EXPERIENCE

I am Malcolm Catlin and Floreus is an independent horticulture consultancy.  I have 30 years' experience in the industry, covering a very broad range of plants.  Initially running my own mail order company for 11 years, I have since held senior technical and commercial roles supplying high street, DIY and internet retailers of plants, driving sales growth, product innovation and waste and complaint reduction, and started Floreus in 2018. I am a Member of the Chartered Institute of Horticulture (MCIHort) and now Chair of its branch covering the East of England.

As well as understanding retailers' technical and commercial expectations, I have wide experience of UK and European indoor and outdoor plant growers, including in Holland, Belgium, Denmark and Italy.  I'm also well versed in the technical, ethical and sustainability requirements for growers and packhouses and for horticultural hardware from European and Far Eastern suppliers. Current work includes varietal selection and range management for a leading UK supplier of vegetable and ornamental packet seeds; developments in plant health measures; and peat reduction and elimination.

SERVICE

Floreus Horticulture Consultancy provides a service for the whole horticulture supply chain with the aim of ensuring the best plants are selected, grown and packed to meet all retailer and audit requirements, efficiently and sustainably.

This is achieved through a combination of trial and project work, training, auditing, crop inspection and retailer presentation.

Floreus can also provide support before and during peak periods and other events and in meeting new audit or retailer requirements and challenges.

I am based near King's Lynn in Norfolk, UK.  Close to the Lincolnshire base of growers and packers, I am also well-placed for travel to other parts of the UK and within easy reach of the London airports for visiting growers and suppliers in Europe and beyond.

OBJECTIVES