As the season unfolds, GIMA – the trade association that represents over 170 garden suppliers and manufacturers – has confirmed details of its Day Conference which will focus on those topics that are currently shaping change within the garden retail sector.
Taking place on 14th March at Horticulture House, Chilton, the day will split by two key themes – Market & Retail Outlook, and Sustainability and Your Journey to Net Zero. Experts on both topics will be leading the conversation, offering thought provoking insight and tangible takeaways that delegates can implement within their own businesses.
Adding additional value to the day, GIMA has confirmed that the Glee team will also provide an update on the plans for the 2024 edition of the exhibition. A special GIMA member panel debate will conclude the day, with many of the day’s topics up for further discussion. Interested parties are invited to register now to join the panel.
Vicky Nuttall, GIMA Director said: “Our Day Conference aims to offer all attendees access to the bigger picture. From addressing the current scope of the garden retail sector and demystifying important business support services, to continuing the conversation on the sector’s sustainability journey, the day will pack a lot in. What’s more, it’s a great opportunity to network with colleagues and the wider membership to open new dialogue and share insight as the season progresses.
THE GIMA Day Conference:
Market & Retail Outlook
- Dave Denny, Director of Research and Insights at the HTA will share insight into the organisation’s latest data relating to the growth and development of the garden retail sector. He will also identify some predictions for its future.
- Mark Whiteley, Director at Xenia, credit insurance brokers and GIMA associate member, will be joined by a colleague from Atradius, global provider of trade credit insurance. Together they give members an insight into the current financial state of the market, with a special focus on the retail environment.
- RT7 Digital’s Jack Cooper will lead a session entitled "The numbers don’t lie: E-commerce as a sales channel cannot be ignored”. As part of the full-service Amazon marketing agency, Jack will dive deeper into the world of gardening E-commerce and will highlight some exclusive stats from Amazon.
Sustainability and Your Journey to Net Zero
- Mike Burks, Managing Director of The Gardens Group will be providing insight into how he runs multiple garden centres with environmental and sustainability principles firmly at the heart of the business. In doing so, Mike is expected to set out some challenges for suppliers.
- Ben Duckworth of Greenarc, clean energy experts, will lead delegates on a journey to net zero with a session entitled “Cultivating Change: Reducing Your Businesses Carbon Impact Through the Development of a Rigorous and Bespoke Plan.”
Any businesses interested in joining GIMA are invited to contact the GIMA team on (01959) 564947 or info@gima.org.uk; www.gima.org.uk
