In January the nursery stock sector will come together to start the new year on a high with Contact 2013: Inspiration to Grow. The eventful two day conference, held biennially, will include nursery stock industry discussions and workshops as well as a social dinner and special tour.

If you haven’t already booked your spot there are now only a few weeks left to do so with the event taking place on 16 and 17 January 2013 at the Holiday Inn, Bromsgrove. There is a £20 per delegate multi-booking discount for those booking 3 or more places so be sure to invite your colleagues.

Day one benefits from a talk by leading garden journalist Adam Pasco who will take a closer look at the current state of plant promotions in the media and garden retail, and focus on ideas that will raise the profile of your plant products.

Ross Cameron, of Sheffield University, also delivers a compelling message to businesses and consumers to buy more plants by demonstrating that they are good for both you and the environment.

In addition to the many other talks, there will be a behind the scenes tour of the Bransford Webbs Plant Company to see the 9 hectare nursery growing 1.3 million plants per year in their new 2,300sq m despatch unit.

Highlights of day two include Tim Briercliffe, HTA Director of Business Development, who will take a look at the government policies under development in the UK and EU and the way in which they affect the sector.

Claire Robertson will be sharing her story of how she used 20 years of retail experience to challenge the prospect of redundancy and won. Claire made headlines when she turned redundancy from Woolworths in Dorchester on its head by taking over the store lease and launching her own brand Wellworths (now known as Wellchester).

Day two also sees an afternoon of inspirational workshops looking at the future of three key aspects within the industry. Delegates have the opportunity to attend two of the three workshops on offer which include: The Future for QR Codes, The Future for Growing Media and Planning a Pesticide-Reduced Future.

After the difficulties of 2012, Contact 2013 is a great chance for the hardy nursery stock industry to gather with fellow colleagues, mull over of past issues and take note of fresh opportunities for the year ahead.

For further information about this event and to view the full programme please visit www.contact2013.co.uk