Amanda Sizer Barrett retires from the Federation of Garden & Leisure Manufacturers

After more than 40 years in the garden and leisure industry, including over 33 years as managing director of Gardenex and Pet Quip, Amanda Sizer Barrett retired from the Federation on 31 March.

Her career in the industry began as a business journalist at Link House Publications Ltd, where she covered the garden and DIY sectors. Promoted to editor, she was responsible for covering industry and retail news in the garden, DIY and homeware sectors.

Sizer Barrett then took over the management of Gardenex. She was also instrumental in setting up the Garden Products Association, which later merged with GIMA. Over the years she introduced Meet the Buyer events, which have since been adopted by many other associations. She was also instrumental in the formation of Pet Quip, the trade association for the pet care products sector, which provides similar services to Gardenex for companies in this expanding industry.

Sizer Barrett was awarded an MBE for her work in promoting and developing exports.

Joe Denham took over as managing director on 1 April.