HTA celebrates WorldSkills UK Landscaping and Horticulture winners

The HTA and its Association of Professional Landscapers congratulate the winners of the 2025 WorldSkills UK National Finals in Landscaping and Horticulture, recognising outstanding young talent and celebrating excellence across the sector.

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Two Somerset business events unite for big opportunity

Somerset businesses can access unparalleled networking, insight and innovation on 25 February 2026, as the Source Roadshow and Visit Somerset AGM & Conference run side-by-side at the Bath & West Showground. Read more - open to all

HSBC Economist Chris Hare to address GCA Conference

HSBC economist Chris Hare will speak at the GCA’s 60th anniversary Annual Conference in January 2026, offering economic insights, inflation forecasts and analysis following the recent budget to garden centre industry delegates. Read more - open to all

Chris Hare an Economist at HSBC Global Banking and Markets

Hosts announced for the APL Awards 2026

The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) can reveal that the dynamic presenting duo of Phil Tremayne and Peter Donegan will return as hosts for the Association of Professional Landscapers (APL) Awards 2026.

 

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Peter Donegan and Phil Tremayne will co-host the APL Awards 2026

Provender Nurseries marks 21 years with tree planting

Provender Nurseries celebrated 21 years of trading during National Tree Week with a commemorative Pinus wallichiana planting in Swanley Park, joined by local dignitaries, councillors, and the Mayor of Swanley. Read more - open to all

Blue Diamond backed garden wins first Britain in Bloom sustainable award

Wellington’s Community Garden Project in Somerset has scooped the first-ever RHS Award for Sustainable Gardening, thanks to support from Blue Diamond Garden Centres. Read more - open to all

Volunteers of Transition Town Wellington standing in Fox’s Field Forest Garden

Giving & Living Trade Show nears 2026 opening

With less than two months to go, the 2026 Giving & Living trade show prepares to showcase new gift, home, and coastal-themed ranges for retailers at Westpoint Exeter from 18–20 January.

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2025 Budget: Lower rates but RV hikes ahead

"Permanently lower tax rates" for garden centres and farm shops announced in the Budget are likely to be offset by potentially tripled Rateable Values in 2026, advises Malcolm Scott. Read more - members only

Record NGS donations show the power of gardens

In a record-breaking year The National Garden Scheme donated £3.9m to nursing and health charities, showing the power of gardens and garden visits for good causes. Read more - members only

No 10 switches-on British growers’ gift for the nation

A 19-foot Norway Spruce from Britain’s champion Christmas tree grower has been lit up outside No 10 Downing Street as a gift for the nation. Read more - members only

How the next GCA chairman reached the top in garden centres

Ben Harrison’s rapid rise to the top of garden centre retailing is an example to anyone aspiring to a successful career in horticulture and gardening.  Read more - members only

Ben Harrison

Giants Seat garden centre sold after six decades in same family

Giants Seat Garden Centre, located beside the River Irwell to the north west of Manchester, has entered a new chapter following more than six decades of stewardship by the Kidd family. Read more - members only

Facebook image from Bury Times

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