Garden Industry Manufacturers Association has assembled some of the garden industries high-profile names for its autumn business meeting.
James Barnes, Dobbies chief executive, Alan Roper, Blue Diamond managing director, and Conservative MP, and founder of Ottaker's, Philip Dunne are set to address the meeting.

In one of his first presentations to the industry since Tesco took control of Dobbies, James Barnes will talk about Dobbies' strategy, the continuity of the Dobbies brand and its view on key trends affecting the garden industry.

Alan Roper - promoted in April to managing director of the Blue Diamond group of garden centres - will explain the group's strategy for growth and expansion.

And with sales of £30m and growing strongly, he will also detail its retail ethos and policies regarding product selection.

Phillip Dunne, who champions for the removal of red tape, will present ideas which Conservatives have to equip British business to compete in the years to come.

The meeting will also contain other presentations aimed specifically at those involved in the supply of products and services to the garden retail industry - including a summary of the latest Garden Market report from Mintel Oxygen.

The business meeting is on Thursday October 11 at Henley in Arden, Warwickshire, starting at 10.30am. Bookings are still being taken, email Neil Gow at neilgow@gima.org.uk