Following confirmation that The Underground Podcast will return as Glee’s official podcast partner in 2025, we caught up with host Phil Wright to find out more about what visitors can expect from the team this year.
“The response we had at last year’s show was incredible,” says Phil, who co-hosts the podcast alongside horticultural consultant Kate Turner. “We wanted to build on that momentum, and 2025 gives us the chance to do even more. We’ll be back on the show floor with our booth and across the three days we’ll be offering exclusive access to the voices shaping the future of garden retail.”
The conversations will range widely, from start-ups bringing fresh ideas to market through to established businesses reimagining themselves for the future. Phil and Kate will explore how innovation and product development are shaping the sector, what changing customer habits mean for garden centres and suppliers, and how the next generation of leaders is stepping into the spotlight. Guests will also be asked to reflect on the role of purpose in modern retail, from sustainability and inclusivity through to education, and to look ahead at what the industry most needs to change over the next five years.
Alongside the interviews, Phil will take to the Hyve Stage to host a highly anticipated live Q&A with Alan Roper, Managing Director of Blue Diamond, which will also be recorded and released as a special episode. “That session is going to be a real highlight,” Phil adds. “Alan has such a strong track record in the industry, and it will be fascinating to hear his views in front of a live audience.”
New for this year, the Underground team will also step away from the booth on Wednesday afternoon bringing listeners closer to the Glee experience. Armed with their microphones, Phil and Kate will be out and about meeting exhibitors and visitors, offering listeners an authentic taste of the buzz that defines Glee.
Exhibitors who want their story heard not just at Glee but across the wider industry can visit The Underground stand 9L60 to pitch their story. “We’re always looking for compelling stories that the industry will want to hear. We’ll also be starting to plan our next season of interviews, so Glee is the perfect time to talk to us about that.”
With ten weekly episodes rolling out after the show, The Underground will ensure that the conversations started at Glee keep inspiring the industry long after the NEC doors close. Discover more from The Underground podcast at www.theunderground.fm
