Our People
Robert Patten
Managing Director
“To break from tradition slightly here I reflect that there are very few opportunities in life that give you the chance of making a difference. The work we are doing at PlantWorks offers such an opportunity as we are focused on improving the ‘way we grow’ whether this be for food production or simply for our enjoyment. I am very proud of the team that we have brought together to develop new ways of producing and delivering beneficial soil microbes to increase plant efficiency. If you have an interest in growing more sustainably then we look forward to talking with and working with you..”
Simon Taylor
Business Development Director
“I have a background in commercial horticulture, marketing and sales, stretching back some twenty years. I lead the commercial activity at PlantWorks in all market sectors and I am pleased to introduce our team of scientists and technical sales staff to you with whom I hope we can address any question or problem you may have in relation to introducing active biology into your growing system..”
Natallia Gulbis
Technical and Arable Farming Lead
“I studied soil sciences and agrochemistry as part of a five-year agricultural degree programme. After graduating I spent a number of years working on a farm, before joining PlantWorks in 2009 where I focused on mass production of mycorrhizal fungi and obtained a Master’s degree researching this subject. In 2014 I took on the role of arable farm trials manager and have been jointly involved in the development of the SMART ROTATIONS product portfolio. As Technical and Arable Farming Lead I deal with all enquires in relation to how to apply and manage soil microbes to improve crop efficiency in UK farming.”
Dr QiaoYi Lin
Head of Science
“As Joint Head of Science I am jointly responsible for all the research undertaken at PlantWorks with a specific focus on the development of Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) products for application in farming and horticulture. My work includes tuning products for specific crop types, new formulations, stability testing and working on the upscaling of production system in support the widening application of these products in the farming sector.”
Dr Louisa Boyer
Technical Director
“I hold a joint position as both Technical Director of PlantWorks and post doctoral researcher at NIAB EMR where I undertake research on the role that mycorrhizal fungi play in varying horticultural crops. I have worked in the field of soil microbes with a focus of mycorrhizal fungi for over 18 years. I have an active role in developing new bio-fertilisers and educating agronomists and farmers on how to enhance soil life to increase plant efficiencies in relation to enhanced acquisition and use of applied nutrition.”
Patricia Mitchell
Production Assistant
“I am responsible for the isolation, maintenance and production of PlantWork’s plant growth promoting rhizobactria collection. My role includes ensuring quality assurance of these microbes during all stages of production and storage. I prepare inoculum for in house and external trials and assist in the setup and running of trails in the glasshouse and open field environments. I also support the production of Ericoid Mycorrhizal Fungi (EMF).”
Joanne O'Regan
Production Manager of Mycorrhizal Fungi
“I am responsible for the production of the PlantWorks mycorrhizal fungi technology. Produced at two sites at NIAB EMR at the Kent Science park we produce in excess of 100 tonnes of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) per annum comprising six species grown in mono culture. I am responsible for the management of both the growing systems and the QA of the fungus post harvest.”
Courtney Gray
Marketing and Communications Manager
“I lead the digital marketing at PlantWorks with a specific focus on collaboration with internet B2B partners and social media. I am responsible for the design and production of all printed marketing support material from Point of Sale for the gardening sector to technical briefing papers for the farming and horticultural sectors as well as the placement of advertising material in support of our ever-expanding product portfolio.”
Liane Field
Office Manager
“As a customer focused company I manage all communications with our partners in retail, farming and commercial horticulture in relation to ordering, delivery and reconciliation. I manage the PlantWorks Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system allowing the company to track all subcomponents of every product to ensure we achieve the most efficient and reliable delivery of goods across all our operational sectors through multiple supply chains.”