HRI's chief executive officer Michael Wilson, and East Malling Trust for Horticultural Research's (EMTHR) Ian Graham-Bryce addressed staff at the East Malling site on October 1 to confirm that HRI and the EMTHR were working closely together to try to secure a local future for horticultural r&d.

Although the report was critical of Defra, the HDC, HRI and the UK industry, several recommendations referred to securing more stable industry support for horticultural r&d, both at the proposed 'new HRI' (particularly Efford) and at the possible 'new East Malling'.

The reactions and comments of HDC council members to the report are important for the future, and are a key component of HRI's customer consultation process.

Wilson said in reply: 'The Stockbridge House saga clearly taught us that HRI must consult more openly and responsibly with the HDC council and other stakeholders on the recommendations and conclusions of the QR team's report'.

As part of HRI's wider listening agenda with stakeholders, Peter Siddall, chairman of HRI's board, Wilson and two other senior HRI staff are pleased to be invited to attend the HDC council meeting on October 16 to listen to their views and responses.

Topics