Darlington Partnership chairman and managing director of Sherwoods Alasdair MacConachie with his hanging baskets.
Sherwoods sponsor Darlington Business in Bloom
EMPLOYERS in Darlington have been challenged to spruce up their act to help business bloom next year.
Darlington Partnership chairman Alasdair MacConachie has launched a new floral contest after the town secured silver gilt in the Scottish and Newcastle best small city category of the perennial Northumbria in Bloom competition. Darlington Business in Bloom will be sponsored by Vauxhall car dealership Sherwoods, where Mr MacConachie is managing director, which is famous for its riotous display of hanging baskets.
Businesses are being urged to hang baskets and fill planters with flowers and shrubs next spring and summer and nurture them to full bloom.A panel of expert judges will scrutinize their efforts awarding accolades to the very best displays.
“Flower power should never be under-estimated,” said Mr MacConachie. “Certainly in my business having an attractive, well kept forecourt is absolutely essential to attracting and retaining customers and thereby ensuring my firm’s success. In relative terms, a little effort can bring unparalleled reward for both customers and staff.”
Darlington Partnership chief executive Steve Rose added: “This goes much deeper than having a few shrubs at the front of the business. Displays reflect commitment and show that employers care about the environment in which they work.
“If they show this much attention to detail then the inference is that they care about what they do professionally as well. And the spin off for the town’s 100,000 residents is that the place looks and smells beautiful too – so spirits are lifted all round.”
Darlington Partnership has mobilised top level enquiry groups of private, public, voluntary and community sector figures who are currently examining every aspect of life in the town and drawing up plans for the next ten years.
