Managing Director of the newly expanded Blue Diamond Group, Alan Roper, features on the programme for Cultivating Retail, the new industry conference and dinner, hosted by HTA and GIMA, taking place at the East Midlands Conference Centre in Nottingham on Tuesday 13 November.

Alan will be sharing his thoughts on innovative and experiential retail. With the company slogan of Style, Emotion and Innovation for the Home and Garden Alan will use examples from his sites, including the East Bridgford store and no doubt be talking further about the recent acquisitions that the group has made. There will be the opportunity to go along and see the Christmas experience at East Bridgford the next day – which is just 15 miles away from the venue.

The action-packed programme, which is of appeal to both retailers, growers and suppliers, will be hosted by Channel 4 news presenter by Cathy Newman. Keynote speaker consumer and shopping behaviourist Ken Hughes will be asking ‘Is your supply chain millennial ready?’ The programme features two panel sessions focussing on the issue of plastics in horticulture and also supply chain with industry representatives all having their say. There will also be plenty of opportunity for delegates to join in both in the sessions and the wider networking opportunities around the conference and the dinner.

This ‘must attend’ event of the year will be packed full of compelling content, inspiration and networking opportunities, bringing together retailers, suppliers and growers from across the industry.  A great forum for discussion and debate, in an accessible location with good transport networks, this event represents amazing value and provides a great opportunity to bring along other team members.

We are delighted to welcome the following sponsors on board: Ascential Events, Corby and Fella’s, Dura-ID, Evergreen Garden Care, MorePeople, Stihl, Smart Garden Products and Swan Retail.

For further information and to book your place now at www.hta.org.uk/cultivatingretail

The event represents great value with the HTA and GIMA member rate only £295 + VAT for the conference, dinner and accommodation.

For information about sponsorship opportunities at the event please contact Tim Bell, HTA Commercial Manager on 07808 775177 or email tim.bell@hta.org.ukor Vicky Nuttall, GIMA Director on 07766 135060 or vicky.nuttall@gima.org.uk