Pershore College Celebrates the Success of the “Helping You Grow a Better Future” Horticulture Conference
Pershore College proudly hosted the inaugural “Helping You Grow a Better Future” horticulture conference on Wednesday 12th February 2025.
The sold-out event brought together 40 students from Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, and BSc programs alongside industry professionals, fostering collaboration and career development. The event showcased the potential of uniting students and experts, providing insight into the industry’s future while creating lasting professional relationships.
Student organiser Ross Dyke described the event as “a unique opportunity for aspiring horticulturists to gain industry insights while forming relationships that will shape the future of horticulture.”
Industry leaders shared their expertise on innovation and sustainability. Sam Rivers from ICL Growing Solutions discussed advancements in sustainable crop protection, while Nigel Pugh of Impact Aerial Ltd explored the use of drones and technology in modern horticulture. Boyd Douglas-Davies from The Boyd Partnership provided an overview of the industry’s future, and Michael Perry, known as “Mr Plant Geek,” highlighted emerging horticultural trends.
Neil Gow of The Colegrave Seabrook Foundation spoke about scholarship opportunities, and Anjana Patel from WCG examined sustainable horticulture technologies and Pershore College’s BSc program. David Denny from The HTA presented recent industry research, and Rob Boswijk from Proptek introduced groundbreaking air pruning technology.
Sara-Jane Watkins, CEO and Principal of WCG and WCUC, emphasised the importance of the conference, stating, “This event embodies our commitment to advancing horticulture and agri-tech, providing students with opportunities to learn from industry leaders, explore new technologies, and connect with potential employers.” Jason Daff, Secretary for the Chartered Institute of Horticulture, praised the event for “affirming career choices in this valuable industry.” Rob Boswijk, a former Pershore College student, reflected on his experience, saying, “What I learned here gave me the foundation for my career. It’s not just about knowledge but about learning how to grow and adapt in this field.”
The conference was widely praised, with many hoping it will become an annual tradition. Chris Chambers from Pershore High School remarked on the event’s impact, stating, “It was inspiring to see engaging speakers, networking opportunities, and enthusiasm for horticulture encouraging students in their future careers.”
Pershore College remains committed to fostering opportunities that empower students and strengthen the horticulture industry. The success of this event highlights the power of collaboration and the bright future of horticulture.
For more information about future events or horticultural programs at Pershore College, visit: https://wcg.ac.uk/pershore
