Our inspectors Alyson Haywood, Andy
Campbell and Ian Boardman are standing down from their roles at the
organisation this year (2016).
Alyson is taking on an operational post
with Van Hage, Andy wishes to spend less time away from home and more time with
his family and Ian is going forward to work on other projects.
Our Chief Executive, Iain Wylie said: “We’re
really sorry to see these three widely respected industry experts go, but
completely understand their individual decisions to step down at this stage and
wish them all the very best with their new ventures.
“They have all been a pleasure to work
with and an integral part of the organisation. They will be missed and I’d like
to thank them for all their hard work and commitment.”
Industry stalwart and GCA inspector
Roger Crookes will continue in his role with us.
Iain added: “We’ve begun the task to
look for replacements and we’re very happy to speak to people interested in the
posts from all areas of the industry. Anyone keen to find out more about the
role should contact me via email or phone at the GCA before we start the
recruitment process in earnest so we can ensure they get full details sent out
to them.
“We view this very much as an
opportunity to re-fresh our team of GCA inspectors and we’re seeing this as a
positive situation moving forward, although of course we’re very sad to see
Alyson, Andy and Ian go.”
Prior to joining our team of inspectors,
Alyson was a General Operations Manager at Wyevale
Garden Centres and was responsible for six Regional Managers. Her other
roles have included: General Manager at Woodlands Nurseries, General Manager at
Bridgemere Garden World and Head of Nurseries and Regional Manager with The
Garden Centre Group.
Julian
Winfield, our Chairman, said: “The GCA appreciates the effort and contributions
over the years from the Alyson, Andy and Ian, and the inspection process
has undoubtedly improved standards with our members.”
Andy
has been a vital part of the GCA inspection team for the past 12 years.
He
said: “I would like to think that I have served the GCA members well during
this time, supporting the members in improving retail disciplines and customer
service standards as they develop their businesses.
“I
have thoroughly enjoyed my time in this role and learnt a lot at the same time.
I would like to thank the GCA for enabling me to participate in what I believe
is a very powerful business improvement tool and wish them well for the future.
“My
reasons for leaving are entirely personal. With a young teenage family, I wish
to spend more time at home during these important years, recognising that
before I know it they will be making their own way in life. This is not
retirement, simply a re-balancing of home and work life.”
Ian
has extensive horticultural and retail experience having worked in the garden
centre industry for the past 40 years. Prior to becoming one of our inspectors,
he was employed for three years as plant area manager and for 10 years as a general
manager responsible for a team of more than 100. Ian has also worked in
France for the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.
Ian said: “There can’t be many more
industries where members are so open about sharing information to help each
other improve. It’s been a privilege to work for GCA for some 17 years –
helping develop the inspection process and developing member businesses. It’s
hard work and very intense for three-four months each spring. I’ve worked with
a great team of inspectors – and a great team at GCA. So huge thanks to all
involved. I look forward to hearing how the new inspection team develops the
process even further and wish them every success.”
For
further information about the role of inspector with us, please call 0118 930 8918. Alternatively, please visit www.gca.org.uk, log
on to www.facebook.com/pages/Garden-Centre-Association
or follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GC_Association.
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