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From roots to retail: Pennells blooms with £4M upgrade
Pennells Garden Centres is a family-run business that's been around since 1780. They're upgrading their Sleaford site with a £4 million redevelopment, supported by Lloyds.
Read time: 3 mins Added: 14/10/25
The Lincolnshire-based company is now in its eighth generation of family ownership. It has changed from a traditional nursery to a group of modern garden centres. With locations in Lincoln and Cleethorpes already up and running, Pennells took over the Sleaford site in 2018 and is now investing in its transformation.
New beginnings
The expansion, due to wrap up by late summer, includes a brand-new 1,750 square metre retail space. The new space includes a revamped restaurant with seating boosted from 100 to 250, and more parking to accommodate the growing number of visitors from nearby towns like Sleaford and Grantham.
The project is being funded by a £4 million package from Lloyds, kicking off a new relationship with the bank. The funding includes a Buildings Transition Loan, which supports small and medium-sized businesses investing in energy-efficient buildings, and a development loan to help cover land and construction costs.
With the extra space, Pennells plans to expand its product range—especially seasonal favourites like garden furniture and Christmas decorations. The new indoor area means more stock can be displayed all year round, making shopping more enjoyable for customers.
The expansion will also create new jobs. While exact numbers are still being finalised, Pennells expects to grow both its retail and hospitality teams to support the bigger site.
Sustainability has been a big focus throughout the project. The new building features energy-saving touches like solar panels, LED lighting, and materials designed to keep heat in and reduce energy use.
Next stop: more sites and signature style
Looking ahead, Pennells isn’t stopping here. The team is already thinking about future site acquisitions and launching its own branded garden furniture range. This will be another part of their continuing journey as a modern garden retailer with strong local roots.
Richard Pennell, Chairman of Pennells Garden Centres, said: “We’ve always taken a long-term view, and this project is about making sure Sleaford continues to meet the needs of our customers for years to come.”
“The new building means we’ll finally have space to showcase a fuller range, particularly during our busiest trading seasons. It’s also going to give visitors a more enjoyable experience, whether they’re shopping or stopping in for lunch.”
Nick Flanagan, Relationship Director at Lloyds, added: “Pennells is a great example of a business that’s stayed true to its heritage while adapting to changing retail expectations. This expansion will bring new services to the local area, create jobs and help the business continue its long-standing commitment to the community.”
“We’re pleased to be part of their journey and look forward to seeing the Sleaford site continue to thrive.”
Richard Pennell Chairman of Pennells Garden CentresWe moved to Lloyds earlier this year and the support we’ve had since day one has been excellent. They’ve taken the time to understand us as a business, and that’s been important as we’ve gone through this next phase.
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