Amberol’s managing director Patience Atkinson-Gregory offers her view on how Britain in Bloom groups can have a more successful 2022.
As 2021 draws to a close, it’s time to look to the future. Everyone reading this newsletter will have had challenges to face during the last 18 months – both individually and within their community. As a planter and litter bin manufacturer working with Britain in Bloom groups across the UK, we have witnessed first-hand how hard you have all worked to maintain that sense of community through the hard work that you do.
And those challenges remain. As the long term economic impact of the pandemic begins to reveal itself, all consumers – from multinational businesses to voluntary gardening groups – need to prepare themselves for potential supply issues and a changing landscape in terms of restrictions.
Learning from the past
But two advantages that we have over 2020 are knowledge and forewarning. So what can In Bloomers do to subvert potential problems in 2022?
- Planning will be key. Many In Bloom groups that we know begin planning for the following year even before the previous summer draws to a close. These groups are now likely to have even more of an advantage over those who leave their planning a little later – especially in terms of sourcing materials from plants to planters. We are advising our customers to place their orders as soon as possible while the supply chain remains unpredictable for so many sectors, including manufacturers, garden centres and seed suppliers.
- Shop around. Although inflation was holding steady at the time of writing, the consensus is that prices are likely to rise across a range of areas in 2022 from energy to raw materials. However, there are still good deals to be had, so it pays to shop around. For example, at Amberol, we are holding our prices at 2020 levels until 31st December, despite rising production costs. This means that those ordering before 2022 can make significant savings on large orders.
- Invest in quality. It’s the age old dilemma for the consumer: do I buy cheap and cheerful to reduce costs in the short term or pay more initially and save money long term? We don’t pretend that our self-watering planters are the cheapest on the market – but they are the originals, and in our opinion, the best. They certainly offer value for money in terms of durability and longevity. In fact, many customers report that their self-watering planters and litter bins last for two or more decades, making them a sound investment. Items such as Amberol’s Metre Square Planters and Barrier Baskets are some of our earliest designs – and still going strong in many areas.
- The pandemic isn’t over. None of us know what the winter will bring, and it seems only sensible to continue practising social distancing where possible. By reducing the need for maintenance visits, Amberol’s self-watering planters help to ensure that horticultural staff and volunteers remain safely socially distanced. Our range of Tiered Planters, which includes fountain and beehive containers, create maximum effect for minimal effort as well as reducing potential points of contact. Amberol’s Parade and Promenade Planters have also proven popular as attractive floral barriers in public places as part of social distancing measures. And, while we all hope such moves won’t be needed again, it’s advisable to be prepared for all eventualities.
- Sources of funding. There are often alternative ways of funding planting purchases such as through planter sponsorship. Many In Bloom groups raise money through sponsorship of their floral containers from local businesses. In fact, we have produced a useful guide with tips and advice on seeking sponsorship specifically for Britain in Bloom groups. Copies are available free on request by emailing sales@amberol.co.uk. Alternatively, why not have a go at entering the Amberol photo competition? Running quarterly throughout the year, the winning photo wins £200 worth of Amberol vouchers to help boost their horticultural coffers. Just submit your entry via the online form – there’s no deadline so you can submit your images anytime.
How can we help? If you would like to discuss your self-watering planter or litter bin needs or find out more about how we could help your group, please call 01773 830 930, visit www.amberol.co.uk or email sales@amberol.co.uk.
