Growing with purpose through a year of change

10 December 2025

As we reach the end of 2025, I have been reflecting on what has been another year of both challenge and progress for our sector. It began under the cloud of last Autumn’s Budget, rising costs, changing policies, ongoing pressures at the border, and another cycle of unpredictable weather have all placed strain on businesses across the sector. I know how hard many of our members have worked simply to keep things going. 

And yet, alongside all of this, what continues to stand out is the resilience and commitment shown across environmental horticulture. Whether I have been on a nursery, in a garden centre, meeting landscapers and designers or speaking with manufacturers, I have seen the same determination to adapt, innovate, be ever customer focused and plan for the future. It is something our sector does consistently well and something we should feel proud of. 

This year, it has been especially encouraging to see the Association of Professional Landscapers (APL) mark its 30th anniversary. Three decades at the forefront of accreditation in domestic landscaping, championing quality, professionalism and skills. Plus, a decade of supporting apprentices and students through WorldSkills UK.  

Highlights of 2025 

Despite the headwinds, there has been significant progress this year. The government's commitment to include plant health in a future SPS agreement was a particularly welcome step. It is not the complete answer, but it represents real progress, reflects the impact of the sector speaking with a clear and united voice, and should save our industry millions. 

We have also continued to deepen our engagement with policymakers and raise awareness of our industry. Through Select Committee evidence, ministerial visits, the HTA’s Plants in Parliament initiative and discussions across the four nations, plus appearing on National TV and increasing national media interest in our Conference, our sector’s contribution is being recognised more widely. Our Value of Gardens report has further strengthened this, helping us articulate the economic, environmental and social value that gardens bring. 

Our regional programme has continued to expand, with more than 140 events held this year, enabling us to spend more time listening to members, understanding pressures on the ground and bringing people together. These conversations remain central to how we shape our work.  

The APL has also seen record engagement through its expanding cluster meetings with 22 groups now meeting regularly around the country, involving more than 600 members and non-members to provide a strong platform for peer support and shared learning. 

And at the BBC Gardeners’ World Live Show, APL members swept the board, winning Platinum, Best Show Garden and Best Construction. This is yet another reminder of the talent and creativity within our landscaping community. 

Plus, we can’t ignore a good summer for many retailers, as this year's warmer and drier weather inspired many people to return to their gardens.  

The challenges we have faced 

I am very aware that the year has brought significant pressures, too. Rising employment and regulatory costs have been difficult to absorb. Water restrictions have been impacting our sector as both users and our customers. The uncertainty created by proposed changes to Agricultural and Business Property Relief has understandably caused concern, particularly for family-run businesses. Border processes remain complex, costly and uncertain.  

The cost-of-living crisis has slowed the pipeline of landscaping enquiries and garden centre purchases, while rising material and supply costs have further squeezed margins. The two Autumn Budgets (2024/25) have done little to ease pressures on SMEs. And extreme weather has affected production, retail and landscaping alike. 

What has struck me, however, is the way members have continued to adapt and find a way through. That practical, solution-focused mindset is a defining strength of our sector. 

Looking ahead to 2026 

As we look towards 2026, our priorities remain clear. We will continue to call for a pause and reconsideration of the inheritance tax so that the implications for environmental horticulture are fully understood. We will keep raising issues over water resilience, planning difficulties, a supported transition to peat-free and the costs of doing business with the highest levels in government. We will press for improvements at the border that deliver genuine simplification and reduce unnecessary costs. And we will keep championing the vital role gardens and green spaces play in addressing climate, health and community challenges. 

We will also continue to strengthen our regional programme and the practical support available to members, while ensuring that our work on skills and workforce development reflects the needs of businesses across the sector. 

Challenges on the horizon 

Many of the pressures experienced this year will continue into the next. Costs, climate impacts, labour shortages and regulatory demands will all shape the operating environment. But there is also considerable opportunity to continue to grow the visibility and voice of our sector, to demonstrate our value and to ensure that environmental horticulture is firmly recognised within the UK’s economic and environmental ambitions. And there are also signs of confidence returning in some areas of the market. 

What gives me confidence and pride is the people within this industry. Your expertise, hard work and commitment underpin everything we do. The HTA will continue to work with our members and for them so that, whatever 2026 brings, we face it with clarity, purpose and a shared sense of progress.