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 2026
Poinsettia Growers Group UK Open Day 2026
The fifth Open Day of the Poinsettia Growers Group UK will take place on Thursday 19 November 2026 at Volmary Ltd, Wisbech St Mary, Cambridgeshire.
Bringing together poinsettia growers, suppliers and allied trades from across the industry, the event provides a valuable opportunity to share knowledge, discuss current challenges and opportunities, and explore the latest developments in poinsettia production. Attendees will also have the chance to engage in wider discussions on topics affecting the horticultural sector.
The Poinsettia Growers Group was established to help fill the gap left by the cessation of AHDB’s role in coordinating horticultural research and development within the UK. Since its formation, the Group has become an important forum for collaboration, innovation and the exchange of technical expertise among poinsettia producers and industry professionals.
Whether you are directly involved in poinsettia production or have an interest in the wider ornamental horticulture sector, this Open Day offers an excellent opportunity to network with colleagues, gain practical insights and contribute to discussions shaping the future of the industry.
Members of the Poinsettia Growers Group are entitled to one free ticket per business. To claim your member discount code, please email poinsettia@britishornamentals.org. Places are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Registration opens at 10.00am with conference close at 3.30pm.
Book before 30 September 2026 to benefit from our Early Bird ticket offer.
Meet the Speakers
Dr Alexander Sentinella
Director of Science, Growing Media Europe
Alexander is the Director of Science at Growing Media Europe AISBL, an international non-profit organisation representing producers of growing media and soil improvers at the European level. Originally from Australia, Alexander holds a PhD in Biology from the University of New South Wales. Alexander’s work aims to bridge the gap between science and industry, fostering innovations in growing media and horticulture. By using the latest scientific and industry knowledge (such as GME’s growing media LCA platform), while also committing to the principles of environmental sustainability, he aims to contribute to meaningful, evidence-based practices and policies.
Dr Gonçalo Silva
Senior Lecturer in Plant Virology and Diagnostics, Natural Resources Institute, University of Greenwich
Gonçalo Silva is a Senior Lecturer at the Natural Resources Institute (NRI), University of Greenwich (part of the London and South East University Group), where his research focuses on developing practical diagnostic tools for detecting and identifying plant pests and pathogens. Over the past 15 years he has worked on molecular and field-based diagnostics, applying technologies such as high-throughput sequencing and isothermal amplification to plant health problems in the UK and internationally. Gonçalo currently leads work on a novel smart trap for the early detection of regulated plant pests, which combines optical sensing with machine learning to identify insects in real time from their flight signatures. He works closely with commercial growers, industry partners and regulatory bodies to ensure new detection tools are practical, affordable and fit for purpose.
Henrik Nielsen
Account Manager Pot & Bedding Plants UK & Ireland, Dümmen Orange
Henrik Nielsen has been in the Young Plants business since 1989. In the past he worked for Gasa Young Plants and Newey group. Since 2023 he has been working as a direct representative for Dümmen Orange to the UK market.
Andy Abbey
UK & Ireland Sales Representative and Product Trade Manager, Beekenkamp
Andy has spent all his working career in ornamental horticulture since graduating from Writtle Agricultural College in 1988. Deciding to specialise in Year round chrysanthemum production following a sandwich year placement during his studies with Southern Glasshouse Produce in Hampshire. On leaving college he worked on a small AYR unit near Boston Lincolnshire, before returning to Southern Glasshouse Produce, where he worked for a period of 4 years in several management roles, including a technical consultant role in The Gambia.
A further role in The Gambia and a return to production in the UK at Copsey’s, where Andy’s hands on growing knowledge increased from Chrysanthemums, into many different ornamental cut & pot plants including poinsettias. Joining Yoder Toddington as a technical sales adviser in 1998 he served for 8 years and then Sakata / Earley Ornamentals for a further 8 years before joining Beekenkamp Plants B.V. in 2015, where he serves customers over the U.K and Ireland.
Jon Swain
Sustainability and Governance Director, The Green House Growers
After 18 years working with Horticultural businesses to manage their energy requirements and navigate energy schemes and policies, Jon now works for The Green House Growers looking after one of the UK’s biggest tomato and cucumber producers, and their highly specialised energy systems. Also sitting on the NFU Horticulture Board and being TGA Technical committee member, Jon is actively involved in political lobbying for a fair opportunity for Controlled Environment Horticulture and looking for new ways to adapt energy technology and techniques that improve sustainability and profitability.
Joe Barfoot
Head of Horticulture, Aiva Fertiliser Ltd
Joe Barfoot is Head of Horticulture at Aiva Fertiliser Ltd, with 10 years’ experience in horticultural fertilisers and a particular focus on holistic growing practices.
His work centres on using targeted nutrition, biostimulants and beneficial biology to improve natural plant resilience and increase the efficiency of applied nutrients. His experience spans a wide range of cropping systems, including field-scale agriculture, field vegetables, top and soft fruit, and ornamentals.
Over the past three years, Joe has focused on developing and bringing to market a range of specialist inputs designed to support peat-free growing and improve nutrient use efficiency. Working closely with distribution partners Fargro, he aims to provide cost-effective solutions developed alongside growers, for growers, with programmes tailored to the growing systems already in place.
Mike Wainwright
Agronomist, Hortifeeds
Mike Wainwright has spent more than 30 years in the horticultural industry, building a successful career from a lifelong passion for growing. As Agronomist with Hortifeeds for the past decade, Mike provides specialist, tailored advice to growers, drawing on extensive technical knowledge and practical experience.
Before joining Hortifeeds, Mike held a range of commercial technical growing roles, including producing plants for garden centres and major supermarket retailers. This hands-on experience gives him a strong understanding of growers’ challenges and enables him to deliver practical, commercially focused agronomic support.
Mike’s expertise is founded on a background in horticultural plant pathology and research, combining scientific knowledge with real-world growing experience. He is BASIS and FACTS qualified, providing growers with informed, evidence-based guidance to optimise crop health, quality, and performance.
Ton de Bresser
Head of Sales Netherlands & Belgium, Selecta One
Ton de Bresser has been part of Selecta One since 1992, witnessing the company’s significant growth, portfolio expansion and development into new markets. As Head of Sales for the Netherlands, Belgium, UK and Ireland, he works closely with customers to meet their needs and support their businesses. Passionate about innovative genetics and the development of new and exciting varieties, Ton particularly enjoys working with growers who share his enthusiasm and love for their work.
Volker Schevel
Product Manager, Volmary
Volker Schevel is the Product Manager at Volmary GmbH, a leading international breeder, producer and distributor of seeds and young plants based in Münster, Germany. Throughout his career with Volmary, he has been active for more than 30 years in product management, customer support and the development of innovative solutions for the ornamental assortment of Volmary. Working closely with breeders, sales teams, production specialists and customers, Volker contributes to the successful introduction and optimisation of Volmary’s professional assortment of bedding plants, perennials, cut flowers, pot plants and his favourite crop Viola. His industry knowledge, practical expertise and commitment to quality have helped strengthen Volmary’s reputation as a trusted partner for professional growers and retailers on the European market.
More speakers still to be announced!
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