The Garden Centre Association has revealed the dates and venues for its summer regional award meetings when members find out who has come top in their area annual inspections.

Garden centres are encouraged to attend their area event happening at four locations nationwide and to bring their teams along too.

Peter Burks, CEO at the GCA, explains: “As our annual inspections come to an end, we’re pleased to see very encouraging early feedback. Members are now invited to attend their regional meeting to hear the results in full, as well as to explore best practice and new ideas from our inspectors and celebrate the announcement of this year’s category winners.”

The East region will meet at Scotsdale Garden Centre in Cambridgeshire on Monday, July 13 with inspectors Peter Walker and Mark Pitman.

The South East regional meeting will follow on Tuesday, July 14 at Birdworld at Haskins Forest Lodge in Surrey with inspector Colin Farquahar presenting his findings.

The North, Scotland and Northern Ireland meeting will also take place on Wednesday, July 15 with inspectors PhilMcCann and Mark Pitman at RHS Bridgewater in Greater Manchester.

Members in Midlands, Wales & West will meet on Thursday, July 16 at Gates Woodlands Hinckley with Alyson Haywood as the presiding inspector.

The GCA represents more than 200 garden centres nationwide. Through sharing information and its inspection programme, the GCA helps members to achieve high standards in customer service, plant quality and reliability.

Peter adds: “Many GCA members say that our unique annual inspections and constructive feedback sessions are among the greatest benefits of membership. They are a powerful motivational and management tool, helping teams stay focused, proactive and committed to delivering their very best every day.

“Inspections take place without prior notice and garden centres cannot opt out. This approach ensures members consistently deliver excellent service and continue to raise customer service standards – a fundamental requirement for all GCA garden centres in order to maintain their membership.

“The results of the inspections form the basis for many GCA awards, including Destination Garden Centre of the Year, Garden Centre of the Year, Local Garden Centre of the Year Area Winners, Highly Commended and Most Improved Garden Centre. All centres scoring 75% or above receive the Highly Commended certificate.”

For further information, please visit www.gca.org.uk.