Mike Burks , a Board Member of the Horticultural Trades Association ( HTA ) and Managing Director of the Gardens Group , was the keynote speaker to a group of lawmaker at a dinner in Westminster to set the start of Chelsea hebdomad , highlight the important role of small and medium - sized enterprises ( SMEs ) in help the U.K. achieve its Net Zero target and enhance nature .
The event , host by the Industry and Parliament Trust ( IPT ) on Monday , May 19 , was titled " Small Businesses , Big Impact : unlock the Potential of SMEs for Net Zero and Nature . " chair by Toby Perkins MP , the Chair of the Environmental Audit Select Committee , the dinner party bring together Members of Parliament , manufacture leaders from various sectors , and HTA representatives to talk about the chance and challenge facing SMEs in contributing to internal environmental goals .
Ian O’Donnell , Federation of Small Businesses Toby Perkins MP and Mike Burks The Gardens Group and Horticultural Trades Association
Mike Burks leads The Gardens Group , a horticultural business recognized as an HTA sustainability reference site and a ahead deterrent example of eco - favorable practice . Operating three internet site across Dorset and Somerset , The Gardens Group has made important investments in sustainability . This includes set up solar panels , zephyr source heat pumps , and biomass generators to reduce reliance on power grid vigor , alongside harvesting rain to minimize mains water habit . They actively manage waste , collect composition board from local businesses for recycling and reuse , and collectively reduce the amount of waste charge to landfills .
The Gardens Group is committed to measure and reducing its atomic number 6 step , continuously exploring innovational ways to reduce waste , expound recycled piss capacity , and bound its environmental impact . The occupation actively encourages customer to espouse more wildlife - friendly and environmentally friendly gardening approaches . succeeding plans include increasing rain harvesting at all site , moving away from gaseous state - powered heating , and integrate sustainability more deeply into their purchasing insurance policy . Mike ’s personal dedication to environmental work in the garden diligence was recognized last year when he was present the prestigious Pearson Memorial Medal for his outstanding contributions and leadership in the sphere .
Mike Burks commented : " I quite often get a line people say that the weighing machine of the environmental and sustainability challenge is so great that they do n’t hump where to start out . But my feeling is that no issue where we each start from , it ’s crucial to take a first measure so that together with we can make a huge difference .
" get the opportunity to take that message , the voice of horticulture , to the centre of Westminster and speak about how small business can support nature and the environment , was a privilege . The more lawmakers and policymakers can empathise environmental horticulture and the challenge , founding , and importance of small businesses like mine , the good . I am looking forward to this being the start of conversations . As an HTA Board Member and proud champion of the gardening industry , I trust more commercial enterprise will speak up and engage with MPs on the issues they face . "
The event furnish a platform for policymakers to hear directly from the sphere on how environmental gardening SMEs are already contributing to environmental targets and the support needed to speed up this impact across the U.K. The HTA is a committed supporter of the work of the IPT , an autonomous , non - lobbying , and non - partisan charity , supported by lawmakers from both Houses of Parliament and business , aimed at educating those involved .
For more data : Horticultural Trades Association[email protected]www.hta.org.uk
