Team

Charles Clowes (University of Hertfordshire Alumni) is the driving force behind Precision Plants’ mission to make British-bred hemp the gold standard in science, compliance, and sustainability. As a seasoned biotech business leader, Charles brings over two decades of hands-on experience spanning medical research, life sciences, and agricultural innovation. He co-founded Bud & Tender—one of the UK’s most respected CBD brands—earning both clinical endorsements and national awards for quality and transparency.

A recognised thought leader, Charles serves as a Director at the UK Cannabis Industry Council and has held advisory roles with the APPG for CBD Products. His network bridges government agencies, regulators, and grassroots farming communities—making him a vital voice in shaping UK hemp regulation and public perception.

At Precision Plants, Charles leads with a clear vision: operational excellence, airtight compliance, and fearless cross-sector collaboration. His approach ensures that ground-breaking gene-edited hemp varieties reach the field swiftly, safely, and with buy-in from all stakeholders. Charles is valued for his strategic leadership, policy acumen, and ability to unite science, business, and advocacy around a bold vision: turning the UK into a world leader in compliant, climate-resilient hemp.

Mark Turner is the strategic engine behind Precision Plants’ breakthrough in British cannabis genetics. A serial entrepreneur and true pioneer of Europe’s hemp and cannabis industries, Mark, in partnership with Spanish farmers launched Happy Hemp—UK's market leader that set early benchmarks in lab testing and cannabinoid quality for flower. He went on to co-found Bud & Tender, the UK’s multiple award-winning CBD brand known for its purity, scientific transparency, and “best in market” standards.

At Precision Plants, Mark channels more than a decade of hands-on expertise from seed selection to end product. He shapes the company’s innovation pipeline, leads collaborative R&D partnerships, and ensures all projects are anchored in rigorous science and real-world grower needs. Mark’s influence extends beyond the lab: he’s a respected advocate in policy and industry circles, championing science-led, compliant, and future-ready approaches for the UK hemp sector.

Mark’s value-add is holistic: sector fluency from genetics to shelf, a proven track record launching high-growth ventures, and a formidable network across European growers, regulators, and trade groups. His strategic vision is instrumental in cementing Precision Plants as the trusted name for the next generation of British hemp.

Kyle Esplin is a leading light in the UK cannabis and hemp landscape, fusing entrepreneurial drive with an unyielding passion for sustainable agriculture and genetic diversity. As Chair and Founder of the Scottish Hemp Association (SHA), Kyle has championed Scotland’s hemp revival—advocating robustly for industry growth, practical regulation, and climate action. Notably, he leads SHA’s role in the landmark £5.9m CHCx3 research project, placing hemp centre stage in ambitions for farming resilience and net-zero carbon targets.

A specialist in landrace cannabis genetics, Kyle founded Landrace Warden to protect and promote genetically pure cannabis strains—ensuring future breeding efforts benefit from nature’s original diversity. His technical insights power award-winning CBD products, inform governmental policy, and drive consultancy from field to lab.

On Precision Plants’ Advisory Board, Kyle offers unmatched strategic vision, deep industry networks, and real-world expertise in genetics, cultivation, and market development. His guidance ensures Precision Plants’ innovations are grounded in environmental responsibility, science-led practice, and socioeconomic impact.

Kyle’s ethos is simple but profound: harness hemp and cannabis for a greener economy, thriving rural jobs, and enduring ecological progress.

Varin Marshall brings visionary leadership and a cross-disciplinary skillset to Precision Plants’ Advisory Board, uniting digital media acumen, health food industry experience, and a lifelong dedication to hemp advocacy. As Chair and Founder of the Northern Ireland Hemp Association (NIHA), Varin launched and steered the NIHA since 2019—establishing a fully transparent organisation that champions education, stakeholder collaboration, and sustainable business growth within Ireland’s developing hemp sector.

A seasoned digital media producer and entrepreneur, Varin’s background spans working with global artists through Botanic Media in Belfast and driving brand development in health foods with former ventures Azora Health & Wholefoods and Eatwell Foods. This rare blend of marketing savvy and wellness insight empowers Precision Plants to stay ahead of industry and consumer trends.

