In an exciting move to help build Glee’s ongoing relationships with consumer media and their readers, it has been confirmed that Grow Your Own magazine will once again be bringing its annual Great British Growing Awards to Glee 2019.

Having hosted the ceremony to critical acclaim at Glee 2018, following a move from their previous home at the Edible Gardening Show, the Great British Growing Awards is back! These awards recognise all that is great within the gardening industry – from tool companies, to seed suppliers, garden writers to fruit nurseries and everything in between, as well as garden volunteers and community growing spaces. 

This year, the awards will be supported by a panel of industry stalwarts making up the judging panel, including Katie Lane (Lavender & Leeks), Rob Smith, Charles Dowding, Will Livingstone, and the GYO team.  In an exciting move, the winners of the 21 categories for the 2019 awards will not be announced until the exhibition itself, making it an even more thrilling prospect for nominees and the wider market.

Matthew Mein, Glee Event Director said: “We’re pleased to confirm that our partnership with Grow Your Own magazine is continuing into the 2019 event. The publication has a great reach and an editorial programme that offers direct synergies with Glee’s content.  The Great British Growing Awards are also a fantastic celebration of all that is great across our thriving industry; from people, to brands, events, media, and unique specialisms, the awards leave no stone unturned, creating a real annual showcase.”

In a repeat of 2018’s successful competition, GYO magazine will again be holding a special competition that will see 10 lucky readers win the chance to visit Glee to see tomorrow’s bestsellers, today. During the show these consumers will be hosted by GYOand given a guided tour of the halls, and features such as the Retail Lab and New Product Showcase.  They will also award their favourite product with a special ‘GYO Consumers Choice Award’, as well as receiving VIP access to the exhibition.

Matthew added: “Our reasons for the partnership are quite simple – we want to spread the reach of Glee, including creating a buzz amongst end-users at the time new products are launched. With a captive audience getting excited about the latest product innovations we believe this will add an extra dynamic to Glee’s offering and will provide visiting retailers with a different point of view. Additionally, the media landscape is changing. To continue to be successful Glee needs to broaden its reach, optimising opportunities with trade and consumer media, as well as influential bloggers and vloggers. In doing so both Glee, its exhibitors, and visitors can all benefit. It’s an exciting proposition, and we look forward to developing such relationships as that with GYO magazine over the coming show cycles.”

Laura Hiller, Editor of Grow Your Own magazine, added: We are excited to extend our partnership with Glee, and are looking forward to hosting the 2019 Great British Growing Awards at the show. It is great to be present at the biggest trade show in horticulture and to be able to celebrate all of those who make this brilliant industry what it is.”

Find out more

Glee is the UK’s leading garden retail show, focussing on building year-round profits for buyers and suppliers within the core gardening and outdoor leisure product categories.  To keep up-to-date on the latest Glee news visit www.gleebirmingham.com. To enquire about exhibiting at Glee 2019 call +44 (0)203 3545 9752.