Regulation
Emma Reynolds appointed as the new Environment Secretary
Emma Reynolds has been appointed as the new Defra Secretary of State following the Cabinet reshuffle, with the former Defra Secretary, Steve Reed appointed as Housing Secretary.
Business
Beyond the Plate: Protecting biodiversity in hospitality
In partnership with the Sustainable Restaurant Association, the Hospitality Sector Council has launched a new Biodiversity Toolkit for restaurants and foodservice businesses.
Economy
The Long Wait: Speculation builds ahead of Autumn Budget
The Treasury has confirmed that the date for the Autumn Budget is November 26th, leaving over two months of speculation and uncertainty.
Environment
Opaque supply chains jeopardise future of critical forests worldwide
ZSL assessments reveals that the majority of the world’s leading tropical forestry companies are failing to disclose where their wood and pulp come from.
People
Katie Eckley to represent Wales on the Horticultural Trades Association Council
The Director of Operations at the Old Railway Line Garden Centre joins the HTA Council to ensure views of Welsh members are heard and reflected in board decisions.
Gardens
Chelsea Physic Garden appointed six new Board Trustees
The Chelsea Physic Garden announced the appointment of six new trustees to its Board to strengthen its mission to inspire wonder, wellbeing and discovery.
Charity
Dobbies launches Sensory Bulb Collection to support Alzheimer’s Research UK
Dobbies Garden Centres launches charity bulb collection that aims to raise £10,000 for its National Charity Partner, Alzheimer’s Research UK, which would fund up to 278 hours of scientists’ lab time.
Business
Stiga appoints James Gordon as UK Managing Director
The manufacturer of garden machinery, Stiga, announced the appointment of James Gordon as its new UK Managing Director, effective September 15, 2025.
Media
Britons put their faith in local news
Poll reveals people trust local journalism as the integration of AI on tech platforms advances rapidly, highlighting the importance of independent local media for the provision of information.
Business
Jo Whitfield CBE to succeed Andy Higginson as BRC Chairman
Jo Whitfield CBE has been appointed to succeed Andy Higginson as British Retail Consortium Chair, when his tenure comes to an end on 2 October 2025.
Business
Shop thefts in Scotland soar by 17%
The latest Recorded Crime in Scotland statistics show a 17% rise in shop thefts over the past year, to over 47,000 incidents.
Business
Gateway to US Market: UK Walmart Seller Summit
UK businesses have an opportunity to meet Walmart, the prominent US retailer, at their new London offices to explore commercial prospects of their online marketplace and gain insights into accessing the US market.
Gardens
Behind the Gates: A private tour of Knoll Gardens with Neil Lucas
Otherwise closed to the public, owner Neil Lucas will provide a unique tour of Knoll Gardens to raise funds for the National Garden Scheme.
Charity
Growing hope: Urgent appeal by the Herefordshire Growing Point
The charity that helps people living with physical and mental challenges to enjoy the benefits of gardening is seeking urgent funding or donations to continue their work.
Economy
Price of staples is rising
Fuelled by food price rises, shop price inflation hits highest rate since March 2024 adding pressure to disposable incomes across the country.
Business
Retailers call for economic reform ahead of Autumn Budget
Sixty retail CEOs, including Aldi, Asda, Boots, Tesco, B&Q, Co-op, Kingfisher, Dobbies, Wickes, and trade associations such as the British Retail Consortium and the Horticultural Trades Association, urge the Chancellor to take action.
Charity
Open for Good: Scotland’s Gardens Scheme campaigns for 2026 open gardens
Scotland’s Gardens Scheme is calling on individuals, community groups and villages to open their garden in 2026 to raise funds for charity.
Economy
Consumer confidence remains low
Despite a slight improvement in the state of the economy to -32 in August (up from -33 in July), consumer confidence remains lower than a year ago.
Tourism
VisitEngland forecast: August Bank Holiday to provide £4.1 billion boost to the economy
VisitEngland’s August bank holiday trip tracker survey, shows that 11.2 million Brits are definitely planning an overnight holiday trip in the UK this bank holiday weekend.
Awards
Plot to podium: Dobbies to host National Vegetable Society Championships
Dobbies Garden Centre in Dunfermline opens its doors to the National Vegetable Society to host the Scottish Branch Championships for 2025.
