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As more and more new companies launch into the garden retail sector thanks to the boom of gardening, GIMA the leading trade association for garden industry manufacturers, has launched a new Buddy Scheme to provide these brands with a helping hand as they navigate a new marketplace. 

The brainchild of GIMA President, Jenny Douthwaite from Primeur, the GIMA Buddy Scheme calls upon GIMAs 12 council members. Each will take on non-competing garden retail newbies under their wing, working with their buddies to help them understand the garden retail landscape and also advocate for GIMAs many membership benefits. 

Jenny said: "The support of GIMA has been integral to the establishment of Primeur within our market and we have never taken this for granted. My ambition as president has always been influenced by this recognition, and the Buddy Scheme is the perfect embodiment of this. Whether youre an entirely new company or just new to garden retail, the idea is that you can access a font of knowledge, a friendly face and a personal sounding board as you work to carve out a niche for your brand. Its a simple initiative but one that I have no doubt will add real value and hopefully play a part in the growth of some future household names". 

The GIMA Council is currently made up of the following, with each open to working with a variety of non-compete businesses under the Buddy Scheme Jenny Douthwaite, Primeur Kate Ebbens, Capi Europe Mark Butler, Vitax Guy Jenkins, Johnsons Lawn Seed Dan Durston, Durston Garden Products Martin Tompsett, Rollins Group Phil Harrison, The Evergreen Garden Care Company Craig Hall, Deco-Pak Ed Cantle, Gardena David Nicholson, Elho Simon Davison, Zest Outdoor Living, and Chris Ramsden, Hozelock. 

GIMA Director, Vicky Nuttall added: "Our new Buddy Scheme is an exciting prospect, and one that opens up exciting opportunities for our new members. Entering a new marketplace can be a scary and often lonely experience, so we want to offer a friendly face when its needed most. Buddies can ask questions, expand their network or decipher the nuances of our industry through this unofficial mentorship programme. Were already seeing a superb uptake and hope that others will also shortly join in the fun."

Find out more 

Any businesses interested in joining GIMA or wanting to find out more about the Buddy Scheme are invited to contact the GIMA team on (01959) 564947 or HYPERLINK mailtoinfo@gima.org.uk t _blank info@gima.org.uk. Full details regarding GIMAs multiple member benefits can be found at HYPERLINK http//www.gima.org.uk www.gima.org.uk 

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