History 3rd Generation

Since 2001 the third generation of the Bents family have become involved in the management of Bents. As Managing Director, Ron’s son Matthew is using his extensive retail experience to pursue new initiatives. His achievements have helped to shape the future of Bents and deliver one of the UK’s most innovative and progressive new garden centre buildings, ‘Open Skies’, as well as helping to create a variety of new areas of interest. Mathew is always striving to find ways to drive Bents forward and be at the forefront of the garden retail industry. 

Rachel Bent, as well as being a mum, is heavily involved and pivotal in developing our award-winning Christmas displays; the planning and buying of which is an annual 12-month project.

Helen Bent heads up the direction of the catering operation at Bents The Fresh Approach Restaurant whilst also holding the full time position of Marketing Manager, co-ordinating Bents marketing strategy for the Centre as a whole.

Katherine Bent is responsible for Human Resources, developing and co-ordinating HR strategies and ensures that every colleague undergoes in-house training through the Bents' Academy, and continues to deliver excellent service surprising and delighting every one of our one million visitors annually.

And the Bent family is still continuing to grow with Matthew’s children Ethan born in February 2003 and Elliot, born January 2006, Rachel’s son Oliver born in April 2003 and daughter Lucy, November 2005. And the latest addition, Katherine’s son Jacob was born in July 2007. We can rest assured that Bents will remain a family business for many years to come.