The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) joined political and industry leaders at a business reception during the Labour Party Conference on 29 September 2026.

Enterprise Forum in partnership with the HTA, the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and the Society of Independent Brewers and Associates (SIBA), the event at Love Lane Brewery in Liverpool on Tuesday (29 September) examined the challenges businesses face, from rising operating costs to skills gaps.

Jennifer Pheasey, HTA’s director of policy and public affairs, joined the panel discussion to champion member businesses and green spaces. She comments:

“This event was a timely opportunity to highlight to key ministers the crucial role environmental horticulture plays in the UK economy and in building healthier and stronger communities. Our sector contributes £38 billion to UK GDP, supports 722,000 jobs, helps reduce pressure on the NHS, creates employment and strengthens climate resilience.

“But it is an extremely challenging time for our members due to the current cost of doing business. Environmental horticulture businesses need greater cost certainty, less restrictive regulation, improved planning for green spaces, effective cross-governmental working and the swift delivery of an SPS agreement to ease friction at the border. We urge the government to address these priorities in the forthcoming Budget and work with the industry to unlock green growth and enable us to create healthier, wealthier and more environmentally resilient communities.”

The panel at the conference also explored practical solutions for growth across the economy – from environmental horticulture to retail, hospitality and business services.

This comes after the HTA has released a report on how the UK should be tackling climate change effects with green infrastructure investments.