News & Events

​The Horticultural Trades Association has recently launched its Plant Retail Success Initiative, providing HTA members with resources & guidance to help increase horticulture commercial sales.Resources such as digital training, consumer insights and helpful guides have been collated together to push commercial results. The HTA provide detailed retail analysis to construct this Initiative, allowing its commercial members to adapt to an ever-changing climate with guidance and support. It also includes real-life case studies & ideas from fellow businesses; a great example of how the horticultural industry benefits from sharing ideas to help one another. We take pride in being recruitment experts in the commercial horticulture & garden centre industries. However, we wouldn’t be able to do our jobs well if we did not immerse ourselves in the industry. It's paramount that we take time to fully understand industry challenges, as well as innovations and projects, such as the Plant Retail Success Initiative. You can click here to see what other industry topics we have immersed ourselves in!This, in turn, helps us to provide better support for you, whether we are finding your newest team member, or we are finding you your next role that matches your career climbing criteria. The Plant Retail Success Initiative is a great example of why I love working in the horticulture industry. Over the past two and a half years, I’ve learned how horticulture businesses thrive when they come together to share ideas and support one another. The initiative gives the retailers the tools, training and insight they need to thrive in what has been a challenging market of late; it’s all about helping businesses to grow and adapt. As a recruiter, that’s exactly what I aim to do; help people and businesses find the right fit to succeed. It’s this collaborative spirit that makes the horticulture sector so special to be a part of. The willingness of individuals to share knowledge and best practices ensures that the industry continues to thrive. You can get in touch with me or Rae for all of your commercial recruitment needs within the horticulture, agriculture and garden retail industries!Read more about the HTA Plant Retail Success initiative here.Contact us!Brian McGeachy | Senior Recruitment Consultant | Brian@morepeople.co.ukRae Goss | Senior Recruitment Consultant | Rae@morepeople.co.uk01780 480 530

​This year, I attended IPM Essen in Germany for the first time. With over 2,000 exhibitors and 40,000 visitors across a four-day event, it was unlike anything I’d experienced before.The halls were filled with a vast array of industry experts from around the world—growers, breeders, machinery specialists, growing media suppliers, fertiliser companies, and more.Having never attended the event before, I didn’t go in with a long list of expectations. My goal was to gain a deeper understanding of the European market, explore collaborations with UK partners, and catch up with several of my contacts.One of my biggest takeaways was just how much I learned about the industry. Seeing the sheer scale of horticulture and its global impact was incredibly humbling. But beyond that, the level of innovation, passion, and forward-thinking among attendees and businesses left me feeling even more excited about the future of the industry.As with any trade show, the face-to-face interactions were invaluable. Ironically, I ended up spending more time with people based in the UK in Germany than I do with them back home! But that’s exactly what these events are for, right?I had the chance to reconnect with candidates and clients I’ve worked with previously, while also building new relationships both in the UK market and beyond.Essen was packed with industry advancements—where do I even begin?Air-Pot® launched a new generation of containers.Selecta showcased an innovative propagation system using cuttings rooted offshore in paper bags without substrate. The samples I saw produced healthy plants with strong root systems.Modiform introduced a new sustainable tray designed to accommodate multiple pot sizes, offering great benefits for growers with diverse crops.And of course, there were countless new plant varieties, machinery developments, and more.One key lesson for next time: plan meetings in advance and book them close together. I naively assumed I’d bump into people as I do at UK trade shows, but given the scale of IPM Essen, that wasn’t the case. In fact, I ran into more familiar faces at the airport than at the event itself!For any other first-time attendees, here are a couple of my top tips: wear comfy shoes, everyone is in trainers, and I did 22,000 steps a day so comfy shoes are a must. Plan your visit strategically. It’s about a 15-minute walk between Hall 1 and Hall 8 so where possible, get meetings booked methodically! The app is one of the best I’ve seen. It has everything you need to know on there.Attending IPM Essen reinforced the importance of staying immersed in the industry. Understanding new innovations and trends first-hand means that when we get back to the day job, we genuinely know what we’re talking about. Events like these help us continue to be true horticulture recruitment experts. So, on that note, drop me a message or let’s schedule a chat to talk through any of your horticulture recruitment needs! ​Sarah Want | Horticulture Team Managersarah@morepeople.co.uk | 01780 480 530​

