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Horticulture exports fall
Impact of post-Brexit trade restrictions sees value of horticultural exports drop almost 40% says the HTA
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Increased costs and restrictions on the UK horticulture industry to export to the EU have seen a marked drop in the value of trade in the first six months of the year, demonstrating a missed opportunity for the sector to grow its contribution to UK ‘green trade’.
Research conducted by the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) shows that exports of live plants and plant materials* from the UK to the EU between January and June this year were valued at £9.7m, compared with £16m in the same period of 2019 – a decrease of 39%. Rest of the world sales have remained broadly static. This, says the HTA, shows that although the EU is still the largest market for British horticultural products, the industry is not growing as it could. Extra new administrative costs and restrictions are resulting in British horticulture businesses choosing not to pursue markets in the EU.
“We had long suspected that this heavy-handed regime would put too many barriers in the way of those who had hoped to grow a customer base in Europe. Much of the £24bn horticulture industry is made up of small and medium sized businesses (SMEs) who want to champion ‘green trade’ and export the hugely iconic British plants, seeds and trees we produce here. However, the bureaucratic obstacles and huge costs are making it business-sapping and unviable. This is preventing SMEs to grow and lead a post-Brexit trade renaissance,” says James Clark, Director of Policy and Communications at the HTA.
First-hand experiences of HTA members tell a story of businesses frustrated by problems transporting their live plants combined with the additional costs and complexity of inspections and necessary paperwork. These factors combined mean that it simply isn’t viable for many to trade with customers on the continent.
Says David Millais, who runs Millais Nurseries near Farnham in Surrey: “Before Brexit, we exported 5-10% of our production to botanic gardens and specialist plant centres, and to many repeat retail customers, who bought directly from our website. We redesigned our website to enable us to capitalise on this market and grew this part of the business by 20%. Brexit has completely stopped this. The disproportionate inspection and freight charges now mean there is no point in attempting to send small orders to Europe because the costs make exports unviable for all concerned.”
David Fryer, Head of Technical at seed company Mr Fothergill’s of Newmarket, explains the situation: “We’re having to spend so much time navigating the cost of inspections and certificates, the cost of planning and management and the risk of consignment delays or rejections, plus limitations on what we can export now and reduced customer confidence means that we are unable to focus on growth in the EU while we manage these new ways of working.”
The HTA’s ‘Let Britain Grow’ campaign calls on the Government to review existing inspection levels and costs and negotiate a plant health agreement between the UK and the EU. This will enable the multi-billion pound sector to boost the nation’s economic growth and fuel international trade post-Brexit.
New Chapter for turf festival
The turfcare industry reunited for the first time in over 18 months at the Warwickshire Event Centre as the inaugural Festival of Turf took place beneath clear blue skies.
With live music playing on a grand stage and ample opportunities for networking, the exhibition brought a celebratory festival feel, aided by clear sunshine and warm weather.
COVID protocols ensured the health and safety of those in attendance who came to visit more than 40 exhibitors from across the turfcare industry showcasing their latest innovations and products.
Among the highlights was John Ledwidge, head of sports turf and grounds at Leicester City FC taking to the grand stage for a Q&A session hosted by Martin Smart of Turf Business, who were official media partners for the event.
Also taking place was the presentation of the BIGGA Excellence in Communication Award sponsored by Campey Turf Care Systems, which saw James Bledge, course manager at Royal Cinque Ports, awarded the top prize for a thought-provoking feature he produced on the use of bunker rakes.
BIGGA CEO Jim Croxton said: “We owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to all the exhibitors who signed up to support BIGGA and its members at what we hope is the beginning of a strong new chapter for the golf and wider sports turf industry.
“There was a tremendous atmosphere as visitors and suppliers came together face-to-face for the first time in 18 months and the overriding feeling was one of optimism. While visitor numbers were not as high as hoped for,
Q & A with John Ledwidge, head of sports turf and grounds at Leicester City FC
those who did attend engaged meaningfully with the exhibitors and reconnected with friends and peers.
“Our thanks go to everyone who came along and rekindled old friendships, struck new deals and enjoyed being together after so long apart.
BIGGA now turns its attention to BTME, taking place in January 2022, returning to the Harrogate Convention Centre for the first time since 2020.
BTME will take place from Tuesday 25 to Thursday 27 January 2022. Visitor registration will open this autumn. There will also be the return of in-person learning as BIGGA’s world leading Continue to Learn education programme returns to the venue on Sunday 23 to Wednesday 26 January 2022.
Open space management company Meadfleet have achieved carbon neutral status and are the first in their industry sector to accomplish this.
