HSBC’S Head of Economics Mark Berrisford-Smith will be speaking at the GCA annual conference in January about the outlook for garden centres and their suppliers...

Mark  will be sharing his thoughts with attendees on Tuesday, January 28.

Iain Wylie, Chief Executive of the GCA, said: “We’re really looking forward to welcoming Mark to the conference. He will be speaking about what the economy has been doing, where it is likely to be going and the implications this will have on our member garden centres and suppliers in the industry.

“Mark, who studied Economics at Sussex and London Universities, is responsible for advising HSBC in the UK and its business customers on developments in the British and global economies. He takes a particular interest in monitoring the performance of European countries and also China.”

The GCA conference, which is sponsored by Davidson Richards and Westland Horticulture, takes place at the Hilton Blackpool Hotel in Blackpool from January 26 until 29. More than 300 delegates are expected to attend.

Iain continued: “Our conference promises to be bigger and better than ever, with a new venue and a really exciting line up of speakers.

“The event will focus on both operational side of our industry as well as strategic element of our businesses. There will also be plenty of opportunities to network and socialise.”

The GCA annual conference will take place from January 26 until 29, 2014 at the Hilton Blackpool Hotel. To book a place visit the members’ area on the GCA website via www.gca.org.uk.