Date: Wednesday 5th August 2020
The British Christmas Tree Growers Association (BCTGA) has today launched a strong new look as it embarks on an exciting era under new expert management.
Now in its 30th year, the BCTGA, whose growers sell up to 8 million high-quality British Christmas trees every year, has unveiled a new logo and has announced the appointment of registered charity, the Yorkshire Agricultural Society (YAS) as its new Managing Agent.
The BCTGA will benefit from a multi-skilled team at YAS which is based at the Great Yorkshire Showground in Harrogate and provides similar management expertise for the Farm Retail Association, another major national trade organisation which represents the best farm shops and farmers' markets across the UK.
The move heralds the beginning of a bold, forward-thinking long-term strategy to help the BCTGA offer the best support to its membership of more than 320 growers as they seek to meet the needs of increasingly discerning customers.
Hans Alexandersen, Chairman of the BCTGA, said: “After a thorough tender process we are delighted to announce that the Yorkshire Agricultural Society will be taking over as Managing Agents for the British Christmas Tree Growers Association.
“We have big plans for the BCTGA and the experience YAS will bring to the Association through its work with farmers and landowners across the UK will play a crucial role in moving the organisation forward. The new logo is stronger and is a real, quality stamp for the best UK Christmas trees.”
As the BCTGA enters a new era, far greater scrutiny of environmental issues is challenging consumers to value local provenance and move away from purchasing imported, non-biodegradable plastic trees.
With experience of promoting quality service, great experiences, high quality goods and the ‘buy local’ message, YAS is the ideal partner to help the BCTGA build upon its decades of success and ultimately see quality British Christmas trees form the seasonal centrepiece of more and more British homes.
Heather Parry, Deputy Chief Executive of YAS is leading the BCTGA team on its new strategy and she said: “The BCTGA is a great organisation of committed, quality Christmas tree growers and we are delighted to be working with them.
“The year-round work that goes into growing Christmas trees is enormous and after the strange year we have had, Christmas 2020 will be extra special.
“We have launched a new logo today and this is just the start of creating a strong brand for a strong industry. Shortly, we will launch a new BCTGA website and will be working hard to deliver an exciting new strategy.”
The BCTGA is open to every grower of UK Christmas trees and offers its members information, trials, open days, competitions and a supportive community.
Its support for growers is ever more valuable as consumers search for the best family experiences in the run up to Christmas. Going out and selecting a tree is the start of the seasonal magic for many and the smell of a real Christmas tree is one of the most evocative parts of the festive season.
EDITOR’S NOTES
- The British Christmas Tree Growers Association (BCTGA) is the trade association for those who grow specialist Christmas Trees in Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Visit www.bctga.co.uk and see @BCTGA
- The BCTGA was first established in 1980 and now has more than 320 members.
- Combined, the BCTGA’s membership sells around 6 to 8 million trees per year.
- BCTGA members abide by a Code of Practice to promote trees being grown in an environmental and sustainable way.
- The BCTGA is managed by Yorkshire Agricultural Society (YAS), a registered charity which supports and promotes the farming industry through health care, education and funding scientific research into rural affairs.
CONTACT
Ben Barnett
Charitable Activities Manager
Yorkshire Agricultural Society
Direct Line: 01423 546230 | Mobile: 07342 341864
Email: benb@yas.co.uk