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Ornamentals Management Committee

A strategic grower committee consisting of representatives across multiple sectors and the Chairs of our Retail Suppliers and Amenity Suppliers groups.

This committee is instrumental in the HTA’s lobbying activity and gives direction to where efforts should be channelled, providing crucial insight into experiences of the industry and what the future of Horticulture may look like.  

This committee generates strategies for member growers by sharing essential updates and discussing methods for overcoming challenges, outlining how the group can collectively influence the industry to protect and promote the interests of those working within it.

The Ornamentals Management Committee has seen success in improving communication with Government, Defra, other decision-makers, and between the industry and the Animal and Plant Health Agency.

Our committee meets three times a year, virtually, at our central hub, Horticulture House, and for a walking tour around a member’s nursery or site. All the events are networking opportunities with like-minded individuals who share mutual concerns and relevant news from the sector. Over the last couple of years, we have seen significant changes in the industry such as labour shortages, the challenge of growing in peat-reduced growing media, the future of research and development, supply and demand, and biosecurity. This group remains at the forefront of the changes offering support and knowledge to each other, other members’ and throughout the Horticulture industry. 

Chair: Jonathan Whittemore, Johnsons Nurseries

Contact Details: [email protected]  

Vice-Chair: 

Membership:

  • Andy Merrick, Farplants Sales Ltd
  • Charles Carr, Hillier Nurseries, HTA Representative for ENA
  • David Higginson, New Leaf Plants 
  • Ed Holmes, J A Growers Ltd, Chair of Tree and Hedging Group
  • Eliot Barden, Majestic Group Lyd
  • Geoff Caesar, Allensmore Nurseries, Board member for the HTA 
  • Guy Massey, Joseph Rochford Gardens 
  • James Coles, Coles Nurseries 
  • Jonathan Marquis, Newey Group 
  • Martin Brijs – Bell Brothers Nurseries Ltd 
  • Martin Emmett, Farplants Sales Ltd
  • Melanie Asker – Greenwood Plants
  • Mike Vickers, J A Jones & Sons Ltd, Chair of the Amenity Suppliers Group

Supporting Documentation

About HTA’s committees

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HTA Committee Member Responsibilities

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HTA Committee Member Competition Law Guidance

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HTA Committee Member Code of Conduct

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HTA Committee Chair Responsibilities

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Enquiry Form

Please use the form to contact the HTA Groups and Committees Team. A member from our team will be in contact soon to assist you. Should you have any questions or queries please contact us below for further information.

Contact Details