Landscape & A m en it y
February 2025
www.landscapeandamenity.com
Special Feature Play & Activity
Industry continues to count the costs and impacts of Brexit Four years after environmental horticulture became the first sector hit by the full impacts of Brexit checks, businesses are still grappling with soaring costs, significant delays, stock damage, and excessive bureaucracy. These challenges drive up costs and limit consumer choice, leaving the industry in an increasingly precarious position. The UK’s environmental horticulture sector is a vital contributor to the economy and a linchpin of the green agenda. Plants, trees, and flowers produced domestically were valued at £1.7 billion in 2023, while imports of plants and plant material totalled £780 million, with 99% sourced from the EU. These figures underscore the sector’s importance to economic growth and its support of millions of UK gardeners, landscapers, and
retailers. However, its reliance on international connections, particularly with the EU, exposes vulnerabilities to disruptions in trade and supply chains. These challenges and the financial burdens of trade create a difficult operating environment for businesses across the sector. Current policies, such as the Common User Charge (CUC), disproportionately increase costs for small and mediumsized enterprises (SMEs), making up approximately 95% of the environmental horticulture sector. Meanwhile, inadequate infrastructure at Border Control Posts (BCPs) leads to delays and stock waste. The lack of a mutual plant health agreement further disadvantages UK businesses compared to their EU competitors, exacerbating friction and limiting trade opportunities.
Jennifer Pheasey, Director of Public Affairs at the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA), said: “The environmental horticulture sector, vital to the UK’s green economy, has suffered significantly from the effects of Brexit for too long. Four years after leaving the EU, the anticipated benefits have yet to materialise, while we continue to face challenges that threaten the stability of our businesses and trade.
“These difficulties are further compounded by unpredictable weather and the restrictions outlined in the government’s 2024 autumn budget. These obstacles are not only persisting; they are worsening. Now is the time for action.
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“As we approach 2025, the sector needs support to overcome these challenges and unlock its full potential. We welcome the ambition to reset relations with the EU, but immediate action
is necessary to foster growth, and repairing UK-EU relations is crucial for addressing these challenges.” Enquiry 1
Hedge & Verge Mowers
#GroundsWeek 2025 brings the celebration back bigger than ever
Jane Carley looks at the latest technology
Building on that success, the GMA’s aim to make 2025 the biggest celebration yet, further highlighting the expertise of grounds staff, while inspiring the next generation of professionals and volunteers to consider a career in grounds management.
and communities. In 2024, #GroundsWeek reached an impressive 18 million people, showcasing the growing appreciation for the essential
New product developments and case studies
“The past year has been marked by severe trade border issues, including significant delays, excessive red tape, and rising costs, all of which limit consumer choice.
work carried out by grounds staff across the UK.
Running from Monday 17 March to Sunday 23 March 2025, #GroundsWeek is a weeklong recognition of the vital role grounds staff play in our sports
Hard & Soft Landscaping
As awareness grows, the GMA hopes #GroundsWeek 2025 will reach a global audience, shining a spotlight on the vital role of grounds staff not only in the UK but across the world. To support participants, the GMA has launched an easy-to-
use #GroundsWeek Toolkit, a collection of free resources designed to help everyone get involved. The Toolkit includes the official #GroundsWeek logo, social media channel headers, pre-designed graphics, image watermarks and social media icon frames. These tools make it easier than ever to show your support and celebrate the vital work of grounds staff across the UK. Geoff Webb, GMA Chief Executive Officer, said: “Grounds staff are the cornerstone of our communities and sports clubs, ensuring playing surfaces and green spaces are in excellent condition for everyone to enjoy. #GroundsWeek is a fantastic opportunity to recognise
The HTA
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their hard work, whether they are professionals or volunteers, whilst encouraging more people to explore the rewarding career opportunities within this vital industry. We are proud to see the event grow year on year and look forward to making 2025 the biggest celebration yet.” Whether you’re a professional, a volunteer or just value wellmaintained spaces, there are countless ways to get involved. From social media templates to guides on creating engaging content with your grounds teams, the Toolkit provides everything you need to make the most of the week. The GMA Enquiry 2
Sweepers, Collectors, Blowers & Vacs Spotlight on the best solutions for cleaning up Page 17
CUTTING-EDGE PERFORMANCE MEETS SUSTAINABILITY Worried about performance when making the switch from fossil fuels? Kress battery tools deliver the same power as petrol, so there’s no compromise.
kress.com READER ENQUIRY 3