At the celebration dinner following the Horticulture conference, the winners of the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) Grower of the Year Awards 2025 were announced at the Barbican Centre in London.

Twelve awards were distributed across six categories, with Hillier Nurseries scooping the ‘Blooming Marvellous Employer’, ‘Life Beyond Peat’ and ‘Plant Producer’ awards, while Greenwood Plants were awarded the ‘Inspirational Business’ award.

Several individuals from the sector were also recognised for their contributions. Notably, Jane Poyner from Majestic Trees was awarded the ‘Best Staff Member’ accolade, while Thomas Smith, also from Majestic Trees, was honoured with the coveted ‘Young Grower under 35’ award.

“The nomination, written and prepared by Thomas’ teammates, clearly shows how much he is liked, admired and appreciated in his role at Majestic Trees – one he seems to have made his own over the past six years. Thomas has proved to be a highly skilled, versatile and motivational team member, passing on his experience and knowledge to newer staff through training sessions. He has a ‘natural understanding of how plants grow’ and is always happy to ‘go the extra mile’. Thanks to his positive mindset, he makes a transformative difference,” said Phil Clayton, HTA Awards Judge.

As the winner of the Young Grower under 35 award, Smith is now eligible for a £1,500 bursary from the HTA. Introduced in 2025, the new initiative aims to support early-career professionals working in ornamental plant production. The bursary can be used towards the costs of completing the Jungle Talks Pro Manager Mastercourse or other professional development opportunities. As the award winner, Smith is now also eligible to enter the AIPH International Young Grower of the Year competition.

“It’s been another great year for the HTA Grower of the Year Awards. We’ve seen an increase in the number of nominations, a wider variety of businesses entering, and yet more entries of a phenomenally high standard. I’m sure I don’t need to point this out, but reading these nominations clearly shows how our HTA growers are not only producing the highest quality of plants but also managing to run their businesses with sustainability and innovation in mind.

“The way these businesses look after their employees is also truly humbling. The standard of entries for the Best Staff Member award demonstrates just how important staff are to the industry and the businesses themselves. The Young Grower award nominations were exceptional, and a clear reminder that UK environmental horticulture has a great future. Congratulations to the winners and all the nominees,” said Pippa Greenwood, Horticulture Manager at the HTA.

2025 HTA Growers of the Year Award Winners

Blooming Marvellous Employer

Winner: Hillier Nurseries Ltd
Highly Commended: The Bransford Webbs Plant Company

Inspirational Business

Winner: Greenwood Plants
Highly Commended: Hillier Nurseries Ltd

Life Beyond Peat

Winner: Hillier Nurseries Ltd
Highly Commended: Alba Trees Ltd

Plant Producer

Winner: Hillier Nurseries Ltd
Highly Commended: Majestic Trees

Best Staff Member

Winner: Jane Poyner, Majestic Trees

Highly Commended: Alastair Hazell, Darby Nursery Stock

Young Grower under 35

Winner: Thomas Smith, Majestic Trees
Highly Commended: Abigail Green, Allensmore Nurseries