From left, Geoffrey Wilson, Danske Bank, with Alan Mercer, Hillmount Garden Centre
Alan Mercer, director of Hillmount Garden Centre
Family garden centre business Hillmount has said it boosted sales after investing £1.5m to open its fifth premises.
Earlier this year, the Mercer family acquired Sunnybank Garden Centre in Carrickfergus, formerly owned by the Hardy family, with the support of Danske Bank.
From left, Geoffrey Wilson, Danske Bank, with Alan Mercer, Hillmount Garden Centre
News Catch Up – Tuesday 5th August
Its acquisition created 10 new jobs in the area as the family expanded the centre to add a 60-seater cafe, new car park and extended shopping area for plants, giftware, clothing and garden furniture.
The business first opened outside east Belfast in 1940, adding new centres in Bangor and Newtownards, as well as a lifestyle store in Cheshire.
Hillmount partner Alan Mercer said: “Hillmount is at the forefront of quality of garden centres in Northern Ireland, offering so much more than just plants.
“Our family business has bloomed for decades with assistance from Danske Bank and, with our recent expansion and opening of our fifth store, we have experienced first hand what makes such a seasonal offering work all year round.
“We are delighted that Danske Bank has enabled us to bring our 85 years of gardening retail experience to the Carrickfergus community.”
Alan Mercer, director of Hillmount Garden Centre
He added: “Sunnybank Garden Centre is a testament to the Hardy family and the work they put into it over the years. We hope to do them proud as we carry on the torch as Hillmount Carrick.”
Geoffrey Wilson, senior business manager at Danske Bank, said Hillmount had been a client for over 30 years.
“It is fantastic to see what was already a thriving garden centre in Sunnybank, expand even further and continue to grow.
“With retirement and succession in family businesses ever topical, it is great to see this garden centre in Carrickfergus remain in safe hands.
“We wish the Mercer family all the best of luck with their new store, especially as we enter what will be a busy season for them.”
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