The Horticultural Trades Association has announced the appointment of Will Armitage as its new President, following the Annual General Meeting held at Horticulture: The Conference on 25 September 2024.

Will Armitage takes over from Alan Down, who successfully completed his term and now assumes the role of Immediate Past President. Jane Lawler has been named Vice President.

In addition, two new directors are joining the HTA Board, Mark Pitman Managing Director of Wildlife World and Mike Burks Managing Director of The Gardens Group. Both bring a wealth of diverse experience and expertise that will significantly contribute to the ongoing success and innovation within the association.

Will Armitage said: "I was honoured to be asked to become President of the HTA. As a member for many years both through Armitage's Garden Centres and latterly through "Mulch" we have benefitted so much from the networking opportunities, business improvement schemes, gift vouchers, training and of course the excellent political lobbying the HTA does so well. I saw this as an opportunity to give back to the association that has given us so much and my pledge to the members will be to endeavour to leave the association in just as good a position as it is now, if not better. I would also just like to take this opportunity to thank the members for voting me in and to everyone at the HTA for making my past 2 years as Vice President so interesting and rewarding."

Jane Lawler, who has assumed the role of Vice President, commented: “It’s been a journey of discovery as an HTA Board member over the past few years, and I’ve learnt a great deal about the critical work the association does on behalf of members. I’m very pleased to now be given the opportunity to take an even more active role and I am looking forward to working with the rest of the team to continue that work. I’m especially keen to help all members explore the wide benefits of being part of HTA and understand how to get the best value from membership”

Will Armitage began his horticultural career in the 1980s at his family's garden shop in Huddersfield. After earning a diploma from Sparsholt College, he worked in Scotland and New Zealand before starting full-time at Barton Grange’s Woodford Garden Centre in 1996. He later became managing director of Armitage's Garden Centres, leading its growth until its sale in 2015. In 2020, he co-founded the Mulch brand, later transitioning it to a larger company. In 2022, he joined the HTA board and was appointed vice president. Since 2015, Will has also focused on coaching and consulting within the horticultural and agricultural sectors.