This group has been set up to ensure that research into the commercial production of poinsettias continues following the breakup of the AHDB. It has also been set up to ensure the industry has a strong, united voice with policymakers.
BOA Poinsettia Conference 2025
The fourth Open Day of the Poinsettia Growers Group in the UK will be taking place on Thursday 20th November 2025 at Bridge Farm Group, Spalding, Lincolnshire, PE12 6RN. Its aim is to provide a focal point whereby growers and the allied trades can meet to view and discuss relevant aspects of poinsettia production and wider industry topics. It has been formed to fill the void left by the cessation of the AHDB and its role in co-ordinating R&D within the UK in horticulture.
Programme highlights
Attendees will benefit from an agenda of technical presentations, trial reviews, and networking opportunities. Key sessions include:
- Registration from 9.30AM, Conference starts at 10.00AM
- Welcome & housekeeping – David Ball
- Growing Media update – Simon Blackhurst
- Variety overviews – Johan Heemskerk (Beekenkamp) and Henrik Nielsen (Dümmen Orange)
- Industry updates – ADOPT Grant with British Growers Association
- FERA Science update – Neil Audsley
- Variety overviews & Biological Control– Ton de Bresser (Selecta One) & David MacDonald (Koppert)
- Horticultural Crop Protection – Joanna McTigue (HCP)
- Poinsettia Growers Trial Review – Graeme Edwards
- Conference Close at 4.30PM*
*Full programme and timings to be announced.
Members of the Poinsettia Growers Group are entitled to one free ticket per business—please email poinsettia@britishornamentals.org to claim your discount code. Places are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Early Bird tickets for this year’s Poinsettia Conference are closing soon! Secure your place by 1 October to take advantage of the discounted rate.
With a strong line-up of speakers, technical content, and the chance to view and evaluate the latest poinsettia varieties, this year’s conference promises to be another invaluable day for the UK poinsettia sector.
SPEAKERS
Dr Neil Audsley
Science Lead, Fera Science Ltd
With over 30 years’ expertise in invertebrate physiology, Neil is a leading voice in tackling the pests that threaten our crops, trees and natural environment. At Fera Science Ltd, he drives forward innovative research and development on native, invasive and emerging pests of agricultural, horticultural and tree-health importance. His work spans biological control, biopesticides, novel pesticide targets and integrated pest management — research that not only shapes practical control strategies but also informs government policy through Defra Plant Health.
Henrik Nielsen
Account Manager Pot & Bedding Plant UK, Dümmen Orange
Henrik Nielsen has been in the Young Plants business since 1989. In 1991/92 he started up the on the UK market with Gasa. In the later years he worked for Newey Group, who was agent for Dümmen Orange and in the last 3 years as Direct representative for Dümmen Orange to the UK market.
Simon Blackhurst
Director, SJB Quality Consulting Ltd
Having spent 20 years in technical, quality and manufacturing roles, Simon’s wealth of knowledge and experience allows him to quickly and efficiently support businesses with projects and development plans.
From an impressive array of product categories to published articles in specific fields, Simon is well respected within the FMCG industry.
He has extensive technical and practical experience built within the horticultural sector, holds various industry qualifications and has successfully transitioned retail and professional growing media to peat free whilst at Bord na Mona.
Most recently Simon was placed in the HortWeek Power List of the Top 100 most influential people in horticulture.
Lyndsay Marfleet
Head of Operations, British Growers Association
Lyndsay Marfleet is the Head of Operations at British Growers, where she oversees the internal day-to-day running of the business to ensure efficiency and the successful delivery of strategic goals. She manages the organisation’s core functions, enabling the effective delivery of British Growers’ services and initiatives. With over seven years’ experience in the horticultural industry, Lyndsay has developed strong expertise in managing and administering grants, supporting growers and industry partners in accessing funding to drive innovation, sustainability, and growth. Lyndsay works closely with growers and industry stakeholders to strengthen relationships and support the sector’s growth. Passionate about championing British horticulture, Lyndsay is dedicated to equipping members with the resources, insights, and support they need to thrive in an evolving marketplace. Her operational expertise, grant management experience, and collaborative approach underpin her commitment to delivering excellence and positive outcomes for the UK’s fresh produce industry.
David MacDonald
Senior Technical Consultant, Koppert UK
David has worked in horticulture since 2009, following an earlier career as an electrical engineer. With extensive experience as a Grower Manager in protected salads, he now supports businesses across East, North and South Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, Ely, and the East Midlands.
David’s expertise spans a wide range of crops, including ornamentals, herbs, salads, cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, hemp, and soft fruit such as strawberries. This breadth of knowledge gives him a valuable perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing growers today.
Joanna McTigue
Crop Protection Scientist, Horticulture Crop Protection Ltd
Jo is a crop protection scientist at HCP and focuses on ornamental crops, grapes and hops. Jo also specialises in worker exposure risk assessment and manages the crop association risk registers to ensure that the pest, weed and disease priorities are defined for each crop sector.
Jo champions biopesticides within the HCP team. She has a PhD and research background in use of viruses and fungi for control of lepidopteran pests, and works to ensure that a greater range of biological products become available to growers. Prior to joining the Crop Protection Team, Jo conducted and managed efficacy field trials, then worked in regulatory compiling biological assessment dossiers to support plant protection product registrations. Jo began her career in the family garden centre.
Andy Abbey
U.K & Ireland Sales Representative, and Product Trade Manager, Beekenkamp Plants B.V.
Andy has worked in ornamental horticulture throughout his career, having graduated from Writtle Agricultural College in 1988. His passion for year-round chrysanthemum production began during a placement with Southern Glasshouse Produce in Hampshire, where he later returned to hold several management roles — including a technical consultancy position in The Gambia.
Following further experience overseas, Andy broadened his expertise in the UK at Copsey’s, expanding his growing knowledge beyond chrysanthemums to a wide range of ornamental cut and pot plants, including poinsettias.
In 1998, Andy joined Yoder Toddington as a Technical Sales Adviser, followed by eight years with Sakata/Earley Ornamentals. Since 2015, he has been with Beekenkamp Plants B.V., supporting customers across the UK and Ireland with his extensive technical and production knowledge.
Ton de Bresser
Sales Area Manager for Holland, Belgium, UK and Ireland, Selecta
Ton has worked for Selecta since 1992 where he worked to organise the rooting for pelargonium, Impatiens NG and Poinsettia. From there he moved into a combined production and sales role, progressing to sales in pot and beddings. Since 2002 he has been the Sales Area Manager for Holland, Belgium, UK and Ireland.
Graeme Edwards
Managing Director, Woodlark Nurseries
Graeme Edwards is Managing Director of Woodlark Nurseries, a leading bedding, pot plant, and pot bulb nursery based in Hersham, Surrey. Having worked for the company since the age of 12, Graeme has a lifelong connection with the business and the horticultural industry. He is also the Chairman of the British Poinsettia Growers Group.
He oversees ongoing investment in production facilities to maintain the high standards of quality and efficiency that Woodlark and its customers expect. Graeme also plays a key role in developing close relationships with wholesale customers and, more recently, expanding the business’s direct sales through online channels.
Sponsorship and Exhibitor opportunities are available for this event. Please contact the team to discuss further: poinsettia@britishornamentals.org
The conference is generously supported by sponsors:
Delegates will also have the chance to network with leading suppliers showcasing their products and services, including:
