Celebrating excellence and innovation at the HTA Grower of the Year Awards 2026
24 September 2026
Winners of the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) Grower of the Year Awards 2026 were announced at a celebratory dinner on Thursday night (24 September) at the iconic Garden Room in London’s Barbican Centre.
Hosted by comedian and broadcaster Ed Byrne, the evening ceremony followed the HTA’s annual flagship event, Horticulture, The Conference. In addition to delivering the after-dinner speech, Ed Byrne presented the Grower of the Year Awards, honouring the UK’s ornamental growers and recognising excellence, innovation, and outstanding achievements in the environmental horticultural industry.
On the night, Allensmore Nurseries Ltd scooped the highly coveted title of overall Grower of the Year.
Eleven other awards were presented across six categories, with Allensmore also receiving top honours for Employer of the Year, Peat Transition Initiative of the Year, and Sustainability Initiative of the Year.
Frank P. Matthews Limited was recognised with the Best Use of Technology Award, and Robin Tacchi Plants received high praise from the judges, winning the Biosecurity Initiative of the Year award.
Elia Johnston, Director of Membership and Marketing at the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA), commented:
“The calibre of entries this year was exceptionally high, making the judges’ decisions more challenging than ever. Every finalist demonstrated remarkable ambition and commitment to raising standards across the sector, embracing new technologies, investing in their people and tackling industry challenges head-on. This year’s winners have set an exceptional benchmark, with each business showcasing the talent, expertise and passion that continues to drive UK environmental horticultural businesses forward.”
Individuals working in the sector were also awarded on the night, with Tim Forshaw from Lovania Nurseries Limited named Young Grower of the Year.
The judges were full of praise for Tim’s winning entry:
“This was a very impressive submission. I love Tim's narrative and story, from personal information to detailed data and metrics. Well written and perfectly articulated.”
“Clearly a bright and very capable young man with a passion for plants who has contributed a great deal in three years with the company and now holds a lot of responsibility across many sites.”
“An impressive and comprehensive submission. Achieving the position of Grower Manager in just three years is impressive.”
The Grower of the Year Awards judging panel consisted of Mark Gregory (Managing Director, Landform Consultants), Sarah Squire (Chairman, Squires Garden Centres), Phil Clayton (Freelance Writer) and Tim Briercliffe (Secretary General, AIPH).
All winners were presented with a certificate and a trophy and now have the option of entering the AIPH International Grower of the Year Awards.
Full List of 2026 Winners
Biosecurity Initiative of the Year
Winner – Robin Tacchi Plants Ltd
Peat Transition Initiative of the Year
Winner – Allensmore Nurseries Ltd
Highly Commended – Crocus.co.uk
Best use of Technology Award
Winner – Frank P Matthews Limited
Highly Commended – James Coles & Sons (Nurseries) Ltd
Sustainability Initiative of the Year
Winner – Allensmore Nurseries Ltd
Highly Commended – Kirton Farm Nurseries (The Hairy Pot Plant Company)
Employer of the Year Award
Winner – Allensmore Nurseries Ltd
Highly Commended – Wyevale Nurseries Ltd
Young Grower of the Year Award
Winner – Tim Forshaw (Lovania Nurseries Limited)
Highly Commended - Adele Elizabeth Martin (Natural Garden)
The Overall Grower of the Year Award
Allensmore Nurseries Ltd
To find out more about the winners, visit: hta.org.uk/goty