As Glee celebrates 50 years, members of the industry and GTN readers over the past four months have been nominating their suggestions for Glee's 50 Year Hero's.  Now, the nomination lists are closed and open for voting by GTN and Glee Daily News readers until midnight on Tuesday 3rd September 2024 with the results being announced at 5:00pm on The Stage at Glee on Tuesday 10th September, just before the Glee New Product Awards.

• Most Influential Person of the past 50 years, vote here
• The Character of Glee's 50 years, vote here
• Hero Product of the past 50 years, vote here
• Hero Plant of the past 50 years, vote here

The nominations are, in alphabetical order:

Most Influential Person of the past 50 years

• John Ashley - one of the sales and marketing brains behind the launch of Miracle Gro in the UK
• Edward Conroy – responsible for the launch and growth of Westland Horticulture
• Brian Evans – former Chairman of Wyevale Garden Centres who engineered the massive expansion of Wyevale Garden Centres to become the largest garden centre group in the 90's
• Warren Haskins – founder of Haskins Garden Centres and Hobbycraft, past HTA and GCA Chair
• Nigel Long - took the multi-faceted Longacres business to the top of the turnover charts, inspiring many others and earning plaudits from suppliers.
• Nicholas Marshall – headed up Wyevale, Country Homes and Gardens, The Garden Centre Group and Dobbies
• Paris Natar – famed for the growth of Gardman and now Smart Garden Products
• Caroline Owen – owner of Scotsdales Garden Centres, past HTA Chair
• John Ravenscroft – developed Bridgemere Garden Centre into a leading centre and plant supplier
• Alan Roper – developed Blue Diamond into the biggest garden centre group by turnover
• Norman Sellers – created Wildlife World and developed the wildlife care market
• Glen Sheldrake - former ops director of upmarket Burford GC before taking MD job at the equally distinctive Yarnton Garden & Home, both innovative ventures
• John Stanley – world-wide Garden Centre consultant
• Guy Topping – took garden centre retailing to a new level at Barton Grange, past GCA Chair

The Character of Glee's 50 years

• Sue Allen – Millbrook Garden Centres, Greenfingers Charity Chair, past GCA Chair
• Derek Bunker – Alton Garden Centre, a Glee perennial.  What jacket will Derek be wearing this year?
• Nick Davies – now Westland, previously Solus, once voted most popular man at Glee by GTN readers
• Michelle de Lavis-Trafford – first worked at Glee as marketing assistant, now head of Choice Marketing Group
• Boyd Douglas-Davies – first attended Glee as a schoolboy with his father, past HTA Chair, Webbs, Hillview and British Garden Centres
• Jackie Eades – ever present at Glee since forming Briers, now at Mulch/Centurion
• Simon Fox - first exhibited at Glee in 1979 and every year since including a stand this year 2024. 45 years continuous exhibiting – possibly the longest running?
• Anthony Harker – started going to Glee as Tong Garden Centre then set up Kelkay, now driving Altico forward
• Stuart Kitchen – appears in all Glee Daily News issues and GTN Glee Preview issues, has worked at every Glee across the 50-year history
• George Mold – famous for Contico personalised sprayers and his wife’s fruit cake!
• Nick Page – brought glamour to Glee with dramatic ad visuals for Town & Country
• Nigel Poyner – has chalked up more than 43 annual attendances at GLEE since his first show at just 19 years of age
• Peter Seabrook – always made the most of Glee to inform his readers in The Sun about new products and new plants
• Geoff Wooldridge – founder of Woodlodge

Hero Product of the past 50 years

• Drip Feeders
• Garden Solar Lights
• Gardman Wild Bird Care
• Harmony Gardens MP Compost
• Hozelock Connector System
• Kelkay bagged aggregates and POS
• Lotus Pebble Pool
• Miracle Gro
• Slug Gone – Wool slug pellets
• The first Gro-Bag launched by Fisons
• VegTrug
• Wildlife World Solitary Bee Hotel
• Wood Pellet BBQ grills

Hero Plant of the past 50 years

• Astrantia
• Choisya 'Sundance'
• Hebes
• Hydrangeas
• Kinder Plants
• Pre-Packed Flower bulbs
• Scabious Butterfly Blue
• Spirea Walbertons Magic Carpet
• Surfinia Petunias

• Most Influential Person of the past 50 years, vote here
• The Character of Glee's 50 years, vote here
• Hero Product of the past 50 years, vote here
• Hero Plant of the past 50 years, vote here

Voting closes at midnight on Tuesday 3rd September and the results will be announced at Glee 2024, on The Stage at 5:00pm, Tuesday 10^th September.

Glee takes place at the NEC in Birmingham, Tuesday 10th to Thursday 12th September 2024.  www.gleebirmingham.com 

As the Glee exhibition gets set to celebrate half a century at the heart of the garden retail sector, the organising team is looking for your input. In the past 50 years, Glee has seen thousands of exhibitors and visitors pass through its doors, with hundreds of thousands of new products launched since the show’s humble beginnings in 1974. To celebrate the newness and passion that have shaped Glee and the broader garden centre market during this time, the hunt is now on to find the people and product that have driven the most change over the past five decades.

Whether advocating for sustainability or using their influence to increase the reach of horticulture, many diverse people have left their mark on the world of garden retail. They might be suppliers, retailers, industry pundits, or those who have undertaken roles across the full spectrum. Whatever their role, all of them have been integral to Glee's growth, and their work has helped maintain gardening as one of the nation's best-loved pastimes.

Or perhaps the best memories of Glee involve a larger-than-life character. This person may play a starring role in Glee’s memoirs, providing endless smiles, friendly advice and happy recollections from those that knew them pacing the aisles of shows gone by.

Like the people who create them, gardening products have also generated pivotal moments of change. From finally tackling an age-old problem, formulating an innovative bestseller opportunity, opening a meaningful dialogue about gardening's impact on the planet, or simply using technology to make gardening more accessible for the modern consumer, there have been many hero products over the past half century.

Now is the time for Glee's audience to vote for their own heroes and celebrate the people and product they think have had the most impact on Glee's future and that of the garden retail sector.

Matthew Mein, Event Director at Glee, said: "The gardening world has changed so much from the early 70s, with each decade ringing in exciting new trends and innovation. Throughout all of this, Glee has maintained a constant presence, year-after-year providing a place where the garden retail sector can come together to inspire, network and educate. Now, we want to celebrate those who have left a mark in a fun and reflective look back on Glee's half-century. We're excited to see the nominations, find out the eventual winners, and are prepared for a tidal wave of nostalgia and questionable haircuts!"

How to vote:

Working in partnership with Glee's media partner, Garden Trade News, voting starts on Tuesday 20th August via GTN Xtra and Glee Daily News and closes at midnight on Tuesday 3rd September 2024.

