New director-general for gardening organisation

Garden and greenhouse enthusiasts who are members of the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) may be aware that Gordon Seabright has been acting as the organisations director-general since September 2009.

However, the body has now chosen Sue Biggs as the permanent successor to the role and president Giles Coode-Adams was quick to welcome her.

"[Ms Biggs] brings a wealth of business experience combined with a real love of plants and gardening, and the vision to help us realise the full potential of this marvellous organisation," he said.

A longstanding member of the RHS, Ms Biggs has 30 years of experience in the leisure industry, having founded Budget Holidays and worked as managing director of Kuoni and managing director of scheduled business at Thomas Cook.

President-elect and chair of the appointment committee Elizabeth Banks explained that the new director-general had to fight off tough competition for the role and that she was sure she would justify her appointment.

Meanwhile, the government is set to introduce new regulations that will stop developers building new homes on public green spaces.