The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) is to offer its members an even greater level of support thanks to investment in the technical and professional skillset of its staff.
The HTA’s team will increase by two this month when new hires to the newly created roles of Technical Horticulture Manager and Public Affairs and Policy Manager, come on board, bringing with them a wealth of skills and experience that will see the organisation increase its value to members.
Wayne Brough joins on 18 January as Technical Horticulture Manager, bringing with him considerable experience in ornamental horticulture built up over 11 years at the Agriculture & Horticulture Development Board and previously at the Agricultural Development Advisory Service. In the new role, Wayne will take over responsibility for managing OHAS and a range of other technical services, allowing Horticulture Manager Pippa Greenwood to focus on member engagement. Wayne will join on 18 January and report to Membership Director, Martin Simmons.
We intend to re-establish the HTA’s technical committee and believe this will make a major contribution towards assisting our grower members and the wider industry for sustainability and plant health issues.
David Lydiat, who has a background in parliament and political campaigning, will start on 31 January as the new Public Affairs and Policy Manager. He will help increase the HTA’s voice into government and develop the organisation’s policy campaigns. David will report to Policy & Communications Director, James Clark. With an increased focus by the HTA on policy advice to members, Sally Cullimore will become the new Technical Policy Manager.
The new recruits represent the HTA’s continued commitment to providing the best quality practical advice and representation of members interests to government, both across the UK and at a devolved national level.
James Barnes, Chairman of the HTA, said: “As we continue to develop and enhance the value members gain from HTA membership, increasing our capabilities and expertise is key. We are committed to delivering the best offer possible to our entire membership and the recruitment of Wayne and David brings essential skills and experience to the HTA team that is central to fulfilling that commitment.”
Wayne Brough said: “Joining the HTA as the new Technical Manager is a logical and exciting step for me. It enables me to bring my broad technical experience of the ornamentals industry to a role that promises to make a real difference to members.”
David Lydiat said: “This is an exciting and challenging time for horticulture and I am enthused to be joining the HTA team. I will be combining my experience of UK politics and commerce with my passion for gardening. I look forward to meeting and working with members to make the case for the industry.”
Picture caption: Wayne Brough (L) and David Lydiat (R).