• Most Influential Person of the past 50 years, vote here
• The Character of Glee's 50 years, vote here
• Hero Product of the past 50 years, vote here
• Hero Plant of the past 50 years, vote here

Glee connects the garden industry to inspire change, drive growth, and promote innovation. To find out more or to register your interest in exhibiting, please visit www.gleebirmingham.com or call +44 (0)203 3545 9752.

Vote here

Left to right, top to bottom:

John Ashley, Edward Conroy, Brian Evans, Warren Haskins, Nigel Long, Nicholas Marshall, Paris Natar, Caroline Owen, John Ravenscroft, Alan Roper, Norman Sellers, Glen Sheldrake, John Stanley, Guy Topping.

Vote Here

Voting closes at midnight on Tuesday 3rd September and the results will be announced at Glee 2024, on The Stage at 5:00pm, Tuesday 10^th September.

Glee takes place at the NEC in Birmingham, Tuesday 10th to Thursday 12th September 2024.  www.gleebirmingham.com 

Vote here

Left to right, top to bottom: 

Sue Allen, Derek Bunker, Nick Davies, Michelle de Lavis-Trafford, Boyd Douglas-Davies, Jackie Eades, Simon Fox, Anthony Harker, Stuart Kitchen, Nigel Poyner, Peter Seabrook, Geoff Wooldridge.

Also nominated: George Mold, Nick Page

Vote here

Voting closes at midnight on Tuesday 3rd September and the results will be announced at Glee 2024, on The Stage at 5:00pm, Tuesday 10^th September.

Glee takes place at the NEC in Birmingham, Tuesday 10th to Thursday 12th September 2024.  www.gleebirmingham.com 

Vote Here

Left to right, top to bottom: 

Drip Feeders, Garden Solar Lights, Gardman Wild Bird Care, Harmony Gardens MP Compost, Hozelock Connector System, Kelkay bagged aggregates and POS, Lotus Pebble Pool, Miracle Gro, Slug Gone – Wool slug pellets, The first Gro-Bag launched by Fisons, VegTrug, Wildlife World Solitary Bee Hotel, Wood Pellet BBQ grills.

Vote Here

Voting closes at midnight on Tuesday 3rd September and the results will be announced at Glee 2024, on The Stage at 5:00pm, Tuesday 10^th September.

Glee takes place at the NEC in Birmingham, Tuesday 10th to Thursday 12th September 2024.  www.gleebirmingham.com 

Vote here

Left to right, top to bottom: 

Astrantia, Choisya 'Sundance', Hebes, Hydrangeas, Kinder Plants, Pre-Packed Flower bulbs, Scabious Butterfly Blue, Spirea Walbertons Magic Carpet, Surfinia Petunias

Vote here

Voting closes at midnight on Tuesday 3rd September and the results will be announced at Glee 2024, on The Stage at 5:00pm, Tuesday 10^th September.

Glee takes place at the NEC in Birmingham, Tuesday 10th to Thursday 12th September 2024.  www.gleebirmingham.com 

The garden retail industry’s most anticipated event, Glee, is poised to mark a monumental milestone as it celebrates its 50th anniversary at NEC Birmingham on 10-12 September.  

However, this year, Glee not only celebrates half a century at the pinnacle of garden retail but also ushers in a new era with its return to a September dateline, based on comprehensive industry feedback.

Glee’s Evolution: A response to industry needs

Glee has long been a beacon for the garden retail sector, fostering growth and innovation. This year’s shift to a September date is a direct response to extensive consultations with industry stakeholders, ranging from independent retailers to large-scale suppliers. The feedback highlighted the need for a timing that aligns more closely with the industry’s evolving buying cycles and seasonal preparations. In a year where the season started later than ever the move has been celebrated across the board, as it means the key trade show is ideally positioned as the season draws to a close, and thoughts turn to the year ahead.

Matthew Mein, Glee’s Event Director, emphasised the importance of staying in tune with the industry’s pulse. “Our industry is constantly evolving, and Glee plays a crucial role in shaping the future of garden retail. By engaging with our community and understanding their needs, we can ensure that Glee continues to support our stakeholders effectively by providing a platform for growth, celebrating innovation and bringing the market together when it is needed most.

“This year, in particular, the new September dateline is more valuable than ever, as the season has taken longer than usual to start. With Glee running in autumn, buyers will be armed with a more in-depth knowledge of their needs for the 2025 season, primed to place orders and seek the innovation that will differentiate and enhance their offering in the year ahead.”

Innovative features and unmissable experiences

Glee 2024 promises to be an exceptional event, featuring eight carefully curated product sectors that showcase the best in garden care, outdoor entertaining, landscaping, and more. As always, the exhibition will also highlight the latest trends and innovations, providing a platform for an expected 400 brands, from well-known names to rising stars. The exhibitor list will be heaving with new brands, with almost 180 earmarked to make their debut at Glee 2024, with many of them exhibiting exclusively at the show. With so much newness under one roof, garden buyers have the perfect excuse to make a beeline for the Glee once the doors open on 10th September!

Key features of Glee 2024 include:

• New Product Showcase: Discover groundbreaking products that set the stage for future trends. Find it in it in a new home within the central hub, located between Halls 8 and 9.
• Talent Store: Launched in 2023, this design and inspiration hub discovers emerging talents and creative solutions in garden retail. Make sure you visit this dedicated area to vote for the fresh new talent within product merchandising.
• The Stage: Look out for a complete programme of content, all of which is designed to tackle burning issues and open the floor to the wider industry to discuss how the garden retail sector is set for future growth.
• Fire, Grill & Chill: This dynamic area is dedicated to outdoor entertaining, complete with live demonstrations and interactive experiences. A central hub for networking, this is the place to grab tasty, freshly cooked food whilst experiencing some of the outdoor cooking products on offer from exhibitors across the show.
• Green Heart: Celebrating plants and the central role they play in garden retail, this area will be thriving with a variety of plant displays and talks. Newly located within the main body for the show in Hall 10, Green Heart will also benefit from a new café area and will be home to Future Plants, an exciting display of the latest and most innovative plant breeding from UK and international growers.
• Join the celebrations

As the industry buzz for Glee’s latest development takes hold, Matthew Mein added: “We are now better placed than ever to invest in the show’s future. Whether it’s tackling those topics that are effecting change, building a platform for growth or providing a voice for the industry, we have a renewed long-term vision for Glee and look forward to bringing to market new content to support the continued advancement of garden retail.”

Be part of Glee 2024

Whether you’re a seasoned attendee or a first-time visitor, Glee 2024 offers endless opportunities to connect, learn, and grow. Don’t miss out on the chance to be part of the garden retail community’s most significant event of the year. Register today and join the industry in celebrating 50 years of excellence in garden retail at the NEC Birmingham.

To find out more please visit www.gleebirmingham.com or call +44 (0)203 3545 9752.

