McLaren's Nurseries' Daryl McWhinnie is a panellist at the Four Oaks for 2026.
How did you get into the industry?
Family connection. My grandfather, Robert McLaren started the nursery and I'm now part of the third generation of his family working here.
What do you do in your day-to-day job?
Day-to-day rolls include nursery maintenance, development and improvement work to the existing nursery systems. Purchasing of non-plant items such as pots, fertiliser, substrates, materials and machinery. Staff management for jobs and future planning. General firefighting of whatever issues arise in a day.
What is the biggest issue facing the industry?
Rising costs. Everything will inevitably go up in price but the rate in which things have moved recently are a real challenge. Keeping up with these costs such as labour, energy and materials are becoming a real task.
What are your plans for the future?
To be forever developing the nursery to be as efficient and successful as we can be. Putting ourselves in a position to carry on into the future years.
Tell us about your role at Four Oaks 2026...
A break from my norm to step into a sales position to meet new and existing customers as a means of getting our name out to as many people with the hope of success between businesses for both of us. Four oaks is also a fantastic meeting point to get together with most of your suppliers all in the one area and a chance to see what's new in our industry.
Daryl McWhinnie is speaking on 3 September at
Sponsored by Hortec
Steve Dunn, Hortec
Daryl McWhinnie, McLarens Nurseries
David Nieburg, Country Herbs
Steve Carter, Farplants
Chaired by HortWeek editor Matthew Appleby
With rising labour costs and chronic worker shortages squeezing margins, this practical expert panel will look at fully automated processes, advances in technology and the efficiencies they can bring. Forward-thinking UK nurseries McLarens, Farplants and Country Herbs will share their experiences, while Hortec will present the latest advances and options from manufacturers including Javo and Stolze.
