Echo Lu joins line up for this year's HTA Conference

Homebase managing director Echo Lu has joined the line-up for the HTA Garden Futures Conference which takes place on 30 September at Heythrop Park in Oxfordshire.

Echo LuDescribed as an 'agent for positive change' Lu joined the Home Retail Group Board as managing director of Homebase in April 2015. Prior to this Lu worked for Tesco for 10 years in various roles in Asia and the UK and also served as a non-executive Director for Dobbies Garden Centres. 

The theme for this year's conference, sponsored by Hozelock and Scotts Miracle-Gro, is 'Embracing Change' and the programme will include a panel session, chaired by Matthew Appleby of Horticulture Week, about what the changing landscape means for garden retail. Panellists include Matthew Bent, managing director of Bents Garden & Home, Sam Bosworth director of Choice Marketing and Julian Winfield, chief executive of Haskins Garden Centres.

Other speakers include Simon Jack, business and economics presenter for Radio 4's Today Programme who will provide a topical overview of the current economic climate and Dennis Reid from Retail Performance Specialists who will look at how retailers should respond to the changing retail environment.

This year's after dinner speaker is former BBC senior weatherman Bill Giles OBE. See www.gardenfutures.org.uk

Source: Horticulture Week.com

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