some turbulent times!”.