HydroGarden, the market leading provider of hydroponic products and systems is celebrating after being crowned champion in this year’s EEF Future Manufacturing Awards.

Despite some tough competition from a range of dynamic businesses from across the UK, the hydroponic specialist took gold in the Innovation Award. Judges were impressed with the way the company has innovated in its drive to achieve sustainability and its ambition to become carbon neutral, through its vertical farming solution, V-Farm.

V-Farm is a fully controllable, vertical farming concept which is completely bespoke to the needs of the end user. Whether growing on an urban rooftop, a poorly-lit warehouse or even a station in space, a V-Farm can be developed for effective growing of a variety of crops. HydroGarden was also praised for its innovative approach to engaging with a variety of customers, which helps to educate them about products in a way that will increase their sales too. Judges described the level of innovation to be ‘inspirational’ across a number of areas.

Jonathan Aldridge, Managing Director at HydroGarden, says: “Manufacturers are amongst the most prolific and successful innovators in the UK, so to win this award is a great accomplishment and compliment to our team. It reaffirms our position on the map as a modern and innovative company and we can’t wait to share this news with all our staff and customers.”

Dick Elsy, Chief Executive at HVM Catapult – the Innovation Award sponsors, commented: “HydroGarden is a fantastic example of a company that has put innovation at the heart of its business. To do this you must understand what the market wants and then work hard to produce a product that delivers both practicality and ingenuity. Manufacturers lead the way in innovation, so to win this award is a great achievement.”