The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) has awarded Mike Burks, Managing Director of The Gardens Group, the 2024 Pearson Memorial Medal. Mike has been at the forefront of environmental work in the garden industry and has been recognized for his outstanding contributions and leadership in the sector.
Will Armitage, HTA President, said: "Mike's contribution to the industry is incredible; not only is he part of The Gardens Group, which operates three garden centers in the Southwest that are some of the best examples of horticultural retail in the country, we believe, along with the support of his wife Louise, he has won the GCA Christmas merchandising prize more than any other retailer. Mike's tenacity and drive have proved invaluable to the industry. During the Covid pandemic, Mike worked alongside and with the HTA in a relentless drive to reopen garden centers."
Mr. Burks (left) accepts his award
Mike Burks, Pearson Memorial Medal winner, said: "This is slightly overwhelming really. We've done lots of work with great people towards a common cause, and in so many ways, we've managed to come together, ensuring the HTA and GCA are aligned on all these projects. None of this would have been possible without the support of my team at the Gardens Group, and particularly my wife Louise, who allowed me to get away this afternoon to be here."
The HTA has awarded the Pearson Memorial Medal for outstanding service to the garden industry annually since it was instigated in 1930 in memory of the HTA's first General Secretary, Charles Pearson. The 2023 medal was awarded to Stan Green, with previous recipients in recent years including Jim Buttress, Mark Gregory and Adam Wigglesworth.
For more information:
Horticultural Trades Association
www.the-hta.org.uk