Applications open for 2025 GCA Trust Dick Allen Scholarship

Garden Centre Association (GCA) members are being invited to put forward team members for this year’s GCA Trust Dick Allen Scholarship Award Scheme (May 2025). The scheme is open to staff within GCA garden centres and the recipients of the award will be invited to attend the International GCA (IGCA) Congress later in the year in South Africa.

Will Armitage, GCA Trust Chairman, says: “This is an amazing opportunity for any aspiring members of garden centre teams to see how garden centres operate in South Africa, while furthering their personal development with an opportunity to network with other garden centre operators from all over the world in a more informal environment.

“Speaking from personal experience, the successful applicants will have the opportunity to forge lasting professional relationships with likeminded people from all over the world and make some great friends.

“The two successful candidates will be expected to take to the stage at next year’s GCA conference to give a brief presentation of their experiences and what they and their garden centre were able to gain from this opportunity.”

Applications are now open and can be made online here www.gca.org.uk/bursaries-and-grants/ – they must be endorsed and supported by the applicant’s employer. The closing date for applications is June 30. The places for the Next Generation Study Tour are for delegates aged 18-40.