Mark Pitman Joins GCA Garden Centre Inspectors
Horticultural business consultant Mark Pitman has joined the team of inspectors at the Garden Centre Association (GCA) following a record number of applications for the role.
The GCA said the recruitment process attracted 300% more applicants than previous campaigns, reflecting strong interest in the position across the horticulture sector.
Mark brings more than four decades of experience spanning operational management, retail leadership and environmental stewardship.
Peter Burks, Chief Executive of the GCA, said Mark’s extensive sector knowledge and operational expertise would be invaluable in supporting the association’s inspection programme.
As part of the role, Mark will visit around 40 member centres this spring, assessing each site against the GCA’s detailed inspection criteria and providing feedback to help maintain high standards across the membership.
He will also contribute to regional meetings during the summer and present at the association’s annual conference in 2027.
Most recently, Mark spent six years with Wildlife World Ltd, where he served as General Manager before becoming Managing Director of both the company and its retail arm, The Wildlife Community Ltd.
Earlier in his career, he spent 23 years with Hillier Garden Centres and later led nursery and landscaping operations at Longstock Park Nursery, part of Waitrose & Partners.
Mark also serves as a Non-Executive Director of the Horticultural Trades Association, bringing additional industry insight to his new role with the GCA.
For further information, please go to www.gca.org.uk.