Earlier this week at the British Protected Ornamentals Association (BPOA) AGM former marketing committee chair Ian Riggs was unanimously elected as the new chairman of the Association. Ian is well known throughout the horticultural industry and has spent the last two years championing the Home Grown labelling scheme for the Association.
A huge vote of thanks was given to Sarah Fairhurst for all the exemplary work she has done for the Association as chairman during the last three years. As the immediate past chairman, Sarah will continue to serve on the Association’s management committee.
Greg Hill from Hill Brothers Nursery was elected as the new chairman of the marketing committee. Ian Howard from Ornamental Plants Ltd joins the management committee. David Ball from Neame Lea Nursery and Caroline Shove from Bryants Nurseries were both elected to the marketing committee. Caroline was also elected to the technical committee, where existing committee member Chris Need from Roundstone Nurseries was elected as vice-chairman.
Later in the day, the Association’s annual dinner was followed by the Oscars of the protected ornamentals world – the BPOA awards ceremony – rewarding the best of the best for their achievements over the last twelve months.
This year the Derf Paton Bright Spark award was presented to Sirekit Mol from Beekenkamp in recognition of her work for the marketing committee and overall positive contribution to the Association.
Derek Smith from E. Smith & Son won the Trumpet Blower award for the second time, for being a passionate ambassador for the industry in the media and through his bedding plant displays at RHS Tatton Park.
Blue Ribbon Plants was presented with the Alan Hendy award in recognition of the remarkable quality of production by Walter Back and his team, their enthusiasm to adopt the Home Grown logo. The award was accepted by Blue Ribbon’s sales manager Philip Sanders.
Finally, the Kentia Palm was awarded to Nursery Fresh Plants in recognition of the innovative and forward-thinking approach of the company. The award was accepted by Andrew Cook.
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