AutoPot Watering Systems have appoointed Ian Riggs as Business Development and Partnership Manager. With an extensive career in a vast range of roles across the horticultural sector, Ian brings an incomparable wealth of knowledge, experience, and leadership to the team.
In this new role, Ian will be building sales and partnerships by leveraging the substantial sales opportunities that the AutoPot range offers. His understanding of the industry and proven track record in cultivating hugely successful relationships with retail teams will undoubtedly be instrumental as AutoPot continue to expand their presence in garden centre outlets and beyond.
Ian Riggs said: "Every Marketing and Salesperson looks for the right combination of product and support team. AutoPot impressed me. Their products have great design, relevance, performance, sustainability, and sales appeal.
"The kits are complete, down to the smallest detail, with performance underwritten by RHS endorsement and testimonials from champion growers such as 13-times Chelsea Gold Medal Winner Medwyn Williams, MBE. All the range are made in the UK, produced using recycled plastics, and distributed from a central base in Farnborough, that holds impressive levels of stock for prompt dispatch.
"Jason Ralph-Smith, owner and MD has assembled a superb, multi-function team that are dedicated, energetic, and enthusiastic. This team serves substantial worldwide sales to over sixty countries and includes personnel in ten countries. The team’s wider activities include comprehensive support for wholesalers, retailers, affiliates, influencers, testers, hobby growers, and commercial operations.
"I’m looking forward to bringing maximum in-person support to retailers, who can look forward to innovative EPUs and FSDUs, complimented by merchandising and POS packages. The RHS endorsed range can be viewed in our new mobile retail showroom which has been fitted out with displays and supporting sales materials. Here we showcase the unique, patented technology that allows these automatic plant watering systems to operate without electricity, pumps, timers, or mains water pressure, completely unaffected by drought or water restrictions.
"Also on show is the concept of ‘Plant Controlled Irrigation’, wherein the plants themselves determine the rate of watering, drawing what they need, when they need it, and thriving as a result.
"All-in-all, I am very pleased to join the AutoPot team, especially with the forthcoming launch of the new Khloris decorative range for balcony, conservatory, small garden and indoor use."
AutoPot Watering Systems MD, Jason Ralph-Smith commented: "In terms of his comprehensive success in horticultural retail, Ian’s reputation certainly precedes him. He has excelled in a vast number of roles, gaining tremendous insight, respect, and experience in the process.
"But what struck me most, upon sitting down with Ian, was his commitment, enthusiasm, and motivation to maintain a deep interest in all aspects of the industry. These are clearly the values that have driven his career all along. And such values are completely consistent with our own as a company. In this respect alone he is undoubtedly a very valuable, highly suitable addition to the team.
"I’ve found Ian to be a very grounded, common sense individual with great attention to detail. But he’s also genuinely passionate about innovation, the ways in which innovation can redefine strategic planning, and new opportunities for success.
"I know I speak for the whole company when I say that we’re very excited to be working with someone who combines such extensive knowledge, superb relationships within the sector, and a visionary approach to business development."
