Vicky Nuttall, head of marketing at Forest Garden, was voted in as president of the Garden Industry Manufactures Association (GIMA) at this week’s AGM, attended by more than 60 members.

Steve Millington, sales director at Bosmere Products, is the new vice president and Richard Pyrah from Kelkay has taken on the role of honorary secretary. Andy Simmons of Pest Stop Products continues as honorary treasurer.

Six new council members were elected: Alan Sheppard (Burgon & Ball), Tara Truman (William Sinclair), Colin Wetherley-Mein (VITAX), Chris Holloway (Town & Country), Rebecca Fairbairn (Westland) and David Carey (Mr. Fothergill’s Seed).

The new president said GIMA would be also be adding Meet the Buyer days to their calendar of events this year. GIMA would ensure that the supplier’s voice continued to be heard on issues affecting the industry through lobbying and working closely with other trade associations.

Membership fees were frozen for the fifth successive year, and a break-even financial position is budgeted for the current operating year, including the successful relocation of the office facilities to the Gardenex federation in Kent.

Membership of GIMA is open to all manufacturers and suppliers of retail garden products who have a UK or European base.