Simon Fraser has been appointed to the HTA board. With a Diploma in Horticulture and an HND in Commercial Horticulture, Simon has worked for nurseries and garden centres in Aberdeen, Lincolnshire, Kent and New Zealand. This was followed by a six-year stint managing the family forestry business before several roles outside the industry.

Now as managing director of Ben Reid & Co, Mr Fraser is the fourth generation of his family to have owned and managed this Aberdeen business and has represented Scottish members on the HTA Council for the past 10 years.

“It is an honour and a privilege to be appointed to the Board of the HTA at such a dynamic and exciting time in the organisation’s development,” said Mr Fraser. “I look forward as a retailer and a grower to represent the HTA’s membership to help their trade association effectively support their businesses.”

Commenting on the appointment HTA president Adam Wigglesworth said: “Simon’s experience will strengthen the board and assist in ensuring the HTA helps our members to meet the challenges and embrace the opportunities they face. Simon has been an active member of the Association for many years and I am delighted that he has agreed to take up this position”.