​Engineering Growth: Patrick Harte on Horticultural Innovation and Talent Development

Exploring the evolution of horticultural engineering, career pathways, and industry opportunities on the MorePeople Podcast

In this episode of The MorePeople Podcast, host Andrew Fitzmaurice speaks with Patrick Harte, Joint Managing Director of Cambridge HOK. Patrick shares insights into the world of horticultural engineering, from high-tech glasshouses to sustainable energy solutions, while discussing the challenges and opportunities of attracting talent to a highly specialised industry.

From Grower to Horticultural Engineer

Patrick began his career at British Sugar, gaining ten years of hands-on experience in crop production. During this time, he managed Cornaways Nursery, overseeing 18 hectares of tomato production and pharmaceutical crops. This experience provided him with a unique perspective on both the growing and engineering sides of horticulture.

“I went from grower to construction, joining Cambridge HOK with a view to buy into the business. Now we’re part of the largest horticultural engineering group in the world.”

Alongside his business partner, Patrick acquired Cambridge HOK with support from a Dutch group, Atrium Agri, positioning the company as a global leader in horticultural infrastructure.

Building the Future of Horticulture

Cambridge HOK specialises in creating high-tech solutions for growing plants - from glasshouses and indoor farms to Victorian glasshouses in historic estates. Their projects cover the full spectrum of horticultural engineering, including drainage, concrete work, structures, heating and cooling systems, irrigation, and lighting.

“We do everything under one roof, from greenfield site to turnkey project delivery.”

The company has expanded significantly, now employing around 90 people across four businesses, including a refrigeration division serving the food industry.

Technological Evolution in Glasshouses

Patrick describes how glasshouses have evolved over decades:

• Height and structure: Modern commercial glasshouses can reach six or seven meters tall to optimize climate control.

• Materials: Advances in glass, steel, and aluminium components maximize light transmission and efficiency.

• Automation: Crops like lettuce are now grown, harvested, and packaged using automated systems, reducing reliance on manual labour while creating new, highly skilled jobs.

• Energy integration: New sites are often co-located with renewable or waste energy sources, improving efficiency and reducing costs.

“Every inch of these structures is designed to squeeze more production and efficiency. The science and engineering behind it is incredible.”

Patrick highlights that despite technological advancements, the skill of growers remains crucial to success.

Developing Talent in a Specialist Industry

Cambridge HOK is a project-driven business, meaning every year presents new challenges and opportunities. Attracting and nurturing talent is key:

“Getting people in early and developing them over 5, 10, 15, 20 years is essential. We need to create a pipeline of skilled people who could one day run the business.”

The business invests heavily in long-term development plans, recognising that specialist knowledge in both horticulture and engineering is rare in the UK.

Raising Awareness and Inspiring Careers

Patrick believes the sector has enormous potential to attract new talent, particularly if young people can see the scale and sophistication of modern horticulture.

“Once people see what we do, the scale, the technology, the produce - they fall in love. The industry is fascinating, and most people who start in it tend to stay.”

Through education, outreach, and showcasing high-tech projects, Cambridge HOK aims to put horticultural engineering on the radar for the next generation of innovators.

Final Thoughts: Innovation, Sustainability, and Passion

Patrick’s story highlights the intersection of engineering, agriculture, and sustainability, showing how technology and skilled professionals come together to shape the future of horticulture.

“This is an industry about people, skill, and innovation. It’s exciting, challenging, and incredibly rewarding.”

By investing in both technology and talent, Patrick and his team are helping to ensure that horticulture in the UK continues to grow efficiently, sustainably, and innovatively for decades to come.