Applications are now open for the second Young People in Horticulture Association (YPHA) management development programme, with a £1k subsidy available for each successful delegate. This is thanks to the programme’s funding partners, bringing the employer contribution down to just £650 for nine days of residential leadership training, including accommodation and meals.

With funding from headline sponsor The Colegrave Seabrook Foundation (CSF), together with YPHA, The GCA Trust and the British Ornamentals Association, the subsidy has been designed particularly to support smaller and independent businesses.

Developed specifically for YPHA members who already hold management responsibility, the programme has been designed to equip emerging leaders with the confidence, practical skills and professional network needed to lead teams more effectively.

Delivered by leadership specialist Lindsay Muir of Cedar Associates delegates will develop skills in strategic planning, communication, coaching, people management, accountability and personal effectiveness while learning alongside managers from across the industry.

Natalie Boynton, programme lead, says:

“One of the biggest successes of the first programme wasn’t just the quality of the training, it was the people in the room. Bringing together managers from different businesses, sectors and backgrounds created conversations that challenged people’s thinking and gave everyone new ideas to take back into their own workplace. Delegates repeatedly told us that learning alongside people from completely different businesses gave them the confidence to have much more open and honest conversations than they’d experienced on previous management courses, and the network they’ve built has continued long after the programme finished.

“We were determined to protect that for the second cohort. We want growers, retailers, landscapers, manufacturers and every other part of horticulture represented, because when you bring together people with different experiences, everyone leaves with better ideas than they arrived with.”

Liam Cleary, YPHA founder and a member of the programme’s inaugural cohort, says:

“Generational family businesses have always been the backbone of British horticulture, yet they’re often the least able to access opportunities like this, so we’re once again particularly keen to hear from smaller and independent businesses.”

Adam Dunnett, CSF Trustee & Hillier Nurseries director, says:

“The Colegrave Seabrook Foundation is delighted to be the headline sponsor of the YPHA’s Management Training programme for a second year.”

“From what I saw of last years cohort, anyone who attends this training will benefit massively, it is potentially life changing for the individual and the most profitable £650 their employer will spend this year. The Colegrave Seabrook Foundation’s remit is to help support the future horticulturalists and horticultural leaders of the future, and I don’t think I’ve been involved in anything in my 15 years as a trustees the exemplifies this better than the YPHA management training programme. Don’t delay, sign up today.”

Application forms are available through the YPHA Whatsapp Community and will also go out to members via email. Applications will be assessed by representatives from the Colegrave Seabrook foundation, and the YPHA Ambassador team. 

Applications close at 8.00pm on Friday 21 August 2026, with successful applicants being notified before the end of August.

For further information, or to request the information pack and application form, please contact admin@ypha.org.uk