Garden Centre Association members will hear from a serial entrepreneur, former Chief Finance Officer and adventurer on how to achieve ‘big bold goals’ at its annual conference in Blackburn (January 22 until 25, 2023).

Caspar Craven, who has twice sailed around the world and is a leading voice on leadership and the fundamental role high-performance teamwork plays, will speak to attendees on January 23. 

Tammy Woodhouse, GCA Chairman, explains: “We’re thrilled to have Caspar Craven with us on Monday. He understands firsthand, the importance of putting people first in order to achieve big bold goals, learnt from both his mistakes and successes along the way, so he definitely knows what he’s talking about!

“This stems from his experience, which spans 30 years, working in a wide variety of environments and with businesses of all sizes, including selling a tech firm for a seven-figure sum, working as a Chief Finance Officer and five years with KMPG.

“He’s also sailed around the world twice! Once as a team leader on a trophy winning yacht in the BT Global Challenge in 2000/1 and then with his wife and three young children, all aged under 10, who circumnavigated the world together in 2014/16.

“Several years ago, I saw Caspar speak about his story of sailing around the world with his famil and the planning that went into the expedition as well as the learning and experience they all got from the adventure. It was a truly inspirational story and I definitely feel our members will also benefit hugely from hearing it.”

Caspar has built and led teams in global corporations, start-ups, businesses, struggling businesses and high growth companies.

He’s also a Bloomsbury bestselling author. His most recent book ‘Be More Human – Rethinking the Rules of High-Performance Teamwork’ explains the 20 principles behind achieving his famous big bold goals.

Tammy adds: “Caspar will be joining our other speakers on the Monday, where the focus is on staff development and helping to improve sales. He will tell attendees that the most successful leaders and teams are the ones which recognise that we are all building two teams – one at work and another at home.

“We look forward to hearing about his unique mix of experiences and believe our members will leave feeling energised and ready to leverage their teams in the best way possible to achieve their goals.”

The GCA represents nearly 200 garden centres nationwide.

Through sharing information and its inspection programme the GCA helps members to achieve high standards in customer service, plant quality and reliability.

The GCA’s annual conference will be held at the Mercure Blackburn Dunkenhalgh Hotel and Spa in Blackburn, Lancashire from January 22 until 25, 2023 and places can be booked via www.gca.org.uk.

The conference pages on the website will be updated with speaker announcements and full listings as the programme develops and exact timings are confirmed. There is also a dedicated email for any queries members, and those wishing to book for the event, may have: conference@gca.org.uk.

Caspar Craven will be speaking to attendees on Monday, January 23.

For further information, please visit www.gca.org.uk.