DAWN GRACIE: Growing business relies on support of a fantastic team

ANYONE who knows Russells Garden Centre in Birdham will agree that it's a constantly evolving showroom of all things amazing for the home and garden.
By The Newsroom
Published 7th Dec 2013, 15:00 BST
Updated 7th Jun 2018, 20:46 BST

The dedicated owners of 17 years, Lesley and Richard, really know their stuff and Lesley tells me: “By listening to customer’s needs over the years, we have expanded and improved with many highs including the creation of the busy restaurant and our boutique deli, and lows which are usually weather-related. It is heartbreaking to arrive at work to find all your beautiful things ruined by floodwater!

“Bringing up three children while juggling multiple departments hasn’t always been easy, but being able to rely on such a fantastic team really does ease the pressure.

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“I am able to leave the busy centre to pick up my seven-year-old daughter from school, knowing they will look after everything for me, then I tackle the paperwork after she is tucked up in bed.

“I firmly believe in supporting local business and especially women in business who produce tasty food for the deli who live within a couple of miles of Russells.

“My biggest challenge? Stopping myself chatting all day with our lovely regular customers instead of getting on with my

to-do list!”