Barclay's senior economist Dr Brian Clark will be joining the line-up of speakers at this year's Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) Garden Futures Conference in London this October.
Headline sponsors are Hozelock and Scotts Miracle Gro Company. Dr Clark's presentation will include an overview of the current economic climate and how it will impact consumers and businesses in the years ahead.

Having held the role of senior economist at Barclay's since 2004, Dr Clark has also worked as an economist for Global Insight.

He will be joining other guest speakers including Homebase md Paul Loft, who will be lending his insight on how the industry can adapt, and how his business is seeking to encourage more people into gardening. Also taking to the podium will be New Economics Foundation's Andrew Simms, who will speak about the future for successful independent retailers.

Hillier Garden Centres' Mark Pitman and Paul Hogden from IT Genetics will discuss views on how garden centres can use social media successfully and the maximum gain from it. Meanwhile, 'The Big Debate' will include industry leaders Mark Pearson from Gardman, Hillier Nurseries' Andy McIndoe and James Barnes from Dobbies exploring how the industry can grow again and move forwards.

The HTA Garden Futures Conference takes place on October 9 and 10 in London.