Andy Burton, MD of the UK’s largest orchid grower Double H Nurseries faced the threat of thousands of plants being wasted during April 2020's lockdown but sales were "strong" for the rest of the year and Double H used its Love Orchids website and existing retailers to sell more product after April.
The company has now created 40 new jobs thanks to a pivot to selling online, the renewed interest in gardening and houseplants and the return of its wholesale business.
He discusses his consultancy background before taking over from uncle Neil Stevenson in 2020 and the difference Love Orchids made to this business during lockdown and beyond.
He talks about the challenges posed by Brexit, how cost pressures seem to be coming 'from all angles', the future of horticultural research post AHDB and how he believes labour will be the dominant concern for growers in the short to medium term. He also reveals emerging trends and prospects as the UK emerges from lockdown and of course, his Desert Island Plant.
Podcast presenter: Horticulture Week editor Matthew Appleby
Producer: Horticulture Week digital content manager Christina Taylor
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