What was your journey into the horticulture industry?
Working in the school holidays on the family business nursery, then after school on a local nursery, after A levels starting full time at a local large glasshouse nursery growing salads. Commencing City and Guilds at nearly Horticultural College, progressing to 3 years at Oaklands College Diploma Glasshouse Crops Production, during which I worked, earnt working at VHB Littlehampton and monitoring Biological control for BCP in the Lea Valley evening, in the weekends and holidays,.
What have been some career highlights over those years?
Becoming Nursery Foreman for Dr Alan Cooper the 'Father of NFT'. Joining VHB straight after college at what was at the time, the largest glasshouse in the world at Hern Hill in Kent. Joining Sainsburys as a 'Produce Technologist'. curating fresh cut flowers and plants, soon after becoming the Buyer - for five years. After, becoming a shareholder and director of FreshFlora, in partnership with Alan & Colin Frampton, then moving to the Republic of Ireland to join Interbloem, managing retail horticulture multiple accounts including Tesco, Superquinn, Dunnes Stores and Musgraves. After joining Wilgro, which became Sakata, which became Earley Ornamentals for five years. Followed by spells at Kings Seeds, Desch Plantpak and then a further four years with Gardening Direct/Jersey Plants Direct, before joining Lechuza. Over the last five years positions with growing media producers.
During the journey enthusiastically participating in trade bodies, such as BOA, HTA, NFU as an executive member, contributing to the direction of the sector and addressing arising issues and challenges.
What would you say are your areas of expertise?
Being able to bring experience and knowledge to the 'big picture' of growing, production, marketing, sales and NPD reinforced by forging lasting life long relationships with personnel from all aspects and levels of horticulture promoting integrity and common sense.
What is your fantasy future horticultural innovation?
Roses, that do not require pruning.
What are you most looking forward to at Four Oaks as a visitor?
Innovation, both plants and products, meeting friends and new industry personnel, the craic!
Ian Riggs is a judge at the Four Oaks new plants awards 2 September 2025
