The Autumn Statement by Jeremy Hunt aimed particular support at the much-beleaguered hospitality, leisure and retail sector, meaning that garden centres and farm shops will benefit from increased and extended relief. Read more - open to all

The latest company results published on Gardenforum show how garden centres prospered during and after the 3^rd Covid lockdown. Read more - members only

Last month Boris Johnson resigned on the 6th.  HM The Queen died 2 days later pitching the nation into mourning.  On 23^rd the fatal mini budget was delivered.  No surprise therefore that Garden centre sales fell. Read more - members only

There was a late flush of garden furniture sales in the August heatwave, boosted by stock clearances.  Plant sales predictably withered.  For the year garden centre revenues are close to 2021. Read more - members only

HTA Chairman James Barnes has written to Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak as the final leadership candidates seeking to become Prime Minister. Read more - members only

The total online market was down -16.7% in the first 6 months, with categories such as gardening and homeware plummeting over -30%.  Cost of living concerns are changing consumer priorities. Read more - members only

Supplier concerns about overstocks is growing as the season tails off early.  But leading suppliers say they will deal with it and will not lose their long-term focus. Read more - members only

With the aim of supporting the technical training needs of their Grower membership, the HTA is launching an exciting series of training and networking programmes this month at The National Plant Show (NPS) 21st-22nd June.  Read more - open to all

Senior garden centre figures talk about the rest of the year, stock levels and discounting. Will 2022 be the new normal? Read more - members only

A blogger at The Frustrated Gardener and former senior buyer at John Lewis launches Dan Cooper Garden on April 5th to partner the best products and with sound, expert advice. Read more - members only

Good news says BHETA, many (but not all) garden and DIY products could be excluded from The Offensive Weapons Act (OWA), scheduled to come into force this Spring. Read more - members only

Elizabeth McKenna, once a finalist on the Apprentice with her floristry business, has set up an appeal for Ukraine that is focused on Mothers Days and promoted through garden centres and florists. Read more - open to all

Garden centres have noticed that the prices of house plants from Holland softened a few days ago following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, but they have risen again since.  Read more - members only

HTA wins ‘Best Sector Representation’ Award at Trade Association Forum Best Practice Awards 2022. The awards are designed to recognise excellence, innovation and best practice amongst Trade Associations in the UK.  Read more - open to all

Last chance to join GIMA’s forthcoming Day Conference focused on Extended Producer Responsibility Regulations. Taking place on February 17th, GIMA’s first Day Conference of 2022, focused on the forthcoming changes to the Extended Producer Responsibility Regulations (EPR), has just a few places remaining. Read more - open to all

Reports earlier this week that the UK had put a total halt to poinsettia imports from Holland have been quashed by Defra. Read more - members only

Call for raffle and auction prizes as only a handful of tickets remain for the annual Greenfingers Charity Fundraising Dinner on the December 1^st  Read more - open to all

Lords to debate industry concerns that ornamental horticulture and landscaping are not being included within government definitions of ‘green jobs’ Read more - members only

Looking over the horizon, the HTA Conference hears that despite a gloomy economic outlook, the winds are set fair for our sector. Read more - members only

The HTA Conference 2022, in September, is an important opportunity for business leaders to step back from their day to day challenges and peer over the horizon.  “What should we do today …?” Read more - members only

IGCA 2022 welcomes almost 200 delegates. An unique chance to meet your collegues and get inspired! Read more - open to all

UK online retail sales reported a -8.7% Year-on-Year decrease in May 2022, with home and garden one of the worst performers. Read more - members only

For the first 4 months GCA garden centre revenues are +7% ahead of last year.  This includes the re-opened catering.  If catering is excluded, sales are down around -12% ytd. Read more - members only

GCA figures show a fall in March sales, but comparisons can be misleading.  Garden Centres are in a good place says chief executive, Iain Wylie. Read more - members only

GIMA’s Buyer Connect events are back with the Stax Trade Centres’ full buying teams kicking off the 2022 schedule on April 26th at The Worsley Park Marriott Hotel in Manchester. Read more - open to all

Members of the Garden Centre Association (GCA) are being encouraged to put forward their employees for the organisation’s Rising Stars programme taking place throughout the year (2022). Read more - open to all

Compelled to do more than watch the plight of refugees on television, members of the garden community have driven to Ukraine to rescue refugees and deliver aid. Read more - members only

Working with specialists, the HTA has launched a new Guide to Potentially Harmful Plants. For the first time it covers the risk to pets. Read more - members only

Barton Grange and Old Railway Line win the best garden centre categories and Allensmore is named Supplier of the Year in the 2021 GCA Awards. Read more - members only

Following two years of restrictions and uncertainty, the AIPH announces its first in-person event in two years - the 2022 AIPH Spring Meeting, held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Dubai, UAE. Read more - members only