Online registration for Glee is live, enabling buyers and retailers to get online and book their free ticket for the UK’s leading garden retail exhibition.

To register for Glee 2024, simply visit https://www.gleebirmingham.com/visitor-registration and confirm your attendance at the show.

Glee has announced the rebranding of the Glee Innovators Zone to Glee Firsts. Since its inception in 2009, the Innovators Zone has been an essential part of Glee, dedicated to showcasing fresh talent, groundbreaking ideas, and the latest innovations in garden retail.

The newly named Glee Firsts will continue to uphold its original mission of celebrating and providing opportunities for entrepreneurs, inventors, and grassroots product developers. This vibrant area of Glee will once again host dozens of suppliers making their debut at the show, many of whom bring innovative ideas, prototypes, and a strong desire to break into the garden retail sector.

Glee Firsts will also be the home of the annual winners of the GIMA Innovators Seed Corn Fund. Previous winners of this prestigious award include Germie, Natural Grower, VivaGreen (MossOff), Pot-Mate™, and Green Digit (Grow So Simple), all of whom have significantly impacted the industry with their pioneering products.

Matthew Mein, Glee Event Director, commented on the rebranding: “For the last 15 years, the Innovators Zone has been a must-attend part of Glee. Recognising that the exhibitor roster has developed to include more established companies making their debut at Glee and, by extension, to the garden retail sector, we wanted to rebrand the area to better reflect this evolution. Under its new name, ‘Glee Firsts,’ visitors to the show will have a much clearer understanding of what to expect from this area and how time spent here can help forge exciting new supply partnerships. It also provides access to products not yet seen within garden centres – a proposition that will certainly appeal to retailers looking to curate unique and fully personalised stock profiles.”

As Glee celebrates its golden anniversary, Glee Firsts is set to be a highlight of the event, promising to deliver innovation, inspiration, and new business opportunities for all attendees. Don’t miss the chance to discover the future of garden retail at Glee Firsts.

Register now for Glee 2024!

Registration for Glee 2024 is now open, with a number of exciting registration incentives sett to launch soon. To find out more, and to secure your free ticket to the 50th edition of Glee please visit www.gleebirmingham.com/visitor-registration

"It makes people smile, people like my shirts.  It's because they are floral shirts that makes them smile, and that's the wonderful thing about gardening, it makes people happy..."

Listen here: https://theunderground.fm/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Glee-Trevor-Pfeiffer-web.mp3

Altico continues to demonstrate its strength as a competitive Landscape product partner, with a ‘different’ approach that is proving to yield them and their customers sales increases of up to 35%.

In a market landscape that has been fraught with uncertainties this season, including economic fluctuations and supply chain disruptions, Altico is thriving and demonstrating robust year on year growth of 35% as well as rapidly expanding its market presence. 

And as the business grows at a healthy pace, so do their customers’ sales, with many Garden Centres who have switched to Altico Decorative Aggregates also seeing annual increases of up to 35%.

The Altico Difference…

The company is on a mission to redefine industry standards and to elevate customer experiences. At the core, is a continued commitment to uphold their high service levels and 98% minimum stock availability standards, which have driven much of Altico’s success to date. 

In 2022, the business made a significant investment in a state of the art washing plant at their Head Office site, offering unprecedented efficiency and quality across a vast range of Decorative Aggregate lines. Two seasons later, this is setting a gold standard for Aggregate washing and proving to generate like for like sales increases for its retail customers.  

Further demonstrating their commitment to product excellence, Altico’s Earth & Green range of specialist Horticultural Grits & Sands has become a UK best seller and created loyalty with shoppers due to its exceptional quality.  The Altico Rockery range in turn is being favoured by customers as ‘best in class’, representing great value for money.  

And, the Altico management team is harnessing decades of specific Garden and Landscape product experience to further support customer growth - creating balanced, highly competitive ranges that drive continuous volume. 

Speaking of their principles, Commercial Director Richard Pyrah said: “At the heart of our business is a deep understanding of our customers. We take pride in our ability to see things from their perspective, allowing us to tailor our offer to suit their evolving needs. Whilst product innovation will always be a key part of our strategy, we also know what sells. 

"Getting behind the best Decorative Aggregate lines with a attention to detail on quality, value for money and offering flexible retail pricing is what maximises customer returns.

"The results from our washing plant really are exceptional and the difference its made to retail sales just echoes its worth. 

"We’ve had a fantastic season and we are very much looking forward to another exciting Glee. We’ve got plenty of new opportunities to showcase and can’t wait to get in front of customers - present and hopefully new!” 

Meadow View Stone invites customers to join us at our 2024 Glee stand (8F50-7A51), where innovation meets expertise. 

Discover our latest ranges, products, and merchandising concepts, proven to deliver significant sales and profitability increases. Engage with our knowledgeable team who continue to innovate, invest, and improve on our product quality and customer satisfaction. Finally, explore our ongoing commitment to sustainability and the minimisation of our carbon footprint. 

Join us for informative market-leading insight, as you further explore our 2025 season launch...

New products 

Encounter our enhanced decorative aggregate collection, boasting two new chippings, new rockery, and improved aggregate blends. 

New ranges

Seek out our new ranges, varying from exclusive porcelain stepping stones, horticultural handy packs, and sleek steel edging. 

Innovative POS

Enquire about our implementation of digital technology that visualises products in real-life-environments, communicating our recognition for stockists to be ahead of trends.

Commitment to Sustainability

Explore our dedication towards sustainability and our newly formed partnership with PlanetMark. 

For further information of our range of award-winning products visit www.meadowviewstone.co.uk

We look forward to welcoming you for a drink and sharing our expertise. 

Westland Horticulture, home to a diverse portfolio of brands including Boost, Resolva, Kent & Stowe, Peckish, and Unwins, is gearing up for this year’s 50th anniversary Glee trade show. 

Visit Westland at stand 7C80-E81 and discover our latest product innovations, exciting merchandising solutions, and new marketing campaigns that are all set to make 2025 a record year in our industry. 

Westland has been at the forefront of innovation and performance for over 30 years, and we pride ourselves on meeting the needs of every gardener, from those with large landscape gardens to those with a collection of houseplants, our product range helps everyone to achieve their best.

This year, we’ll be unveiling unparalleled opportunities for our customers, with unique ways to drive in-store conversions, encourage repeat visitors, and create excitement in the marketplace with a variety of high-quality new innovations. 

Our team of experts will be on hand to provide insights and advice on how to optimise your product range, enhance your merchandising strategies, and ultimately boost your bottom line. 

