GIMA director Neil Gow has written to 100 businesses in Worcestershire and surrounding counties to promote a talk by James Wong at Pershore College.

"There has been a lot in the horticultural trade press over the past few years about the lack of skills in the industry and thanks to the likes of Alan Titchmarsh, the RHS and James Wong, this has spilled over into the consumer media too. It is a skills shortage I am all too aware of with my involvement in the industry both personally and through GIMA.

"James Wong and Pershore are doing their bit to try and address this and the talk by James on Tuesday (February 4) at the college is part of that. Many of you in the trade will have heard James speak. Others will recall his TV series ‘Grow Your Own Drugs’. He is an inspiring speaker and very entertaining.

 "While this talk is aimed at towards people who are thinking about a career in horticulture, which may not be you, you perhaps have a son or daughter, niece or nephew, next door neighbour or work colleague who might be. 

"Please share this poster and email with them. Put it by your coffee machine or on the staffroom notice board this morning and see if you can interest one or two into coming along – who knows it could be the beginning of a great career in a great industry."