Early days yet, but the signs are looking good for Harrogate Week 2013.  Whilst the education programme is still under development, the stand sales for BTME 2013 are coming along nicely.  Advance sales are slightly over par with 2012 at this time, but up 17% on 2011.  In total 66% of the available exhibition space has been reserved so far. 

Amongst those returners from 2012 are companies like Baroness, Rigby Taylor, Bayer, Amazone, Duncan Ross and Delta T who have increased their display area, even doubling in some cases!  New exhibitors are also booking in with Countrywide, John Nicholson Associates and George Interiors signing contracts for the first time for 2013.

Board Chairman, Andrew Mellon, seen opening Harrogate Week 2012 with
Jim Croxton, Chief Executive Officer to his left

“By the time the loyalty discount comes to an end by late August/early September the plan of the halls should show few empty spaces”, says Jill Rodham, Business Development Executive of BIGGA.

Not only is this exciting news for BIGGA and the industry at large, but so too is the new Business Plan produced for the Association, and fully endorsed by the Board of Management.  

Board Chairman,Andrew Mellonexplained, “We have examined very closely how we operate to best serve the needs of our members.  In doing so, we have spent much time consulting with all our stakeholders before formulating our plans, and of course some difficult decisions have had to be made.  This new business plan will enhance our Chief Executive and his team’s ability to focus on developing the delivery of vital member support services, particularly our Learning and Development programme.  The Board is totally confident that they will continue to engage the membership through efficient and effective communications.” 

Jim Croxton, Chief Executive Officer concurred, “The Plan has at its heart the need to continue to develop BIGGA’s Learning and Development offerings.  Our Mission remains to ‘strive through education and training for standards of excellence in golf course management throughout the greenkeeping profession.’  In order to fulfil that it is vital that we continue to provide support and advice to our 6,000 members.”

“Therefore,” Jim continued, “like any organisation, especially a members association like ours, we need to evaluate the resources required to complete our mission and ensure the staffing structure is in place to sustain the business.  Our new Business Plan will ensure the Association has the  appropriate resources to not only maintain the level of service our members have come to expect, but also to respond to the ever changing nature of the industry we serve.  This will be a very exciting period for BIGGA.”