Greg Anderton

When Greg Anderton graduated from Edge Hill University in 2016 with a BSc (Hons) Business Management, he had already sown the seeds of what would become his flourishing business, Leafy Lytham Ltd. Less than a decade later, he is the Managing Director of a thriving garden centre and design company, a two-time Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) gold medal winner, and a familiar face on national television after appearing on BBC’s Gardeners’ World.

Greg chose Edge Hill for its location and setting, allowing him to combine his studies with running a business. Greg said: “The community and friendly atmosphere, together with the overall ambition of the University to be the very best, really stood out to me.”

During his time at Edge Hill, Greg gained invaluable experience through work placements at Barton Grange Garden Centre and the John Lewis Partnership, both of which helped confirm his career ambitions. He also ran a regular stall in The Hub for students on the Ormskirk campus, selling products he was developing at the time, an experience that paved the way for his current success exhibiting at RHS shows.

Support from the University was key to his journey. Greg received a scholarship and social enterprise grant, which enabled him to launch a schools gardening initiative to go into schools and help children plant up their own flowerpots that continues to thrive today, engaging around 500 children each year in hands-on gardening activities while also raising funds for school gardens.

Leafy Lytham has grown into a dynamic business combining a plant centre, design services, and community engagement. Alongside managing a team of seven staff, Greg continues to share his expertise with schools and community groups, delivering talks on both enterprise and gardening.

In 2016, Greg’s entrepreneurial spirit was recognised when he was named Edge Hill Student Entrepreneur of the Year by the University. His achievements since then have only blossomed further.

This year has been a milestone for Greg and his team. Not only did they secure two RHS gold medals, first at RHS Hampton Court Flower Show and then at RHS Wentworth Woodhouse, but Greg also featured on Gardeners’ World, where viewers got a behind-the-scenes look at his preparations for the show. Greg said: “It was a surreal moment seeing myself on TV, over two million people watch the programme each week, to be part of that was a huge privilege.”

Reflecting on his degree, Greg highlights three skills that have proven invaluable in business: Financial knowledge gained from his course modules, research skills, developed through his dissertation and human resources management, which is vital now that he leads a growing team.

Greg also credits Edge Hill’s careers and scholarships teams, as well as the library staff, for the support they provided during his studies: “It was just a great, friendly place to be, and I have very fond memories of my time there.”

Greg’s ambitions are as strong as ever. Looking ahead, he hopes to exhibit at the Chelsea Flower Show, write his own gardening book, open a second garden centre and expand the range of plants grown in-house at Leafy Lytham’s nursery.

Greg’s message for current and prospective students: “Take every opportunity that comes your way, that you think might help you, put your all into your work and it will pay off. Ask for help if you need it, there is always someone willing to support you.”

From selling plants in The Hub to winning national recognition, Greg Anderton’s story is a true example of what can happen when passion and education come together.