Team

Charles Clowes (University of Hertfordshire alumni) is a highly committed figure in the biotechnology landscape, whose visionary leadership at Precision Plants demonstrates his profound commitment to advancing human health and environmental sustainability through cutting-edge research. As Director of Precision Plants, Charles has been instrumental in steering the University of Hertfordshire Life Science collaboration towards pioneering developments in hemp cultivars, with a special focus on genomics research and the growth and stabilisation analysis of low-THC industrial hemp. Under his guidance, the company stands at the forefront of biotechnological innovation, addressing some of the most pressing challenges of our time.

In parallel with his role at Precision Plants, Charles also serves as Director of Bud & Tender, a UK CBD supplement company he has led since November 2018. His dedication has transformed Bud & Tender into an industry benchmark for premium CBD supplements. The company's adherence to sustainability principles, its community-centric approach, and its commitment to biodiversity are a testament to Charles's leadership ethos. With numerous accolades and recognition from peers, Bud & Tender not only exemplifies excellence in product quality but also in corporate responsibility, having earned an 'excellent' rating on Trustpilot and endorsements from prestigious organisations.

Additionally, Charles's influence extends to regulatory advocacy and strategic development through his directorship at the Cannabis Industry Council (CIC) since September 2021. His work with the CIC engages with key governmental and regulatory bodies, promoting fair and transparent regulation that benefits life sciences research, the medical cannabis industry, and consumers alike.

Charles Clowes's profile reflects a leader with a rare blend of commercial acumen, governance knowledge, and an entrepreneurial spirit, driving growth while always considering the wellbeing of employees, consumers, and compliance with regulatory standards. His multifaceted experience across non-profit and SME sectors further underscores his ability to navigate complex commercial environments successfully. His current tenure with Precision Plants positions him as a pivotal player in the biotech field, championing initiatives that promise to yield significant benefits for both public health and the environment.

With a foundation rooted in academic rigor, Mark Turner holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the prestigious University of Leeds. His formidable journey in the biotechnology arena is marked by an illustrious decade dedicated to mastering the cannabis industry. Mark's expertise is not just broad but deep, encompassing a full spectrum of skills that range from the delicate art of seed selection to the complexities of cultivation, the precision of extraction methods, and the finesse of product development.

Mark's proficiency extends beyond the laboratory. He has been instrumental in navigating the intricate tapestry of market dynamics, understanding the pulse of consumer demand, and forecasting industry trends. His collaborations with hemp farmers across the United States and Europe have not only fortified his scientific acumen but have also honed his business savvy, making him a rare breed of professional who is as analytically minded as he is market smart.

At Precision Plants, Mark is the linchpin in our endeavor to innovate and excel. His wealth of knowledge ensures that our products are not only scientifically sound but also perfectly aligned with market needs — a harmonious blend of science and commerce. With Mark as part of our core team, we continue to etch our mark on the biotechnology landscape, one breakthrough at a time.

Kyle Esplin is a seasoned entrepreneur and a dedicated advocate for the cannabis industry, with a storied career driving innovation in hemp cultivation, cannabinoid research, and sustainability. As an Advisory Board member of Precision Plants, Kyle brings a wealth of knowledge and strategic insight aimed at enhancing the company's genetic research capabilities and its socioeconomic impact.

Advocacy and Leadership

As the Chair & Founder of the Scottish Hemp Association (SHA), Kyle spearheads initiatives aimed at reintroducing hemp into the fabric of Scotland's agriculture and industry. Under his leadership, the SHA focuses on solutions that serve both the hemp industry and consumers, advocating for regulatory frameworks conducive to growth and innovation.

Kyle's expertise shines through his presentations on CBD and hemp, design of award-winning CBD products, and regular consultancy roles spanning from hemp genetics to medical research. His leadership has also guided the SHA in joining the £5.9m Research Project for Farming Resilience and Net Zero Achievement—CHCx3, where he advocates for hemp's role in carbon capture and its potential positive impact on the textile and construction industries.

Kyle is Founder & Director of Landrace Warden, where he champions the preservation of landrace medical cannabis genetics. His commitment to preserving these invaluable strains fuelled efforts to maintain biodiversity and provide a rich genetic pool for future breeding advancements.

In his role at Landrace Warden, Kyle has been instrumental in collecting and supplying unique landrace seeds, pivotal for their resilience and adaptability. His vision for utilising these untainted strains extends beyond cultivation; Kyle understands the crucial contribution of landrace genetics to evolving 'hybrid' varieties and their vital role in sustainable agricultural practices.

Kyle's ethos centres on progress that benefits the environment and enhances the global community through eco-friendly product manufacturing and job creation. His participation on the Advisory Board reinforces Precision Plants' dedication to research-driven solutions, robust environmental ethics, and the realisation of a green economy powered by the versatile applications of hemp and cannabis.

Kyle’s Advisory Board role enhances Precision Plants strategic vision to harness the interplay between hemp cultivation, genetics, and ecological advancement. His background paves the way for implementing practices that align with the company’s commitment to sustainability, technological innovation, and market-leading plant breeding.
 

