​We were delighted to co-host the recent GIMA Presidents' Dinner at The George in Stamford, bringing together senior leaders from across the GIMA membership. The evening provided a fantastic opportunity to facilitate discussion, enjoy great food, and connect members in a relaxed and supportive environment.

As part of the MorePeople Executive Networking Club format, each course was accompanied by a facilitated topic for debate, giving attendees the chance to explore two major themes currently shaping the garden retail sector.

Remote Work vs Office Culture | Finding the Balance

As businesses continue to navigate post-pandemic working patterns, the question of how and where teams work sparked an engaging debate.

While opinions varied, one clear sentiment emerged: the office still plays a vital role.

Many attendees felt that now is the time to encourage employees back into the workplace, emphasising the importance of face-to-face interaction for building a strong culture, enhancing collaboration, and maintaining a sense of community.

However, most agreed this should not mean a return to rigid, traditional hours. Flexibility remains crucial, particularly for employees balancing school drop-offs or other personal commitments. The consensus was that being present in the office matters, but workplaces must continue accommodating modern life.

Others highlighted that talent should remain the priority. If someone excels in their role but lives far from the office, remote working can still be the right option. For many roles, location simply is not the barrier it once was.

A common concern expressed was the impact of prolonged home working on early-career employees. Several leaders observed that younger staff risk missing out on informal learning opportunities, mentoring, and social development, all elements that naturally thrive in a shared physical workspace.

Trade Shows | Evolving, Not Disappearing

The second discussion explored the changing role of trade shows within the garden retail sector. While everyone agreed that trade shows remain an important industry touchpoint, many felt the format needs a refresh to stay relevant and commercially impactful.

Several attendees noted that trade shows are increasingly filled with exhibitors selling to one another rather than attracting buyers ready to place orders. This shift has diluted the original purpose of trade shows and made return on investment harder to achieve.

A popular solution raised by the group was the idea of incentivising orders placed at the show, such as offering discounts or exclusive deals. Many believed this could reinvigorate buyer engagement, encourage more meaningful commercial conversations, and boost the overall value of exhibiting.

Despite the challenges, the consensus was positive: trade shows are not going anywhere. There is, however, a significant opportunity for organisers to modernise their approach, refocus on buyer participation, and enhance the experience for both suppliers and retailers.

At MorePeople, we were thrilled to facilitate this evening of discussion and networking, and we thank all GIMA members who attended and shared their insights. Events like these demonstrate the value of bringing industry leaders together to exchange ideas and shape the future of the garden retail sector. We look forward to continuing these conversations at future events and supporting GIMA members as the industry evolves.

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