THE GARDEN Centre Association (GCA) has launched its Worrall Cup competition this month (November, 2017) that is designed to find the member garden centre with the best marketing expertise.
 
The garden centre with the best marketing campaign or initiative will be awarded the prestigious cup during the GCA’s annual conference in Stratford-upon-Avon from January 21 until 24, 2018.
 
Chief Executive of the GCA, Iain Wylie, said: “This is a wonderful opportunity for members to win a prestigious award, where both flair and commercial success are rewarded.
 
“We’re searching for the garden centre that has developed the most creative marketing campaign in the past 12 months. We want to see creative initiatives that inspire other members to follow suit.
 
“The entries will be judged by an independent panel with marketing expertise. As this award is not influenced by the annual inspection, all entries have an equal chance of winning in January when the judging panel meets to assess the merits of each submission and decide the winner.
 
“If there are any questions relating to the submission of entries, please contact us at the GCA office in the first instance by email via info@gca.org.uk and we’ll be able to help.  
 
“This represents an excellent opportunity for members to showcase their marketing skills to win this significant association award.”
 
Members are asked to submit an entry by completing a short form, which can be downloaded from www.gca.org.uk or requested by email, to the GCA office no later than Monday, January 15, 2018.
 
The submission of supporting material, such as photographs, print examples and web-links is encouraged. An additional sheet of written detail is acceptable along with the entry form, if required. Entries can be sent electronically via info@gca.org.uk or by post to the GCA office.
 
Iain added: “The winner will be announced during our Annual Dinner and Awards Ceremony, which takes place on the evening of Tuesday, January 23.
 
“As always our conference will provide attendees with pertinent information on key aspects of the garden centre industry to assist members in achieving their business goals.
 
“The information shared will focus on a wide range of topics, including merchandising, marketing and management. There will also be plenty of opportunities for delegates to network and socialise.”
 
The GCA represents nearly 200 garden centres nationwide.
 
Through sharing information and its inspection programme the GCA helps members to achieve high standards in customer service, plant quality and reliability.
 
The deadline for Worrall Cup entries is 5pm on January 15, 2018.
 
The GCA’s annual conference will be held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Stratford-upon-Avon. More than 300 delegates are expected to attend the event.
 
For other information, please call 01244 952170, visit www.gca.org.uk, log on to www.facebook.com/pages/GardenCentreAssociation or follow the organisation on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GC_Association.