Respected soil scientist and growing media expert Neil Bragg has been awarded the HTA Pearson Memorial Medal for his outstanding  commitment to the horticultural industry.

Neil, who recently stepped down as chairman of the Horticultural Development Company (HDC) after six years, is a director of Bulrush Horticulture. He oversaw the HDC’s re-location from Kent to Stoneleigh, a move that reduced costs and allowed more funds to be spent directly on research projects. “The challenging role at HDC required much skill to bring together a new regime and it was Neil’s  clear strategic thinking that mapped a way through the difficulties to real success,” said the HTA citation.

He started work for the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and, after obtaining a masters degree, transferred to ADAS, where he became part of the National Horticulture  Specialist Group. In 1991 he joined Bulrush. He has chaired the Bedding & Pot Plant Association and the Growing Media Association. Previously a Director of Stockbridge Technology Centre, he has a passion for  research and development and is currently also a director of the Horticultural Innovation Partnership.

HTA vice-president Adam Wigglesworth (above, left), who presented Neil with his medal at the HTA Garden Futures dinner held at the Royal Institute of British Architects this week, said the award recognised the huge amount of work Neil does for the industry.

“As chair of the HDC he has played a vital  role in helping to raise the profile of the need for horticultural research and development with government. A very honest and forthright speaker, he has lobbied tirelessly on behalf of the industry. He is also an ardent campanologist (bell ringer)!”

The Pearson Memorial Medal for outstanding service to the garden industry has been awarded by the HTA on an annual basis since it was instigated in 1930 in memory of the HTA’s  first General Secretary, Charles Pearson.

Garden Futures 2014 was sponsored by Hozelock, Scotts Miracle-Gro and William Sinclair.