HSBC retail expert to speak at GCA Conference
The Garden Centre Association (GCA) has announced that James Sawley, HSBC’s Head of Retail & Leisure, will be speaking at its 2026 Annual Conference at Carden Park Chester.
James will take to the stage on Tuesday, January 27, during the GCA’s 60th anniversary year conference, where he will present on retail trends and their impact on the garden centre sector.
Ben Harrison, GCA Chairman Elect and Operations Director of Haskins Garden Centres, said the association is looking forward to hearing James’s insights, highlighting his extensive experience supporting retailers and leisure operators across the UK.
James began his banking career in 2004 after graduating in Economics from The University of Sheffield and has more than 20 years’ experience in corporate banking, including 15 years specialising in the retail and leisure sector.
GCA CEO Peter Burks added that James will be joined by HSBC colleague Chris Hare, Senior Economist for Global Banking and Markets, to provide delegates with a broader overview of the economic landscape and future trends.
Together, their session aims to equip GCA members with valuable insight to help inform financial planning and strategy for the year ahead, as part of the four-day conference running from January 25–28, 2026.
The 2026 GCA Conference takes place at Carden Park Chester from January 25 until 28.
For further information and to book tickets for the 2026 GCA Conference, please visit https://gca.digitickets.co.uk/.