Despite the recession gripping the UK, there was a positive buzz during the production horticulture awards at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London.

BBC sports presenter John Inverdale entertained guests on the night, before NFU director general Richard Macdonald urged growers to celebrate their success.

A total of 20 categories recognised the best in the industry, including the Lifetime Achievement Award, which went to Concordia executive director Christine Lumb.

"I feel really blessed," said Christine Lumb. "I have had a job for such a long time that I have really loved."  

The winners

Grower of the Year – Ornamentals
Bransford Webbs Plant Company

Grower of the Year – Edibles
Alan Firmin

Lifetime Achievement Award
Christine Lumb

Vegetable Grower of the Year
Greenseed International

Top Fruit Grower of the Year
Alan Firmin

Salads Grower of the Year
Valefresco

Soft Fruit Grower of the Year
Murray T Mitchell

Nursery Stock Grower of the Year
Bransford Webbs Plant Company
Highly commended – Nicholson Nurseries

Cut Flower Grower of the Year
The Real Flower Company

Bedding and Pot Plant Grower of the Year
Double H Nursery
Highly commended – Crosby’s Nursery

Organic Grower of the Year
Wight Salads Group

Best new plant variety – Ornamentals
Cornus venus, John Woods Nurseries

Best new variety – Edibles
Chopin potatoes, Manor Fresh

Business Initiative of the Year
Guy & Wright, anaerobic digester

Consumer Marketing Campaign of the Year
British Tomato Growers’ Association
Highly commended – Majestic Trees
Highly commended – Pam Lloyd PR

Trade Marketing Campaign of the Year
John Woods Nurseries, Spring & Summer 09 Collection
Highly commended – Growfair, Pride of Cornwall

Science into Practice
Rob Jacobson Consultancy

Technical Product of the Year
Majestic Trees

Sales Professional of the Year
Margie Ribton, Tendercare Nurseries

Young Grower of the Year
Roly Holt, R&L Holt