HTA Grower Awards celebrate horticultural excellence and innovation
The winners of the HTA Grower of the Year Awards 2026 were announced at a celebratory dinner on 24 September at the Garden Room, London’s Barbican Centre.
Hosted by comedian and broadcaster Ed Byrne, the ceremony followed the HTA’s annual Horticulture: The Conference and celebrated excellence, innovation and achievement across the UK’s environmental horticulture industry.
Allensmore Nurseries Ltd took the coveted overall Grower of the Year title. The business also collected awards for Employer of the Year, Peat Transition Initiative of the Year and Sustainability Initiative of the Year.
Elsewhere, Frank P. Matthews Limited was recognised with the Best Use of Technology Award, while Robin Tacchi Plants won Biosecurity Initiative of the Year, highlighting the range of innovation taking place across the sector.
Elia Johnston, Director of Membership and Marketing at the HTA, said the calibre of entries was exceptionally high, with finalists demonstrating ambition and commitment to raising standards, embracing technology, investing in people and addressing industry challenges.
The awards also recognised emerging talent, with Tim Forshaw of Lovania Nurseries Limited named Young Grower of the Year. Judges praised his strong submission, industry contribution and progression to Grower Manager within just three years.
A total of 12 awards were presented across six categories, recognising businesses and individuals making significant contributions to UK ornamental growing and environmental horticulture.
The judging panel comprised Mark Gregory, Sarah Squire, Phil Clayton and Tim Briercliffe, who assessed entries covering business performance, innovation, sustainability, technology, biosecurity and individual achievement.
All winners were presented with a certificate and a trophy and now have the option of entering the AIPH International Grower of the Year Awards.
Full List of 2026 Winners
Biosecurity Initiative of the Year
Winner – Robin Tacchi Plants Ltd
Peat Transition Initiative of the Year
Winner – Allensmore Nurseries Ltd
Highly Commended – Crocus.co.uk
Best use of Technology Award
Winner – Frank P Matthews Limited
Highly Commended – James Coles & Sons (Nurseries) Ltd
Sustainability Initiative of the Year
Winner – Allensmore Nurseries Ltd
Highly Commended – Kirton Farm Nurseries (The Hairy Pot Plant Company)
Employer of the Year Award
Winner – Allensmore Nurseries Ltd
Highly Commended – Wyevale Nurseries Ltd
Young Grower of the Year Award
Winner – Tim Forshaw (Lovania Nurseries Limited)
Highly Commended - Adele Elizabeth Martin (Natural Garden)
The Overall Grower of the Year Award
Allensmore Nurseries Ltd
To find out more about the winners, visit: hta.org.uk/goty