Don't miss this opportunity to connect with Westland Horticulture, we look forward to welcoming you:

Stand: 7C80-E81

Website: www.gardenhealth.com

GTN September 2024 - In this Bumper Glee Preview issue: Westland Glee Preview Special, Successful integration at AMES, GTN interviews CEO Paul North UK, GCA Regional Results, winners from the 2024 inspections, Derian House, a new Greenfingers Children’s Hospice Sensory garden, GTN’s Glee 2024 Show preview starts here, Glee floor plan and exhibitor list, What’s on in the Glee sectors, Glee Exhibitor News – Latest products and services, Fandango Fire Tools at Glee, Under one roof at The AMES Companies UK, Floral Thursday FUNdraising at Glee, Eyes on the gift-wrapping market with Woodmansterne, Tildenet – a partner of choice, Landmark year for Hozelock, For that perfect lawn – Johnsons Lawn Seed, GTN Planteria - Floral Fantasia and Mr Fothergill’s trials, GTN Planteria – Ball helps retailers sell more plants, Join the Vitavia family, PATS 2024, LOFA Viewpoint – SOLEX 2024 a resounding success, New lines from Museums & Galleries, HTA Viewpoint – For a stronger future, GIMA Viewpoint – See you in person soon.

Woodmansterne are busy preparing for what’s set to be another fantastic Glee, where they’ll be exhibiting collections from their newly launched Gift Packaging category, as well as showcasing their usual range of beautiful greeting cards.

To commemorate the launch of this very exciting new category, their stand will be decorated with Emma Bridgewater’s iconic ‘Roses’ design, where they welcome you to join them for a glass of pink prosecco and floral-inspired treats.

Alongside their new Gift Packaging collections, you can also explore a carefully curated range of the best new products, which features Greenfingers Charity, The National Trust, Emma Bridgewater and Quentin Blake, as well as over 20 of the UK’s best publishers as part of their W-Select Category Management Programme.

As a prospering third-generation, family-run business, Woodmansterne value the environment and are passionate about protecting it to allow future generations to prosper too. They are committed to using sustainable materials and practices where possible, and continually inspire new ways to improve their environmental impact.

• Their Gift Packaging Collection is made from the highest-quality, sustainably-sourced materials and every item in the collection is made entirely from paper, making them 100% fully recyclable – a first in the UK.
• They have eliminated all plastic packaging from their product across both retail and shipment of goods to store
• They pride themselves on maintaining the majority of their products through UK manufacturing and supply - working only with European and Far East suppliers who adhere to both environmental and ethical standards

Join them for a coffee and a chat in Hall 7, stand B50-C51, and explore their award-winning offer!

Call: 01923 200600

Email: hello@woodmansterne.co.uk

Visit: www.woodmansterne.co.uk

Evergreen Garden Care is making industry-leading changes whilst focussing on the needs of its customers and consumers, exhibited in its move to 100% peat-free, and calls to make the RSS legislation.

This Glee, Evergreen Garden Care will present the latest developments in its peat free journey, and will also be offering insight into its refreshed, market leading lawncare offering.

Evergreen Garden Care will be exhibiting at Glee and looking forward to welcoming all its customers and visitors. 

For more inspiration, please visit www.lovethegarden.com. 

For more product information, please visit https://evergreentrade.co.uk/  

If you attended Spring Fair earlier this year you may have recognised a familiar face in Hall 8, though the product on display may have surprised you. Well known amongst garden retailers for its recycled rubber garden landscaping products amongst, now is the time to introduce Primeur’s alter ego – Mighty Mats. 

With sales exceeding six million units annually and 55 years of heritage in the market, Primeur’s doormat story is well established, but now it is time to make garden centres part of its next chapter. With autumn on the horizon, and wet weather expected to provide the backdrop for the next six months, there has never been a better time for garden retailers to view the Mighty Mats offering. From core, volume-selling doormat ranges, including washable and ‘barrier’ designs, to the designer Rubber and Coir collection, plus boot trays, the Scrape N Sorb brand, all-new sustainable solutions and an exciting, licenced collection that opens up new gifting opportunities, there is a Mighty Mats for every home and garden retailer.

Jenny Douthwaite, Managing Director at Primeur, said: “The feedback from buyers at Spring Fair has been invaluable in helping us to tweak our offering so that we’re coming to market with a range of products that truly hit the mark. What’s more, we’ve taken steps to ensure that we have a fully stocked UK warehouse, so that we’re able to respond quickly as the wet weather unfolds, including delivery into store within as little as two days.

“We firmly believe in the Mighty Mats offering.  Our extensive work behind the scenes has purposefully elevated mats from a necessity to something of beauty. Not only this but we know we’re bringing market something different and are taking a category that was once seen as purely utilitarian and making it creative yet functional, hugely giftable and a proven seller during those traditionally quieter months within garden retail.”

Proven Primeur sales tools

For retailers seeking integrated merchandise solutions that can help them create engaging in store displays, Primeur’s proven point of sale is the ideal solution. Mighty Mats benefits from ‘plug and play’ display options, plus tailored stock profiles help retailers to target specific consumer demographics. In addition, Primeur’s ethical credentials and commitment to responsible sourcing and manufacturing can be seen throughout the Mighty Mats® portfolio,  

Finally, it has been confirmed that Mighty Mats can be cross-category ordered with Primeur’s renowned sustainable garden ranges that include Tierra Verde Planters, EZ Border garden borders and EcoWay Recycled Rubber stepping-stones, with a MOQ of just £500.

Don’t miss at Glee 2024

To find out more about how Mighty Mats can keep your tills ringing this winter and beyond, please join the team at Glee 2024 in Hall 8, stand D40-E41. Retailers are also invited to visit  www.primeur.co.uk or call (01274) 518800 for more information.

The best of home, gift and clothing suppliers are gearing up to join the Glee community at the NEC, Birmingham. Many companies exhibiting under the Home, Gift & Clothing banner are exclusive to Glee this season, ranging in size from artisan British producers to some of the biggest suppliers in the business and nationwide buying groups.

With the garden industry performing better than most retail sectors and consumers still striving to merge their indoor and outdoor spaces, there has never been a better time for home and gift retailers to gain market insight at Glee, where they’ll discover a lot more than fertiliser and seeds! State of the art garden solutions will share exhibition space with fantastic gift ideas that will delight the millions of amateur gardeners who live in our green and pleasant land. Outdoor clothing and greetings cards, toys, home fragrances and lighting will all be there on the show floor, alongside decorative accessories for Christmas and spring seasons.

Commenting on the importance of gifting in garden centres, especially at Christmas, GCA CEO, Peter Burks, says: “Giftware is fairly steady throughout the year, with a 20% rise above the average in March/April due to Mother’s Day and Easter but then 40% of the total years sales are done in Oct-Dec, with December being well over double the monthly average. These non-gardening categories are seen as very important to our members as a way of getting both the weather impact and the seasonality of gardening reduced”.

