Business Improvement Scheme (BIS)

As a business I have been involved with RBIS for many years. It is a great medium for sharing ideas, comparing performance and seeing first-hand how other similar businesses are organised and run; whilst also discovering that we all have common problems. The professional advice available for running a retail business is invaluable.

Charlie Willett, Olivers Nurseries

I have been a member of BIS for approximately 20 years and it has been invaluable to me. The group dynamic is unique by virtue of the common ground that is shared by everyone. The benefits of BIS membership include the positive member input, ideas, problem sharing, figures analysis and camaraderie to name just a few. I strongly recommend attending at least one meeting to experience the possibilities that BIS could bring to your business.

David Garnett, Garnetts Gardens

The BIS scheme has been a fantastic opportunity for us to network with other centres across Scotland. It has provided insight into how others approach areas within their businesses which may be a weakness of our own. This allows us to take the best of what each centre has to offer and apply it to ours. The group have been extremely welcoming and open in exchange of information. I would highly recommend joining and look forward to next year with the group.

Ben Laing, Threaplands

Being a member of the BIS is a very important part of our business. Over the many years we have been a member it has been an integral part of our calendar with meetings and study tours all over the UK. Without a doubt it has had an extremely positive effect on our garden centre in a great many ways including, of course, increasing sales and profits. The question is not why should you join but why wouldn’t you?

Carolyn Spray, Pentland Plants

In a word "confidence". The BIS shares experiences both good and bad and without doubt is an ideal meeting group for anyone wanting to take their business forward. Whether it is seeking advice on developing a centre or just trying a new supplier; there will be someone in the group who can offer impartial advice based on their own experiences. As a long-standing member of BIS it gives great pleasure to all of the group in seeing one of our member's succeeding in further developing their centres and gives us greater confidence when exploring our own opportunities. Our management team enjoy the meetings and always come back invigorated with more ideas.

Peter Beharrell, Pacific Nurseries

Having been a member of the BIS for over 10 years, I’ve always considered the meetings to be valuable and an asset to my business. The knowledge shared between members is always constructive, informative and helpful. The learning topics are usually decided by members and there is a lot of valuable information to be taken away from these and applied to our own businesses.

Jamie Ratcliffe, Botany Bay

Swarkestone Nursery have been members of both the BIS Midlands and RDF National groups for many years. We learn a lot from engaging with the other friendly garden centre owners and managers that are in the groups. We discuss different topics at each meeting from visual merchandising, marketing/ building loyalty, back-office functions, catering, plant retail etc. We regularly benchmark figures based on these topics i.e. departmental turnover per square metre. I find this particularly useful, as you can see what your store is doing well at, and where opportunities for growth are. Sometimes we visit centres that are outside of group membership that display best practice. Both groups are very friendly and the networking opportunities both in person and through our whatsapp group are fantastic.

Laura Jackson, Swarkestone Nursery