The Britain in Bloom competition has to be one of the most popular community events in the country. And last year, the local spin-off competition, St George in Bloom, proved to be a blooming success for local company Park Insurance. They proved they have green fingers as well as great insurance deals by winning an Outstanding commendation and certificate for their front-of-premises floral display in the Business and Commercial Premises category.
Supporting the event since 2014
Park Insurance has been the main sponsor of the St George in Bloom competition since its inception in 2014. “We have been supporters of the competition from the outset, but we never expected to get such a high accolade ourselves!” comments Marc Loud from Park Insurance. “We’re firm believers that businesses should be really involved in the community that they live and work in, and the St George in Bloom competition has been hugely influential in brightening up our neighbourhood not just for us, but for everyone who visits the area too. We want to show that St George is a strong community with solid bonds, and what better way to do that than to bring a little colour into our everyday lives?” he adds.
Going for Gold
Since the competition was initiated in 2014 it has won the respect of the Royal Horticultural Society, achieving Gold awards in its first two years. And in 2015 St George in Bloom also received a trophy from RHS South West for the best urban entry in the entire South West region.
Bringing businesses on board
The aim now is to encourage more shops, businesses and commercial premises in the St George area to join in by brightening up their fronts with hanging baskets and floral displays. Plans are already in place for this year’s competition, with the Church Road area forming part of the main RHS judging route.
But the fruits of the committee’s labours came recently, when St George in Bloom was selected by the RHS to be a national finalist in this year’s Britain in Bloom competition, elevating the area to national status after just two years. The area will represent St George, Bristol and the South West region.
“This is a huge honour for the area, and a chance for people to see just how beautiful an urban area can be if the community pulls together,” explains Marc. “It’s also a great opportunity for neighbours and local businesses to get to know one another better by taking part in a joint venture that benefits everyone,” he adds.
Bigger and better in 2016
Judging will take place in August, and invitations have already gone out from the St George in Bloom committee encouraging local community groups to get involved, while Park Insurance is putting out the call to businesses to play their part too. “It’s time for all the businesses in the area to join in and be part of this great venture,” says Marc. “And you can be certain that Park Insurance is fully committed to supporting this fantastic community effort once again by planting up an even better and bigger display this year!” he concludes.