HTA has announced today that it will be adding to its horticultural expertise and industry experience with the appointment of two new posts in the coming months. A Horticulture Manager and a Policy Executive will build on the lobbying success achieved by Director of Horticulture, Raoul Curtis-Machin that has significantly raised the profile of ornamental horticulture with UK government, and begun to address issues such as biosecurity and sustainability.

Against this background Raoul Curtis-Machin is taking the opportunity to pursue a new challenge and will leave the HTA at the end of June.

Raoul comments, "I am sad to be leaving the HTA at this exciting time, but this is a great opportunity for me to return to Scotland to be closer to family. I have been thrilled at many of the things that we have achieved at the HTA, and in working collaboratively across the industry. Ornamental horticulture is in a strong position to sell itself as a key provider of environmental, health and wellbeing benefits, and there is a real opportunity to boost UK production, biosecurity, skills and jobs. It's been a real honour to represent the industry."

The responsibilities for horticulture and policy activity will be consolidated within those of the current Senior Leadership Team of Alex Vick, Martin Simmons and Anne Clark and will be supported by a newly formed Horticulture Team.

HTA President Adam Taylor comments, “My thanks go to Raoul for all his hard work and commitment to the HTA for the past five years. We all wish him and his family every success in his new career path and their future. I am particularly excited about our two new members of staff who will bring additional industry knowledge and will assist the team at the HTA to continue to engage with our professional lobbyists on behalf of the membership.”