Mark Gregory appointed to the HTA board

The bond between the Horticultural Trades Association and the Association of Professional Landscapers became stronger last week after APL Vice Chairman, Mark Gregory, was appointed to the HTA board.

President of the HTA, Caroline Owen said, “We recognise the enormous significance of landscaping within the garden industry and this new appointment will help to strengthen the representation of the sector on the HTA Board. Mark is a highly respected and successful landscaper and I and my colleagues welcome him to the Board.”

The APL had come under criticism in recent months as land-based businesses became disenfranchised by the polarisation of the landscape industry.

I have to admit that I am little disappointed and I see this tie-up more of a backward or side-ways step.

It is my view that the APL should be a full-time, stand-alone organisation with a CEO, permanently working on members' behalf, there at every moment to answer queries and lend support to APL members, at any time during the working week.

There is not problem with partnerships but it could be perceived that the HTA acts more like a life support machine for the APL.

HTA: Press Release