6th January 2012

ILMINSTER: Award nomination for local entrepreneur

By Marion Draper

STOCKLINCH villager Claire Hart who runs her own public relations company had an extra Christmas present when she attended the Garden Media Guild Awards held in London recently.

The Oscars of the horticultural sector, the GMGA celebrate the best in garden writing, including books, newspapers and magazines, photography, broadcasting and new media.

Attended by BBC Gardeners’ World presenters, Joe Swift and Alan Titchmarsh, Mrs Hart was thrilled to be a finalist in the “New Garden Media Talent of the Year” award out of a big entry across all fields.

Her company Grassroots PR is a specialist horticultural and countryside public relations and marketing consultancy, covering gardening, grow your own, poultry and equine subjects.

Mrs Hart, who has an agriculture and marketing degree, set up her business following over 26 years in the industry. She has worked with a number of key horticultural clients and publications and said: “I am absolutely thrilled to be short-listed against such a prestigious group of talented writers and broadcasters. It is always so encouraging to have your work recognised by your peers.”

The winner was Rosie Yeomans for the Gardeners’ Question Time montage on BBC Radio 4.

PICTURE: GRASSROOTS SUCCESS - Clare Hart finalist at the GMG awards