Seminars & Expert Panels – Four Oaks Trade Show 2025

Seminars & Expert Panels 2025 TBA

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 this year’s event a success!

2024 Seminars & Expert Panels:

Syngenta – Optimising spray applications in Ornamental crops (12:00-1:00pm Tuesday 3rd September):

Sean Loakes, Technical Manager (Syngenta)

Optimising spray applications in Ornamental crops

ICL – Technical seminar – Peat-free in action (1:00-2:00pm Tuesday 3rd September):

Andrew Wilson, Technical Manager (ICL)

Highlighting new and future practical solutions for peat-free growing. Andrew’s trials-led seminar will include ICL’s
breakthroughs new Fibagro Advance woodfibre grades; the latest findings regarding peat-free nutrition to optimise
plant growth and health; organic fertilisers and leaching, and imminent challenges – and ICL solutions – around new
regulations re biodegradable fertiliser coatings. While referencing wide-ranging new European trials, delegates have
the opportunity to view actual plants from several UK 2024 trials. (Complimentary £5 lunch voucher for attendees
courtesy of ICL)

Fargro – Holistic growing approach: A comprehensive insight (2:30-3:00pm Tuesday 3rd September):

Sean Whitworth, Growing Media and Fertiliser Specialist (Fargro)

In this talk, Sean we will delve into the holistic growing approach, providing growers with detailed information on
various inputs such as media, fertilisers, sprays, and bio-programs. We’ll explore how these elements interact with one another and contribute to the overall health and productivity of crops. Join us as we uncover how integrating these
inputs can lead to more sustainable and successful crop production.

Fireside Chat – How to grow your International Business (10:30-11:30am Wednesday 4th September):

Amanda Sizer Barrett, MBE Director General (Federation of Garden & Leisure Manufacturers Ltd), Judith Kyle, International Trade Adviser (Department for Business and Trade), Penny Wang-Orme, International Trade Adviser (Department for Business and Trade), Tim Hiscock, Export Development and International Trade Advisor (Strong & Herd)

Practical help in identifying and approaching new International markets
How to access key retailers
Services to assist your export business: Credit checking, sources for contacts, facilitated meetings
International trade shows: Which ones should you attend?

Boosting sales in 2025 – 7 things plant buyers expect from your nursery (11:30am Wednesday 4th September):

Edwin Meijer (Green Solutions)

Tips for growers/nurseries on leveraging online channels to increase their revenue and reduce costs while processing orders.

Industry debate sponsored by Fargro – Why equality is good for business – Helping women thrive in the horticultural sector (12:30pm Wednesday 4th September):

Chaired by Rachael Forsyth (Hortweek). Emma Birkbeck (Fargro), Adrian Wickham (BALI/Glendale), Beth Anderson (YHPA/plant Health), Carole Goldsmith (RHS)

An informative panel session introducing strategies and practical steps that businesses can implement and why they’re so beneficial to staff, the business and the industry as a whole.

Industry debate sponsored by Southern Trident – Next stage in the peat-free journey (2:00pm Wednesday 4th September):

Chaired by Matthew Appleby (Hortweek). Steve Harper (Southern Trident), Steve Carter (Fleurie Nurseries), Alistair Griffiths (RHS), Simon Blackhurst (Growing Media Association)