THE Blue Diamond Group is a cut above its UK competitors. The Guernsey-based group, which has eight garden centres in the Channel Islands and the UK, was listed at the top of the garden retailers’ 2007 trade index.

‘We are outperforming the UK marketplace from our home in Guernsey,’ said managing director Mike Vaudin.

‘Our garden retailing has a point of difference and for us that means design-led and innovative ranges.’

Results were based on the percentage of sales growth, profit margin and stock turnover.

The company also placed fifth in terms of sales turnover. It was listed against other UK groups, one of which owns more than 130 centres.

With bad weather having an impact on many businesses’ plant sales, the group has diversified its activities, although Mr Vaudin said its plant sales had remained buoyant.

Many of its UK centres have been renovated to allow for expansion into the restaurant and indoor-living sectors.

Chairman Geoff Dorey described the 2004 opening of the Trentham centre, which was built with an Italian-style interior, as ‘the biggest event of the company’s history’.

The company submitted plans to Environment a year ago for a similar £3m. development at Le Friquet.

Mr Vaudin said discussions with the department have been lengthy, but are continuing.

‘At a time when the company is thriving in Jersey and the UK, it remains a disappointment that we have yet to hear anything encouraging from local planners in respect of our development plans,’ he said.

‘It is not our intention to build some monstrosity in the centre of the island, but to use the expertise we already have to provide a fabulous garden retail experience in a size suited to local needs.’

Mr Vaudin added that in spite of the poor state of the existing buildings, Le Friquet saw a successful year’s trading.

The company plans to continue purchasing wholesale goods from abroad, with buyers attending trade fairs around Europe as well as in China.

It will also expand its web-based technology, with plans under way to examine internet sales.

‘We invested £40,000 into our website,’ he said.

‘It’s a major marketing tool, but with 30,000 hits in November alone, we’ve realised we’re missing a selling opportunity there.’

An extensive marketing campaign through in-house magazine Verve has seen 500,000 copies sent to the target market of middle- to upper-class households.

The magazine, which is available on the website, also promotes Guernsey as a holiday destination.

Mr Vaudin believes it is crucial for Blue Diamond to retain its Guernsey roots.

‘It is essential to the future of this company that we remain strictly a Guernsey private company with local shareholders and that our local office base and all central actions are operated here on the island,’ he said.

The company also plays Blue Diamond Television DVDs promoting the island in every store outside Guernsey.

‘It amuses me that we have a DVD constantly playing in our Jersey store that promotes Guernsey as a tourist destination,’ he said.

Mr Vaudin is retiring this year and will be replaced by current retail director Alan Roper, who has been responsible for the layout and design of many of the centres.

Mr Dorey offered Mr Vaudin his best wishes in retirement. ‘He’s been a wonderful servant to the company and always put the company’s interests at the forefront of his thoughts,’ he said.