2026 BOA Technical Conference
đź“… Conference: Wednesday 4th February 2026
đź“Ť Venue: NFU Conference Centre, Stoneleigh
🍽️ Pre-Conference Dinner: Tuesday 3rd February 2026, 7:00pm
đź“Ť Location: Woodland Grange Hotel, Leamington Spa
Join us for the 2026 BOA Technical Conference, the UK’s leading event dedicated to the future of ornamental horticulture. Taking place on 4th February 2026 at the NFU Conference Centre in Stoneleigh, this annual event brings together experts, innovators and growers to explore the latest developments and emerging trends shaping our industry.
Speakers
Dr Minshad Ansari – Bionema Group
Biologicals in Ornamentals: Reducing Chemical Inputs Whilst Boosting Plant Health and Market Value
Dr Minshad Ansari is the CEO and Founder of Bionema Group, a UK-based biotechnology company pioneering the development and commercialisation of next-generation biological solutions that replace synthetic pesticides and fertilisers. With over 25 years of expertise in entomopathogenic microbes, biostimulants, biofertilizers and biosurfactants, Dr Ansari has successfully led the development of over 15 biological products, including patented microencapsulation and biosurfactant technologies that enhance efficacy by up to 30%. Under his leadership, Bionema secured over £2.8 million in competitive grants, a significant licensing deal with Syngenta, and in 2024, received the prestigious King’s Award for Innovation. A strong advocate for regulatory reform and sustainable agriculture, Dr Ansari also founded the World BioProtection Forum, a global platform connecting academia, industry, and policy. He is a regular keynote speaker at international conferences and continues to drive innovation aimed at reducing chemical inputs in farming while boosting productivity, soil health, and environmental safety worldwide.
Eirinn Rusbridge – NFU Energy
Energy Market Insights and How GrowSave Can Help
Eirinn Rusbridge is a Senior Engineer at NFU Energy and the Technical Lead for GrowSave. He is a certified ESOS Lead Assessor, delivering a range of bespoke consultancy services, e.g. feasibility studies, energy audits, and carbon assessments. Additionally, he has a detailed knowledge of environmental incentive, compliance schemes, and energy infrastructure.
Eirinn informs efficiency improvements, cost reductions, and innovation to the protected horticulture sector via GrowSave events and publications. As well, he drives the wider agriculture sector forward with collaborative projects in association with academic institutes and industry-leading businesses.
Richard Hopkins – West Sussex Growers’ Association
If AI Is The Answer, What Is Your Question?
Richard Hopkins is an independent adviser and former Managing Director of Fargro, where he led the management buyout and transformed the company into a forward-thinking, innovative market leader in the commercial horticulture sector.
These days, he helps organisations make sense of strategy, governance, and technology; ideally all at once, and preferably over coffee rather than spreadsheets.
A lifelong problem-solver, Richard has led projects ranging from distributed cloud systems and AI applications to on-site growing innovations, blending digital thinking with human insight for real-world results. He is also Chair of the West Sussex Growers’ Association, a board member of Coast to Capital, the economic development consultancy, and a trustee of the Sussex Archaeological Society, allowing him to combine the very, very old with the very, very new.
Richard believes technology should serve people, not the other way round.
Shaun Herdsman – Accelobrand & Accelopack
Navigating EPR & Plastic Packaging Tax in Ornamental Horticulture
Shaun Herdsman is a sustainability-driven entrepreneur specialising in packaging innovation for the horticulture and fresh produce industries. As UK Sales Manager for PulpVision and co-founder of Accelopack, Shaun champions the transition away from single-use plastics towards packaging that aligns with both environmental goals and legislative requirements. With a career rooted in horticulture and supply chain partnerships, he works closely with growers, packers, and retailers to deliver practical, scalable solutions that reduce reliance on plastic, improve automation performance, and create measurable savings under EPR and Plastic Packaging Tax frameworks. Shaun’s expertise spans product development, Amazon marketplace management, and brand building, giving him a unique perspective on both B2B and consumer trends. Passionate about helping UK growers stay competitive in a changing regulatory landscape, he provides actionable insights that blend compliance, cost efficiency, and sustainability.
Peter Marshall – Volta Exo Systems
A leading UK expert in home and commercial battery storage, Peter Marshall is the founder of Volta Eco Systems. His 35-year career as an architect validates his focus on delivering technically robust energy solutions that provide savings and security for homes and businesses.
Stefan Reiner – Selecta One
RCS 2.0 – Redefining Plant Propagation. Raising the Standard
Stefan’s career has been dedicated to bridging growers, breeders, and markets across three continents. From managing global product portfolios to building Selecta’s North American presence, he’s always believed success comes from listening closely to customers while driving innovation forward. Today, Stefan leads Product Development at Selecta One, where his team explores genetics, new product forms, and cutting-edge technologies to deliver solutions that work across the entire value chain. For him, it’s about people, plants, and progress.
Other confirmed speakers include:
- Beth Anderson – YPHA
- Simon Conway — HCP
- Matthias Redlefsen – Benary
- Tim Parfitt – Beadamoss
- Alan Roper – Blue Diamond
- Sean Whitworth – Fargro
The evening before the main event, we warmly invite you to our Pre-Conference Dinner on Tuesday 3rd February at the Woodland Grange Hotel. Beginning at 7:00pm, the dinner will feature two speakers:
- Guy Moreton – MorePeople
- Mike Smith – W D Smith
We will also be presenting our prestigious annual awards, including:
- The Trumpet Blowers Award
- The Alan Hendy Award
- The Pot Plant Growers Award
- The Bright Spark Award
- The Chair’s Choice Award – sponsored by HortWeek
- The MorePeople Award
This celebratory evening is a fantastic opportunity to connect with colleagues and peers in a relaxed and sociable setting.
🎟️ Ticket Information
- Early Bird offers available until 30th November 2025 for both in-person and virtual attendance.
- BOA members can access exclusive discounts – please email info@britishornamentals.org before booking via Eventbrite.
- Don’t miss our “Under 35 for £35” offer – making the conference accessible for young professionals looking to build their future in horticulture.
Sponsorship opportunities are available for this event, please contact us for further details: info@britishornamentals.org
Sponsored by:
