HTA champions environmental horticulture businesses at Labour Party Conference

The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) joined political and industry leaders at a business reception during the Labour Party Conference to highlight environmental horticulture’s vital contribution to the UK economy.

Organised by the Enterprise Forum in partnership with the HTA, the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and the Society of Independent Brewers and Associates (SIBA), the event at Love Lane Brewery in Liverpool on Tuesday (29 September) examined the challenges businesses face, from rising operating costs to skills gaps.

© Horticultural Trades Association

Championing member businesses and green spaces, the HTA’s Director of Policy and Public Affairs, Jennifer Pheasey, joined the panel discussion, which also explored practical solutions for growth across what’s described as the “everyday economy” – environmental horticulture, retail, hospitality, food and drink production and professional and business services.

The event was chaired by Natascha Engel, former Deputy Speaker of the House of Commons, with the Rt Hon James Murray MP, Financial Secretary to the Treasury, also speaking on the panel.

Jennifer Pheasey, Director of Policy and Public Affairs at the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA), said: “This event was a timely opportunity to highlight to key ministers the crucial role environmental horticulture plays in the UK economy and in building healthier and stronger communities. Our sector contributes £38 billion to UK GDP, supports 722,000 jobs, helps reduce pressure on the NHS, creates employment and strengthens climate resilience.

“But it is an extremely challenging time for our members due to the current cost of doing business. Environmental horticulture businesses need greater cost certainty, less restrictive regulation, improved planning for green spaces, effective cross-governmental working and the swift delivery of an SPS agreement to ease friction at the border. We urge the government to address these priorities in the forthcoming Budget and work with the industry to unlock green growth and enable us to create healthier, wealthier and more environmentally resilient communities.”

© Horticultural Trades AssociationDuring the event, the HTA gave attendees gifts of seasonal seeds so they could continue their horticultural journey at home

The HTA Policy and Public Affairs team engage with policymakers across the political spectrum to ensure that environmental horticulture’s challenges and opportunities remain on the political agenda. During Party Conference season, the team continues to highlight key sector issues raised by member businesses.