Do you want some insider info to help you understand Garden Centre industry economics? The Garden Centre Association (GCA) is thrilled to announce that Mark Berrisford-Smith, former Head of Economics at HSBC, will be a featured speaker at their upcoming annual conference, taking place from January 28 to 31, 2024, at the De Vere Cotswold Water Park Hotel near Cirencester, Gloucestershire.
Mark, who left HSBC’s Commercial Banking division in the UK in June 2023 and is currently working as a freelance consultant and public speaker, will provide insights into the resurgence of inflation and the associated challenges. He has extensive experience in economics and has delivered over 2,000 talks during his tenure at HSBC.
GCA Chairman Elect for 2024/25, Will Blake, expressed his delight at Mark’s return, stating, “We’re delighted to be welcoming Mark to the stage at our annual conference. He previously came and presented to members back in 2013 and has been a popular request as a returnee down the years, so we thought it would be great to invite him back again this year, especially as the state of the economy is such a hot topic within the industry.”
Mark, known for his engaging presentations, will focus on the current economic outlook, including the duration before borrowing costs decrease and consumer spending recovers, against the backdrop of the highest interest rates in 15 years and economic concerns.
Peter Burks, GCA CEO, emphasized the significance of Mark’s presentation, saying, “His presentation in 2013 was very informative and valuable to all those who heard it. He will be speaking at our 2024 conference about what the economy is doing, where it is likely to be going in the future, and the implications this will have on our garden centre members and associates.”
The GCA, representing over 200 garden centres nationwide, aims to uphold high standards in customer service, plant quality, and reliability through information sharing and inspection programs. The 2024 annual conference provides an opportunity for industry professionals to gain valuable insights and can be booked through the GCA’s website. For more details, visit www.gca.org.uk or contact conference@gca.org.uk for inquiries.