EDUCATE, COLLABORATE & INNOVATE ZONE
Right next to the main restaurant, this is your go-to spot for industry insight, inspiration, and networking. Explore
key association stands, view entries in the New Plant & Product Awards, and attend a packed seminar
programme – all free of charge. Highlights include expert-led sessions on pest ID, sustainable growing media,
plant import/export updates, and exclusive events like Horticulture Week’s Question Time and the Women
in Horticulture Fireside Chat. Whether you’re a student or a business leader, there’s something here for everyone
looking to grow their knowledge and connections.
2025 Seminars & Expert Panels (Tuesday 2nd September):
Identifying your pests, diseases and weeds (10:00am):
Elysia Bartel – (ADAS) Senior Horticulture Research Entomologist
Robyn Bishop – (ADAS) Horticulture Consultant
In this session meet ADAS Entomologist Elysia Bartel and Pathologist Robyn Bishop. They will demonstrate the importance of correctly identifying pests and diseases on nurseries to keep plants healthy. Learn how to recognise the signs and symptoms of key pests and diseases including examples from the ADAS plant clinic and find out about the ADAS laboratory services available for accurate diagnoses.
Are you maximising the potential of Sustainable Growing Media? (11:00am):
Andrew Wilson – (ICL) Technical Manager
Discover the cutting-edge innovations behind ICL’s sustainable growing solutions. Join Technical Manager, Andrew Wilson, as he unveils the latest advancements in Levington Advance growing media – including results from this year’s extensive trials – and explores how ICL’s integrated ‘Total Solutions’ package combines nutrition, water management, and sustainability. Learn about ICL new grades of Fibagro Advance – the next-generation woodfibre range designed to support the circular economy – and exciting developments including new biodegradable coatings for Osmocote, the industry’s trusted controlled-release fertiliser. Plus, get a preview of ICL’s innovations currently in the pipeline. If you’re serious about sustainable horticulture, this is a session you won’t want to miss.
From Pesticide Reduction to Substrate Regeneration: The Rise of Biocontrol and Microbial Inputs (12:00pm):
Dr. Minshad Ansari – (Bionema Group LTD) CEO & Founder
- Real-world case studies of microbial biopesticide efficacy in reducing chemical inputs while maintaining crop yields.
- Quality-driven adoption of biostimulants and biofertilisers—highlighting how these products are now available in the UK and can consistently add value.
- How proprietary formulations (e.g., microencapsulation and surfactant technologies) improve performance, stability, and ROI.
- Regulatory and market perspectives on scaling microbial solutions in commercial agriculture.
This session will be valuable to growers, distributors, agronomists, policymakers, and investors seeking actionable strategies for reducing chemical dependency and boosting long-term sustainability.
Holistic Growing: Smarter nutrition and protection (1:00pm):
Sean Whitworth – (Fargro) Senior Growing Media & Fertiliser Specialist
Ste Massam – (Fargro) National Products Commercial Manager
Join us for a practical session on Holistic Growing, designed to help growers get more from their crops while working with today’s changing inputs. Sean Whitworth, Fargro’s Senior Growing Media and Fertiliser Specialist, will explore effective crop protection and nutrition strategies, with a focus on sustainable fertilisation and managing ECs in peat-free and peat-reduced systems. He’ll be followed by Ste Massam, Fargro’s National Products Manager, who will look ahead at what’s coming next – including new product developments and plant primers – all aimed at supporting growers to make informed, effective choices. If you’re rethinking your current approach or adapting to new substrate challenges, this session will give you clear, practical insight.
2025 Seminars & Expert Panels (Wednesday 3rd September):
Growing Smarter (10:30am):
Edwin Meijer – (Green Solutions Software UK)
How digital strategies help modern growers & retailers to accelerate.
Exploring the future of red tape for importers & exporters of plants (11:30am):
Matthew Appleby – (Hortweek)
Craig Francis – (Cargo Logistics)
Malcolm Catlin – (Plant Healthy)
Join a panel of industry experts: Chaired by Matthew Appleby HortWeek, with Craig Francis – Cargo Logistics, and Malcolm Catlin – Plant Healthy, plus more speakers TBA.
Sponsored by Cargo Logistics.
Women in Horticulture (12:30pm):
Helen Waddington – (Perennial)
Rachael Forsyth – (Hortweek)
Members are invited to a ‘fireside chat’, with refreshments complimentary of Four Oaks. Perennial’s Helen Waddington to lead discussions, with Rachael Forsyth, Hortweek.
Sponsored by Fargro and Four Oaks Trade Show.
Horticulture Week Question Time – First ever at Four Oaks! (2:00pm):
Matthew Appleby – (Hortweek)
Emma Birkbeck – (Fargro) Managing Director
Adam McGowan – (McLarens Nurseries) General Manager
Hans De Putter – (Danmar Logistics)
Expert panel chaired by Matthew Appleby – Hortweek, with Emma Birkbeck – Fargro, Adam McGowan – McLarens Nurseries, Hans De Putter – Danmar Logistics.
Sponsored by Fargro, McLarens Nurseries & Danmar Logistics.
SPEAKERS ARE PICTURED BELOW: CLICK ON IMAGES FOR BIOGRAPHIES
A Big Thank You to Our Seminar & Expert Speakers for 2024!
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all the incredible speakers who participated in this year’s Seminars & Expert Panels at the Four Oaks Trade Show. Your insights, expertise, and thought-provoking discussions truly elevated the event and provided invaluable knowledge to our attendees.
From the latest industry trends to innovative technologies and sustainable practices, you’ve helped make this year’s sessions an exceptional learning experience for everyone. We are grateful for your time and dedication, and we look forward to seeing even more impactful conversations in the future!
Thank you for helping make last year’s event a success!