HTA welcomes local MP Olly Glover to its Chilton office
16 June 2026
On Friday, 12 June, the Horticultural Trades Association hosted Olly Glover, the local MP for Didcot & Wantage, at Horticulture House in Chilton, Oxfordshire. The visit opened up discussions on the contributions of environmental horticulture to both the local and national economy, raised awareness of critical challenges, and explored opportunities for businesses across the sector.
The meeting was hosted by Fran Barnes, the HTA’s Chief Executive. It included HTA representatives and constituency member - Tony Yates, who is the Garden Centre Manager at Chilton Garden Centre, part of the British Garden Centres group.
During the visit, the HTA shared the latest data on the environmental horticulture sector, which contributes £38 billion to UK GDP and supports more than 722,000 jobs. Discussions focused on rising business costs, trade and border arrangements, the transition to peat-free growing media, and the sector’s role in supporting economic growth, climate resilience, biodiversity and healthier communities.
The visit also highlighted the importance of garden centres as community hubs and drivers of local economic activity. To mark the occasion, Tony Yates presented Mr Glover with a houseplant from Chilton Garden Centre.
Olly Glover MP said:
"It was a pleasure to visit the HTA at Horticulture House and meet with staff as well as members from Chilton Garden Centre, part of the British Garden Centre group. It was a valuable opportunity to hear firsthand about the contributions environmental horticulture makes to our local economy, environment, and communities, as well as the challenges our local businesses face.
“I was particularly interested to discuss the pressures facing SMEs and the opportunities out there for horticulture to support greener and healthier places. I look forward to continuing to engage with the HTA and my constituent businesses on these important issues."
Fran Barnes, Chief Executive of the HTA, said:
"We were glad to welcome Olly to Horticulture House and share the experiences of our member businesses operating across the environmental horticulture supply chain. From growers and landscapers to manufacturers and garden retailers, our members are facing a challenging operating environment and need the confidence to invest for the future.
“Horticulture has a unique role to play in helping deliver economic growth, greener communities and improved health and wellbeing. Visits like this are invaluable in helping policymakers understand both the opportunities and the practical challenges facing the sector in our current climate."
Tony Yates, Garden Centre Manager at Chilton Garden Centre, said:
“As an HTA member in Olly’s constituency, it was great to meet with him in person and talk openly about the cost pressures facing horticultural businesses right now. Chilton Garden Centre plays an important role locally, not only inspiring people to get into gardening but supporting our local community and working with local schools to encourage the next generation to value plants and green spaces.”