Choice Marketing – Stronger together

organisation, with fantastic support from our key suppliers. Although all our member centres are independently owned and independently run, we speak with one voice in our relationships with our suppliers.” In addition to preferential purchasing arrangements, Choice members benefit from a comprehensive offering of marketing services through its partner agency.

Will Blake of St Peters Garden Centre, Worcester has been a member of Choice Marketing since it was established in 2002. “It’s so great being a member of Choice Marketing,” he said. “As an independent garden centre, we really value the combined influence and buying strength that Choice gives our business as it far exceeds anything we could possibly achieve on our own. The enhanced service we receive from suppliers, combined with the direct lines of communications that the team at Choice have with key account managers across our supply chain ensures any issues are dealt with quickly and efficiently. The team at Choice negotiate the very best prices and trading terms on our behalf, which frees up countless hours in our own business and allows my senior management team to devote more time to the day-to-day operations of the centre. It also enables us to concentrate on the important strategic issues facing the business.”

Choice celebrates

that we are buying at or near the best prices. Not only have we enjoyed the benefits of buying but are now opening the doors to start saving other costs with Choice partners. The buzz on the Whatsapp chat is a constant reminder of who we have joined!! It will be turned off when my holidays start. But more seriously the friendly nature of our wonderful industry is strengthened further by being a member of Choice and we are looking forward to getting to know the membership at future events.”

Michelle de Lavis-Trafford, CEO of Choice Marketing, said she was delighted to welcome both Waresley Park and Pacific Nurseries to the group. “Both are highly significant garden centres in our industry and will surely make a great contribution to the organisation. Following our best ever year in 2021, Choice has since repaid almost £2.6m back to its members in rebates. This exemplifies the power and positive rewards of working together within an established Choice is one of the industry’s leading buying and marketing groups and has forged strong, mutually beneficial working relationships with dozens of key suppliers throughout the garden centre, gift and home sectors. Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, this group of UK independent garden centre

Find out more operators share their collective

If you would like to know more knowledge, experiences, expertise about the benefits of membership, and buying power to provide please contact Michelle de themselves with an undeniable –Lavis-Trafford to arrange an informal chat. Email: info@choice-marketing.co.uk and tangible competitive trading advantage over other operators. www.choice-marketing.co.uk “Our primary function is to combine our significant buying power to procure competitive and advantageous buying and trading terms for the benefits of all members,” said Michelle. To mark its 20th year, Choice Marketing is putting the finishing touches to what is set to be a rip-roaring celebratory evening at its forthcoming conference and trade show in October. Mike Cook, Group Services Manager, says: “Trade show stand space sold out very quickly and we have over 250 members and suppliers attending, making this our largest event ever.” Scott McCabe, from Ames, comments: “We really enjoy the Choice conference trade show and networking with the members. The dinner is great too and the whole event brings the industry together and showcases the relationship that Choice has with its suppliers. We value supporting this and it is a firm fixture in our diaries”.

Eight reasons to join Choice Marketing

1Excellent trading terms and enhanced business relationships with leading suppliers.

2Centres retain independence, identity and autonomy while taking full advantage of the greater influence and buying power that comes with being part of a respected and collaborative group.

3Enjoy a share of a rebate payment which in 2021 reached almost £2.6m excl. VAT.

4Access, if wished, to a group marketing agency to procure a comprehensive range of marketing, CRM and print services.

5Access to a members’ only website 24/7 offering a wealth of information from suppliers’ terms through to weekly and monthly management figures, enabling you to benchmark your own business performance

6Significant savings are made through the Group’s selected merchant services provider, its catering services provider, as well as stationery, EV charging, janitorial suppliers, customer home delivery network and more.

7Annual conference and trade show and excellent networking amongst members and suppliers.

8The internal support and comradery of 45 independent garden centres