Spencer Goodall will be announced as the new president of the Garden Industry Manufacturers' Association (GIMA) at its AGM on Thursday.
Mr Goodall takes over from Gardman's marketing director Jane Lawler, who becomes immediate past president. Richard Bence, commercial manager at Tenax UK Ltd, will be announced as vice president, and Fiona Carrington, marketing manager at WM Sinclair will remain as honorary secretary.

Stewart Garden sales director Nigel Thompson will also remain as honorary treasurer, and will present the 2009 accounts at the meeting, which show GIMA to be in a strong position as an association.

Members will also hear from Ken Mayhew, who will present forecasts of the UK and world economies, particularly addressing how quickly we will emerge from recession and how serious the problem with government finances really is.

Clare Foggett will address members on working with consumer magazines to reach their audience through advertising, features and giveaways, and David Langrish will bring members up to date with GLEE. A number of new initiatives are taking place at this year's event, according to GIMA director Neil Gow, including the GIMA Business Village, a stepping stone for smaller companies who are not yet quite big enough to hit the main hall.

The GIMA update will include news on the golf day and the announcement of the judging panel for this year's GIMA awards. The 2011 Garden Press Event dates will also be announced.