‘Focus on your point of differentiation’ Key messages for garden retailers from the recent HTA Retail Management Group meeting
Event report
Due to the ongoing challenges of the weather, the opening months of this year have been dismal for the trade. However, garden retailers remain cautiously optimistic about the months ahead and are eagerly waiting for spring to truly arrive. While core gardening categories remain challenged, other areas, including catering, food shops, food halls and giftware, appear to be more resilient. Several members reported healthy growth in their sales of houseplants – perhaps as a result of customers not being so active outdoors in their gardens. Chair of the Retail Management
Fun and colourful lifestyle ‘theatre’ tempts customers at Merryhatton GC
Group, Adam Wigglesworth from Aylett Nurseries, commented, ‘There is pent up demand out there with customers
Tim Briercliffe joins AIHP
HTA Director of business development Tim Briercliffe is joining the Association of International Horticultural Producers (AIHP) as Secretary general. HTA Director general Carol Paris comments, ‘Having been with the HTA for eight years Tim is well respected throughout the industry and will be greatly missed. Our loss is definitely the AIHP’s gain. I am delighted, though, that we won’t be losing contact with him as his AIHP office base is at our head office in Theale, Berkshire.’ She adds, ‘We will be recruiting for a
Horticultural manager to ensure the HTA fully understands and communicates the technicalities of the challenges faced by
Looking to the future, in a bid to ensure a strong workforce for the horticultural industry the HTA is encouraging its members to get involved with apprentice schemes. Former apprentices are deemed more fit for the workplace than their peers, with employers in England rating qualified apprentices as 15 per cent more employable than those with other qualifications. Demonstrating support, the HTA has invested in two young apprentices within
members. This post will work across the organisation and manage the sector strategies and committees.’ Tim Briercliffe leaves the HTA in mid June having made a significant impact on the organisation and its work for members. He comments, ‘My aim has always been to try to make a positive difference for businesses in the garden industry. It has been a pleasure working with members and the wonderful team at the HTA to try to achieve that. My role has been exciting and diverse, working with the whole supply chain. I will miss the members and colleagues but look forward to continuing to help the sector, albeit in a different role with the AIHP.
its IT and Event departments. Jonathan Spalding, IT and Chloe Bye, Events, work full time at the HTA while also attending college once a week during the course of their 12-18 month apprenticeship. Penny Evans, HTA Training and
careers manager, comments, ‘Our aim is to support members in encouraging young entrants into the industry and help them through the processes involved. We’ve taken on two promising young apprentices ourselves who are proving
frustrated that they still can’t get out into their gardens as much as they would like to at this time of the year. This gives us hope for the months ahead... as long as the weather is on our side.’ He added, ‘Garden centres are well
stocked, looking good and ready for business. We have a significant advantage by being pleasant places to visit, but what we need to ensure is that we convert this into action and give people a reason to visit. A point of differentiation is vital to make sure that people choose to visit you over any competing destinations. People are looking for inspiration, theatre and magic along with knowledgeable staff and excellent service.’
New international role for Tim Briercliffe
Continuing to be based at Theale will be a great benefit and will, I know, strengthen the HTA’s relationship with world horticulture.’
Industry apprenticeships
to be valuable members of the team.’ She adds, ‘Right now, we are reviewing the apprentice training frameworks to see if they are fit for purpose, discussing how they may be delivered flexibly. We would welcome all ideas and opinions in this area.’
_For further information on apprentice schemes, please contact Penny Evans
on 0118 930 3132 or email
penny.evans@the-hta.org.uk
HTAnews I May 2013 I
www.the-hta.org.uk 5
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