Tim Briercliffe, the HTA’s director of business development, is leaving after eight years with the associaiton  to take up the post of secretary general at the International Association of Horticultural Producers.

The HTA say they will be recruiting for a horticultural manager following a review of their management structure. The new post will work manage the sector strategies and committees.

 “Tim is well respected throughout the industry and will be greatly missed,” said HTA director general Carol Paris. “Our loss is definitely  the AIPH’s gain and we wish Tim all the best in his new international role.”

Briercliffe will retain contact with his former colleagues as his office base will be at the HTA’s head offices at Theale.

Briercliffe, who leaves the HTA in mid June, has played a key role in many HTA initiatives over recent years, including the HTA National Plant Show; the HTA Technical Committee, Amenity Suppliers  Group, Retail Suppliers Group, Cash & Carry Group, Manufacturers Group, Seasonal Plants Group and Seeds and Distance Selling Group.  He brought under the HTA umbrella the Growing Media Association, John Innes Manufacturers Association, British Ornamental Plant  Producers (BOPP) scheme and the British Heather Growers Association.  He led the development of the Association of Professional Landscapers and HTA’s business improvement schemes and developed and chaired the HTA’s Growing Media Initiative.

Briercliffe commented: “My aim has always been to try and make a positive difference for businesses in the garden industry.  It has been a pleasure working with members and the wonderful  team at HTA to try and achieve that.  My role has been exciting and diverse, working with the whole supply chain.  I will miss the members and colleagues but look forward to continuing to help the sector, albeit in a different role with the AIPH.  Continuing  to be based at Theale will be a great benefit and will, I know, strengthen the HTA’s relationship with world horticulture.”