Hailing from a diverse background that combines digital media production, health food industry expertise, and a life-long dedication to hemp advocacy, Varin Marshall joins the Advisory Board of Precision Plants as a visionary leader committed to cultivating sustainable practices within the hemp industry. His multifaceted experience and strategic approach to business development uniquely position him to contribute to Precision Plants' mission to advance hemps genetics, cultivation, and industry standards.

As Chair and Founder of the Northern Ireland Hemp Association (NIHA), Varin has been instrumental in the protection and enhancement of the burgeoning hemp industry in Northern Ireland since early 2019. He established NIHA as a fully transparent organization dedicated to promoting education, offering business consultation, and facilitating networking opportunities across Ireland and the UK.

Varin's extensive tenure in digital media production, including collaborations with globally renowned artists and operating Botanic Media in Belfast, has sharpened his acuity for marketing, promotion, and networking—skills that he deftly transfers to the realm of hemp cultivation and product development.

Through previous ownership of Azora Health & Wholefoods and Eatwell Foods, Varin has garnered over a decade of valuable insights into the health food sphere. His intuitive understanding of consumer trends, wellness, and the intersection with hemp products equips him with a unique perspective that will inform and bolster Precision Plants' product strategies.

In his capacity as an Advisory Board Member, Varin brings a rich tapestry of skills that blend policy advocacy, market development, and environmental sustainability. His commitment to fostering comprehensive growth within the hemp sector aligns with Precision Plants' ethos of innovative and ecologically sound genetic research.

He advocates for empirical approaches and data-driven policies that not only serve the interests of Precision Plants but also resonate with broader societal and environmental goals, such as carbon capture initiatives and support for carbon insetting/offsetting platforms.

His work with NIHA and their involvement in groundbreaking research projects, like the Centre for High Carbon Capture Cropping (CHCx3), complements Precision Plants' forward-thinking objectives and advocates for Net Zero pursuits in agriculture.

With Varin Marshall on its Advisory Board, Precision Plants is set to expand its influence in environmental stewardship and solidify its standing as a trailblazer in the international hemp marketplace, all while staying true to its core values of innovation, community engagement, and sustainability.

Nathaniel Loxley, a prominent figure in the UK & Europe hemp industry. Nathaniel's extensive expertise in the cultivation and production of hemp cultivars within the UK positions Nathaniel as an excellent Advisory Board member helping to bolster Precision Plants' ambitions for innovative cultivation practices and product development.

Industry Leadership and Advocacy:

As the Chair of the British Hemp Alliance (BHA), Nathaniel has been pivotal in lobbying for legislative reform that aligns with ecological goals and industry growth. His work with the BHA emphasises education, lobbying for industrial hemp recognition as a catalyst for environmental change, and connecting stakeholders within the UK's burgeoning hemp industry.

With his direct involvement in high-profile projects like The Centre for High Carbon Capture Cropping (CHCx3), funded by Innovate UK and Defra, Nathaniel is at the forefront of research aiming to enhance farming resilience, target Net Zero carbon emissions, and support the development of sustainable value chains for industries like textiles and construction.

Expertise in R&D and Product Innovation:

Nathaniel's tenure as the Founding Director of Vitality Hemp has endowed him with hands-on experience in not only growing diverse hemp cultivars but also in the exploration and commercialisation of biobased materials. His passion for developing climate-positive, biobased products, such as an innovative architectural acoustic material—competitive, compostable, and with low embodied energy—exemplifies his commitment to green innovation.

He places significant emphasis on the integrity of raw materials, high-quality end-products, and support for regenerative agriculture practices, ensuring local sourcing where possible. Collaborating closely with universities and industry partners, Nathaniel channels his knowledge into solving pressing environmental issues, positioning hemp as a cornerstone for sustainable futures.

In his role as Director of Operations at Augur Associates in Paris (Carbon Credits), Nathaniel demonstrates his proficiency in supporting international hemp and biochar projects. Not only does he provide advice on practical cultivation and processing strategies, but he's also involved in the pioneering registration of European biogenic carbon credits from natural building materials derived from industrial hemp. 

This initiative marks a significant step towards creating diversified revenue streams that can catalyse the growth of the hemp industry while contributing positively to the planet's carbon footprint.

With Nathaniel as a Advisory Board member, Precision Plants heralds a new chapter in pioneering research-driven cultivation techniques and the launch of novel hemp-derived products. Nathaniels extensive background in R&D, coupled with his advocacy for environmentally conscious policies and sustainable business practices, aligns perfectly with Precision Plants' core values to innovate and lead in the realm of hemp-related agriculture and biotechnology.

Precision Plants is set to strengthen its trajectory towards setting industry standards, enriching biodiversity, and contributing significantly to global efforts in environmental sustainability. His vision and leadership are invaluable to Precision Plants' mission to embrace scientific advancements while nurturing a greener economy through the strategic use of hemp in life sciences.