Horticultural Business Consultant Mark Pitman was selected from a record‑breaking number of applicants to secure the role of Garden Centre Inspector with the Garden Centre Association this month (March 2026).
© GCA
Mark, an accomplished leader from horticulture and wildlife sectors, brings more than four decades of experience from his operational management, retail leadership, environmental stewardship and executive positions to the role.
Peter Burks, GCA Chief Executive, says: "We're delighted Mark is joining our team of inspectors. Highly experienced in our sector, he's recognised for his extensive industry knowledge and operational excellence.
"He will be integral in helping us to ensure consistency and high standards through our membership and will visit approximately 40 of our members' centres this spring, scoring each one against given criteria, using our detailed inspection form, and giving objective and honest feedback on what he has seen. He will also make presentations at our regional meetings this summer and during our annual conference in January 2027.
"We had an amazing response for our vacant Garden Centre Inspector position this year. We received 300% more applications than previous campaigns and one in three candidates were invited to interview, and the overall quality was excellent. I would like to thank everyone who applied and to Lily Howe from GRO Coaching & Consulting Ltd for her recruitment acumen and exceptional support during this process."
Most recently, Mark spent six years with Wildlife World Ltd (2019-2026), first as General Manager and later as Managing Director of both Wildlife World Ltd and The Wildlife Community Ltd, the organisations retail operation. During his tenure, Mark strengthened operational performance, expanded product innovation and helped grow the company's reputation as a leading provider of sustainable wildlife products.
Before moving into wildlife-focused leadership roles, Mark built an extensive 23‑year career with Hillier Garden Centres, progressing from Garden Centre Manager to Retail Operations Manager. He later brought his horticultural expertise to Waitrose's Longstock Park Nursery, where he led nursery and landscaping operations for six years.
He says: "I'm thrilled to be working with the GCA to maintain their high standards of excellence in retailing across all members and to be able to bring my experience to the role. It's going to be very interesting and I relish the opportunity to go out and visit centres and chat to members in my new professional capacity."
Mark is no stranger to working with leading industry bodies and contributing to the future of the horticulture sector, as he is also a Non‑Executive Director of the Horticultural Trades Association.
For more information:
Garden Centre Association
Tel.: 01244 952170
[email protected]
gca.org.uk
