HTA Business Improvement Scheme (BIS) Study Tour 2026
Join fellow BIS members for a unique two-day tour of the South of England’s garden centres and nurseries. See a variety of business approaches in action, gather practical ideas you can apply straight away, and connect with peers who share your commitment to growth, innovation, and professional development.
This tour reflects the BIS ethos: shared learning, open discussion, and real-world business improvement.
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Why Attend
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Take practical ideas home – gain strategies and inspiration you can implement immediately.
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Network with peers – share challenges, successes, and insights with BIS members from across the UK.
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Experience inspiration – see different operational approaches and gather fresh perspectives for your own centre.
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Dates: 23–24 June 2026
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Location: South of England Centres
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Audience: HTA members in a BIS group
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Hosted by: Alyson Haywood
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Purpose: explore leading centres and nurseries, discover new ideas, and strengthen connections across the BIS community
Not a BIS member yet?
You can still join a BIS group and take part in the study tour. Visit the BIS page to find your regional group and request a free trial meeting.
Over two days, delegates will visit 8–9 garden centres and a wholesale nursery, each providing insight into different aspects of running a successful business.
Sites included in this tour:
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Perrywood Sudbury – newly developed centre to start the tour
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Ruxley Manor – destination centre with a broad customer offer
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Coolings Nurseries – plant-led centre with its own nursery operation
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Longacres Garden Centre – well-established centre with a strong plant range
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Haskins Snowhill – centre known for catering and customer experience
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Old Barn Garden Centre – combines nursery and retail under Tates of Sussex
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Farplants – wholesale nursery providing behind-the-scenes insight into plant production
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Squires Hersham – compact centre with a wide plant selection
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Knights Betchworth – smaller centre with a popular coffee shop and excellent plant offer
Note: Each site offers different ideas and approaches. The goal is to inspire fresh thinking for your own business, not to rank centres or suggest that others are less successful.
Travel & Pre-Tour Hotel – 22 June
Pre-tour Hotel: The Mill Hotel, Walnut Tree Lane, Sudbury, CO10 1BD
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Tour begins at Perrywood Sudbury at 8:30am on 23 June
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Delegates arrange their own transport to the start point
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Pre-tour hotel for 22 June is bookable via the form below and invoiced by HTA
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Delegates will return to the start point at approximately 19:00 on 24 June
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Coach travel for the tour is sponsored by Westland Horticulture
Overnight Hotel – 23 June
Overnight Hotel: Frimley Hall Hotel, Lime Avenue, Camberley, GU15 2BG
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Accommodation for the night of 23 June is also bookable via the form below and invoiced by HTA
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Delegates are responsible for the cost of accommodation and any extras
Meals
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Evening Meal – 23 June: arranged for all delegates, sponsored by Smart Garden
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Lunches: provided by Woodlodge and Nostrand (at Ruxley Manor and Farplants)
Spaces are limited to ensure everyone gets the most from this study tour, so book your place(s) today.
Complete the booking form below to secure your place.
Once submitted, HTA will confirm your booking and issue an invoice.
Booking Form
Please complete all details required to book your place at the HTA Business Improvement Scheme (BIS) Study Tour.
Should you have any questions or queries please contact the HTA Business Improvement Scheme Team who will be happy to assist