Home, Gift & Clothing at Glee

Returning to Glee in 2024 is Cardgains (Stand 9C85), the national buying group for independent retailers selling cards, gifts and associated products, and a very familiar name to the home and gift retail community, for whom it’s been central to the independent trade for 35 years. This underscores the ever-growing importance of garden centres to the UK’s world-leading greetings card trade.

Cardgains MD, Penny Shaw, commented: “At Cardgains, amongst many other card and gift selling retailers, we support quite a few independent garden centre members and will be looking forward to seeing them at Glee.  We also hope to get to know many more garden centre people at the show. We know that Glee is a great show for both retailers to visit and suppliers to exhibit at, so we’re hoping to engage with those already associated with Cardgains and those who want to find out how we can work together. I will be on the stand at the show with our Financial Director Helen McManus and our Sales Manager, Charles Dyson.  We’re excited to welcome everyone to the Cardgains stand in Hall 9, stand C85

As well as being represented by Cardgains, Woodmansterne, Noel Tatt and UK Greetings will have their own stands at Glee, offering a golden opportunity for retailers to view their extensive new collections in a major exhibition setting. They are joined by the master of humorous greetings cards, Emotional Rescue, whilst major stationery brand, Robert Frederick, will bring an exceptional collection of licensed paper products and gifts to the powerful Glee audience.

Matthew Mein, Glee Event Director, commented: “As the GCA trade barometer consistently demonstrates, home, gift, clothing and related product categories are of great importance to an increasing number of garden centres, which especially rely on the Christmas gift trade and typically inspire buying with fantastic in-store displays. The presence at Glee of major industry suppliers from non-horticultural sectors is further indication that gift shops in garden centres are very much here to stay. With so many exceptional brands and products to source from, the 50th anniversary of Glee is a must-attend show for both garden centres and high street gift shops who want to find something new and exciting ahead for the Golden Quarter of the year when the bulk of profits are made. We are looking forward to welcoming many of them to the show in September!”

Preview the Exhibitors: New & exclusive to Glee

Visitors to Glee’s dedicated Home, Gift & Clothing sector this September will be treated to a wealth of established brands and new names, including the likes of Creative Products, UK Greetings, Rouchette, Woodmansterne, Blade & Rose, Tilnar Art, Seedball, Freckleface, Biohort and Turtle Mat. Here we shine a light on those brands that are not only new but exclusive to Glee, meaning you won’t find them at any other UK trade show this year.

Annie Bennett Jewellery: Stand 9A70

Annie is a Bristol-based jeweller whose jewellery is made entirely from recycled silver giftware, silver jewellery and silver electronics. Packaging is also recycled and recyclable, meaning that every part of the making and packaging process is eco-friendly and sustainable. Annie’s designs are inspired by geometric shapes found in nature as well as by abstract art.

By Jo Crafts: Stand 9E62-D63

By Jo Crafts is a small business run by two ladies who enjoy bringing colour and beauty into people’s homes, whether that’s with coasters, hessian bags, scarves or Christmas decorations, we have amazing products with vibrant designs to suit every home, every room, and every season. Jo comes from a family of artists with her background in teaching Art & Textiles, whilst Gem’s experience of working in the corporate world brings organisational skills and business acumen to drive the business forward. The result is that By Jo Crafts is a multi-award winning company with products sold across the globe. Jo & Gem are both mothers and wives who love spending time with their families.

Candle Academy (Wacky Wax): Stand 9C83

Wacky Wax is all about spreading joy, one hand-dipped candle at a time. Their vibrant and whimsical taper candles are designed to add a touch of personality and colour to any space, whether it’s a cosy living room or a special occasion dinner.

Emotional Rescue: Stand 6A67

Emotional Rescue has the largest, award-winning humour portfolio in the greetings card industry, across Birthday/Blank, Relations, Occasions, Age, Spring Seasons and Christmas. The award-winning publisher is constantly updating existing ranges, so they are packed-full of contemporary and topical material, as well as working hard to introduce new ranges to the market.

Häago: Stand 9D70

At Häago, the journey began with a simple mission to create eco-friendly solutions for outdoor enthusiasts, whatever activity they’re doing. Today the company is proud to be a leader in the eco-friendly product industry, providing an extensive range of retailers, television production studios, garden centres and individuals with high-quality warmers and tableware that are both effective and environmentally conscious.  Dedication to sustainability remains at the core of everything they do, and they are constantly working to find new ways to reduce our environmental impact and promote positive change while making the great-outdoors just that little bit more comfortable.

Invisible Creations: Stand 9E80

Invisible Creations specialises in the design of stylish and accessible products for the home and garden. The attractive designs offer the safety and support of traditional grab rails while seamlessly blending into the surroundings, avoiding the institutional look: for beautiful homes without barriers.

Jexsox: Stand 9D80

Jemsox is a small family ran sock brand who highly focus on being as sustainable, eco-friendly whilst ensuring they give their customers pure comfort. Jemsox thrive on ensuring it produces high quality, on trend socks whilst working closely with its factories to ensure the fabrics and process of creating Jemsox socks are made sustainably.

Littlemore Candle Co: Stand 9C63

Littlemore Candle Company is a family run business based in rural Oxfordshire, specialising in home fragrances with unique decor including foraged botanicals, eco-glitter and healing crystals. Signature products include crystal jar candles, tealights and wax melts all made using natural, plant based soy wax, with sustainability and individuality held at the forefront of the company values.

Monique Me Retail & Concessions: Stand 9F75

Monique Me Retail & Concessions is a UK ladies and men’s wear clothing concession. Its offering includes MONIQUE a stylish Italian clothing range, ME a modern classic made in UK range, and MNQ MAN a contemporary men’s wear range.

Pawprint Family: Stand 9C70

Pawprint Family’s quality pins and patches feature a selection of favourite literary and heritage brands. At pocket money prices, it’s just the item to help boost the gifting area in stores or shopfront.  Featured brands include Wallace & Gromit, Julia Donaldson books, The Smurfs, Moomins, Care Bears and many more.

Sandart: Stand 9F82

The Sandart story began in 2002 in a beautiful coastal town known as Wilderness, found along the Garden Route in South Africa. Now, twenty years later, they employ eight full-time staff members and supply over 150 local and international distributors. Sandart was acquired by Turrim in 2021, joining the TOWER and Kidico brands. SandArt has been developed for 20 years with proven success in providing high-quality creative craft products.

Slipfree: Stand 9B75

Slipfree is on a global mission to keep children (& adults) safe with its unique, sustainable non-slip swim shoes for beach, pool & home.

Soctopus Ltd: Stand 9D62

The family-run, Leicestershire-based company makes socks identified by their bold design steeped in British, European and contemporary humour and history. Socks are either a cotton or bamboo blend retailing from £8 making them the most perfect gift.