Fruit Logistica 2025 has wrapped up, and what an experience it was! This year, our MorePeople team headed to Berlin once again to immerse ourselves in the biggest event in fresh produce. Whether seasoned attendees or first-timers, we all came away with valuable insights, new connections, and a renewed appreciation for the industry.Still Relevant? Absolutely!Andrew Fitzmaurice, our CEO and a long-time Fruit Logistica attendee, reflected on the ongoing debate: Is Fruit Logistica still relevant compared to Madrid’s Fruit Attraction? His answer: a resounding yes. While some may prefer Madrid’s warmer climate and culinary scene, the sheer scale, footfall, and exhibitor presence in Berlin remain unmatched.“What surprised me this year,” Andrew noted, “was just how busy it felt. The record attendance figures weren’t just numbers – you could see and feel it in every hall. Stands were packed, conversations flowed non-stop, and the days flew by. Time flies when you’re having fun!”A First-Timer’s PerspectiveFor Operations Consultant India Ball, this was a debut visit—and an eye-opening one. “It was much more interactive than I expected,” she shared. “The scale was overwhelming, and even after two full days, there were areas I hadn’t explored. It was inspiring to see so many businesses, both familiar and new, gathered in one place.”One of her biggest takeaways? Planning is key. “For first-timers next year, make a list of must-see exhibitors, book meetings in advance, and leave time to explore. And most importantly… bring comfy shoes!” Associate Director Tom Edmondson-Mathews has attended multiple times and reinforced that Fruit Logistica remains the leading trade show in fresh produce. His advice for future visitors?“Plan wisely. Give yourself way more time between meetings than you think you’ll need. The scale of this thing will blow your mind, and unless you have a built-in GPS (which I clearly do not), expect a few accidental detours. Pro tip: download the event app – the interactive map makes a world of difference.”Lessons Learned from Another First-TimerSenior Consultant James Price-Wilkins also attended for the first time and echoed the pre-show advice he received: it’s huge, it flies by, and wear comfortable shoes!“Safe to say, it exceeded my expectations beyond what I could have imagined. The number of people you meet, the scale of the exhibitors, and the inspiring talks—it was by far the most impressive event I’ve attended. One thing’s for sure: we’re lucky to work in such an amazing industry.”Final ThoughtsFruit Logistica 2025 reinforced why Berlin remains the epicentre of the fresh produce world every February. The event was a whirlwind of networking, learning, and discovery, and for both veterans and first-time attendees, it proved to be an invaluable experience. We’re already looking forward to next year—better prepared, with a solid plan, and of course, in the right footwear! ​

On Wednesday, January 22nd, I had the incredible opportunity to attend Tesco’s annual Winter Reception at the House of Commons as part of the Future Farmer Programme, which I am currently completing.This nine-month programme, run by the School of Sustainable Food and Farming at Harper Adams University and sponsored by Tesco, is designed to equip aspiring agricultural professionals with the skills needed for sustainable farming.Since starting in October, I’ve attended two insightful conferences at Harper Adams University, featuring farm tours and talks from industry leaders. Additionally, I’ve taken part in two online seminars focusing on personal development and sustainable farming.The Winter Reception at the House of Commons was a fantastic opportunity to engage with key decision-makers in the industry and gain a broader perspective on the supply chain. It was also great to connect with a cohort of like-minded individuals.Later this month, I’ll be attending a two-day regenerative farming event, which includes a visit to FarmED—a centre dedicated to the vital connection between food and farming. We’ll also hear from Ed Brown, Head of Farms at Wildfarmed. Following this, the programme will host another online webinar, a "Walk the Supply Chain" event, and a final conference to conclude the course.So far, this experience has been invaluable. With around 70 participants from various sectors of food and agriculture, it has provided me with key insights into the broader supply chain. We’ve had useful presentations and meetings with a number of companies we work with; understanding their business and sustainability goals for the future has been really interesting. I would really recommend the programme to anyone in the industry. You can read more about the programme here.It is paramount that as recruiters for the agriculture and rural sector, we stay up to date with emerging industry trends, challenges and innovations. Programmes such as the School of Sustainable Food and Farming allow me to deepen my knowledge of the sector further and therefore provide me with the knowledge to make informed decisions when pairing candidates with the right profession.Please reach out if you have any questions, whether you are navigating the agricultural climate, or you are considering a career change, I am always happy to help!Hannah Cuthbert | Recruitment Consultant | Agriculture & RuralHannah.cuthbert@morepeople.co.uk | 01780 480 530You can read more of our blogs on agriculture here!

