Gordon Flint spent 19 years as MD and Exec Chairman at Winchester Growers, which happened to be MorePeople's first client when we began 24 years ago!
Gordon then started New Horizon Flowers 9 year ago, which is now one of the largest peony growers in the country.
Here are Gordon's answers to our 5 Questions!
What's the single biggest challenge facing our industry today?
Climate change and its impact on crop production.
In my lifetime the climate has changed dramatically with the rate of change appearing to gather pace in recent years.
Are the recent extreme weather events, such as the current mild and wet winter, the new normal?
What do you think the next big product/piece of tech will be?
Robotics in crop production and processing.
Bearing in mind my first answer, any robot needs to be able to cope with extreme weather conditions.
I also feel that the robotics people need to be working much closer with geneticists. I see a lot of robots that mimic human action.
Why not change the plant to make it much easier to harvest?
Developments in technology in precision farming in its greater sense are having a huge impact on the way that we grow and harvest our crops and we are only at the beginning of the technology journey.
What do you like most about our industry?
I like the close connection with nature for example seeing wildlife in the fields, experiencing the changing seasons and the constant challenge that nature poses be it pests, diseases or the weather.
What was your first ever job in our industry?
Trainee adviser with ADAS, working in research and development.
I couldn’t have gone on and developed my career without those years in ADAS.
I was fortunate that at the time funds were more easily available and my Directors gave me free rein (or really didn’t know what I was doing!)
What piece of advice would you like to give to your 21-year-old self?
I wouldn’t change much but I would say get work/ life balance more in balance!
Fortunately, I had a supportive family but now with Grandchildren, I realise how little time I spent with my children when they were young.
Furthermore, I would say set up your own business earlier in your life than I did.
