The winners of the Horticultural Trades Association Grower of the Year Awards 2025 were announced at a celebration dinner following Horticulture, the Conference, held in the Garden Room of the Barbican Centre in London on 25 September. The awards celebrate the UK’s ornamental growers and recognise excellence, innovation, and outstanding achievements in the environmental horticultural industry.

Twelve awards were presented across six categories. The top winners of the night were Hillier Nurseries Ltd, which took home the Blooming Marvellous Employer, Life Beyond Peat and Plant Producer awards; and Greenwood Plants, which won the Inspirational Business award.

Individuals in the sector were also recognised on the night, including Jane Poyner from Majestic Trees, who received the Best Staff Member award and Thomas Smith, also from Majestic Trees, who took home the highly contested Young Grower under 35 award.

The winners of the Awards were presented with a certificate and trophy and now have the option of entering the AIPH International Grower of the Year Awards.

Pippa Greenwood, Horticulture Manager at the HTA, praised the high standard of entries:

“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.”

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

The judges at this year’s HTA Grower of the Year Awards were full of praise for Thomas Smith’s winning entry.

Phil Clayton said:

“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.”

Sarah Squire added:

“Thomas has the resounding endorsement of his teammates, which speaks volumes to me. Horticulture is clearly a big part of his life, both inside and outside work. Thomas sounds like a very engaging young man who is conscious about the environment, caring towards others, a team player and an all round good egg.”

Full List of 2025 Winners:

Blooming Marvellous Employer

Hillier Nurseries Ltd (Winner)

The Bransford Webbs Plant Company (Highly Commended)

Inspirational Business

Greenwood Plants (Winner)

Hillier Nurseries Ltd (Highly Commended)

Life Beyond Peat

Hillier Nurseries Ltd (Winner)

Alba Trees Ltd (Highly Commended)

Plant Producer

Hillier Nurseries Ltd (Winner)

Majestic Trees (Highly Commended)

Best Staff Member

Jane Poyner, Majestic Trees (Winner)

Alastair Hazell, Darby Nursery Stock (Highly Commended)

Young Grower under 35

Thomas Smith, Majestic Trees (Winner)

Abigail Green, Allensmore Nurseries (Highly Commended)

For more information about HTA Grower of the Year Awards, visit: hta.org.uk/goty