HTA seek to appoint as Briercliffe joins AIPH

The HTA is recruiting for a senior role as current Director of Business Development, Tim Briercliffe, is joining the International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH) as Secretary General.

HTA Director General Carol Paris comments, “Having been with the HTA for eight years Tim is well respected throughout the industry and will be greatly missed. Our loss is definitely the AIPH’s gain and we wish Tim all the best in his new international role. I am delighted though that we will not be losing contact with Tim as his office base for the AIPH will be at the HTA offices in Theale.”

Paris adds, “Following Tim’s decision we have reviewed the management structure and will be recruiting for a Horticultural Manager to ensure the HTA fully understands and communicates the technicalities of the challenges faced by members.  This post will work across the organisation and manage the sector strategies and committees.”

Briercliffe leaves the HTA in mid June having made a significant impact on the organisation, and its work for members.

Tim has played a key role in spearheading many HTA initiatives over recent years including the HTA National Plant Show; establishment of the HTA Technical Committee, Amenity Suppliers Group, Retail Suppliers Group, Cash & Carry Group, Manufacturers Group, Seasonal Plants Group and Seeds and Distance Selling Group.  He brought under the HTA umbrella the Growing Media Association, John Innes Manufacturers Association, British Ornamental Plant Producers (BOPP) scheme and the British Heather Growers Association.  He worked with sector committees in driving and delivering the strategies for growers and retailers and led the development of the Association of Professional Landscapers, including their accreditation to TrustMark, and HTA’s business improvement schemes.  He developed and chaired the HTA’s Greening the UK campaign and Growing Media Initiative and raised the profile of the sector with Government and media including high profile issues like hosepipe bans, peat reduction and Ash dieback.

Briercliffe commented, “My aim has always been to try and make a positive difference for businesses in the garden industry.  It has been a pleasure working with members and the wonderful team at HTA to try and achieve that.  My role has been exciting and diverse, working with the whole supply chain.  I will miss the members and colleagues but look forward to continuing to help the sector, albeit in a different role with the AIPH.  Continuing to be based at Theale will be a great benefit and will, I know, strengthen the HTA’s relationship with world horticulture.”