Events

Leading women in horticulture networking event

Fran Barnes, Chief Executive of the Horticultural Trades Association and Kersten Catella, Sales and Marketing Director at Wyevale Nurseries are the keynote speakers at the upcoming ‘Women in Horticulture’ event.

Fran Barnes HTA Chief Exective

Inspired by the Young People in Horticulture Association(YPHA), the supportive and educational, Women in Horticulture group was established in 2023, to honour, unite and support women in the industry and to promote knowledge, learning and advice for the betterment of the horticulture industry and the improvement of women’s standing therein.

The group’s Women Leading in Horticulture: An afternoon of inspiration & networking is to be held at the HTA’s Horticulture House in Oxfordshire on Thursday, the 14th of November 14. Providing an opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals, exchange ideas, the event aims to provide valuable insights from two of the industry’s most respected leaders; Fran Barnes, Chief Executive of the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) and Kersten Catella, Sales and Marketing Director at Wyevale Nurseries.

Fran Barnes, Chief Executive of the HTA who brings a wealth of experience from her leadership role at the HTA, alongside her past experience at the National Farmers Union and the BBC. Barnes will discuss her journey to leadership and the future of horticulture.

Kersten Catella, Sales and Marketing Director at Wyevale Nurseries, has over 25 years of expertise in commercial sales, supply chain management, and leadership. Catella has played a pivotal role in shaping the horticulture sector and will share challenges for 2025 and her leadership journey.

“It’s an honour to have been invited to take part in this inspirational event on Thursday, November 14 at Horticulture House in Oxfordshire. The afternoon promises to be a fantastic opportunity for attendees to connect with like-minded professionals, exchange ideas and gain some invaluable insights from myself and Fran, who is one of the industry’s most respected leaders. We look forward to welcoming everyone who can come along and be part of this inspirational event and the forward-thinking Women in Horticulture community, which is welcoming and supportive”, explains Catella.

Ticket sales will be donated to Perennial, the UK’s only charity dedicated to helping people in horticulture.