Developing Business In The Garden Industry
Diploma success for Gateacre Garden Centre
A member of the team at Gateacre Garden Centre has been celebrating after being awarded a leading qualification within the horticultural industry.
Matthew Cruikshank of the Liverpool based garden centre, received the leading industry-recognised HTA Garden Retail Diploma following 12 months of interactive learning and workshops. He was presented with his diploma by HTA Regional Account Manager, Andrew Dunkley.
Matthew, 25, started at the garden centre as a 16 year old weekend casual worker in 2002, but his excellent customer care skills and desire to learn more about horticulture ensured that he was kept in the business and now holds the position of Senior Plant Sales Advisor.
Sally Cornelissen, Director of the EHWilliams Group who own Gateacre said, “Matthew has worked incredibly hard to achieve this result. The Diploma is challenging on many levels and demands dedication over a sustained period in order to reach the required standard. Matthew has benefited from the results of independent research and supported learning and I am very proud of his achievement.”
Penny Evans, HTA Training and Careers Manager said “It is fantastic to see garden centre staff blossom through this qualification and that garden centres understand that by investing in training, provides both immediate skills benefits and an improved competitive edge. This is a fantastic achievement and I would recommend all garden centres to celebrate staff success”.
The Garden Retail Diploma, managed and administered by the Horticultural Trades Association was developed in association with Skillsmart Retail and Lantra and provides ‘bite sized’ modules which build up to a nationally recognised qualification in Retail Knowledge, accredited by the Awarding Body, LANTRA Awards. The content and learning materials reflects the challenges and opportunities facing the garden centre retail environment in the 21st century.
Contacts
Gill Ormrod, Angela Bean or Cassie King
HTA Media Office
Tel: 0118 930 3132
Email: media.office@the-hta.org.uk
Join us on Facebook www.facebook.com/htanews
The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) is the trade association for the UK garden industry. It is dedicated to helping develop the industry and its member businesses, including most garden centres and other garden retailers, growers, landscapers, manufacturers and service providers.
The HTA was founded in 1899. Its key roles include: provision of advice-based services such as business improvement schemes, briefings and help lines; training, conferences and events for members; market information and research; promotions such as the National Garden Gift Voucher scheme; and working closely with government and the media to influence policy and projects.
Last updated: 13/07/2012 14:09