SÒLAS Home: Stand 9B70

SÒLAS Home create luxury home fragrances which look and smell great as well as being planet friendly. They are handmade in its Warwickshire studio from eco-friendly, sustainable, vegan and cruelty free ingredients. The range includes candles, reed diffusers, wax melts, room sprays and gift sets, all CLP compliant, with a new pick ‘n’ mix wax melt range launching exclusively at Glee 2024.  

Sow Easy: Stand 9L74

Sow Easy are a sustainable promotional products supplier specialising in creating fun, seed-based plantable promotional products that grow into flowers and vegetables.

Stands Out Ltd: Stand 9B77

Stands Out offers fresh, colourful and fun gift ideas that suit any retail outlet, from family attractions to garden centres, giftshops and grottos. The team prides itself on displaying products at their very best with wooden display units that are created at the Stands Out HQ.

Register now for Glee 2024!

Registration for Glee 2024 is now open, with a number of exciting registration incentives sett to launch soon. To find out more, and to secure your free ticket to the 50th edition of Glee please visit www.gleebirmingham.com/visitor-registration

As the Glee exhibition rapidly approaches, the show’s exhibitors have been sharing their latest news.

ARTIFEX NATURA (NEW AT GLEE)

Formed in late 2022 from a labour of love, Artifex Natura Ltd offers market leading terrariums, moss art and niche house plants to retailers at attractive trade prices.  We are best known for our strikingly colourful tropical terrariums that feature unusual glass, colourful plants, captivating crystals, rocks and gemstones and beautiful coloured sands.  

BACKDOOR SHOES (NEW AT GLEE)

Backdoorshoes Ltd, a leading innovator in the garden footwear industry, is excited to announce the launch of its latest collection of garden and leisure shoes, designed to combine exceptional comfort with unique, vibrant designs. Renowned for their lightweight, waterproof, and durable footwear, Backdoorshoes continues to set the standard for practical and stylish shoes that cater to a wide range of gardening, outdoor and leisure activities.

BRITISH FLOWERPOTS

FLOWERPOT MERGER ANNOUNCED - Naylor Gardenware has merged with Smith & Jennings with effect from Friday 1 March 2024. Naylor is a 4th generation family business which has been manufacturing clay pipes & other ceramic products since its foundation in 1890; its Yorkshire Flowerpot range dates back to the early 1990’s. Smith & Jennings is a Welsh based manufacturer of high quality glazed & terracotta ware, founded by ceramicist Simon Smith in 2013. Liz Hudston on 01226 794059.

BURTON MCCALL

Showcasing information from ALPEN, FELCO and Thermacell.

CREATIVE EDGE (NEW AT GLEE)

Creative Edge was formed in 2015 and is a designer, manufacturer and installer of commercial interior spaces and foodservice facilities for the hospitality, education, health care, retail, leisure and business sectors across the UK.

DERCO HORTICULTURE

Derco’s mission is to provide superior seasonal product distribution solutions to our customers, offering fast and reliable delivery services, while maintaining high standards of customer satisfaction. At Derco, we aim to be the Canadian leader in customer solutions for the distribution of seasonal products. We strive on our core values everyday, which are commitment, respect, rigour, and innovation.

DOODLEBONE (NEW AT GLEE)

2014 was the start of our epic Doodlebone journey, we set out to bring something new and fun to the doggie world.  To this day, we design colourful, comfortable, and durable products, always putting the dog at the heart of every product. Come and visit us at GLEE to find out why Doodlebone’s exciting range of dog accessories is so loved by dogs, dog owners and retailers alike.

DRAKKAR INTERNATIONAL

Since 1998, Drakkar International designs, manufactures and markets a complete and innovative range of products intended for retailers in different markets. We have become specialists in increasing efficiency in the handling of goods. We offer an innovative solution for the storage of unit products and a system for optimizing shelf filling. We are committed to providing high quality, safe, functional and value-added products.

FANDANGO FIRETOOLS

Since its UK launch in 2021, Fandango Fire Tools has swiftly established itself as a premier provider of innovative and high-quality firewood splitting tools and outdoor and indoor fire accessories. Central to its success is the patented Kindling Cracker^TM firewood splitter, which has rapidly become a favourite among both retailers and consumers.

FEATHERSNAPS (NEW AT GLEE)

FeatherSnap, a brand created to revolutionise birdwatching, proudly introduces the new Scout smart bird feeder, a Wi-Fi enabled feeder that brings the wonder of nature to your fingertips. Effortlessly experience the joy of birdwatching by receiving captivating photos and videos directly to your phone.

FELT PRODUCTS

Felt Products Ltd was founded in 2011 and ever since we have been supplying our premier range of felt and shingle products to timber merchants, roofing merchants and builders' merchants across the UK. Notably, we have built strong relationships with some of the largest shed manufacturers in the country. Over the last 13 years we have continuously worked on improving our products and expanding our range, bringing in items such as breathable membrane, damp proof course and damp-proof membrane, amongst many others.

FEVERFEW (NEW AT GLEE)

Innovative women's gardening wear brand Feverfew Garden Company is showcasing its award-winning products at Glee 2024, the UK's leading garden trade show. This marks a significant debut for the young company, celebrating its first birthday this year.

GOODLIFE GETAWAY (NEW AT GLEE)

Goodlifegateway is known for simplicity, effectiveness, excellent customer service and good value for money. I source the raw materials, produce and sell four varieties of Organic Plant food: Leaf & Stem Boost (Nitrogen Rich), Multi-Purpose (Balanced NPK), Fruit & Flowers (Potassium Rich) and finally, Roses & Tomato (Also Potassium Rich). They are all made FROM plants, FOR plants, no other additives at all. I also donate £1 for every bottle sold, to the Woodland Trust, as I truly believe we need to care for all of our Planet, not just the soil!  

GREEN OLIVE FIREWOOD

We are Green Olive, a company dedicated to providing a wide range of high-quality BBQ fuels, firewood, and compost products. At the core of our business is a commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. We take great pride in the elegance and sophistication of our branding, a feature that consistently garners compliments from both our stockists and customers. 

HARVEST PET PRODUCTS (NEW AT GLEE)

Harvest Pet Products is a family led business of 3 generations and over 25 years wild bird food manufacturing experience. We are based in North Lincolnshire and on our own site, we are a one stop shop within the wild bird category with full onsite manufacturing capabilities for Seed, straights and suet products. We are SEDEX certified and the only BRCGS certified manufacturer of Wild Bird feeds holding A+ grading.

HOTHANDS 

One of 4 key brands for Kobayashi Healthcare Europe Ltd, HotHands continues to go from strength to strength and during the 2023/24 autumn winter season HotHands could be found in nearly 7,000 retail stores across the UK.

INTERNATIONAL CARDS & GIFTS CARDS (NEW AT GLEE)

From birthday cards for dog lovers to finalist status in the Henries awards in the Best Traditional Words & Sentiments category, the team at International Cards & Gifts have a lot to get excited about.

