The Young People in Horticulture Association (YPHA) has announced the launch of a new Management Development Programme for 2025–2026, made possible thanks to generous support from the Colegrave Seabrook Foundation and funds raised through the sale of ‘Bountiful Pink’ – the product launched during YPHA’s inaugural Launch Success Challenge.
This nine-day residential programme is designed to give young managers in horticulture the confidence, tools, and strategic thinking needed to lead teams and shape the future of the industry. Developed in direct response to member and sector feedback, the course offers practical, real-world training in a supportive, peer-led environment.
Training will be delivered by Lindsay Muir of Cedar Associates – a trusted name in leadership with over 20 years’ experience with some of the best-known names in horticulture. The programme is structured around three themed residential blocks and covers topics such as strategic planning, communication, team leadership, conflict resolution, time management, coaching, and leading through change.
With the help of Colegrave Seabrook Foundation funding, and YPHA Launch Success, the course is being offered at a significantly subsidised rate – making it accessible to individuals and businesses who may not otherwise may not have the budget for this level of training, or wouldn’t have enough eligible candidates to host their own course.
Twelve places are available: six for members of the current YPHA committee, and six open to the wider membership. Applicants must already hold some form of management responsibility and must not have previously received formal leadership training. The training blocks will take place between September 2025 and March 2026 with food and accommodation included.
Natalie Boynton, YPHA Founder, said: " This is something we’ve been working towards for a long time, and it’s thanks to the generous support of the Colegrave Seabrook Foundation that we’re finally able to bring it to fruition. The industry has always been good at spotting people who love plants and teaching them more about plants – but this approach leaves gaps in lots of business-critical skills, including leadership. We want to help those same people learn how to shape the future of the industry, not just fit into it.
This programme is about building a new generation of confident, capable leaders. Ones who’ll take horticulture forward over the next ten years. It’s also something we’re doing for ourselves – for the committee and core team behind YPHA – to make sure we’re equipped to help the group outlast its founding members. We’ve reinvested funds raised through our Launch Success product sales to support the project, and we’re proud to be putting that money back into fortifying YPHA’s future.”
Early expressions of interest should be sent to admin@ypha.org.uk. Full details will be shared with all interested applicants later this week, and will also be made available through YPHA’s discord announcement channel.
