Blue Diamond Group - press release

A Blooming Success

From its humble beginnings in 1904 as Fruit Export to its position today as one of the UK's leading group of destination garden centres, Guernsey success story the Blue Diamond Group has launched itself onto the world wide web.

The Group's Marketing Department teamed up with local design companies Small Limited and Fuse2 to bring the project to fruition and the result is a highly engaging interactive experience. Account Director of Small, David Montgomery, explained: "This was a rewarding project to be involved in for the whole team. Our initial research included a three-day recce to Trentham to get a feel of this landmark centre and to ensure that the right online ambience was achieved. The virtual reality that has been created really is the next best thing to being there in person."

As well as providing regularly updated information on product ranges, seasonal promotions and news, each centre also has a useful 'How to Find Us' map and guide detailing the best way for visitors to reach their location.

Fuse2's Tim Gaudion explained his company's role in the project: "The client had a very focused idea - to create an online theatre experience. To achieve this over three-hundred moving images, Flash animation and a musical soundbed have been incorporated along with simple navigation to allow users to explore the individual stores easily and at their own pace."

The Blue Diamond Group's eight garden centres throughout the UK and the Channel Islands are all featured but the highlight of the tour is without doubt Trentham Garden Centre - the online home of the Group's flagship store in Staffordshire. Visitors can explore each of the extensive indoor and outdoor living areas as well as peruse the menus of its three restaurants - Caffe Bello, Terazzo del Giardino and Six Arches.

Marketing Director Alan Roper explains: "Today's customers are looking for the difference factor both in terms of experience and in the quality and innovation of the products offered. Trentham Garden Centre has set a new benchmark for the industry and we hope that our online presence has the same effect".

Blue Diamond Group Website

Other Blue Diamond Group centres: