CHA has announced that Stuart Booker, who for the past 10 years has looked after the day to day management of the association, is to step down to take a new role in the agriculture and horticulture PR industry.

The CHA secretariat team at head office in Brasted will continue to manage the daily activities and UK group participations at events including GaLaBau 2016, IFTF 2016, IPM Essen 2017 and Fruit Logistica 2017.

As currently, Theresa Swann, Head of Events & Administration will be overseeing the secretariat work of the CHA and during the run up to the inaugural GrowQuip conference, dinner and exhibition, she will be supported by Gemma Chandler and Latisha Springer.  Gemma has been working for the Federation's secretariats in Brasted over a period of 3 years.  She has 20 years’ experience in corporate communications and events management.  Latisha has undertaken several independent event projects while undertaking an events management degree and is looking forward to using these skills to support the CHA's launch of the GrowQuip conference, dinner and exhibition showcase. 

A familiar face to many in the commercial horticultural industry, the current CHA Chairman Ms Pat Flynn will continue in the role of CHA spokesperson and is looking forward to representing the CHA at the many UK and international events where the CHA will have a presence in the forthcoming year.

Pat will also continue as the lead contact for the inaugural GrowQuip 2016, the cross-industry conference and exhibition launched by CHA which will take place on 26-27 October at the Stratford Manor Hotel, Stratford-upon-Avon in Warwickshire.

Speaking of his new appointment, Stuart Booker explained: “I am leaving CHA in a healthy position with the launch of GrowQuip gaining such encouraging support both in the UK and overseas. With new international events coming into the calendar, CHA can continue to assist new and existing UK exporters to reach new clients and new markets across the world.

 “It was with a heavy heart that I have to say goodbye to my colleagues at CHA after 10 extremely rewarding and memorable years. This exciting new challenge came at the right time for me personally and for my career, although it does not make the decision to move on any easier. I would like to thank everyone at the CHA secretariat and committee, including Director General of the secretariat Amanda Sizer Barrett MBE, Chairman Pat Flynn and Head of Events Theresa Swann for all of their support over the last 10 years.”

Pat Flynn, Chair, CHA, said: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank Stuart for his dedication and hard work over the last 10 years and wish him well for the future.

“We are looking forward to working with the expanded secretariat team at Brasted on what will be an exciting year for the CHA, with new UK and international events underway and new business services to support the membership being launched in the next couple of months.”