RDF- Retail Development Forum
THIS FORUM IS CURRENTLY FULL. A WAITING LIST IS AVAILABLE.
The HTA Retail Development Forum (RDF) was launched with the primary objective of embedding leading edge approaches to retail into participating garden centres.
It is a forum for garden retailers with a turnover of £2million or approaching that figure. More important than turnover is the mind-set of the business principals - that they want their business to grow and to really succeed. There’s some overlap with the Business Improvement Scheme (BIS) – and some members join both!
The forum is capped at a maximum of 15 members to ensure a close-knit group in which members can come together to share information, discuss innovative ideas and learn from leading business consultants from inside and outside the garden industry. The meeting content is more strategic in nature, looking at management issues as well as inviting external speakers to add value to the meetings.
The group meets four times a year, with off-site meetings and visits to member businesses. The group works to a schedule of topics discussed with group members well in advance and members can influence which topics are to be discussed.
Our consultant – Alyson Haywood
The group is facilitated by Alyson Haywood. Alyson has over 30 years’ experience in garden centre retail in senior roles with both multiples and independent garden centres. As well as a strong background in horticultural training and development Alyson has been a Garden Centre Association inspector for nine years. Alyson has been working as a consultant since 2015 with new and emerging businesses, and with old and established ones enabling them to improve their offer, standards, and financial performance.
Group membership fees
The annual RDF membership fee is £800 + VAT*. This can be paid upfront or monthly by direct debit. If you join part way through the year this fee will be calculated on a pro-rata basis.
*cost correct as of April 2024
There is currently one group in the UK, running as a national group. This group is currently full. However, we plan to launch a second group in 2025. If you are interested in joining, please complete the form below.