SGD launches Affiliated Business Partnership
The Society of Garden Designers has launched a new partnership category that will allow the wider landscape industry to become Affiliated Business Partners of the Society.
Recognising the many disciplines involved in creating, maintaining and promoting gardens and landscapes, the category will be open to a wide range of experts and professions including suppliers, contractors, nurseries, lighting specialists, water consultants, architects, engineers and photographers, allowing SGD members to benefit from a closer association with them, and giving the SGD the opportunity to showcase the best of the landscape industry.
SGD treasurer John Wyer FSGD said: “Garden Designers are at the heart of a collaborative network of other experts and consultants who all contribute to the finished scheme. The idea behind the Affiliated Business partnership is to open the SGD to a wider community of all those who work on gardens. We hope that this will lead to some interesting and productive conversations, and that all will benefit from the closer association.”
Companies and individuals can apply to become Affiliated Business Partners subject to meeting a number of conditions, and will be able to take advantage of a host of benefits including: use of the Affiliated Business logo, listing on the SGD website, access to the SGD's CPD events,
priority booking for trade stands at SGD conferences and events, member rates for SGD events and promotion on SGD social media platforms. The annual fee ranges from £240 for sole traders to £1,200 for businesses with more than 50 employees.
Matt Haddon MSGD, SGD Council member for Memberships, said: "We want the SGD to be the centre of a vibrant and inclusive community of those working across the landscape industry to bring it together and provide benefits for all of our wide membership. We expect the membership category to evolve in the coming years to ensure it adds benefit to both our Affiliated Businesses and to our designer members.”
Manni Keates, Managing Director of Core Landscape Products, which has already joined the partnership, said: “So much of our revenue comes from SGD members specifying our products that this is a natural progression – we are really looking forward to being an Affiliated Business Partner and all the benefits it will bring.”
The SGD will be launching the Affiliated Business Partnership on its stand at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 23rd-28th May. For more information visit the stand or go to www.sgd.org.uk.
To apply to become an Affiliated Business Partner email affiliates@sgd.org.uk