The Bord Bia Garden Centre Quality Awards have been instrumental in raising standards within garden centres throughout Ireland. Over the years, the aim of the awards has been to set achievable standards for the industry while simultaneously rewarding those centres that consistently strive for excellence.
Each participating garden centre undergoes a comprehensive audit conducted by an experienced consultant. The centre is assessed on a number of criteria including:- plant quality, customer service, merchandising, outdoor / indoor presentation, information, accessories and marketing. The facility achieves a Star rating based on the audit score.
Star Rating System
Introduced in 2000, star rating system seeks to distinguish and reward business according to their offer to consumers.
The Two Star award is achieved by centres’ achieving a score of 50% or above overall. The Three Star award is achieved by centres’ scoring 60% or greater overall, offering a wide range of quality products and services in a pleasant shopping environment.
At an overall score of 70% or greater the Four Star centre offers premium quality products plus additional facilities, services and merchandise, such as a covered plant section, customer information area and an extensive plant range.
The Five Star Award awarded only to those centres’ that achieve a score of 80% or more for all categories, signifying ‘the best of the best’.
Inspection & Certification
The inspections on all three schemes are carried out by independent auditors.
Application
Application forms are distributed each February and accepted until 30th April. From 2009 the application form will be available to download from the Bord Bia website.
You may also discuss details of the scheme at any time by contacting
Carol Marks – carol.marks@bordbia.ie or Tel: 01 6142266