From a small roadside market stall to one of the UK's largest independent garden centres, Baytree Garden Centre has become one of Lincolnshire's best-known family businesses.
Founded in 1970 by Reinhard and Yvonne Biehler, the business has expanded steadily over five decades and now employs more than 100 people, welcoming visitors from across the region while remaining proudly independent and under the ownership of the Biehler family.
Known for its extensive plant offering, customer experience and award-winning displays, Baytree Garden Centre has become a destination attraction in its own right. Its popular Winter Wonderland draws thousands of visitors during the Festive Season, reinforcing the business’s reputation as a place where families can enjoy memorable experiences throughout the year.
Today, the business is led by Reinhard and Yvonne Biehler alongside their three adult daughters.
Duncan & Toplis has been a trusted adviser to the Biehler family for many years, supporting both the business and the family's personal financial affairs. Duncan & Toplis supports Baytree Garden Centre with accounts, audit, tax planning, general business advice and succession planning, while also advising the family on personal finances and long-term wealth preservation.
One of the most significant projects undertaken in recent years was Baytree's acquisition of a garden centre in Downham Market in the nearby county of Norfolk. The purchase marked an important milestone in Baytree's continued growth, expanding its presence into Norfolk while strengthening its position as a leading independent garden centre operator. Duncan & Toplis provided advice throughout the transaction, helping the family assess the opportunity, navigate the complexities of the purchase and complete the acquisition successfully.
Alongside supporting growth opportunities, Duncan & Toplis has also worked with the family on longer-term planning. As with many successful family businesses, succession planning has become an increasingly important priority. Duncan & Toplis has worked closely with the family on inheritance tax planning and longer-term succession arrangements, helping preserve wealth, support the next generation and provide confidence that the business is well positioned for the future.
Whether supporting day-to-day business decisions, major acquisitions or long-term succession planning, Duncan & Toplis has provided practical, straightforward advice that enables the family to make informed decisions with confidence.
Managing Director Jutta Whitworth Biehler says the relationship has always been built on trust, continuity and clear advice:
"Everything has always been explained fully and [Duncan & Toplis] made complicated situations seem easy. Everything has been managed very smoothly.
"The handover between [client manager] David Gratton and Jordan Owen was extremely smooth. Jordan now handles our whole affairs, both personal and business, and we trust him 100%.
"We are extremely happy with the service we receive and would definitely recommend them."
Jordan became Baytree’s client manager when David retired. Having grown up in the area, Jordan already knew the business well and appreciated the role it plays within the local community.
Jordan highlights the value of building long-term relationships with family businesses:
“It is a pleasure to work alongside the family and the team at Baytree Garden Centre, and rewarding to see the business continue to grow.
"Our role extends far beyond compliance. We work closely with the family and management team to provide proactive advice that supports their wider ambitions, from succession planning and supporting their strategic decision making through to ensuring that the business is well placed for the future.
"We really value the relationship we have built with the family, having worked with them over a long period of time and are grateful for the opportunity to continue supporting them as the business evolves.”
Today, Baytree Garden Centre continues to thrive, with Duncan & Toplis providing ongoing support across both business and personal matters, the Biehler family can focus on continuing the legacy they have built over more than five decades, and planning for the next generation.
Alistair Main, Assurance Director at Duncan & Toplis said:
"Working with a long-established family business such as Baytree Garden Centre is about understanding far more than the numbers. Our audit and assurance work gives us a detailed understanding of the business, its operations and its plans for the future, which means we can work closely with colleagues across Duncan & Toplis to provide joined-up support.
"Baytree is a great example of a family business that has continued to grow and invest while retaining the values on which it was founded. We're proud to have built such a long-standing relationship with the family and to support them as the business continues to develop."
Whether you're planning for growth, considering an acquisition, managing succession, or looking to preserve wealth for future generations, our experts can help. With specialist support across accounting, tax, audit, corporate finance and financial planning, we work alongside family businesses to help them achieve their long-term ambitions.
Get in touch with Duncan & Toplis today to find out how we can support your business and your family's future.
