Tim Briercliffe leaves the HTA - is there a crisis brewing?

I sense there is some turbulence at the Horticulture Trades Association (HTA).

Just one month ago, Andrew Maxted left the HTA after nine years working in their marketing department.

What struck me at the time was what Andrew Maxted was quoted as saying: "I am looking forward to a short rest before seeking new opportunities".

This suggests to me that Andrew Maxted leaving was a bit of a surprise... possibly even to Maxted himself? Surely no one leaves a job in this climate without having a new one to go to?

Now the bombshell news that Tim Briercliffe is also leaving the HTA after eight years.

I say bombshell because this clearly wasn't foreseen by the HTA a month ago; The HTA said at the time: "PR and Market Information functions now fall under the Business Development department, headed by Tim Briercliffe".

Tim Briercliffe, is joining the International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH) as Secretary General.

I'm going to watch the coming weeks closely to see how this will impact the HTA and its umbrella organisations. I have this feeling we may be more changes ahead.