Last month, I had the privilege of attending the British Ornamentals Association (BOA) Awards and Technical Conference, the annual gathering that brings together innovators, growers, suppliers, and leaders from across the UK’s ornamental horticulture sector to share knowledge, tackle challenges and shape the future of the sector.

Why the BOA Awards and Technical Conference are so Important

The BOA Awards are presented each year at the pre-conference dinner of the British Ornamentals Association Technical Conference. The awards themselves shine a spotlight on the people and businesses doing exceptional work across the UK bedding, pot plant and ornamental plant industries. From established growers to emerging talent, they celebrate passion, innovation and meaningful contribution to a sector that delivers not only colour and beauty, but real economic value across the UK.

I attended this year’s awards for several reasons. Professionally, it’s a key part of my role in supporting and promoting the ornamental sector and representing the incredible people and roles I work with every day. On a more personal level, I was proud to be involved behind the scenes too, sitting on the BOA's Technical Conference organising committee for the second year running. Being part of the team that helps shape such an important industry event has given me an even deeper appreciation for the collaboration, commitment and forward‑thinking that exists within ornamental horticulture.

Winning the Bright Spark Award

To my complete surprise (and huge gratitude), I was announced as the winner of the 2026 Bright Spark Award. The award is presented to a younger person who has made a significant contribution to the ornamentals industry, celebrating emerging talent, innovation, and dedication within the sector. Being recognised in this way is incredibly special. Having started in horticulture recruitment back in 2019, I quickly discovered a genuine passion for working with growers, breeders, technical specialists, and future leaders across the industry.

Supporting their careers and helping businesses find the right talent has become not just my job, but something I truly care about, and the relationships built along the way have been the biggest reward of all.

Why Promoting the Ornamental Sector Matters

As a recruiter specialising in this space, I see firsthand the passion and expertise that professionals bring to every role – whether it’s plant production, logistics, marketing, research, or retail. But despite its size and importance, the ornamental sector doesn’t always get the wider recognition it deserves. That’s why events like the BOA Awards are so important: they help raise the profile of our industry and showcase the talent that keeps it growing.

The ornamental industry thrives when we work collaboratively, share knowledge, and champion the individuals who push the sector forward. Recruitment plays a pivotal role in that, and it’s something I’ve made it my mission to highlight.

With my involvement in the YPHA committee, the BOA Technical Committee, and more recently the Colegrave Seabrook Foundation, I’ve worked to strengthen early‑career engagement and ensure under-35s across the industry have access to education, networking opportunities, and a platform to be heard.

By connecting passionate people with the right opportunities, we help:

·         Future-proof the skills and innovation the sector needs

·         Support businesses through growth, transition, and succession.

·         Bring new entrants, especially younger people, into horticulture.

·         Amplify the visibility and importance of careers in ornamentals.

I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who nominated me and to the BOA for this recognition. A huge congratulations as well to all the other award winners celebrated this year - it was an honour to be included alongside such respected names in the industry.

The ornamentals sector is full of passion, innovation, and talent, and I’m excited to continue championing it through recruitment, advocacy, mentorship, and simply by shouting about the amazing work growers and businesses do every day.

Here’s to continuing to grow the future of our industry together.