The West Midlands is a heartland of horticultural production, a centre of growing excellence and plays host to a wide range of industry-leading businesses.

That’s why we’re delighted to be holding the next in our series of conferences in Stratford-upon-Avon on Tuesday 9 November.

The event will span the whole supply chain, covering key issues to producers such as the challenges of getting planning permission and ways to gain investment cash; the wholesale and foodservice arenas; and pressing topics relating to retail relations.

One of the companies that will be appearing at the event is Wealmoor, a business that can truly be said to have seen the hardest side of life before getting back on track over the last couple of years. The company has been understandably quiet in the public arena since the tragic fire of 2007, but as our interview on page 22 shows, it is now pushing ahead with its expansion plans and remains one of the most respected players in the business.

There will also be two panel discussions where leading industry figures will debate key issues such as how to make the region more sustainable and what can be done to improve the supply chain. The sessions promise to be both informative and controversial.

We’re really keen to get the whole supply chain involved and we’re offering delegate places for £50 - a 15 per cent saving on the door price - for those registering in advance at www.fpjconferences.com.

I very much look forward to seeing you there.