Bosmere sales and marketing director Steve Millington was voted president of the Garden Industry Manufacturers' Association at its AGM on March 13.
During the AGM, which was attended by around 60 members, Suttons retail sales and marketing director was also voted in as vice president, while Vitax's Colin Wetherley has taken on the role of honorary treasurer. Richard Pyrah from Kelkay remains in the post of honorary secretary.

Kate Ebbens from Cadix has been nominated to take on responsibilities of council membership representing the views of members and will join the existing council, which comprises Matt Jackson from Briers, Rainer Schubert of The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company, Richard Bence from Treadston, Alan Shepherd from Burgon & Ball, Tara Truman of William Sinclair, Rebecca Fairbairn of Westland and David Carey from Mr Fothergill's Seeds.

In his opening address, Steve Millington reminded members that GIMA still represents the best value-for-money trade association in the garden industry, and vowed to continue to support all sizes of business no matter how big or small. Buyer Connect events would continue to be developed and more 'real business' opportunities will be developed in the coming year.

The association also reported a healthy financial position and, while only a small operating profit was recorded, this was mainly due to a number of extraordinary costs incurred due to relocation of the secretariat facilities and director recruitment costs.