Paul is our Chairman and is the grandson of our founder Arthur Cooling. Paul has been working within the business for much of his working life, but with over 25 years experience in the garden industry both at Coolings and other well known Garden Centre’s he knows a thing or two about gardening. We believe in a hands on approach and so you will often see Gary and Paul out in the plant area working with the rest of the team.
Paul took over the role of Chairman in 2006 when his father Michael Cooling stepped down to a non executive director role within the company.
Paul had an early introduction into the business working as a ‘Saturday boy’ at the original Garden Centre in Chislehurst. Immediately on leaving school Paul left home to work for Blooms of Bressingham famous for the wide range of herbaceous and alpine plants together with dwarf conifers. This provided the practical experience needed to enter Pershore College of Horticulture where Paul passed his 3 year diploma course with credit.
After this Paul worked for Dinger’s Garden Centre in Cologne, Germany. One of the finest independent Garden Centres in the world. After this he spent 6 months as assistant manager at ‘Jardinerie’ in Cheshire one of the most innovative garden centres in England at that time. At age 22 Paul returned to to the family business after spending 5 years in training.
Our directors are not faceless and like to talk to customers. So if you would ever like to talk to Paul about your experience at Coolings then Paul would be happy to.
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