Following the successful return of the annual GIMA Awards in 2021, the garden retail industry is already getting ready for the 2022 edition, with another influential judging panel. With the deadline for entering a new product or marketing initiative for consideration now fast approaching (June 1st), suppliers are urged to get their entry in now to avoid disappointment.
Taking place on Thursday, October 20th at the ever-popular Celtic Manor Resort, the awards will celebrate the latest product innovations and marketing initiatives that have shaped the 2022 season and kept the tills ringing throughout the year.
This year all entries will be judged by a panel of leading industry experts on July 13th at Warwick Racecourse. Confirmed for the 2022 panel are Will Blake, St Peter’s Garden Centre; David Danning, Blue Diamond Group; Kate Eckley, The Old Railway Line; Neil Grant, Ferndale Garden Centre; Sarah Hayden, John Lewis & Partners; Chris Moorhouse, Wickes; Trevor Pfeiffer, Garden Trade News; Victoria Redshaw, Scarlet Opus; Pete Sandhar, eBay; and Nicola Seager, Primrose.
The awards roster remains largely unchanged for the 2022 event. However, judges will now also select an overall Sustainability Award winner based on sustainability champions selected from the 13 product and marketing categories. As always, the Sword of Excellence, GCA Supplier of the Year and Gardenex Export Achievement Awards are all up for grabs. No doubt, last year’s winners, elho, Meadowview Stone, and Wildlife World will all be waiting with bated breath to see if they can make it a two-year winning streak.
Vicky Nuttall, GIMA Director said: “Time is running out for those suppliers who want to enter the 2022 GIMA Awards, so we are urging interested parties to get their entry forms in as soon as possible to avoid missing out.
“Being part of the GIMA Awards, whether as a nominee or winner, holds great kudos and can help brands to stand out in a crowded marketplace. Because of this, we see brands come back year after year to enter their latest innovation in the hopes of bagging one of the coveted awards. We’ve no doubt that the 2022 event will be another strong showcase of the best our industry has to offer and how suppliers have continued to innovate and diversify to meet the ever-changing demands of the consumer. We look forward to seeing what is entered this year and to crowning our winners later in October.”
To enter this year’s GIMA Awards, please visit www.gima.org.uk/gima-awards
Book your place now!
With just short of 500 people in attendance, the 2021 event was a sell-out in record time. GIMA is urging interested parties to secure their tickets for the 2022 event now to avoid disappointment.
Prices for GIMA members: £329 + VAT per person, or £3,099 + VAT for a table of 10, whilst non-member costs are: Non-Members: £399 + VAT per person, or £3,799 + VAT for a table of 10 (all costs include dinner and accommodation).
There are also several sponsorship opportunities available, including award sponsorship, table and drinks sponsors, and marketing support sponsors. To find out more, please contact the GIMA team directly for more information.
Find out more
For further information about GIMA and its wide range of member benefits, please contact the GIMA Press Office on (01959) 564947 or info@gima.org.uk
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About GIMA
The Garden Industry Manufacturer’s Association (GIMA) is a membership organisation of around 150 members representing the majority share of suppliers and manufacturers operating within the UK gardening industry.
Formed in 1999, its goal is to promote the commercial, trading and industrial interests of UK and EU-based companies supplying the UK garden industry.
Run by a small team of dedicated professionals, and governed by a council of members, GIMA is funded by membership subscriptions and services.
The range of services and support provided for members is extensive, offering something for all members, regardless of their size or heritage.