At our site in Hampshire, we employ over 90 people on a permanent basis with extra seasonal staff at peak times.

Since 1997 we have been accredited as an Investor in People. This is reflected in our investment in developing our people at every level of the business. The aim is to equip people for their work and to help them achieve their potential.

All our supervisors have achieved NVQ level 3 in management.

• Meet Maz West - one of the supervisors

Other staff have passed Modern Apprenticeships in Horticulture and Engineering.

• Meet David Jenvey - one of the horticultural staff

Managers have all undergone personal development and team building training.

• Meet Malcolm Taylor - one of the managers

Maz West - Supervisor

How long have you worked here?

"34 years, this year."

Could you tell me what your typical day involves?

"Supervising day to day running of the pot chrysanthemum packing to all the large supermarkets."

What kind of training have you had at Double H?

"Supervisory training, crop management, staff management, first aid, health and safety, and NVQ3 and Total Success training."

What major changes have you seen since you have worked here?

"Too numerous to mention them all. The most significant would have to be heated lorries. We used to have to pack newspaper around the plants to insulate them from the cold. The introduction of Danish trolleys was a great improvement on the cages we used previously. Also computerised shading, watering and vent systems, when previously this all needed to be done by hand. We now have a considerable number of European workers. And best of all I have given up smoking after 52 years on the dreaded weed."

At the end of the day, what do you do to forget about work?

"I never forget about work! My beautiful grandchildren keep me sane. I have recently gained another daughter in law making three now, another beautiful grandson and yet another one on the way. I also enjoy reading, pub quizzes and TV (I love my soaps!)."

< Back to Our Team

David Jenvey - Horticultural Staff Member

How long have you worked here?

"I have worked here 26 years. I started on April 1st!"

Could you tell me what your typical day involves (if you have a typical day)?

"A typical day starts off by organising people with the work that needs doing in the production of the plants. This can involve, spraying, sticking (sticking of chrysanthemum cuttings into pots filled with compost), spacing the crops onto growing tables with a spacing machine or programming the computer to do the watering. I also help Mike, Howard and Bruce (manager) with the programming of future crops. I also work with Bruce to plan what needs doing at least a week ahead."

What kind of training have you had at Double H?

"Most of what I have learnt has been on the job, learning from people like Mike Holmes (Technical Advisor) and Howard Braime (Technical Manager). I have also got spraying certificates, some computer training, and I have done City & Guilds courses relevant to the job."

Do you have any (publishable) amusing or interesting stories about working here?

"I remember once at the old nursery, a lady arrived to start working on the nursery. She was wearing a full length fur coat and matching boots. (Not ideal clothing for working in a greenhouse). The first thing she asked was where the canteen was, and where was the food!"

What major changes have you seen since you have worked here?

"The biggest change has been the new greenhouse for growing pot chrysanthemums which is all automated with robots and other machines. The new orchid greenhouse is also very high tech."

At the end of the day, what do you do to forget about work?

"I don't! I still tend to think about work when I get home. But I do like clubbing in the weekends - when I can afford it! I also find walking the beach a good way to unwind and recently I have started going to the gym."

< Back to Our Team

Malcolm Taylor- Transport Manager

How long have you worked at Double H?

"11 years."

Could you tell me what your typical day involves?

"Planning and arranging of all transport (UK and European), control of all equipment, liasing with all Nursery departments and Sales regarding orders for despatch and overviewing Goods In and Warehouse"

What kind of training have you had at Double H?

"The first piece of training was when I first started, this involved spending time on the nursery to see how plants were grown, packed and made ready for despatch. I have also had training on fork lifts, computers, fire safety, lean management and specific courses to learn about other areas of the business."

What major changes have you seen since you have worked here?

"Since starting with Double H I have seen a lot of difference in the way the buisness now operates. There has been a big step change towards the implementation of Lean Management which is making us work in a more controlled and effiecent manner by continous improvements and cutting out wasted activities, this inturn will make Double H more profitable, There is also now a more structured Management team which have accumalated a wealth of knowledge from different industries which is also driving the company forward, this along with a pro-active attitude and a willingness to succeed surrounded by a dedicated team really helps to make Double H one of the leaders in this industry."

At the end of the day, what do you do to forget about work?

"In ways, it's quite easy to forget about work as we are very fortunate to live in a lovely part of the country. I will often go down to the Quay with my family, buy some drinks and watch the sun set over Christchurch Harbour. Failing that, there is always the New Forest to walk in or even Bournemouth for a lively night out. But more often than not, I'll get home open a bottle of wine and chill out in the garden."

< Back to Our Team