INVISIBLE CREATIONS (NEW AT GLEE)

At Invisible Creations, we prioritize your needs and your home’s aesthetics. Our products are ergonomically designed, sturdy, discreet, and stylish. With a variety of finishes, our assistive products complement both your indoor and outdoor spaces. This year at GLEE, we are excited to unveil our latest innovation: a range of dual-purpose grab rails that double as path lights, planters, and plant pots. Known for the multifunctionality of our products, we continue to lead the way in versatile, purpose-driven design.

JANOD

Kicking off the summertime fun, timeless French toy brand Janod, is thrilled to launch a playful new collection of roleplay toys including a wonderful barbecue designed to inspire children to learn whilst having fun too!  

JARDINOPIA

Jardinopia, the multi award-winning Somerset based garden and home gift company, launched a new dinosaur planter range at the recent Home & Gift Show in Harrogate, aimed at dino enthusiasts young and old.

JEMSOX

Jemsox is a family ran business founded in the 1970 by Frank Pain (Grandfather), who was one of the pioneers in producing socks and tights from the heart of Leicestershire, the British sock manufacturing capital of the UK. With over 50 years in the socks and hosiery industry, we have decided to launch our own Jemsox collection. Jemsox socks are your one stop shop for sustainable socks!

JURATOYS

Founded in the picturesque landscapes of France in 1970, Juratoys has been delighting children and families for over half a century. Originating from a passion of crafting high quality toys, Juratoys has blossomed and now offers three wonderful brands Janod, Kaloo and Lilliputiens.

LICKIMAT (NEW AT GLEE)

LickiMat^® is part of the family of brands by Australian based Innovative Pet Products Pty Ltd. Lickimat UK Ltd was formed in August 2023 to distribute the fantastic LickiMat^® product range throughout the UK to pet professionals, retailers and wholesalers, as well as reaching out directly to the consumers to build awareness and appreciation of how the LickiMat^® products can improve the wellbeing and health of dogs and cats.   Produced with veterinary knowledge, LickiMat^® was originally designed to help your pet feel less anxious when you left home.  

MOUNTAIN PAWS (NEW AT GLEE)

Mountain Paws was first started in 2006 by the team behind both Lifesystems and Lifeventure. When they couldn’t find the robust kit they needed in order to enjoy the great outdoors with their dogs, the team set about designing their own. Fast forward to 2024, Mountain Paws has a range of reliable and safe products, ready for adventure no matter where it takes you, and at a good price point. From leads to collars to quick-drying towels, we aim to provide everything you and your dog need to enjoy the outdoors.

LITTLEMORE CANDLE COMPANY (NEW AT GLEE)

Littlemore Candle Company is a family run business based in Rural Oxfordshire. We started our small business in 2017 and specialise in home fragrances with unique decor including foraged botanicals, eco-glitter and healing crystals. Our signature products include crystal jar candles, tealights and wax melts all made using natural, plant based soy wax. Sustainability and individuality are at the forefront of our values!

MAGMA LONDON (NEW AT GLEE)

Magma London creates innovative scented products that celebrate cultural histories and timeless designs.

NEVE’S BEES (NEW AT GLEE)

The business was founded by Mother and Daughter Beekeeping Team, Julie and Neve in 2017 – the bees were Neve’s idea when, just 9 years old, she decided the family should keep bees – so she asked her Grandad Jim to buy her a beehive for her 10th Birthday. Suffering from dry skin, and trained as a chemist, Julie had long tried, and failed, to find a range of skincare products that didn’t compromise the skin’s natural protective barrier (therefore didn’t contain the emulsifiers bactericides and other chemicals prevalent in all water based skincare (i.e. all creams and lotions))…so set out to create her own range inspired by traditional recipes, and just using JUST pure plant oils and butters blended with natural Oxfordshire Beeswax. These were so popular with friends and family that the business kind of took off organically! Winning several products awards as well as Blenheim Palace Start up business award in 2018 and Oxfordshire’s most sustainable business award in 2023, the business really took off!

PELSIUS

Leading global pest control manufacturer and supplier Pelsis Group has acquired Nottingham based garden care product manufacturer, Doff Portland, strengthening the group’s portfolio of leading retail, agricultural and professional brands.

PETERALS

Peterals was formed in 2018 by two friends frustrated with their green lawns turning to mud. The cause? Dog pee.

PODIUM PET PRODUCTS (NEW AT GLEE)

We exist to fulfil the joy that pets give us as their parents by bringing to market trusted, innovative & natural solution-based products. Our ‘Hero’ brands are Dog Rocks and Be:Loved.

POLLY & ANDY (NEW AT GLEE)

Polly & Andy are an Irish sustainable footwear brand. The brand is inspired by Polly’s son Andy. Andy’s dislike of seams on socks and the lack of options in the market drove Polly to create her own range of bamboo socks with seamless toes in 2019.

SANDART (NEW AT GLEE)

Sandart, a leading producer of high-quality craft kits, is thrilled to announce its participation at Glee 2024. With roots dating back to 2002, we've dedicated over two decades to crafting safe and innovative products that inspire creativity across generations. As we make our debut at Glee, the ultimate hub for industry networking and brand exposure, our primary goal is to elevate the Sandart brand and introduce more enthusiasts to the magic of our craft kits.

SIMPSON STRONG TIES

Since 1956, Simpson Strong-Tie has been driven by a commitment to design and manufacture structural connectors, fasteners and anchors that improve and simplify traditional building methods while developing performance tested and approved solutions for new ones. Everyone who comes into contact with our products experiences technical support, advice and aftercare that is second to none. Already a familiar name among building professionals in the residential and public building sectors, we recently turned our expertise in timber construction to ‘outdoor living’. 

SÒLAS HOME (NEW AT GLEE)

SÒLAS Home, derived from the Scottish Gaelic word for "light & brightness," specializes in eco-friendly, vegan and cruelty-free home fragrances, proudly made in Warwickshire since 2020. Our range includes candles, reed diffusers, wax melts, and room sprays, crafted with materials responsibly sourced from within the UK. Our packaging is FSC approved and either recyclable or recycled.

STANDS OUT (NEW AT GLEE)

In a small Welsh Village where the foothills of Snowdonia meet the Irish Sea, Stands Out was created by James and Nikki. Over the next 15 years, Stands Out grew from strength to strength, thanks to our talented team and our wonderful customers. It all started in 2008 with our original Friendship Bracelets (still one of our best-selling lines), since then we’ve worked hard to produce fabulous gift concepts and continue to develop exciting new ideas to extend our range. We now offer a completely bespoke service to some of UK’s favourite gift shops, tourist destinations and retailers.

