The Garden Centre Association has pledged its continued support for Glee and has urged more members to attend next year.

The GCA says the UK’s largest horticultural trade show is still an important diary date for the industry and is encouraging members to turn up despite the event being smaller this year.

"We believe Glee is an integral event for serious garden centres and suppliers," said GCA chairman Peter Burks.

“The show has a very specific place in the industry. While it may not focus on plants as much as it did in the past, it is excellent for gardening goods. It has a niche role within the industry.

“Some people have commented that the event this year was smaller than previous years, but we believe this just makes it more manageable. In the days that there used to be nine halls to make your way through it was almost an impossible task, now there are just the best products in a smaller space.”

The GCA represents nearly 200 garden centres nationwide, many of which have pet and aquatic departments.

Through sharing information and its inspection programme the GCA helps members to achieve high standards in customer service, plant quality and reliability.

“Not only is Glee a great show for meeting suppliers and finding out about the latest products on the market, it is also an invaluable opportunity for networking and catching up with friends from the industry," added Peter.

“We attended the event this year and met lots of members, and friends old and new, and are already looking forward to next year’s show.”