The Garden Industry Manufacturers Association (GIMA), who brought the Innovators Zone concept to Glee, have launched a new initiative to connect buyers and sellers.

Buyer Connect, to be trialled at Glee, enables exhibitors to book a 10-minute ‘speed dating’ slot with one of a range of buyers. It gives suppliers the opportunity to introduce themselves, their company and product and explore the buyer’s level of interest. Suppliers will then follow up after the show.

GIMA President Vicky Nuttall says it can be difficult, especially for smaller companies, to get a foot in the door of the bigger retailers and groups. “This is just the sort of support as an association we seek to give our members, so we are really pleased to be getting this off the ground,” she said.  “We are extremely grateful to the influential buyers who recognise the potential of Buyer Connect and are offering up their time to meet potential new suppliers to their businesses.”

Buyers already committed to include: Steve Guy (Dobbies), Neil Fishlock (Decco), David Yardley and Allan Wilson (Klondyke Group). Gerrard Smith  (Garden Centre On Line), Simon Moore (Wilkinson Stores), Richard Pennell (Future Marketing Group), Sandy Parker (Notcutts Garden Centres), Michelle de Lavis-Travis (Choice Marketing) and David Gillespie (Homebase).

Exhibitors seeking an appointment need to register their interest with GIMA by email. “Demand is expected to be high” said director Neil Gow to whom requests for an appointment should be addressed (neilgow@gima.org.uk).

The event which will take place on Tuesday 17 September in Hall 5, between 10am and 12 noon. “Start and finish times of each 10-minute meeting will be strictly controlled and suppliers need to prepare well and do their homework to make the most of this fantastic opportunity,” said Gow.

Matthew Mein, Event Manager for Glee said: “We just love this sort of support from GIMA and know how successful the Innovators Zone has become. In fact, it is now copied at other trade shows across the world. Buyers come to Glee to find new product and new suppliers so this has to be a hit with both show visitors and exhibitors.

“We are convinced Buyer Connect will become an annual event at Glee too. Feeling the pulse at other trade shows this week, the garden industry is in positive mood with the recent better weather and people are looking forward to the garden season ahead. What better place to kick that season off than at Glee next week.”