At GrowSpec®, our mission is simple

Keith is a widely-renowned visionary. He was one of the most influential petrol retailers, pioneering 24-hour opening, self-service, and multifaceted forecourt shops in the ‘70s.

Seeking a fresh challenge, Keith moved to America, first investing in a vacation resort, and then creating a huge B2C direct sales operation selling ‘Home Energy Management Systems’ which later floated on the New York Stock Exchange.

Keith then launched a Franchised Health & Weight Loss business in the UK and mainland Europe and in 2014, he moved to the south of France and focused on Property Fractional Ownership. In 2018, Keith moved back to the UK to launch the Menopause Academy, the world’s foremost, e-Learning programme, dedicated to menopause.

In 2021, Keith and his eldest son, James, launched Halcyon Health & Social Care. Now, established as the UK’s fastest-growing Staffing & Recruitment Agency in the Health & Social Care they have more than 30 branches covering more than 70% of the UK.

Today, Keith leads an impressive team at Growspec, a company and project that he is hugely passionate and excited about. Keith’s focus now is the launch of the unique Growspec product range to the wide variety of businesses and individuals that would benefit from them, throughout the UK and Europe.

Jim has over 40 years’ senior executive experience within financial services.

During this time he has been Treasurer of Sainsbury’s Bank, Chief Capital Officer of PCF Bank, and Executive Vice President and Head of Treasury & Investments at Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank. 

He has also held senior executive positions at Lloyds Banking Group, NatWest and Nationwide Building Society.

Jim is a founder investor and shareholder in Growspec Limited. 

He got involved because he believes that controlled environment agriculture is on the verge of exponential growth globally, and that Growspec’s market-leading hardware and software are positioned to support CEA entrepreneurs to seize this opportunity.

Jim holds a degree in mathematics from the University of St Andrews, an MBA from Imperial College, London, and is a Fellow of the UK’s Association of Corporate Treasurers.

Paul started his working life as an Accountant and in Financial Director roles.

He became a highly successful Managing Director with extensive sales experience gained from building one of the largest direct sales forces and agency networks in the UK for energy. He had a number of companies in the utility industries including owning his own gas supply company. Paul then managed, or was Chairman of several successful companies in the utility market place for over 25 years.

He dealt with multinational companies at Director level. He has also appeared on a BBC1 TV prime time consumer programme advising on energy savings and energy conservation. During that time, Paul’s company, along with a leading water supply company worked on a 4-year contract with the Ministry of Defence.

They identified savings on water usage at military bases in the South of England, resulting in significant savings to the MoD, mainly through leak detection and repair.

Paul has been involved with Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) technology, often referred to as vertical farming, for over 5 years as well as working as an independent business mentor and consultant.

Ashley has been in the marketing game for nearly 20 years.

Having worked with hundreds of different companies across a wide range of different industries and sectors, he has extensive experience in creating, implementing and managing marketing campaigns of all shapes and sizes, aimed at delivering optimum results for his clients.

Ashley launched one of the UK’s leading online franchise platforms over a decade ago, that is still operating to this day,

This first-hand experience within the varied world of franchising has allowed Ashley to support a large number of UK and International brands expand domestically and internationally.

Ashley created the UK’s first virtual franchise exhibition during the Coronavirus pandemic.

He worked with over 100 franchise brands over the space of 2 years, spanning across 15 different countries worldwide.

Ashley has a keen interest in emerging digital technologies, and is always looking for ways to best utilise and implement these in an ever developing marketing landscape.

Barry J. Brown is a seasoned operations leader.

 Barry has over 30 years of expertise in managing complex, high-impact projects. He excels in strategic planning, operational optimisation and fostering high performing teams. 

Barry has successfully led multimillion-dollar projects involving international supply chains. He possesses deep experience in resource allocation, stakeholder management, and compliance. 

His ability to integrate cutting-edge operational strategies with client-focused delivery makes him adept at overseeing dynamic ventures and creating business value. 

A results-oriented professional, Barry thrives at the intersection of technology application and operational efficiency. 

With experience managing culturally diverse teams and complex logistics, he is well-equipped to drive global market entry and operational excellence for transformative technologies. 

Barry holds a First-Class Honours degree in Aeronautical Engineering and Design from Loughborough University and has been recognized for his ability to optimize operations, reduce costs, and achieve exceptional results. 

Nidhin Narayanan is a seasoned Agri-Tech specialist.

He has over 16 years of expertise in advanced farming technologies.  Nidhin has demonstrated leadership in designing, implementing, and managing diverse high-tech farming projects. His portfolio spans hydroponics and aeroponics including greenhouse farming, vertical farming, shipping container farming, and fodder production systems.

Nidhin excels in integrating advanced agricultural technologies, such as climate-controlled systems, AI-based farming solutions, and renewable energy applications for farm operations.

His work focuses on optimizing productivity, ensuring environmental sustainability, and advancing global food security.

He has successfully delivered projects across the GCC, Asia, Africa and Europe, showcasing his expertise in project management, strategic planning, resource optimization, and team leadership. 

Nidhin has received accolades such as the Global Sustainable & Innovative Product Award from UAE and his entrepreneurial vision has been endorsed by the UK Government’s Start-Up & Innovator program, further highlighting his dedication to pioneering advancements in modern agriculture.

Nidhin holds an MBA in Marketing and Human Resources and remains actively engaged in driving cutting-edge farming innovations.

He has over 40 years experience in mechanical and electrical engineering.

He was previously managing director at Steven Hunt Associates, who are consulting engineers which he founded in 1989 before recently negotiating an amicable management buy out.

Steve has contributed to various organisations over many years in a number of roles.

These included board director at Summit Skills and board director at National Skills Academy for Environmental Technologies.

He was a Trustee at St Georges Hall and is a Non Exec Director of Hybrid Tech Training Academy.