UK lighting specialist hires two new recruits

Light Science Technologies (LST) has welcomed two new recruits to its expanding team, as the East Midlands-based start-up enjoys a period of significant growth.  

The new roles will see Rob Ayres and Craig Price joining the team to cover the sales and operational areas of the business, reflecting recent growth in the sector as demand for controlled environment agriculture (CEA) farming increases. 

Rob joins as National Account Manager, with six years’ experience in agriculture and horticulture, along with a BSc (Hons) Degree in Horticulture from Nottingham Trent University.  He is a former trials agronomist at contract research organization Staphyt and laboratory testing services provider Eurofins. Prior to that, he spent 15 years in sales within the finance industry and motor trade.  

In his new role, Rob will focus on building relationships in the glasshouse and poly tunnel sectors, as well as efficiently managing the continued increase in business. 

Craig Price and Rob Ayres

Craig also joins the team as Operations Director, and with over 20 years’ experience in lighting, comes with a proven track record in leading and delivering high-performing products in the manufacturing sector. 

Working closely with the COO, Craig’s role will be to oversee the technical to production process, also covering pre-production engineering and production assembly. 

Simon Deacon, CEO of Light Science Technologies said: “This is our fifth appointment in a short space of time in response to industry growth, as more growers look for a long-term sustainable solution in farming to help them control cost, improve efficiency and increase yield. As we continue to introduce new products, including our patent pending nurturGROW luminaire and sensor products, for the CEA market and expand our customer base, it is essential we have a strong team in place to provide top level customer service and tap into further areas of potential growth. Both Rob and Craig have the right credentials to carry us forward and I am delighted to welcome them to the team.” 

As the industry’s attention is turning to AgTech innovation to address the wider sustainability agenda, since 2019 LST has been partnering with world-leading university research teams, to create the perfect crop recipe in a controlled environment setting – including vertical farming, containers, polytunnels, greenhouses and medicinal plants.