Fran Barnes

Shares expertise via

Biography

Fran is chief executive officer of the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA).

She took on the role in January 2023, leading the organisation through a period of transformation, greater political influence and a renewed focus on member value.

Under her leadership, the HTA has expanded its regional activity, enhanced member services, grown the National Garden Gift Card Scheme and strengthened its ability to support and represent businesses across the horticulture supply chain, from growers and manufacturers to retailers, landscapers and designers.

Fran has helped raise the profile of environmental horticulture with policymakers and the media, championing the sector’s contribution to economic growth, climate resilience, biodiversity, health and wellbeing, and ensuring the industry’s voice is heard more clearly in Westminster and beyond.

Before joining the HTA, Fran was director of communications at the National Farmers’ Union and spent nearly 20 years at the BBC, latterly as editor of rural programmes at Radio 4.

She is also a non-executive director of the Trade Association Forum.

Declaration of any potential conflicts of interest

N/A