Meet the team series: Meet Mark

No two days are ever the same for me—and that’s exactly the way I like it.

What I Do

Day to day, my role involves pretty much anything that needs addressing. That might mean ordering supplies, fixing or repairing equipment, carrying out tractor-based tasks, or helping the team with manual jobs in the fields or sheds. If it’s not something directly for The Grower, then my focus shifts to managing the wider farm business. There’s always something to tackle.

How It All Started

I didn’t really “choose” this field, I was born into it. Farming and land-based work has always been part of my life, so working in this industry feels natural.

What I’m Proud Of

One of the things I’m most proud of is the wide range of planting projects we’ve completed across the region for The Grower. Finishing a planting scheme for a customer is incredibly satisfying. Knowing that the work contributes to the future environmental capital of the region—and will still be making a difference for generations to come—makes the effort worthwhile.

The Skills That Matter

If there’s one skill everyone in my role needs, it’s patience. It’s essential, especially when things don’t go to plan. I enjoy fixing things and solving problems, and patience goes hand in hand with that.

The Most Rewarding Part

For me, the most rewarding part of the job is hearing back from customers who are happy and grateful for a job well done. That feedback means a lot.

How the Role Has Evolved

Like everyone in the team, my role has changed as The Grower has grown and evolved. The business and production environment continue to develop, and my responsibilities have adapted alongside that.

Working With the Team

I’m not particularly sociable and often enjoy working on my own—which might surprise some people. That said, I’d describe the team culture here as supportive and evolving. One of my favourite things about working at this company is being part of a forward‑thinking operation within a critical industry.

A Typical Day Off the Clock

I like to start my mornings with a coffee and a chat to our animals. My go‑to productivity hack? Honestly, ask my wife! After work, I unwind with a cup of tea alongside my wife, family, and dogs.

Outside of work, I’m currently reading Tennyson’s poems about King Arthur, listening to a lot of 70’s music, and watching shows like Hijack starring Idris Elba.

Looking Ahead

Right now, I’m focused on reducing waste from the farm and learning more about tree resilience, particularly how we can strengthen human relationships with trees for the future. Long‑term, my vision is to support the development of the team and hopefully see a member of my family take over when I retire.

A Few Extra Facts About Me

• Coffee order: Latte

• Fun facts: I love rock climbing and off‑road driving

• Secret talent: Thatching

• Nickname at work: No idea!

My Advice

To anyone joining the team: work hard, and if you don’t know something, ask. Trust matters, and supporting each other is how we move forward.

Note from Inez

From my perspective, this one is a little more personal, meet my dad. Like many in agriculture, working with family is often the norm, but coming back to work alongside mine has been a real privilege. Mark (and my mum) were the original quiet innovators, laying the foundations that now allow us to grow and develop the business in the aspirational way we want to.