The Trade Show hosted 90 suppliers covering core gardening, plants, gifts, Christmas and catering. Key industry personalities from all sectors of the industry were in attendance. Choice announced the winners of their supplier of the year awards with Whartons scooping the Plant supplier accolade and Woodlodge winning the Sundries supplier award.

Michelle de Lavis-Trafford, Choice CEO, extended her thanks to members for their commitment to the Choice ‘Stronger together’ philosophy and for their total support for their suppliers.

Three new members who have joined the group since the last Conference were give a warm and enthusiastic welcome. They are Warbreck Garden Centre Ormskirk, Fron Goch Garden Centre North Wales and Fosseway Garden Centre Cotswolds.

To the delight of members, she announced that supplier rebates for the 2016/17 season are forecast to exceed £1.5million.

Greenfingers held a huge tombola with high quality prizes donated by Choice suppliers. Members, suppliers and even hotel staff and guests all joined in to support this worthy cause. John Ashley, Greenfingers Chairman, announced at the Conference Dinner that the total amount raised was over £1,000.

Pete Goss MBE, sailor, adventurer and international speaker gave the keynote Conference address. His truly inspirational talk included his participation in the

in the 1996/7 Vendee Globe non-stop single-handed round the world yacht race. The race took a dramatic turn resulting in Pete rescuing a French competitor in hurricane force winds for which he was awarded the MBE and Légion d’Honneur.

Garden centres who would like to know more about the benefits of membership of Choice Marketing should contact Michelle de Lavis-Trafford at info@choice-marketing.co.uk www.choice-marketing.co.uk