The winner of this year’s GIMA Innovators Seed Corn Fund, now in its seventh year, is Pot-mate™.
Made from 100% recycled polymer, the Pot-mate™ is a simple tripod ‘ring’ that lifts pots off the ground, allowing for better air flow and drainage to the base of the pot, as well as allowing for better manoeuvrability of pots. Pot-mate™ will be made available in three sizes to suit containers with base diameters up to 36cm and will be supported by recycled material waterproof labelling and video instructions available via a QR code.
Talking about being awarded the 2021 GISCF, Pot-mate™’s creator, Phil Wilson said: “The Pot-mate™ is the result of 10 long months of product development as well as a significant personal investment, so to be recognised by such a valued industry award is truly amazing.
“I am so humbled and honoured to follow in the footsteps of previous winners and have no doubt that the GIMA Innovators Seed Corn Fund will help spread the word of Pot-mate™. I am excited for the future.”
Beating off stiff competition and judged by a panel made up of both Glee and GIMA representatives, Pot-mate™ – as the winners – will receive support up to the value of £6,000 to help with development and marketing costs associated with entering the UK garden retail market, including a year’s full GIMA membership, and a wide range of business support tools.
GIMA director, Vicky Nuttall said: “We’re incredibly pleased to confirm that Pot-mate™ is the 2021 winner of the GIMA Innovators’ Seed Corn Fund. The pot market has continued to grow rapidly in recent years, and Pot-mate™ offers a unique growth opportunity for retailers to drive up the average customer spend through impulse and add-on sales. Consumers will also love the simplicity of the product, whilst the recycled material and UK design and manufacturing aspects will increase Pot-mate™’s appeal even further. A truly worthy winner.”
In addition to choosing a winner, the panel also selected two shortlisted companies – Ergrownomics and Willsow.
