Summit meeting of garden industry to 'safeguard' future of Glee
Leading figures in the garden industry have agreed to attend a summit meeting in London in an attempt to safeguard the future of Glee and other garden industry trade shows.
The meeting on Tuesday has been organised by GIMA and as GTN Xtra went to press it's understood that GIMA, GCA, HTA, LOFA, GA (Giftware Association), Gardenex, OATA and PCTA (Pet Care Trust)– will all be represented.
"It just underlines the importance of Glee to the industry that so many trade associations, who have perhaps not been the best at all pulling together over recent years, will give their time to come to this meeting to put forward and discuss the views of their members," said Nigel Thomson, GIMA President and Sales Director at Stewart Garden.
"We are really pleased at the response, and to have garden and leisure products, gifts, DIY, housewares, pet and aquatic products and export trade associations represented.”
At this year's Glee, GIMA members occupied almost 10% more space than they did in 2011.
And the importance of the event brought this response from GCA chairman Peter Burks: "We believe Glee is an integral event for serious garden centres and suppliers."
He added: "The show has a very specific place in the industry. While it may not focus on plants as much as it did in the past, it is excellent for gardening goods.
"Not only is Glee agreat show for meeting suppliers and finding out about the latest products on the market, it is also an invaluable opportunity for networking.”
Early feedback from attendees at this year's event is mainly positive with one exhibitor describing the show as “perhaps one of the few positives in what has been the most challenging year I have known in over 30 years in garden centre retailing.”
And Steve Millington, Sales Director from Bosmere, said: “As a company we have been coming to Glee for many years, and for taking orders this is one of the best ever."
But GIMA Director Neil Gow issued this warning: "The future success of Glee requires the whole industry – suppliers and retailers – to look forward, not just to next year but for a number of years to come and make its mind up as to what it wants from trade shows.
"Of course 2012 has been a difficult year for the whole industry but the vocal handful of gloom merchants must not be allowed to influence the future of the sector, especially the independent traders who Glee is now really focused towards."
Although no trade show organisers will be present at the meeting on Tuesday, Richard Baker, Group Operating Director for i2i Events and responsible for Glee, said: “As exhibition organisers we really value the close working relationship we have with GIMA and the other trade associations in the garden and outdoor living sector.
"By listening and acting upon relevant market feedback, Glee continues to evolve to ensure it is always 100% relevant to the very sector it targets. We have always taken the view that we need the industry to be active stakeholders in the show and decide what they want to achieve from their trade event, knowing that we are best placed to help deliver it.
"In recent years, we have seen the passion that so many people in the industry feel. Now what is needed is this passion being harnessed with the industry all pulling together. It will make it a stronger, better industry and one that with a coming together of views will be well placed to take on the challenges of the next 30 years."
GIMA are encouraging everybody in the garden sector to complete their Glee questionnaire over the next few days – it is available on line via the GIMA website www.gima.org.uk
Alternatively, GIMA Director Neil Gow asks industry members to email any points of views, opinions and ideas direct to him at neilgow@gima.org.uk
