The
resilience and agility of the horticulture sector have
seen businesses from across the industry survive the
extraordinary circumstances of 2020.
This remarkable achievement was recognised
at the HTA AGM as Chairman James
Barnesreassured members
of the organisation’s
commitment to representing the interests of growers,
retailers and landscapers at the highest level with
Government and in the media.
Presenting the HTA Annual Review to members, he said: “It seems a
little strange talking now about 2019 results when we have all lived through
such extraordinary times since - the conclusions of which a yet still to be
played out. What I would like to say is how agile and resilient as an industry
we have been. The innovation, the ingenuity, the effort - that people and
businesses have created has been wonderful.”
Looking to the future, he explained that the association remains
committed to raising the profile of horticulture as a growth industry and
championing the need for clarity on topics such as plant health and trade as a
post-Brexit world draws nearer.
“We believe plant health will remain a dominant issue for our
industry. In many ways it is something that rightly unites us all whether
grower, retailer or landscaper,” he said.
At the meeting, held virtually for the first time, the
President, Boyd Douglas-Davis thanked all those associated with the organisation for
their hard work in testing times.
“I’m immensely proud and privileged to have been able to serve the
Association during the last year. It has certainly not been the year I was
promised!” he said. “I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all those
involved - The HTA Board, Council and Committees – who have given their time to
and incredible knowledge for the benefit of the whole industry.”
The meeting also saw the
election of Brett Avery as Vice President ratified.Responding
to his appointment, Brett said: “I’m very honoured and humbled to have been
nominated and now appointed Vice President. This year has demonstrated the value
and support the HTA can offer its members and I’m really looking forward to
working with the HTA team and Board and playing a
part in representing all members throughout this period of great change– I
can’t wait to get going!”
Members from across the sector who attended the AGM also
voted to ratify the appointments of Ken White, Vicky
Nuttall and Jane Lawler as Directors of
the Board; to ratify the
re-appointment of Simon Fraser as Director and to
review other Director appointments as appropriate.
They also received the finance reports and annual review. A
proposal not to increase HTA subscriptions for 2021,
due to the impact of Covid-19 on the industry, was accepted and a
new banding structure designed to reduce the range of the
higher turnover bands and better reflect changes in business size within
the sectorwas
adopted.
The President provided a report on activity by the
HTA Benevolent Fund during the year and encouraged
all to help raise awareness of this valuable and underused resource which is
available to HTA members and their staff.
The minutes of the AGM will be available to members on the HTA
website in due course.
Read more about how the HTA made this year one of impact in the HTA Annual Review 2020 at hta.org.uk/about.html
