New data from the Horticultural Trades Association ( HTA ) further sets out the risks sit to the environmental gardening sphere by the Autumn Budget . As a sphere of mostly small and medium - sized ( SME ) businesses , many of which are family - owned , the challenge is acute due to the triple whammy of measures announce in the Budget concerning changes to heritage taxation ( IHT ) , home policy share ( NIC ) , and the National Living Wage ( NLW ) .
Two late HTA member surveys , the Q3 2024 Business Barometer and the November 2024 Member Consultation Survey , allow a snapshot of the diligence ’s current state .
The surveys say that there has been a 21 % reduction in nett profit is augur for 2025 due to rise NIC and NLW costs , equating to a £ 134 million collective polish off on HTA members . Two - thirds of businesses contrive to elevate Mary Leontyne Price , while many will postpone or reduce capital investments and consider enlisting freezes . Sales and nett lucre were already 7 % behind forecast before the Budget , with retailers and landscapers face extra pressures from adverse weather condition and lift costs .
From April 2026 , heritage tax ( IHT ) relief for line of work and agricultural assets will be crest at £ 1 million for an individual . For any amount pass this threshold , a reduced IHT charge per unit of 20 % will apply alternatively of the standard 40 % rate . It is hoped that the taxation can be paid in stake - free installments over 10 days to assuage the straightaway financial striving . However , menage - owned garden center and commercial-grade growers are unambiguously vulnerable to these change , as much of their plus value lies in soil and property . This situation places them at a disproportionately severe disadvantage compared to other sectors . HTA members have voiced concerns about the challenges of transplant businesses to the next genesis , with some contemplating the sales event of asset or even the full business — actions that could jeopardise jobs and livelihoods .
To assist members in pilot these challenges , the HTA hosted an Autumn Budget Webinar on December 2 , 2024 . industriousness experts from Johnston Carmichael and Turner Morum furnish guidance on adapting to the fiscal changes as well as signposting available reliefs .
The HTA continues to advocate on behalf of its members , take with policymakers to play up sector challenges . Recent activity let in a joint letter with the British Retail Consortium and ongoing word with government officials .
For more entropy : Horticultural Trades Associationwww.hta.org.uk
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