After 25 years of working in the Horticultural industry, Tony Walker launched his own company, 12 months ago: Tony Walker Horticultural Products & Services. The company is situated near Hull in East Yorkshire, United Kingdom. Even though the company was founded just over a year ago, Tony has already done some projects for large companies such as Unilever and FERA Experimental Station.Tony Walker has an extensive career in the British horticulture industry, having worked for a large UK greenhouse builder and service supplier in the past.
He has seen the market changing over the year. "More and more people are willing to pay for British produce". According to Tony, this has a positive effect on the greenhouse market. The larger nurseries are expanding to keep up with the demand. “Small commercial growers have to expand or have to do something to maintain their status. I see this as a challenge to serve this reviving industry."
Even though the UK market is growing, it cannot be compared with the large increase in greenhouse acreage of the Netherlands from 10 years ago. According to Tony, “We are not at that level, but are hopefully heading the right direction”.
"Besides this, a more ecofriendly trend can be noticed. In horticulture, like in other industries, people are becoming more conscious about the environmental impact and having a responsible carbon footprint. " The Renewable Heat Incentive scheme has progressed this even further. I foresee more and more growers will implement a sustainable energy program inside their greenhouses."
Tony’s company is situated in East Yorkshire, which can be seen as an important area for horticulture business, but his services are also available for growers through out the UK. Tony runs the business and has a team of subcontractors and many contacts. He offers complete packages or stand-alone projects.
According to Tony, the strength of being a small company is the service and flexibility that he can offer, as well as the personal contact he has with the growers. These strengths are often the weaknesses of large companies. The companies' focus does not only lie in the salad crop industry, but also offers service to the Bedding and ornamental industry.
For more information contact:
Tony Walker Horticultural Products & Services
Tony Walker
T: +44 01430 441080
M: +44 07443 436628