Bradford business awarded membership of prestigious Garden Centre Association
A Bradford garden centre has joined an elite group of 200 garden centres after it was accepted as a member of the Garden Centre Association (GCA).
Tong Garden Centre was awarded membership of the GCA that champions professionalism after passing a stringent audit that covered all aspects of garden centre retailing excellence.
Membership of the GCA coincides with the first anniversary of Tong's takeover by Mark Farnsworth and Tom Megginson.
"To be awarded membership of the GCA is a real credit to the team at Tong who have worked tirelessly over the last year to breathe new life into what was an ailing business. We're very proud to join a group that shares our commitment to to achieving excellence in customer service, plant quality and reliability" said Farnsworth.
As new members, Tong Garden Centre welcomed the opportunity to host the 2016 awards for the North East and North West which applauded regional winners for excellence in categories including giftware and catering, customer service and plants. Over 70 members attended and enjoyed a tour of the newly refurbished garden centre in Tong, with an opportunity to meet the new team and understand the vision for this ambitious business.
Established in 1966, the GCA believes in sharing information and experiences at all levels, from senior management to the shop floor. Every year, its 200 members throughout the UK and Northern Ireland must undergo a comprehensive annual inspection to ensure they continue to meet the stringent criteria set out by the association and therefore maintain membership.
Tong Garden Centre is one of Yorkshire's biggest garden centres with 110,000 square feet of retail space and parking for up to 1,000 cars.
Ends
Photograph caption: L-R Mark Farnsworth, Tong Garden Centre; Andy Campbell (GCA auditor) ; Julian Winfield (GCA chair) ; Iain Wylie (CE at the GCA) and Martin Cowell (GCA regional chairman)
For more information or to arrange an interview with Mark Farnsworth, please contact Tracey Baty at three60 marketing on;
Direct line: 01430 871360
Mobile: 07971 961574
E mail:traceybaty@three60marketing.co.uk
Web:www.three60marketing.co.uk
Notes to editors
For more information about Tong Garden Centre, please visithttp://www.tonggardencentre.co.uk
For more information about the GCA, please visithttp://www.gca.org.uk/home.aspx