ICYMI: Highlights from Horticulture, The Conference 2025

6 October 2025

The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) wrapped up its annual Horticulture, The Conference on 25 September at London’s Barbican Centre, bringing together hundreds of industry leaders, growers, retailers, and policymakers to celebrate the sector, share insights, and explore the opportunities and challenges ahead. If you missed it, these are some of the many highlights:

Fran Barnes launches ‘Value of Gardens’ report and calls for action to unlock green growth

HTA Chief Executive Fran Barnes opened the conference with a keynote highlighting the vital contribution of environmental horticulture to the UK. Fran announced the key themes of the HTA’s Autumn Budget submission, calling for urgent government support for the sector, and unveiled the Value of Gardens report, quantifying the economic, environmental, and social impact of Britain’s 22 million private gardens.

Political perspectives

A host of political speakers shared insights on environmental horticulture policy and green growth, including:

• Defra Minister Mary Creagh MP on EU SPS plant import agreements reducing barriers to trade.
• Robbie Moore MP on the workforce, energy, water resilience, and productivity initiatives.
• Caroline Voaden MP on the importance of green spaces as essential green infrastructure.

Retail sector innovation: ‘Your Garden Year’

HTA also launched its new gardening planner, Your Garden Year, a nationwide initiative providing a simple, seasonal schedule to inspire gardeners year-round, driving engagement, repeat visits, and sales for horticultural businesses.

Market insights from Josh McBain

Global foresight expert Josh McBain gave a strategic overview of the forces shaping horticulture, including geo-economic trends, technology shifts, AI adoption, and talent strategies. HTA’s Director of Policy, Jennifer Pheasey, joined Josh to discuss supply chain resilience, infrastructure investment, and the impact of short-term policy decisions.

Sector leaders panel – personal insights

BBC Breakfast’s Jon Kay led a high-profile session with senior industry leaders exploring what makes a good leader. The panel included:

• Alan Roper, Managing Director, Blue Diamond Garden Centres
• Natalie Boynton, Sales Director, Happy Plants Ltd / Co-founder, Young People in Horticulture Association
• Colin Stephens, Managing Director, Evergreen Garden Care

Key takeaways included authenticity, vision, and the importance of putting people first, with panellists sharing personal insights and practical advice on leadership within the environmental horticulture sector.

Leadership transitions and AGM highlights

In his last day as HTA Chairman, James Barnes delivered his closing address, reflecting on the values of change, resilience, and extraordinary achievements across his tenure. The AGM also welcomed three new Non-Executive Directors to the HTA Board: Jacqui Prior, Brett Avery, and Martin Rowe.

Celebrating achievements: Awards and recognition

In the evening, the conference celebrated excellence across the sector with:

• Grower of the Year Awards 2025 – recognising outstanding employers, businesses, staff members, and young growers. Over 170 attendees joined the celebration dinner.
• Pearson Memorial Medal – awarded to Natalie Boynton (Happy Plants Ltd / Young People in Horticulture Association) for exceptional service to the garden.
• After-dinner speaker Jeremy Vine gave an amusing address, engaging attendees with his insights and reflections on his broadcasting career and the callers to his BBC Radio 2 show.

A well-received conference

With over 200 attendees at the main conference and more than 170 at the Grower of the Year Awards dinner, Horticulture, The Conference 2025, hosted at London’s Barbican, made the most of the green setting of the conservatory, providing an unparalleled forum for learning, sharing, and celebrating the UK environmental horticulture sector.

Watch and share

You can catch some of the highlights from Horticulture, The Conference, in our attendee feedback video and share the moments that made this year’s event unforgettable.