Members of buying and marketing organisation Choice Marketing attending their recent AGM heard that membership continues to grow, and that solid supplier relationships had been established following 2014's disruption in supply.
The meeting also saw Tony Blake of St Peters Garden Centre elected chairman and Mark Winchester of Blackbrooks Garden Centre elected vice chairman.

Mr Blake reported that Choice had increased the number of centres to 36 and, commenting on the changes in the supply chain, said that the group had seen these changes as an opportunity to take a fresh look at its supply base.

As a result, he said, Choice was stronger and had negotiated strong partnerships with the industry's leading suppliers.

Michelle de Lavis-Trafford, who heads up the Choice purchasing and administration operations, said: "2014 has been an extremely challenging year for the garden centre industry. Our many suppliers have gone to enormous lengths to ensure that Choice members continue to grow their sales and I would like to put on record our appreciation for their efforts."

She added that once again the annual rebates from suppliers for achieving targeted sales will be in excess of £1m.

Choice Marketing is planning to continue its expansion into 2015 with a number of garden centres waiting to join.