Neil Pope has been appointed as editor of Garden Trade News, with immediate effect.

He takes over from Mike Wyatt, who has edited the publication since 1992 and becomes associate editor on a part-time basis. He will continue to write for the publication and its digital editions.

Neil, who becomes only the third editor of GTN since it was launched in 1978, is a talented editor with a wealth of experience on leading consumer and trade titles, including Angling Times, Today’s Golfer, Garden News and Pet Product Marketing.

He will take over responsibility for GTN’s digital newsletter, GTN Xtra, as well as the monthly printed title and the weekly GTN Bestsellers subscribers’ bulletin

Mike Wyatt, pictured congratulating Neil (left) on his appointment, said: “After more than two decades at GTN and nearly 33 years in gardening publishing, it’s time I gave someone else a go. Neil knows our market well and has the enthusiasm needed to take the title forward in the digital age.”

Neil Pope said: “I’m looking forward to the challenge of editing the garden centre industry’s best-read and most respected publishing portfolio and and am especially excited at the prospect of developing GTN Xtra, which is growing its audience week by week.”

Trevor Pfeiffer, managing director of GTN’s owners, The Garden Communication & Media Company, said: “I would like to thank Mike for his loyal service to GTN and the garden industry in general over the past 21 years. He is well-known and respected throughout the industry and I am pleased that he will be continuing to work with us while enjoying his semi-retirement. Neil Pope is a worthy successor who shares Mike’s love of the garden industry and will help us to grow the business in the years ahead.”