​​As the food and agriculture industries evolve in response to technological advancements and global challenges, new engineering roles are emerging to continue to support these industries. In the next five years, we can anticipate a surge in demand for engineers who are not only adept at traditional practices but also skilled in cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and biotechnology. These roles will require professionals who can integrate innovative solutions to optimise food production, enhance sustainability, and address food security. We’re looking into the potential engineering positions poised to transform the industry and outline the essential skills that will equip engineers to thrive in these areas.Emerging Roles in Agri-EngineeringRobotics Integration SpecialistsRobotics Integration Specialists will play a crucial role in revolutionising agricultural practices. These engineers will design, implement, and maintain robotic systems for tasks such as precision planting, harvesting, and crop monitoring. They'll need expertise in robotics, AI, and agricultural processes to create solutions that boost efficiency and reduce labour costs. These specialists will work on developing autonomous tractors, drones for crop surveillance, and robotic arms for delicate fruit picking. They'll also be responsible for integrating these systems with existing farm equipment and data management platforms. As farms become increasingly automated, Robotics Integration Specialists will ensure smooth operations and troubleshoot complex issues. Their work will be essential in addressing labour shortages and improving the precision and sustainability of agricultural practices.Precision Farming AnalystsPrecision Farming Analysts will become indispensable as agriculture moves towards data-driven decision-making. These specialists will analyse vast amounts of data collected from sensors, satellites, and IoT devices to optimise crop yields and resource use. They'll need a strong background in data science, agricultural science, and environmental studies. Their role will involve creating predictive models for crop growth, pest outbreaks, and weather patterns. By interpreting complex data sets, they'll provide actionable insights to farmers, enabling precise application of water, fertilizers, and pesticides. Precision Farming Analysts will also work on developing user-friendly interfaces for farmers to access and understand this data easily. Their expertise will be crucial in maximising farm productivity while minimising environmental impact and making agriculture more sustainable and efficient in the face of climate change and resource scarcity.Food Manufacturing Automation EngineersAs the food manufacturing sector embraces automation, the need for Food Manufacturing Automation Engineers is rapidly increasing. These engineers will be tasked with designing and implementing automated systems to streamline production processes in factories, ranging from ingredient handling to packaging. They will require proficiency in understanding mechanical and electrical systems, coupled with skills in programming and software like PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers).These engineers will introduce robotics and automated systems in food production to increase efficiency, reduce waste, and improve safety. Their work will involve integrating cutting-edge technologies such as machine vision for quality control and automated guided vehicles (AGVs) for logistics and supply chain management. As the food manufacturing sector moves towards Industry 4.0, these engineers will be pivotal in ensuring seamless operations, diagnosing system failures, and maintaining the optimal performance of automated lines.Sustainable Production Development EngineersSustainable Production Development Engineers will be at the forefront of reinventing food manufacturing practices to enhance sustainability. Their primary focus will be on innovating eco-friendly processes and materials, aiming to reduce carbon footprints and enhance the lifecycle management of products.These roles require a blend of knowledge in environmental engineering, material science, and industrial processes. Engineers in this field will work on developing biodegradable packaging, optimising energy usage in factories, and reducing water waste. They will also lead initiatives in recycling and waste management, fostering a circular economy within the food manufacturing sector. By driving the transition to sustainable practices, these engineers will play a critical role in helping companies meet environmental regulations and consumer demands for greener products.Ben Gough, Engineering Consultant comments; "As Technology advances there has been a clear shift in demand from Mechanically biased Engineers towards Electrical and Controls Engineers, PLC experience is becoming a necessity, not a bonus!"Get in touch with our Engineering team today to help with all your Engineering recruitment needs in the Food Manufacturing sector.

