The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Will Armitage as its new President, following the Annual General Meeting held at Horticulture: The Conference on 25 September 2024.
Will Armitage takes over from Alan Down, who successfully completed his term and now assumes the role of Immediate Past President. Jane Lawler has been named Vice President.
In addition, two new directors are joining the HTA Board, Mark Pitman, Managing Director of Wildlife World, and Mike Burks, Managing Director of The Gardens Group. Both bring a wealth of diverse experience and expertise that will significantly contribute to the ongoing success and innovation within the association.
New President, Will Armitage began his horticultural career in the 1980s at his family’s garden shop in Huddersfield. After earning a diploma from Sparsholt College, he worked in Scotland and New Zealand before starting full-time at Barton Grange’s Woodford Garden Centre in 1996. He later became managing director of Armitage’s Garden Centres, leading its growth until its sale in 2015. In 2020, he co-founded the Mulch brand, later transitioning it to a larger company. In 2022, he joined the HTA board and was appointed vice president. Since 2015, Will has also focused on coaching and consulting within the horticultural and agricultural sectors.
