The challenges for horticulture at Knights Garden Centre

Added on 19 May 2023

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The challenges for horticulture at Knights Garden Centre

Sir Paul Beresford MP met with the HTA and Knights Garden Centre on Thursday 4 May to discuss policy issues that are impacting the horticulture industry.

Director Andy Knight and manager Martin Lines, alongside HTA’s David Lydiat invited the Mole Valley MP to the Betchworth store.

On the agenda was the cost of doing business, import checks at borders, the effect of bringing forward a potential peat ban and planning permission to expand their business.

Andy Knight said: “We were pleased to welcome Sir Paul who spent a long time with us discussing our experiences and concerns. Horticulture businesses are facing several challenges at the moment as we enter our peak season. Businesses need certainty to plan for the future and we appreciate Sir Paul’s support.”

Sir Paul, whose career included time as an Environment Minister was concerned by the amount of regulation and its negative impact on running a business in horticulture.

Photo: Left to right David Lydiat, Policy and Public Affairs Manager HTA, Sir Paul Beresford MP, Andy Knight director and Martin Lines, manager Knights Garden Centre.

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