Steve Double, MP for St Austell and Newquay, visits Pengelly Garden Centre

St Austell and Newquay MP, Steve Double, will see how the horticulture industry presents opportunities for economic growth and can play a vital role in tackling climate change, when he visits a garden centre near St Austell tomorrow (Saturday 6/11). The centre’s owner, Sarah Daniel, who is the Horticultural Trades Association’s (HTA) Council representative for the South West, will also discuss the significance of ensuring smooth trade with the EU and attracting and retaining local seasonal labour for the horticulture industry.

Pengelly Garden Centre is an award winning, family-owned garden centre in rural Cornwall near St Austell. The centre stocks thousands of plants, including their original offerings of bedding and perennials. They have recently expanded their business and now also sell seeds, bulbs, and trees brought in from local, specialist nurseries where possible. Their poly tunnels are stocked with an exciting selection of shrubs and perennials.

Ms Daniel, Managing Director of Pengelly Garden Centre, said: “I am looking forward to Steve Double MP coming to visit Pengelly Garden Centre and to showing him what is involved within the retail industry and the massive changes that we are currently undergoing.

“Given the current COP26 talks, climate change - including the challenge of finding reliable quantities of viable alternatives to peat - will be up for discussion. The horticulture industry could be instrumental in making a greener planet and providing strong economic growth for this country, but we are currently facing a lot of legislative dilemmas which make it impossible to find staff and extremely costly to bring produce in across foreign borders.

“It will be a very useful exercise to make as many in government aware of the issues our industry currently faces.”

Steve Double MP said:

“Like many sectors the horticultural sector has faced huge challenges over the past two years. It will be good to get out and visit Pengelly Garden Centre, in Hewaswater, Sticker, and see for myself the excellent work they are doing as we seek to recover from the pandemic. There is no substitute to getting out and seeing local businesses to better understand the challenges they face and how I can best support them as their MP. Thanks to Sarah Daniel for the invitation. I would encourage as many of you as possible to make time to visit the centre, I am sure you can pick up a Christmas present or two at the same time!”