STOREYS & TAILS (NEW AT GLEE)

Storeys and Tails have spent the last 13 years honing their craft and perfecting the art of handcrafting leather and BioThane pet accessories. Specialising in high-quality and distinctive dog collars, they have set the standard for premium leather pet products, which exude character and style.

SUPER NINJA WASPINATOR

Super Ninja, a leading provider of non-toxic pest control solutions, has acquired Waspinator Ltd, the UK-based company renowned for its innovative wasp prevention product, the Waspinator. The Waspinator deters wasps by mimicking a wasp nest.

WITT UK (NEW AT GLEE)

Witt is a Danish brand with a 30-year history of developing and marketing some of the finest household products available throughout the Nordic region, UK, Ireland, and The Benelux countries. Specialising in unique, innovative products, Witt offers a portfolio of premium brands such as Liebherr, Segway, Hygge! and V-Breathe, as well as designing and developing its exceptional products for the home. Witt now sells its portfolio across Europe, into premium market sectors where functionality, quality and design are the main priorities.

Glee has announced that The Underground Podcast has come onboard as official podcast partner for this year's highly anticipated garden retail exhibition.

As an essential event in the calendar, Glee brings together the best and brightest in garden retail, offering a platform for innovation, networking, and the latest trends in the industry. The partnership with The Underground Podcast promises to enhance the event experience further, especially as it gets set to celebrate its 50th anniversary. 

The Underground Podcast, renowned for its insightful discussions, expert interviews, and deep dives into all things horticulture, will provide exclusive coverage throughout the exhibition. Listeners can expect behind-the-scenes access, live updates, and in-depth interviews with key figures from the garden retail world. This new collaboration aims to bring the vibrant atmosphere of Glee to a wider audience, whilst also offering unique insights and extending the reach of the event beyond its physical boundaries.

"We are excited to welcome The Underground Podcast as our official podcast partner," said Matthew Mein, Event Director at Glee. "Their passion for gardening and commitment to sharing valuable industry knowledge aligns perfectly with Glee's mission. Together, we aim to create a more immersive and informative experience for our community and hope to shine the spotlight on those people, brands and trends that are shaping the future of our much beloved sector."

The Underground Podcast will feature a series of special episodes dedicated to Glee, starting with pre-show content to build anticipation, followed by comprehensive coverage during the event, and if that wasn’t enough, post-show highlights will capture the key moments and trends that emerge during Glee’s three-action packed days.

Phil Wright, one half of the Underground Podcast team, added: “We're excited that The Underground Podcast will be partnering with Glee this year. The aim of the podcast is to dig deep into the business of gardening and garden retail; whether that's uncovering innovations or discussing hot topics within the industry. This partnership allows us to bring our listeners closer to the action, providing a platform for the voices that shape the future of gardening. We look forward to sharing the excitement and innovation of Glee with our audience."

Join The Underground Podcast at Glee

Glee exhibitors and visitors are welcome to contribute to The Underground Podcast’s schedule at Glee 2024.  To get involved, interested parties are invited to submit a special guest blog to gleebirmingham.com. The blog can focus on key themes and trends that are actively shaping garden retail, plus top tips and insight from all corners of the garden retail sector. Those guest blogs with the most views will be invited to join the podcast team during Glee to delve deeper into the topic in question. 

To learn more about this exciting opportunity and to submit your blog entry please visit www.gleebirmingham.com/news-and-views/feature-guest-writer-pure-share-expertise-join-network-industry-thought-leaders

Find out more 

Glee connects the garden industry to inspire change, drive growth, and promote innovation. To find out more or to register your interest in exhibiting, which will take place 10^th – 12^th September at the NEC, please visit www.gleebirmingham.com or call +44 (0)203 3545 9752.

Attendees and exhibitors are encouraged to tune into The Underground Podcast for the latest updates and exclusive content. See more at https://theunderground.fm/

The team from GTN are proud once again to be the official media partners for Glee producing the Glee Planner, the Glee Show Catalogue and the Glee Daily News.

After this launch issue we will be publishing further Glee Daily News issues as follows:

• Glee August Update - 28th August
• Glee Preview - 3rd September
• Glee Build-up - 9th September
• Glee Day 1 - 10th September
• Glee Day 2 - 11th September
• Glee Day 3 - 12th September
• Glee 2024 Omnibus - 30th September

Exhibitors should contact Alan Burdon, alan@pottingshedpress.co.uk, or 07939 048899, for advertising details. 

A celebration of grassroot development and the innovators creating new and unique solutions, the GIMA Innovators Seed Corn Fund (GISCF), created in partnership with Glee, is set to mark its 10th birthday this September, with GIMA issuing a rallying call to those new brands and product designers to submit their entries now!

Awarded at the annual Glee trade exhibition (10th – 12th September, NEC Birmingham), which has partnered with GIMA and the GISCF for the last decade, the 2024 GISCF champ will join an illustrious list of previous winners, which includes now established brands such as GERMIE, Natural Grower, Qwickhose, PotMate™, Bloomin’ Amazing and Vivagreen.   

Each year the fund offers one lucky winner an unrivalled prize package, comprising a grant of up to £6,000. This includes a year’s full GIMA membership, plus a wide range of business support tools including free exhibition space at Glee and free PR support during the event. In addition, the winners fund also includes design, development and manufacturing or marketing cost support up to the value of £3,000; access to an industry business consultant; one-year ACID (Anti Copying In Design) membership; and an advert in the next GIMA Product Digest.

Vicky Nuttall, GIMA Director, said: “The GIMA Innovators Seed Corn Fund celebrates those individuals or brands that have turned their ideas into reality through hard work and dedication. Each year, we see a variety of new products brought to market, tackling common problems, addressing key trends, or opening up new opportunities within gardening. I am excited to see what this year’s entrants have to offer. These emerging brands are the lifeblood of our industry and offer retailers the chance to stock something unique. Our Seed Corn Fund allows us to shine a light on these brands and help them kickstart their journey into garden retail.”

The GISCF winners will be announced on the opening day of Glee 2024, with a special ceremony on-stand with GIMA President, Kate Ebbens and Glee Event Director, Matt Mein, in attendance.

Enter the 2024 GIMA Innovators Seed Corn Fund

Businesses interested in entering the GIMA Innovators Seed Corn Fund in 2024 are invited to do so by visiting www.gima.org.uk/innovators-seed-corn-fund/ and completing the online application form ahead of the Friday 23rd August 2024 deadline.

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The team from GTN are proud once again to be the official media partners for Glee producing the Glee Planner, the Glee Show Catalogue and the Glee Daily News.

After this launch issue we will be publishing further Glee Daily News issues as follows:

• Preview - 21st June
• Build-up - 26th June
• Day 1 - 27th June
• Day 2 - 28th June
• Day 3 - 29th June
• Omnibus - 28th July

Exhibitors should contact Alan Burdon, alan@pottingshedpress.co.uk, or 07939 048899, for advertising details.