UK: GCA members to compete for Worrall Cup

Members of the Garden Centre Association (GCA) are being invited to put their marketing and community campaigns to the test as part of the organization's annual Worrall Cup competition (December 2023).

The Association will be awarding a cup to the garden center with the best marketing and community initiative during its 2024 annual conference in the Cotswolds next month (January 28 until 31, 2024).

GCA CEO Peter Burks says: "Our member garden centers are a creative bunch, and we run our Worrall Cup competition annually to decide who has the most flair and creativity when it comes to their marketing campaigns. This year, we've extended the entry parameters to include community initiatives, too."

"Our judges are continually astounded by the effort that goes into the campaigns and always look for those that are inspirational to other members, too."

"If any of our members think they've got what it takes to win the cup, they should submit their entries before the deadline of Thursday, January 11, 2024."

"The entries will be judged by an independent panel with marketing expertise. As this award is not influenced by our annual inspections, all entries have an equal chance of winning in January, when the judging panel meets to assess the merits of each submission and decide on the winner."

Peter adds: "The winner will be announced during our Annual Dinner and Awards Ceremony at our conference on the evening of Tuesday, January 30. The event takes place at the De Vere Cotswold Water Park Hotel near Cirencester, Gloucestershire, from January 28 until 31, 2024, and places can still be booked via www.gca.org.uk."

"As always, our conference will provide attendees with pertinent information on key aspects of the garden center sector and assist members in achieving their business goals."

"The information shared will focus on a wide range of topics. Our overarching theme is something that every member can relate to: 'The Future of Garden Retailing.' Our sub-themes are also highly pertinent. They are Environment & Sustainability, Trends & Insights, and Health & Wellbeing. There will also be plenty of opportunities for delegates to network and socialize."

The GCA represents more than 200 garden centers nationwide.