Writer, broadcaster, former MP and Government Whip Gyles Brandreth has been announced as a headline speaker at the Garden Centre Association’s (GCA) 2026 Annual Conference.
The event will take place at Carden Park Hotel, near Chester in Cheshire, between January 25 and January 28 – with Gyles speaking on Tuesday January 27.
Ben Harrison, GCA chairman elect and operations director of Haskins Garden Centres, said: “Gyles is a national treasure and a regular guest on ITV’s ‘This Morning’ and Radio 4’s ‘Just a Minute’. He’s known for his witty quips and entertaining repartee, so we’re very much looking forward to welcoming him to the podium. We’re sure he’ll bring a real buzz to proceedings with his presentation, which will resonate with us all, as it’s all about happiness – which is central to all our working and home lives.”
GCA CEO Peter Burks added: “We’re sure Gyles will bring a lot of humour, as well as top tips, in his presentation ‘The Seven Secrets of Happiness’ – and that he’ll send us away with smiles on our faces as we prepare for the busy spring season ahead.”
Mary Portas OBE will take to the stage on Monday January 26. Ben commented: “Mary has worked with some of the biggest names in global retail, and we’re very excited she has agreed to be one of our keynote speakers.
“Her BBC series ‘Mary Queen of Shops’ premiered in 2007, and she has presented on television and radio for the BBC and Channel 4 ever since. In 2009, she partnered with Save The Children to reinvent charity shops. To date, the 26 Mary’s Living & Giving shops nationwide have raised more than £30 million for charity. She also conducted a review of the future for high streets for the British government in 2011.”
Peter noted: “Our conference explores the theme of ‘Growing a Better Future’ with a focus on profitability, sustainability and innovation in the industry – so Mary will fit in brilliantly.”
To find out more and book tickets, visit the conference pages on the members’ section of the GCA’s website or go to https://gca.digitickets.co.uk/. For queries, email conference@gca.org.uk. Non-members interested in attending can email info@gca.org.uk.
The GCA represents more than 200 garden centres nationwide. For further information and to book tickets for the 2026 GCA Conference, visit www.gca.org.uk.
