As I write, it continues to rain but, when the figures are totted up, I think most of us will look back on a successful season. As we have noted previously, the fact that the tills have been ringing this year should not distract us from the fundamental changes that all sectors have to make to thrive in this unpredictable, weather-dependent market.

As part of HTA’s member support for business development, HTA is bringing a new approach and strategy from Andy Campbell for the Business Improvement Schemes. Over 200 members will benefit from additional consultants, new modules and more study tours, among other initiatives. The changes will cover the Retail, Nursery, Landscape and Catering Business Improvement Schemes and will, no doubt, attract additional members to the schemes.

June and July will see the continuation of the highly successful Plant Knowledge and Plant Growth Training Workshops. These are the second phase of the Plant Care Award Training scheme that ran successfully in the New Year. This modular approach to plant training will be back in the autumn/winter and may be expanded to cover Shop Care training and other requirements.

More than 200 members attended the series of Plant Area Masterclasses in 2006/07 and these hugely successful events will be back at the end of the year. On the theme of training, please remember that the Women in Training Grants are available for female staff members, which can be used to fund any of the HTA training schemes. Penny Worner is project managing the scheme and can provide help and advice in applying for funds.

This month, we are also able to give more details on the HTA Conference in October. The Conference takes place in Chester and has a distinctly ‘green’ focus. The ‘environment’ is no longer a bandwagon issue and all businesses need to understand the research and issues and engage with more environmental business practices to attract the consumers, not just of the future, but of today.