​This week, I had the pleasure of attending the British Ornamental Association Conference, and wow – what a day! MorePeople were sponsoring the event, so it was a great excuse to soak up some serious horticultural knowledge and, of course, support Sarah, who absolutely smashed it chairing the morning session and speaking on behalf of the YPHA later on in the day.The day kicked off with a welcome from Derek Jarman and then our first session was packed with technical deep dives, I won’t lie – it was overwhelming but in a good way! It was fascinating to hear from Martin Emmett about the challenges horticulture is facing, followed by Dr Sam Wilkinson getting into the science of jasmonates. Annelies Bayens stole the show for me with her talk on resilient growing which was super practical and forward-thinking.After a much-needed caffeine boost, the second session, chaired by Simon Crawford, shifted focus to growing media. Marco Zevenhoven shared insight into the RHP and how they ensure quality throughout the supply chain, and then Prof Alistair Griffiths from the RHS talked about the push towards peat-free growing – a massive topic in the industry right now. Neil Bragg wrapped things up with a super detailed look at nutritional considerations for peat-free substrates. It was all very technical, but you could tell how passionate everyone was about making real changes in the sector. As we know, the peat-free debate is definitely one of the biggest talking points in horticulture at the moment, with many growers still figuring out how to make the transition without compromising on quality and cost. There’s a real mix of excitement and concern, as businesses know they need to adapt, but finding the right solutions isn't always straightforward. Watching the conversations play out from some of the industry leaders at the conference was eye-opening. Lunch was a brilliant chance to finally put faces to names! It’s so easy to spend all your time in recruitment communicating with candidates and clients on the phone and through email, so actually meeting them in person was one of the highlights of the day for me. Plus, let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a good conference lunch?The afternoon kicked off with Chris Need who led a session covering everything from biological spray solutions to data management. Sean Loakes explained sprayable biologicals with some exceptional usage of a Mentimeter interactive quiz, and Malcolm Smith took us on a journey from spreadsheets to high-tech data solutions – which I think a lot of people in the room could relate to! Islam Abdel-Aziz then tackled carbon accounting in ornamental crop production, another hot topic as businesses focus more on sustainability.The final session, chaired by Robin Squance, had a different vibe – a bit more feel-good and big-picture. David Domoney gave an inspiring talk on the positive power of plants, which was a refreshing way to wrap up a very science-heavy day. Then, Sarah was back on stage with an update on the YPHA launch success challenge (spoiler: it’s been a huge success). Finally, Michael Smith gave us the latest on the Floral Fantasia project before Derek closed the day.Sarah said: “Being on the organising committee for this year’s BOA Conference was an absolute pleasure. We wanted to make it accessible, informative, and, most importantly, leave people feeling positive with some great takeaways. I think, and hope we achieved that!""A big highlight for me was introducing the £35 ticket for under-35s. It was the first time we’d done it, and seeing young professionals in the room, eager to get involved, was fantastic. Ensuring information reaches the next generation in the industry is so important, and this felt like a real step in the right direction.It goes without saying, that horticulture is facing some big challenges, but the conference proved it’s not all doom and gloom. Being surrounded by passionate, driven people reminded me why this industry is so special. One of the standout talks for me was from Marco Zevenhoven—his insights into peat-free operations were fascinating and could offer some real solutions moving forward.I left the conference feeling optimistic. There’s work to be done, but with collaboration, innovation, and the next generation coming through, the future of horticulture is looking bright.”Overall, the conference was a whirlwind of technical talks, new ideas, and great conversations. It was amazing to learn so much, even if some of it was a bit above my recruiter-level expertise! All of this incredible insight helps me to help my clients and candidates better! A huge shoutout to Sarah for doing an incredible job – she really made MorePeople proud. Looking forward to the next one already!As specialists in Horticulture recruitment, Sarah, Kieran and I are always around for a chat to discuss how we can help you. Whether you're considering a career move, looking to expand your business, or want a hand navigating the horticultural sector, reach out to us!You can read more horticulture blogs from us here!Emily | emily@morepeople.co.uk Sarah | sarah@morepeople.co.uk Kieran | kieran@morepeople.co.ukCall us | 01780 480 530