The Board of the Chartered Institute of Horticulture has announced that it will be transferring its membership secretariat services to the Horticultural Trades Association from 15 December 2015. The decision was supported by membership and work has started to transfer services from Capel Manor College and includes membership administration, event management, and communications. Members will be informed by letter of the change and their subscription benefits will continue as normal.

Andrew Gill, President of the Chartered Institute of Horticulture said: "The CIH was proud to receive its Royal Charter status in 2014 and has since been focused on developing its capability to represent professional horticulturists. Part of that journey is to continue to modernise the delivery of services to our membership, and the Board believes that a partnership with the HTA will help with the next stage of that journey.  We look forward to working with the HTA."

HTA Chief Executive Carol Paris told GTN Xtra: "We are delighted that the Chartered Institute of Horticulture have chosen to partner with the HTA to support its provision of services to members. As it is a prestigious Institute representing professional horticulturists we are confident that we can provide the CIH with the support it’s looking for to meet its future aims and achieve its potential to further professionalise the sector."

Stephen Dowbiggin, Principal of Capel Manor College said: "The College had been proud to support the CIH and work with them but accepted that there were advantages in now moving the CIH administration to an organisation that was specialist in providing membership services.

"Capel Manor College has a strong relationship with the HTA and they sponsor the college and the National Gardening Centre so it is really all staying in the family.

"I would like to thank those of my staff who picked up the administration of the CIH when it came to Capel Manor College, I think all agree that they have done an excellent job and we have helped the CIH move into a stronger position."

The move to the HTA is progressing smoothly and Capel Manor College is looking forward to collaborating with both the CIH and the HTA on future projects to further enhance access to professional skills training and Certification within the horticulture industry.

For further information contact the Chartered Institute of Horticulture - Email: cih@horticulture.org.uk