Association votes to hold fees for another year to help in difficult trading conditions.
Garden Industry Manufacturers Association (GIMA) voted at its recent council meeting to freeze membership rates for the coming year.

The trade association, which represents suppliers to the garden retail, explained that it has now been able to hold its membership fees for three consecutive years as a result of the economies it has made in its operations.

GIMA President Jane Lawler, the Marketing Director of Gardman, said: "We run a very tight ship and our treasury team are keenly aware they are handling members money. Despite our income being down we have made economies which reflect the difficult trading times members have been having and are very pleased to be able to hold our subscriptions for yet another year. As we increase the range of services to members and given some of the issues we have tackled on behalf of members during the past 12 months it makes the £495 full GIMA membership very cost effective for every size of company."

In addition, associate membership, open to companies who supply services to GIMA members, has been reduced and for the 2010 year will be only £250.

New members joining as full or associate members before the end of October will have the added advantage of getting 15 months membership for the price of 12.

Full details are on the GIMA website www.gima.org.uk or can be obtained by contacting the GIMA Birmingham office info@gima.org.uk or calling 0121 446 5213.