The Garden Centre Association (GCA) has welcomed its new Chairman for 2018/19.

Mike Lind, who is the managing director of Monkton Elm Garden & Pet Centre in Somerset, took on the role as the GCA’s Chairman elect for 2018/19 during its annual conference, which took place in Stratford-upon-Avon.

Mr Lind said: “During my time as Chairman of the GCA, I will continue to focus on the core benefits of membership and our strategy, which has the following main objectives:

Delivering an aspirational members’ conference

Promote regional activities and networking between members

Monthly barometer of trade

GROW our e-learning initiative

The annual standards inspection process. 

“Above all I want to strive to make sure the GCA remains relevant to the interests of our members and is seen as an association that is beneficial to our businesses but is also fun to be part of.”

Mike took on the role from previous Chairman, Julian Winfield.

The Chairman of the GCA works closely with the GCA Executive and full Board of elected directors.

The GCA supports constructive relationships with other entities connected with retail and wholesale in the sector and promotes best practice across the industry. 

Chief executive of the GCA, Iain Wylie

 said: “I look forward to working with Mike this year and in 2019. Initially, our main priority will be to organise a conference for January 2019, continuing the success and popularity of these events in recent years.”

The GCA represents nearly 200 garden centres nationwide.