Programme
Horticulture, The Conference brings together industry leaders and expert voices from both within and beyond horticulture for a day of insight, strategy, and connection.
Please click below to find out more from the programme:
Josh McBain
Global foresight expert
Josh is a leading global foresight expert. With extensive experience of delivering transformative foresight programmes, Josh has a proven record of delivering futures research and analysis that have been widely covered in global media, made a tangible impact on client business performance and used to influence government policy.
With a specific focus on holistic foresight models, Josh specialises in forecasting and connecting future shifts across geo-political, economic, technological, environmental and consumer change.
Josh has presented regularly at horticultural industry events over the past decade, including for the HTA, GIMA, AIPH and at the UK Pavilion for the International Horticultural Expo 2020 in China. He also led the research for the Environmental Horticulture Group’s ‘Growing a Green Economy’ report in 2021, which demonstrated the future value the industry could have in driving UK economic growth.
Dr Tim Leunig
Economist and Policy Expert
Following his highly praised appearance at the 2023 Conference, Dr Leunig returns by popular demand to join Jennifer Pheasey, HTA Director of Public Affairs, in a compelling fireside chat titled “Making Sense of the UK’s Economic and Political Future”.
Together, they will explore the geopolitical forces shaping the UK horticulture sector, including the evolving landscape of international trade, climate policy challenges, and strategies to enhance the industry’s visibility and influence during uncertain times.
Tim Leunig is a multiple international prize-winning economist who taught at the London School of Economics for 25 years. He served as an economic adviser to two UK Chancellors and was a key architect of the Government’s COVID-19 furlough scheme. Currently, he works with NESTA, the UK’s social innovation agency, and Public First Consulting. Beyond economics, he is a passionate gardener, regularly opening his garden to the public through the National Gardens Scheme.
Member Investment and Success
Facilitated by Will Armitage, HTA President
The Member Investment and Success panel will hear directly from HTA members who have made bold decisions during challenging times. Chaired by HTA President Will Armitage, topics will include technology upgrades and site redevelopment.
Will Armitage, President of the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA), said:
“In what has been a busy year so far for the horticultural sector, I’m looking forward to hearing from our members about their investments and successes.
“I understand first-hand some of the challenges our industry faces, but I also know the proactive steps our members are taking to navigate these tough times. It’s going to be an enjoyable and enlightening discussion, filled with honest stories and practical ideas to take home.”
Panel Members
Nigel Thompson
Keith Nicholson
Business Leaders and business efficiency
Facilitated by Jon Kay, Chief Presenter on BBC Breakfast
Today’s horticulture leaders must balance resilience with reinvention. This session looks at what makes a modern leader effective — from strategic thinking and infrastructure planning to people leadership and communication. Gain insights from those navigating growth and challenge with vision.
Jon Kay is a Chief Presenter on BBC Breakfast, the UK’s most-watched morning show. He co-hosts the live programme Monday-Wednesday every week - providing more than five million viewers with their daily fix of breaking news, political interviews, features, finance and fun.
Panel Members
Alan Roper
Managing Director of Blue Diamond Garden Centres
Natalie Boynton
Sales Director of Happy Plants
Colin Stephens
Managing Director of Evergreen Garden Care
Jeremy Vine
Known for his sharp interviewing skills and engaging presentation style, Jeremy Vine will share his perspectives with industry professionals gathered for a day of expert discussions, strategic insights, and valuable networking. The conference will cover key topics including the political landscape, consumer behaviour, and market dynamics.
Jeremy’s journalism career began with hard-hitting reporting, including an award-winning exposé of police brutality in South Africa, which led to the suspension of 24 officers. His versatility has seen him front Panorama, guest host The One Show, and voice public opinions on Points of View. A Sony Award winner for Speech Broadcaster of the Year, Jeremy combines sharp analysis with a touch of humour — qualities that promise to make his keynote address a memorable highlight of the conference.
Jeremy Vine established his reputation as a smooth-talking but tough presenter on Newsnight. He now presents the lunchtime show on Radio 2, and his own chat and magazine show on Channel 5.
