Our Mike becomes GCA Chairman elect

Our Managing Director, Mike Lind, has been announced as the Chairman elect for 2018/19 for one of the nation’s leading horticultural bodies, the Garden Centre Association (GCA).

Mike said: “I’m thrilled to have been elected as the GCA’s Chairman elect for 2018/19. Monkton Elm is a member of the GCA and recognises the importance of being part of such a prestigious association. When I begin my work as Chairman in January, 2018, I will continue to focus on the core benefits of membership from a business perspective.

“I want to strive to make sure the GCA remains relevant to all the interests of its members and their customers in the competitive retail arena we operate in.

“Many GCA members are family-owned and run independent garden centres, including Monkton Elm. 

“Independent businesses collectively employ many thousands of people and when you add in the supporting network of local and regional suppliers and businesses, you realise what a significant contribution this sector makes to the economy and people at grass roots level in this country.

“Brexit and globalisation issues frequently dominate news headlines and it is imperative we value the contribution entrepreneurial family-owned businesses make to the UK economy.

“There are exciting and challenging times ahead and I look forward to playing a part in helping the GCA continue to represent the interests of its members, supporting businesses and the customers they interact with.”

Mike will take on the role from current Chairman, Julian Winfield, in January 2018.

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.

Iain Wylie, Chief Executive of the GCA, said: “I would like to thank Mike for standing for the Chairman Elect role at our AGM in St. Andrews and congratulate him on being elected unanimously.

“I look forward to working with Mike this year and in 2018/19 when he becomes Chairman. Initially, our main priority will be to organise a conference for January 2018, continuing the success and popularity of these events in recent years.”

The GCA represents nearly 200 garden centres nationwide.

Through sharing information and its inspection programme the GCA helps members to achieve high standards in customer service, plant quality and reliability.