The Garden Industry Manufacturers’ Association has confirmed that it recently attracted 20 new members in the past few months, further boosting its thriving membership base.
The increase in numbers comes after a successful year for GIMA, with events such as Buyer’s Connect at GLEE, Charity Golf Day, and the re-vamped GIMA awards fronted by TV comedian Russell Kane.
Smaller businesses such as The Floral Company, large distributors such as Stax, and big name brands such as Jeyes all became members of the organisation during the last six months.
For well-known household brands breaking in to the garden care market, such as Kärcher UK, joining GIMA is an integral part of the business’ growth. Phil Springall, Marketing Manager, Karcher UK said: “We chose to become a member of GIMA because the association sits at the very centre of the garden industry. The Kärcher brand enjoys sales of over £100m in the UK, but as relative newcomers to the garden industry it greatly values the connections and support GIMA provides.”
SteadyPost, the start up company behind ‘FenceFins’, were winners of the GIMA Innovators’ Seed Corn Fund 2014, which also included full membership as part of the prize. Susanne Pinnock, Sales & Marketing Manager for SteadyPost Ltd, said: “Joining GIMA has helped us gain insight more quickly and reliably than we could otherwise have done, and in a very friendly and supportive environment too. GIMA membership offers the opportunity to make great new contacts – not just buyers but other industry retailers and suppliers too. ”
For small to medium sized companies, GIMA is a positive move in the right direction, said Plant Magic Plus Ltd Managing Director Steve Webb: “We wanted to become part of an organisation and what a great organisation to be a member of. Good people to deal with, and some fantastic opportunities to meet like minded folks at organised networking events.”
For most new members the benefits to signing up with the association are obvious. “We chose to become a member of GIMA because of the discounts available for relevant trade shows and the opportunity to attend the meet the buyer events”, said David Johnson, Anglo American Distributors.
For others such as Paul Warner, Head of Marketing, Green Velvet Lawn Seed, joining GIMA is an essential part in building contacts and new product development: “We want to forge relationships with others and gain a wider understanding of the needs of the industry. We aim to shape our products to meet the demands of our customers and consumers, and GIMA gives us an excellent forum to open up this dialogue.”
Overseas businesses continue to look to GIMA as a way in to the UK market, said Gert Johanssen, from Danish supplier CombiPot: “In launching a patented product such as our new PotatoPot, joining GIMA allows us to benefit from the best network for distribution of gardening retail in supermarkets, DIY stores and garden centres.”
Other full members joining during this time included Chervon Europe, DJ Turfcare, LLC Ltd, Wholesale Garden Furniture, Panacea Products Ltd, AFK Garden, Grono Lawns Ltd and Bowland Stone.
Four new associate members bring the overall total to 20, and include Besurance Consultancy Ltd, Merzario and Redhead PR.
Welcoming all new members, GIMA Director, Vicky Nuttall said: “This is great news for us all, especially the members themselves and the industry as a whole. As more companies are recognising the benefits of joining the association, our increased numbers mean we are able to continue to build even further on our range of services and strengthen our position as a leading voice in the UK gardening industry.”
To keep up to date with GIMA news, visit the GIMA website, get in touch with the GIMA office on 01959 565885 or email info@gima.org.uk.
