18.11.05
Top planting experts spreading the word this winter

World names in horticulture are sharing their knowledge with businesses in Cornwall and Devon in a series of seminars over the winter.

This year's programme, Building a Sustainable Competitive Advantage, is designed to help local industry maintain and sharpen its competitive edge in an ever-demanding market place. The seminars tackle issues including effective management of the bottom line, production protocols that deliver quality plants time after time and how to compete in the world of plant retail.

The programme has been put together with the help of the Eden Project, Duchy College and Peninsula Plants. The seminars are part-funded through the Vocational Training Scheme (VTS), and CHE, both Objective One initiatives.

The first seminar, Effective Management of the Bottom Line, by leading consultant David Gilchrist, took place at the Duchy College, Rosewarne, Cornwall, on November 9th. Delegates raised questions about their own businesses and were advised on how to improve their performance. Esther Deeleman-Pollard, of La Casa Verde, Mylor, Cornwall said: "I found the seminar extremely useful since it addressed the key areas of focus in terms of managing production towards a positive bottom line. I am so glad I didn't miss it and if this is the standard of all the seminars, I certainly won't miss the next one!"

The second seminar, Protocols that Produce Outstanding Quality Plant After Plant, takes place on December 1 at the Eden Project, Cornwall and will be led by David Miller, president of the Institute of Horticulture. David has been responsible for the quality and production of plants on a worldwide scale. The seminar takes place at Eden's Foundation Building from 9.30 am until lunchtime. The cost is £15 per delegate, with lunch included. Telephone 01579 372289 or email VTS@duchy.ac.uk to reserve place.

The final seminar, Retail Innovation – How to Make the Most of Your Business, by Andy Campbell, takes place at Exeter Race Course on January 11. Andy was head of Horticulture at Homebase and is now a leading consultant majoring on the skills required to succeed in the harsh retail world.

For further information please contact Bryher Scudamore director of communications at Eden on 01726 811968 or email: bryher.scudamore@edenproject.com.

The Objective One Programme for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly has invested in Cornish Horticultural Enterprises (CHE) and Vocational Training Scheme (VTS), through the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund (EAGGF).

Anyone considering a new horticulture, food and land based industries project is advised to speak with Maria Ford, at Government Office South West - 01752 635015 - before commencing development as there are now only limited funds available due to the successful uptake of funding by the agricultural sector in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

Editor's notes:

Eden Project Limited is owned by the Eden Trust, which is a fully registered UK Charity (No. 1093070).

The Millennium Commission Lottery grant contributed £55.4 million to the £133.6 million cost of the Eden Project.

Big Build 2 is also supported by funding investments of £12.9 million from Europe, under the Objective One programme and £9.65 million from the South West Regional Development Agency.

Immediate information may be obtained from our website: www.edenproject.com.

Clare Morgan
Media Relations Manager
Objective One Partnership Office
Castle House
Pydar Street
Truro TR1 2UD
Mobile: 07973 813647
Telephone: 01872 223439

cmorgan@cornwall.gov.uk

back to top