Four Oaks almost 100 stands bigger than last year

This year’s 51st Four Oaks Trade Show — held in Cheshire on 5-6 September — will host hundreds of growers and horticultural suppliers from the UK, Europe and worldwide, as well as featuring the event’s best-ever range of seminars and a new awards format.

15 August 2023

Four Oaks

There are more than 300 exhibitors and several more likely to confirm with 626 stands, compared to 537 last year.

Registration numbers look strong, said organisers.

Educate, Collaborate & Innovate zone is in House T this year – co-locating the new plants/product awards display, seminars and association stands.

There is a new HortWeek awards visitor vote for 2023.

APHA plant health surgery for one-to-one advice will be available in House T plus YPHA members and will be offering advice on interviews and applications for bursaries/courses/jobs.

See seminar list here.

Tuesday 5th September

10.00am: Transitioning peat-free
With Sean Whitworth & Jack Haslam (Fargro)

11.00am: Re-thinking Your Growing Strategy
With Andrew Wilson (ICL)

12.00pm: Imports, exports & biosecurity
Chaired by Matt Appleby, HortWeek
With Jacob Kolff (Kolff Plants), Patrick Fairweather (Fairweathers), Bruce Harnett (Kernock Park Plants), Sally Cullimore (HTA), Jason Pollock (Defra) + APHA surgery for one-to-one advice on import & export issues

2.30pm: What can horticulture businesses do to address the skills gap? -Apprenticeships, training schemes & bursaries 
Part 1 – practical advice for employers
Chaired by Rachael Forsyth, HortWeek
With Martin Emmett (NFU), Kevin Thomas (Lantra), Holly Youde (APL/Urban Landscape Design Ltd), Rupert Keys (Task Academy), Wayne Grills (BALI)

Wednesday 6th September

10.30am: How can horticulture businesses deliver sustainability?
Chaired by Peter Burks, Garden Centre Association
With Geoff Caesar (Allensmore Nurseries), Shaun Herdsman (SPJ Partnerships), Liam Cleary (Old Railway Line Garden Centre)

11.30am: A world of opportunities - Apprenticeships, training schemes & bursaries

Part 2 – practical advice for candidates
Chaired by Sarah Want (YPHA)
With Kyle Ross (Wyevale Nurseries), Jack White (Allensmore Nurseries), Neil Gow (Colegrave Seabrook Foundation), Suzanne Moss (RHS) + YPHA surgery for one-to-one advice on applications & interviews

2.00pm: Transitioning to peat-free: Industry debate: Neil Bragg (Growing Media Association & Bulrush), Andrew Dobson (Boultons Nurseries), Alistair Griffiths (RHS), Geoff Caesar (Allensmore Nurseries), Steve Harper (Southern Trident).
Chaired by Matt Appleby, HortWeek

Find out more at https://www.fouroaks-tradeshow.com/


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