This year’s Spring Statement does not reflect “the reality of those running businesses in environmental horticulture,” says Fran Barnes, chief executive of the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA).

It was a “missed opportunity to act now” and boost a sector made up of mostly SMEs. Barnes added that the HTA is “disappointed” that Chancellor Jeremy Hunt did not tackle the “pressing issue” of trade and borders, after it had asked the government for an update on the “costs, capacity and clarity” on the border changes that are set to take place next month.

“This shift in how we operate comes when we also face a universal wage hike, delays in deliveries caused by global challenges, investment in the transition to peat-free, and a leap in business rates. All of which result in massive costs for businesses across the sector as we look to our busiest season,” says Barnes.

“As the Chancellor acknowledges, green industries and SMEs are key to future growth. We urge the government to truly back sectors like environmental horticulture, which can deliver both environmentally and economically, innovate, and support big, costly issues like health and wellbeing.”