The HTA has launched a new mobile app, to give horticulture businesses access to up-to-date industry information, resources, and training opportunities.

The HTA app can be downloaded for free on any smart device. It has an extensive library of industry specific content and compliance e-learning courses, as well as a live newsfeed.

The App aims to help businesses keep up to date with all the latest information and news from the HTA and the ornamental horticulture sector. This includes actions the HTA are taking to promote and enhance the sector with Government decision-makers, information for interpreting Government guidance and legislation regarding the current pandemic, to ongoing key issues such as sustainability and plant health.

E-learning content is designed to enable managers to upskill staff and track their progress. Course topics include everything from biosecurity and plant passporting to digital marketing and visual merchandising. There is also a range of courses on health and safety and Covid-19.

The HTA created four e-learning bundles, designed to focus on related areas. ‘Principles of Horticulture’ includes courses such as ‘Using Garden Plant Protection Products Safely’, and ‘Water Conservation’ whilst ‘Compliance’ includes ‘Emergency First Aid Awareness’ and ‘Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH)’.  By purchasing these courses as a bundle, the rate will be  discounted, making this eLearning a cost effective way of delivering induction training or upskilling staff. Anyone can download the HTA App, HTA members will receive preferential rates on training courses and access to additional content.

Anne Clark, Director of HR and Learning said: “We are thrilled to release the HTA App to help support our members and their businesses in these difficult times. We know how busy our members are; they rarely have time to sit in front of a computer for long. The App allows our members to access information conveniently, in one place, and provides a wealth of resources and training opportunities on the go.

“We hope, in time, the HTA App will become an invaluable tool, not just for our members, but also for the wider horticulture industry.”

The HTA App can be downloaded from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.

Users who are registered on the HTA HUB will be able to login immediately.

All other users will need to register to access full content on the App.