HTA
Contact UsMember StoreBenchmarking
LoginBecome a Member

Full programme released for HTA’s Horticulture, The Conference

5 September 2025

With just three weeks to go, time is running out to book a place at the Horticultural Trades Association’s (HTA) Horticulture, The Conference, taking place at the iconic Barbican Centre in London on Thursday, 25 September.

The event includes insightful discussions from key speakers and industry experts, a day of valuable networking opportunities and is followed by a celebratory dinner in the Barbican’s Garden Room, recognising excellence and innovation across UK horticulture with the HTA Grower of the Year Awards.

The recipient of the 2025 prestigious Pearson Memorial Award will also be announced. The medal, for outstanding service to the garden industry, has been awarded by the HTA annually since 1930, in memory of the HTA's first General Secretary, Charles Pearson.

The conference programme is packed with sessions addressing current industry topics, politics, investment and business leadership.

Horticulture, the Conference - Full Programme

Registration: 9am

Conference start: 9.45am

  • What’s Shaping Our Industry? A Strategic Perspective: Josh McBain, a leading global foresight expert and founder & CEO of strategic intelligence consultancy Next Up, brings a wealth of experience in futures research and strategic analysis. His keynote session will explore the key global forces shaping the future of UK environmental horticulture – from economic forecasts and geopolitical dynamics to evolving consumer behaviours and breakthrough technologies.
  • Making Sense of the UK’s Economic and Political Future: Economist and policy expert Dr Tim Leunig returns by popular demand to join Jennifer Pheasey, HTA’s Director of Public Affairs, in a compelling fireside chat. 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.
  • Engaging Your Customer: from Insight to Action: Led by David Denny, HTA’s Director of Research and Insights. The session will bring together four expert speakers, each delivering a focused presentation on a key aspect of customer engagement – from data-driven insights to brand storytelling, real-world retail practice and industry-wide collaboration. Dave Denny will open the session with the latest findings from the HTA’s consumer insight programme, highlighting how evolving customer behaviours, AI tools, and market research can help businesses turn data into actionable strategies. Liz Dowling (Marketing Consultant & Career Coach) will be delving into the art of brand storytelling, Amy Stubbs (Managing Director, British Garden Centres) will share the story of growing the business from local to national, and Neil Grant (Managing Director, Ferndale Garden Centre & HTA Retail Committee Chair) will discuss how HTA members are driving retail innovation
  • Political Updates – speeches from across the political spectrum
  • Member Investment & Successes: Facilitated by Will Armitage, HTA President, the panel will hear directly from HTA members who have made bold decisions during challenging times. Topics include technology upgrades and site redevelopment, and panellists, Dave Richardson (Forestart), Nigel Thompson (Sipcam Home & Garden) and Keith Nicholson (Westland Horticulture) will discuss the reasons behind their recent business investments, the methods they used, and the impact of these changes.
  • Business Leaders and Business Efficiency: Facilitated by Jon Kay, Chief Presenter on BBC Breakfast. Today’s horticulture leaders need to strike a balance between resilience and reinvention, so panellists Alan Roper (Blue Diamond), Natalie Boynton (Happy Plants) and Colin Stephens (Evergreen Garden Care) will explore what makes a modern leader effective, from strategic thinking and infrastructure planning to people management and communication. Gain insights from those navigating growth and challenge with vision.

Closing address from HTA chairman James Barnes

Conference Finish: 4.25pm

Dinner

  • HTA Grower of the Year Awards: The dinner will be a special celebration and presentation of the 2025 HTA Grower of the Year Awards.  These awards demonstrate the high-calibre of UK nurseries that lead the way in quality, levels of service, innovation and peat-free production and recognise young and upcoming talent that ensures our world-class industry can thrive in the future.
  • After Dinner speaker - Jeremy Vine: Known for his sharp interviewing skills and engaging presentation style, Jeremy Vine will share his perspectives with industry professionals. He established his reputation as a smooth-talking but tough presenter on Newsnight. He now presents the lunchtime show on BBC Radio 2 and his own chat and magazine show on Channel 5.

 

Horticulture, The Conference is in partnership with: Glee, Citation, Troo, Towergate (HTA Insurance), Howden (HTA Healthcare), Lloyds, Evergreen Garden Care, Dura-ID Solutions, and The Horti House.

Don’t miss out – book your place by Friday 12 September.

For more information, visit hta.org.uk/conference.

Media Office

[email protected]