Bath businesswoman Anna Hicks is combining the growth of her new venture with help for schoolchildren who have a growing project of their own.
Anna, owner of Annatrans HR, is sponsoring Weston All Saints Primary School’s entry in this year’s Bath in Bloom Competition.
Her support will allow the pupils to build new raised beds from railway sleepers and to grow vegetables.
This year the school is playing a very important role as it will be the starting point for the judging of the city’s entry in the South West in Bloom and the RHS Britain in Bloom national finals competitions.
Anna set up Annatrans HR in January to provide local businesses with the benefit of her 20 years’ HR experience gained with national companies.
She is offering what she describes as a “one-stop shop solution” to managing their staff and improving efficiency.
Anna said: “I am really looking forward to working with local businesses, helping them to problem solve and find solutions, and as part of that I am passionate about getting involved with the local community.
“As an allotment keeper myself, I am delighted to be supporting this initiative at Weston All Saints Primary School and helping to educate young people about the benefits of healthy eating, developing their interest and enthusiasm for growing their own vegetables and eating them, too, of course.
“And let’s not forget the fun of getting out in the fresh air and enjoying nature.”
Bath in Bloom chairman Barry Cruse said local businesses were an important part of the city’s continued success in the competition, with Bath going for gold in South West in Bloom for the fourth consecutive year.
“The support of businesses like Annatrans HR is absolutely vital to Bath in Bloom as substantial amounts of money are needed to keep the city’s floral displays going, and also to get as much sponsorship as we can for schools and community groups.
“The important message to youngsters is that Britain in Bloom is about more than just pretty flowers. It is also about planting pollinating flowers for bees and butterflies, growing vegetables, recycling and biodiversity.”