With climate change front and centre for the construction industry, it’s never been more important for supplier companies like Meadfleet to demonstrate the value they can bring to housebuilders who are under increasing pressure to embrace climate action.
As a carbon neutral open space management company, Meadfleet offer clients a range of services that are designed to promote sustainability and reduce environmental harm. For housebuilders with climate action on their agenda, it’s the perfect match.
Meadfleet is a signatory of the UN Climate Neutral Now initiative which was launched in 2015 to encourage organisations around the globe to work together to achieve a climate-neutral world by 2050. Paul Miller, Chairman at Meadfleet said, “As part of our long-term commitment to fighting climate change, we’ve pledged to measure, reduce and offset our carbon emissions every year. This year, we have chosen to offset our annual emissions with carbon credits from Ripple Africa, a UK charity with a UN verified offsetting scheme in Malawi.
“In addition to offsetting our current emissions, we’ve chosen to go one step further and offset all historical carbon emissions, equivalent to more than our estimated total emissions for the past 25 years – since Meadfleet first began.
“Achieving carbon neutral status is an important first step but we must stress that climate action is a long-term mission for Meadfleet. We’re fully committed to reducing the impact Meadfleet has on the planet for years to come, by reducing emissions, protecting trees and plants in our care and promoting sustainability.”
GMA survey for turf-care industry
The Grounds Management Association (GMA), one year after offering those working or volunteering in the industry a chance to shape its future membership offerings, is once again opening the door for feedback from the turf-care community.
Members and non-members are being asked for feedback on what they value and would like to see the GMA do for its members and the wider sector going forwards, by taking part in two surveys - one for individuals working across the sector and one for businesses or suppliers operating in the turfcare industry. The two surveys will be open until mid September 2021.
The GMA previously conducted industry research in August 2020 and is looking to build on this research whilst gathering further feedback to inform its activity over the following year, particularly with changing priorities now the national outlook looking increasingly positive as the UK continues to take its final steps out of the pandemic.
By gathering data, the GMA will look to review its existing benefits to members, as well as what it can offer the sector by looking to better understand what respondents believe to be most valuable and relevant following a year like no other. The GMA is also working on its digital offering, with its website due to be relaunched in 2022.
Geoff Webb, CEO at the GMA, explains: "A lot has changed over the 12 months, since we concluded our previous insight surveys. We know that having a professional community for networking and support can be a vital strength but crucially, we want to continue listening to our members and the turf-care community. "We have a number of plans for the months ahead and want to ensure that our work continues to be informed by insight so, whether you're a profesional or volunteer, or represent a supplier or service, your opinion matters. Take part in our survey and help us shape a positive future.”
Respondents of the survey will have the opportunity to enter a prize draw to win one of four £50 VEX gift certificates. Respondents can also choose to remain anonymous.
To find out how to join in with the survey visit: thegma.org.uk/news/GMA%20-membership-survey-2021
Green-tech achieves ISO accreditation for 10th year running
The Green-tech team, proud of their achievment
Green-tech is delighted to have been awarded ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015 status for the 10th year running.
ISO Certification is a seal of approval from an external body whereby a company complies to one of the internationally recognised ISO management systems. ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 are two of the ISO's most wellknown standards. They are implemented by more than a million organisations in over 170 countries.
ISO 9001 is a Quality Management System (QMS) which gives organisations a systematic approach for meeting customer objectives and providing consistent quality. ISO 14001 is an Environmental Management System (EMS) for measuring and improving environmental impact.
Green-tech had to undertake a rigorous audit to retain its accreditation status, which they first achieved in 2011. The requirements have changed over the last decade and the company has successfully kept up to date and adapted to meet these changes.
ISO 9001 requires Green-tech to demonstrate that they have a Quality Management System which ensures consistency and improvement in their service. Greentech has committed to continuous improvement and can have their ISO status removed if they are unable to demonstrate that progress is maintained.
ISO 14001 requires Green-tech to manage their environmental impact. The company had to demonstrate that they have an environmental policy in place and a plan to manage their environmental impact.
The British Assessment Bureau is a leading Certification Body, that carries out the independent assessment to confirm and document that Green-tech runs its business in accordance with these rigorous standards.
Mark Wood, Business Development Director commenting on the certification, “We take our corporate responsibility very seriously and working within the ISO framework helps Green-tech to deliver high levels of business performance and customer service. It is not an easy thing to achieve, and we are one of a handful of landscaping companies with this accreditation to our name, so I am delighted that we met the audit’s indepth scrutiny to retain our ISO status. We hope it gives our stakeholders, customers and suppliers independent reassurance of our commitment to delivering quality products and service and our pledge to reducing our environment impact whilst becoming a more sustainable organisation.”
