Meet the team

Executives

Steph Spiers

Head of Business Operations

I joined BSPB in 2016. Since childhood I have always loved and been connected to the countryside. The rhythms of the seasons still fascinates me. My family, dogs and horses keep me busy outside of the office.

Anthony Hopkins

Head of Policy

I joined the BSPB in January 2024 after several roles at the National Farmers Union, most recently as Chief Crops Adviser. I have a PhD in party political strategy and a background working across the full range of agricultural policy areas, and in particular plant health, crop nutrition, genetic innovation, trade, and the interaction of these policy areas on productivity and sustainability.

Outside work, I keep a few sheep and spend time gardening (including breeding Amaryllids), beekeeping, and collecting, restoring, and using vintage farm machinery, including items family made in Warwickshire for several generations.

Accounts & Licensing

Matthew Brumby

Accounts Assistant

I have been with the company since August 2014 and was my third employment in a finance related role, one of which was also Agriculture based. I enjoy walking, listening to music, watching football and formula one and taking part in pub quizzes.

Cindy Felton

Collection Co-ordinator

I joined BSPB, formerly The Plant Royalty Bureau, in June 1986 on a 6 month temporary contract. Little did I know that, 38 years later, I would still be working here, in an ever changing and interesting environment!

Emma Human

Licensing Co-ordinator

I am a qualified PA/Legal Secretary and have been part of the BSPB team since joining as Licensing Co-ordinator in 2002, having relocated to the area from Cornwall. I love the simple things in life, a good walk, a decent book, Pilates and, of course, time with my family.

Royalties

Jackie Albutt

Royalty Co-Ordinator

I am from a farming background and joined BSPB in March 2020. During my career I have worked for ADAS, an analytical consultancy company and a grain merchants. I enjoy working in a friendly team and speaking to farmers on a daily basis.

Olivia Herdman

Royalty Co-Ordinator

I have worked at BSPB since 2018 after coming from a very different industry and in that time have learnt a lot about what the science of plant breeding can achieve, which I’ve found fascinating after growing up on a farm. I love being outdoors, especially hiking and paddle boarding.

Linda Buckingham

Administration Assistant

Having worked at BSPB for over 10 years, I enjoy welcoming Members to the Society and supporting my colleagues in their various roles. In my leisure time I love cycling, dancing and spending time with family.

Alan Tuck

Auditor

I joined BSPB in February 2005 having spent my earlier career working in IT for the Bank, Coutts & Co. My role as an auditor includes travelling around the UK visiting seed merchants and processors which I enjoy.

Daniel Jefferson

Auditor

I joined BSPB late 2018 after spending 10 years in IT and Telecoms. I’ve enjoyed the challenge of learning a new industry from scratch. And with help of the BSPB team and knowledge picked up from Processors and Merchants while out auditing, this challenge has been made that much easier. Outside of work it’s very much family time, whether that’s trips out, movie nights or just getting told off by my 5 year old. In those rare moments I get to unwind I suffer by being a Liverpool fan or catch up with friends.

Trials

Jeremy Widdowson

Technical Manager

I have always been involved in the plant breeding industry. With nearly 30 years experience in wheat breeding and variety trials I joined BSPB in 2013, after gaining a BSc First Class Honours degree with the Open University, to organise the extensive programme of high quality independent variety trials, for statutory and commercial purposes for most agricultural crop species. I have also enjoyed my involvement with both members and other organisations. In my leisure time, I enjoy reading, gardening, walking, cycling, Kuk Sool Won martial arts, and spending time with my family.

Louise Everest

Technical Manager

I am BSPB’s Technical Manager. My role as Technical Manager is to administer and co-ordinate the Society’s programme of VCU trials, support the work of BPSB crop groups on technical matters, and represent the Society at relevant meetings with external organisations. I have worked in plant breeding and variety evaluation throughout my career.