The HTA National Plant Show, unveiled at last week's British Plant Fair, will take place at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, on 29-30 June 2010.

Some growers have been calling for an event for several years and are pleased the HTA has decided to act. HTA director of business development Tim Briercliffe said: "We have been delaying this for the past couple of years but the thing that finally sold it for us was that retailers asked for it at our HTA retail management group."

Although most growers were very positive, some raised concerns about the need to market the event carefully to keep it affordable and British. Riley Growers managing director Tim Riley commented: "It will be alright as long as it doesn't get diluted with foreign producers, and is kept small."

Bransford Webb's managing director and show organiser Geoff Caesar said: "It will focus strongly on the British growers. We are only inviting exhibitors from the UK."

Other growers raised concerns that a larger show could have an effect on how relevant the extra visitors would be to their businesses.

Nursery Fresh Plants nursery sales and production director Nick Molesworth said: "The danger of bigger shows is always lots of footfall but none of it relevant. What is nice about these events (BPF) is that everybody here is relevant to us. There might only be 30 people here but we will talk to them all."

But Caesar said: "There is an element of truth to what they are saying in that there will be people coming who are not buyers, but what it does do is put the whole supply chain in one place and that generates these networking opportunities for real growth."

Kilworth Conifers owner Derek Spicer said: "I was the first one to sign up for it. The idea is good and it has been needed for many years. A lot of the shows are nearly there but they are a bit too regional."

If the event proves successful it is likely to have repercussions for other shows across the country.

Glee director Dan Thurlow said: "We are still working with the HTA; we still have a great nursery section for this year and the HTA is fully behind that so it shouldn't have too much of an impact for this year.

"The only thing we can do is focus on putting on a very good show for people who are there. I can't predict the future but we have a range of initiatives to improve the show, which the HTA has backed."

Molesworth added: "It sounds like it will be along the Glee lines without the cost and the flashiness so we are very pleased about it."

Clarion Events will also launch an exhibition for the garden and outdoor living industry at Stoneleigh Park on 28-30 June 2010.

The garden expo will be supported by the HTA and Gardenex (the Federation of Garden and Leisure Manufacturers).

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