Our conference is heralded as biggest and best yet

OUR ANNUAL conference at the end of last month (January, 2015) saw a 15% increase in attendees this year and among them a greater number of garden centres.

The event, which took place at the De Vere Carden Park in Chester, was heralded as one of the biggest and best conferences so far in our 49 year history.

Our Chief Executive, Iain Wylie said: “It was a thoroughly brilliant event on all levels with lots of excellent speakers giving salient business advice for the coming year, plenty to celebrate as an industry with the various awards given out and a wonderful opportunity to network with other garden centres and suppliers.

“This year we had more and more bookings from members attending and the main hotel was oversubscribed. Fortunately, we were able to source additional rooms at two nearby hotels to fulfil demand. However, it does show the benefit of booking early! We had more than 90 garden centres represented this year too.

“During the event we welcomed some new members to the association. Pacific Nurseries, Thetford Garden Centre and Thirsk Garden Centres have all joined as full members. Millbrook Staplehurst and Creative Gardens Galgorm Castle became new subsidiary members.  

“We also welcomed some new Associate Members, joining us Ellis Whittam, Ovation, Kärcher, Paroh, Pacific Lifestyle, G J Handy and Hug Rugs.”