GCA conference attendees to hear from Eden Project co-founder

Attendees at this year’s Garden Centre Association (GCA) annual conference in January (January 26 until 29, 2020) will hear from co-founder and Executive Vice Chair of the award-winning Eden Project Sir Tim Smit KBE.

Tim will talk to GCA members on Tuesday, January 28 about the value of leading by example, how to engage teams and meeting challenges head on.

Iain Wylie, Chief Executive of the GCA, explained: “We’re honoured that Sir Tim Smit KBE will be joining us for our annual conference. He is a fantastic and inspirational orator and we’re sure our members will thoroughly enjoy hearing everything he has to say.

“Everyone who is familiar with the Eden Project will know how successful it has been. It has received more than 20 million visitors since it opened its doors in 2001 and is both a showcase for world-class horticulture and an architectural symbol of human endeavour.

“Eden has taken a pivotal role in local regeneration, showing that sustainability is about good business practice and citizenship. It has contributed £2billion to the local economy and its next planned development is a huge geothermal plant, designed to meet all Eden’s energy needs and power 5,000 homes.”

Tim is a trustee, patron and board member of several bodies. He has received the Royal Society of Arts Albert Medal and was voted ‘Great Briton of 2007’ in the environment category of the Morgan Stanley Great Britons Awards.

Iain added: “It will be thoroughly interesting to hear what Tim has to say, especially as it coincides with this year’s environmental theme. Tim argues that the twin challenge of economic hardship and climate change makes it necessary to embrace the spirit of war – with a radical approach based less on choice and more on responsibility.

“He is also an inspiring businessman and will speak to our attendees about the value of leading by example, showing how to engage a team by daring to be ambitious, moving out of your comfort zone, keeping to your principles and meeting challenges head on. This will all certainly be helpful advice for our garden centre managers.”

The GCA represents nearly 200 garden centres nationwide.

Through sharing information and its inspection programme, the organisation helps members to achieve high standards in customer service, plant quality and reliability.

The GCA’s 2020 conference will be held at Mercure Bristol, Grand Hotel in Bristol from January 26 until 29 and places can be booked via www.gca.org.uk.

Tim will be speaking to attendees on Tuesday, January 28.

For other information, please call 01244 952170, visit www.gca.org.uk, log on to www.facebook.com/pages/GardenCentreAssociation or follow the organisation on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GC_Association.