It cannot be denied that it has been a tough 12 months for suppliers with trading levels under severe pressure as retailers struggle to get customers to part with their cash.

However, the ever resourceful suppliers continue to invest in innovation to bring new and exciting products to market. The result is that the GIMA Award entries are up on last year by over 9% as suppliers seek to gain additional recognition of their efforts.

GIMA Awards Director Neil Gow said: “We are seeing increased entry levels in every category which is great. I am particularly pleased to see the number of plant nurseries recognising the value of our Awards and we have more plant entries than ever before. Another category where we are seeing a good increase in entry numbers is in the pet and aquatic products category”

There are still places available at the Awards Dinner and Presentation Evening which takes place on July 18 at The Queens Hotel, Leeds.