The Garden Industry Manufacturers’ Association has attracted 11 new members since the beginning of the new year. The increase in numbers comes after a successful end to 2014, which saw over 20 companies join the thriving trade association. 

This influx of new members is set to bolster another busy year for GIMA, with an event calendar packed full of activity including several Day Conferences, the popular charity golf day (June 4), the annual GIMA Awards (July 16) and also several Buyer Connect events throughout the year.

The new members are all UK companies and include outdoor living brand Bramblecrest, hose and tube supplier Copely, rodent trap specialist Pest Stop, UK manufacturers of plastic storage and planters Whitefurze, innovative garden waste solutions company Hot Bin Compost, and high end luxury garden buildings brand Crown Pavilions.  

Hard landscaping product manufacturers Hedge UK, green space campaigners and creators of Moshi Monsters, TCV, well established greenhouse supplier Eden Halls, horticultural requisites supplier Fargro and household name pest control brand Rentokil complete GIMA's roster of new members.

Fargro's key accounts development manager, Kieran Daly, believes joining GIMA is a great method of business development.  Joining GIMA has been an integral part of Fargo’s expansion plans, making the transition from supplying commercial growers to a wider retail audience. "We joined GIMA because we feel it is a fantastic way to promote the Fargro brand and its products into the retail sector, whilst offering the best way to promote our business and bring us closer to existing and potential customers."

Kieran’s comments are echoed by Simon Dixey, Sales and Marketing Manager at Copely, suppliers of UK manufactured hoses. Simon says that joining GIMA is essential to ensure comprehensive promotion of new products.

He said: “We joined GIMA because, as a long-established British based hose manufacturer, we believe it provides some excellent networking and promotional opportunities, at a time when we are launching one of our most exciting garden hose innovations in (RHS) Everflow, which features patented technology unique to Copely Developments that allows the water to flow even when kinked, crushed or tangled.”

Douglas Palarm from the The Conservation Volunteers says their aim is to get more young gardeners interested in looking after their green spaces. "We have joined GIMA as we believe it can provide an excellent opportunity for us to engage with retailers within the gardening sector and raise awareness of our children's range of Moshi Monster products."

Welcoming all new members, GIMA Director, Vicky Nuttall said: “Firstly I’d like to welcome all our new members to GIMA. Their collective knowledge, expertise and varied product ranges are a well addition.

“This recent influx of members is undoubtedly good 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.