Varin’s policy advocacy and partnership with high-impact projects like the Centre for High Carbon Capture Cropping (CHCx3) positions him at the vanguard of environmental stewardship, carbon capture, and regenerative agriculture initiatives. On Precision Plants’ Advisory Board, he champions data-driven policy, open networking, and the practical integration of hemp into climate solutions.

Varin’s diverse expertise fortifies Precision Plants’ commitment to innovation, community impact, and a greener global economy—solidifying its role as a leader in the next generation of hemp science and sustainability.

Nathaniel Loxley is an influential leader and innovator in the UK and European hemp sector, whose expertise spans from pioneering cultivation practices to championing legislative reform. As Chair of the British Hemp Alliance (BHA), Nathaniel has been instrumental in driving policy change, strengthening the case for hemp as an engine for ecological and economic renewal, and connecting industry stakeholders across the UK.

Nathaniel’s R&D ethos is exemplified through his founding of Vitality Hemp, his role in delivering the Innovate UK and DEFRA-backed Centre for High Carbon Capture Cropping (CHCx3), and his ongoing efforts to commercialise climate-positive biobased materials—including award-worthy sustainable acoustic panels. He is a passionate advocate for integrity in supply chains, regenerative agriculture, and evidence-based product innovation.

Expanding his international perspective, Nathaniel serves as Director of Operations at Augur Associates in Paris, where he is developing the registration of European biogenic carbon credits for hemp-based building materials—unlocking new value streams for growers and processors alike.

Nathaniel’s holistic, forward-thinking vision and proven leadership in both advocacy and innovation reinforce Precision Plants’ mission: propelling UK hemp to the forefront of climate, compliance, and industrial excellence.

Precision Plants is proud to count the University of Hertfordshire as a cornerstone of our innovation journey. This partnership has been fundamental to our progress: together, we've secured two major research grants that enabled our initial gene editing breakthroughs and the successful verification of CRISPR/Cas9 technology in hemp. By embedding ourselves in the University’s vibrant research ecosystem—with an on-campus office and direct access to world-class laboratories—Precision Plants benefits daily from leading academic insight, exceptional technical facilities, and a culture of scientific rigour.

Collaboration with the University of Hertfordshire provides more than just physical resources—it is a true meeting of vision and expertise. Working side by side with distinguished plant scientists and research leaders ensures our projects are designed and delivered to the very highest standards. 

Rothamsted Research stands at the pinnacle of British agricultural science, and Precision Plants is proud to partner with this globally acclaimed institution. As the UK’s oldest and most respected centre of crop research, Rothamsted provides unrivalled expertise in field trials, agronomy, and applied plant science.

Through our collaboration, Precision Plants is able to trial our hemp varieties—including our foundational control (non-gene-edited) crops—under our own low-THC Home Office licence, using Rothamsted’s industry-leading field plots. This real-world benchmarking is critical to our approach, ensuring our breeding work is firmly grounded in authentic British agronomic conditions.

Beyond the fields, Rothamsted’s state-of-the-art greenhouses, indoor grow facilities, and laboratories provide Precision Plants with access to some of the most advanced research infrastructure in Europe. The expertise of Rothamsted’s specialist teams bolsters every stage of our pipeline, from experimental design to in-depth crop analysis and innovation.

Precision Plants is delighted to be backed by Innovate UK Business Growth, the UK’s premier government-supported innovation advisory service. Through this valuable partnership, we benefit from expert, hands-on support tailored specifically to innovation-focused, high-growth agri-tech companies. Their team of innovation and business growth specialists has worked closely with us, guiding our leadership in refining commercial strategies, strengthening our business model, navigating regulatory landscapes, and protecting our intellectual property.

Crucially, Innovate UK Business Growth opens the door to an extensive network of leading research institutions, commercial partners, and investors across the national innovation ecosystem. This network has accelerated our collaborations and helped us form relationships with industry leaders and technology pioneers, driving our growth and sharpening our competitive edge.