About Us
GrowSpec® is a pioneer in the commercial and industrial application of Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA), agritech and intelligent planting technologies.
In partnership with our suppliers, we are constantly innovating and developing hardware and software for integrated planting technology, artificial climate control, planting management control, and associated renewable energy systems.
10+ Years
Experience in T-CEA
Tech-Focused
Company
25+
Countries
35+
Farms
Data Points
At GrowSpec®, our mission is simple
Technology that Works Effortlessly – from Seedling to Harvest
A Streamlined, Closed – Loop Business Model – from Cultivation to Sales
Fully Integrated
Hardware- Software System
Advanced hardware and user-friendly software for effortless control and monitoring
Hands- On Experience
From Self- Owned
Farms
Backed by hands-on expertise for optimised performance and high yields across various environments.
All- In- One
Turnkey
Solution
A complete, ready-to-grow system for easy setup and smooth operation. Custom-built options available.
Jim Coleman
Chairman
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.
Ashley Skinner
Managing Director
Ashley has nearly 20 years’ experience specifically within the franchise sector.
Having worked with hundreds of companies across a diverse range of industries and sectors, Ashley brings extensive business experience, with a strong focus on developing, implementing, and managing strategic marketing initiatives designed to deliver measurable results.
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 is fully focused on supporting GrowSpec’s growth plans through clear, strategic thinking and practical execution.
Morven Smith
Operations Director
Morven brings over 30 years of international consultancy & leadership experience.
Her impressive career spans across the UK, Canada, US, Netherlands & Sweden.
With a foundation in economics from Cambridge University and a Master’s programme in Organisational Behaviour from Birkbeck, London, Morven has combined strategic insight with hands-on execution throughout her career.
She has worked as an analyst and consultant in both global corporations and boutique firms, led the Management Training & Development unit at Reuters (now Thomson Reuters), and later built a successful intercultural training business.
Since returning to the UK in 2021, Morven has played a key role in several start-ups.
In these fast-paced environments, she has focused on establishing operational processes, developing scalable systems, and ensuring the efficient delivery of services, such as through the design and implementation of online training programmes.
Morven’s experience combines a strong background in learning and development with a proven ability to implement the structures and processes required for organisational growth and operational effectiveness.
Andy Bourke
Sales Director
Andy brings over 22 years of extensive experience in sales and business development.
He has a proven track record of exceeding targets and cultivating strong, lasting relationships.
His career highlights include roles such as Business Development Manager within the on-trade sector at Waverley TBS, Regional Manager for Heineken, Technical Specification Manager at Glazing Vision, and recently Global Project Director at CEO Media Group.
Andy’s unique combination of technical expertise, management experience, and global project leadership equips him to effectively drive growth and build strategic partnerships.
Known for his proactive approach and ability to navigate complex markets, he excels at identifying opportunities that align with company goals and delivering results.
At GrowSpec, Andy is committed to leveraging his diverse background to foster innovation, enhance client engagement, and contribute to the company’s continued success.
Senior Management Team
Barry Brown
Chief Technical Officer
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 recognised for his ability to optimise operations, reduce costs, and achieve exceptional results.
Nidhin Narayanan
Operations Consultant
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 optimising 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 optimisation, 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.
Chris Watts
Business Development Director
Chris has extensive experience in building companies.
In the mid-1990’s he founded a graphic design company, Fellingham Watts Ltd, working extensively for large restaurant chains such as Chiquitos, Deep Pan Pizza, Caffé Uno and Frankie & Bennies producing menu designs and marketing material. The company was also instrumental in creating a new corporate identity for the merger between Price Waterhouse and Coopers & Lybrand to form Price Waterhouse Coopers.
Subsequently, Chris took on a freelance role with Phoenix Investments, based in Sao Paulo in Brazil, (3 years), and Bahrain, (2 years), working with European expatriates providing tax efficient offshore investment products to complement their tax free incomes. Chris worked directly with major financial institutions such as Scottish Provident and Royal Skandia based in Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man. Phoenix Investments had advisers working globally and in his last year in Brazil Chris was the most successful adviser worldwide.
More recently, working in association with a private lending company, Chris formed a funding brokerage for property developers which was successful in raising over £60m worth of funding over a 2 year period for developers in the South of England.
Jamie Brown
After completing his degree in Media, Jamie entered the world of marketing with one aim.
This was to show his passion for brand development and content creation. After working in the magazine industry for 5 years, Jamie saw how things could be done better and more cost effectively for businesses, especially as we entered the digital age.
Jamie co-founded Franchise Supermarket with the goal of helping business owners expand their business whilst also helping as many people become their own boss. Jamie has been expanding franchise operations now for over 12 years and helped 100’s reach their lifelong dream of business ownership.
During his career, Jamie has successfully expanded 100’s of businesses with innovative strategies across many different levels and sectors.
After meeting Growspec, Jamie realised that this world leading technology, mixed with the amazing research and development, could just be the the UK’s answer to food security across the globe.
Jamie, like the rest of the team, is passionate about healthy and affordable food whilst also being environmentally conscious.
Members of the UK team are all experienced within the vertical farming sector as well as having operated at senior levels within a diverse range of industries from energy systems, through construction to business development, funding, and finance.
