UPL has announced that Grace Leyburn has joined the business as a technical and marketing assistant.
The role will be a go-between for the marketing and technical teams, aimed at supporting both functions as the business expands to fulfil its ambitious plans for growth with its Natural Plant Protection range.
Grace grew up on her family’s mixed livestock farm in Northern Ireland and is well known to UPL, having spent her industry placement year working at UPL’s Shray Hill R&D centre in Shropshire. She studied agriculture with Farm Business Management at Harper Adams University, completing her studies in the summer.
“My role will be to sit between the marketing and technical teams, gaining hands-on experience within both roles, as well as working closely with the wider team to achieve goals and targets,” says Grace. “I feel fortunate to have been able to take on the role where I can gain experience within a dynamic and forward-thinking company.
“UPL has created a role where I can gain skills, experience and knowledge within both team areas, further boosting my growth and development. With the support of UPL and the experienced team I am surrounded by, a key focus over the next 24 months will be achieving my BASIS certificate in crop protection, which should enable me to start briefing customers.
“I initially joined UPL in my placement year at the Research and Development Centre at Shray Hill Farm. At that time, most of the facilities at Shray Hill were still being built. It is great to have the opportunity to be back working amongst the Shray Hill team, being based back here and working full-time.”
Grace’s appointment marks the first step in UPL’s ambition to use its impressive Shray Hill facility to attract talented early-career candidates to the business. “We have placement opportunities with most universities offering agriculture-related degrees,” explains Gemma Nokes, head of marketing for UPL in the UK and Ireland. “This should ensure a regular flow of capable people assisting with our activities at Shray Hill, and they have exposure to what UPL offers as an employer once they finish their course.
“We are delighted that Grace has joined the business. Our recent growth and ambitious plans have created opportunities to expand our team, and Grace’s role is important to help fulfil our goals for the future.”
