Dr Tim Fooks, the High Sheriff of West Sussex, visited Fargro in the first of a number of company visits that he will be making over the next few weeks, on a tour of West Sussex companies organised by the Coastal West Sussex Partnership.
Caroline Wood, Director of the Coastal West Sussex Partnership, commented: “We were really pleased to arrange these visits to showcase the region’s resilient and successful organisations in some of our key sectors; horticulture and manufacturing.”
Richard Hopkins, Managing Director of Fargro said: “We were delighted to host a visit from the High Sheriff of West Sussex, Dr Tim Fooks, and his wife. It was a great opportunity to highlight the size and importance of horticulture in our region, as well as Fargro’s position as a national supplier of biorational crop protection products and decorative pots, planters and baskets to the trade.
“Tim was interested in how we’ve navigated the Coronavirus lockdown and how that will affect us in the future. Horticulture is a key sector for the local communities, and there are great opportunities for the industry and young people joining it.
“More people are concerned where their food comes from and want to know that their garden plants are grown in a sustainable way. I was pleased to show Tim how Fargro, as a West Sussex business, is leading the way.”
Dr Timothy Fooks FRCGP, High Sheriff of West Sussex added: “The Office of High Sheriff of West Sussex is an independent non-political Royal appointment for a single year during which the role provides an opportunity to promote all that makes this county’s communities thriving and resilient. For this to happen, a flourishing local economy, created by the presence of successful and growing businesses, is key.
“The Coastal West Sussex partnership is known for its proactive and effective work to encourage a locally business-positive approach by local government and education. It was therefore a pleasure and privilege to be invited to visit one its members, Fargro Ltd.
“Strategically placed within West Sussex’s horticultural powerhouse south of the Downs, Fargro is a leading UK wholesaler, supplying the needs of those operating in this extremely significant sector. But as a successful local business, it has an apprenticeship programme and is also reaching out to local schools to encourage career opportunities in the cultivation industry. It even has the time and energy to support a local children’s charity.
“Fargro Ltd and the Coastal West Sussex partnership are exemplars within the West Sussex business community and, as High Sheriff, I am grateful to them both for all they are doing to create a sustainable and robust local economy along our coastal strip; we all benefit as a result.”
To find out more about The Coastal West Sussex Partnership, please visit https://coastalwestsussex.org.uk.
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Notes to Editors
The Coastal West Sussex Economic Partnership is a business led partnership; championing economic growth and influencing political strategy and investment decisions through collaboration between the public and private sector.
For more information, please visit https://coastalwestsussex.org.uk.