The Japanese Knotweed Agency has won the Leadership in Eco-Innovation & Sustainability Award in the 7th Edition of the High Flyers 50 GloBiz Awards 2025.
Alan Hoey is the Managing Director and Founder of the Japanese Knotweed Agency (JKWA), the UK’s Leading Authority on thermo-electric chemical-free invasive species eradication. With a background in military intelligence, law, and compliance, and an entrepreneurial drive rooted in problem-solving and environmental stewardship, Alan has built a reputation as a disruptor in one of Britain’s most persistent ecological challenges: the control of Japanese knotweed and other invasive plants.
The scale of this challenge is staggering. According to the Centre for Agriculture and Bioscience International (CABI), invasive non-native species (INNS) cost the UK economy an estimated £4 billion every year across agriculture, forestry, infrastructure, and property. Of that total, Japanese Knotweed alone accounts for around £246.5 million annually, making it one of the costliest invasive plants in Britain. Against this backdrop, Alan’s leadership and JKWA’s innovation are not only timely but essential — delivering eco-safe solutions to a problem that drains both the economy and the environment.
The Problem: A Growing Ecological & Economic Threat
Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica) is widely considered the UK’s most destructive invasive weed. Its root system, or rhizome network, is capable of breaking through concrete, tarmac, and brickwork. This leads to millions of pounds of property damage annually, contributing to the estimated £246.5 million national cost every year, and makes it a constant source of stress for homeowners, developers, councils, and conservation bodies.
The financial and social consequences go far beyond repair costs. Homes affected by knotweed often lose 5–15% of their market value, with studies showing the average property may lose around £23,500 when knotweed is present. In severe cases, devaluation can reach 20%, rendering properties unmortgageable without professional intervention. When multiplied across an estimated 1–1.5 million affected properties in the UK, the potential hit to property equity runs into the tens of billions of pounds.
Traditionally, the industry default has been glyphosate-based herbicides. Yet herbicides rarely achieve full eradication, often require years of repeat applications, and pose mounting risks to biodiversity, soil health, and watercourses, with growing concerns about human and animal safety. With glyphosate now under increasing scrutiny, Alan recognised that a truly sustainable and science-based solution was urgently needed — one that would go beyond chemical “control” and deliver genuine eradication.
The Solution: Chemical-Free Thermo-Electric Innovation
Under Alan’s leadership, JKWA became the first company in the UK to adopt and operationalise thermo-electric technology for invasive species management. This cutting-edge system delivers a precise electrical current directly into the plant and its underground rhizomes, boiling them from the inside and causing complete cellular breakdown.
Unlike chemical herbicides, thermo-electric eradication:
- Kills the plant at its root.
- Leaves no toxic residues in the soil or water.
- Protects pollinators, wildlife, and biodiversity.
- Meets the growing demand for eco-safe land management across sensitive sites.
This innovation has placed JKWA firmly at the forefront of eco-innovation, transforming invasive species eradication into a sustainable, scalable practice.
Leadership in Action: From Homes to Habitats
Alan’s vision for JKWA extends beyond technology. His focus is on community impact and ensuring that every home, landowner, and conservation organisation has access to safe, effective solutions.
- Residential Protection: JKWA supports homeowners facing knotweed infestations that devalue their property and complicate mortgages, providing both eradication and peace of mind.
- Conservation Projects: The company partners with major conservation organisations, including the RSPB and Derbyshire Wildlife Trust, trialling chemical-free treatments in protected habitats where herbicides would threaten rare species.
- Infrastructure & Utilities: JKWA works with water companies, councils, and developers to remove invasive plants safely from alongside pipelines, reservoirs, and transport corridors.
By bridging commercial, residential, and ecological needs, Alan has proven that eco-leadership requires holistic impact, not just technical innovation.
Global Sustainability Alignment
Alan’s leadership directly supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly:
- SDG 15 – Life on Land (protecting ecosystems and halting biodiversity loss).
- SDG 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation (avoiding glyphosate leaching into rivers and aquifers).
- SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities (helping councils and developers protect infrastructure).
This alignment gives JKWA international resonance — positioning it not only as a UK pioneer but also as a model for global chemical-free land management.
Entrepreneurial Resilience & Industry Disruption
Alan’s entrepreneurial story is defined by resilience and determination. Before founding JKWA, he identified widespread shortcomings in how invasive weeds were managed — with too much reliance on outdated, chemical-heavy methods. He was among the first to publicly challenge the “glyphosate status quo,” even in the face of industry resistance.
Today, JKWA’s approach is increasingly recognised as the future of invasive species management. Alan’s work has been featured in Brainz Magazine, industry press, and regional news outlets, establishing him as a thought leader and trusted voice on both environmental and property issues.
Beyond JKWA: A Legacy of Leadership
Alan is not only a pioneer in knotweed management but also in broader environmental and property services. Through his leadership at OSCAR Onsite — a sister company focused on cavity wall insulation surveying and compliance — he has authored two national NVQ qualifications, raising national occupational standards and highlighting the need for remedial works in millions of UK households after poor-quality insulation works.
This dual legacy underscores Alan’s commitment to raising standards, improving compliance, and safeguarding communities — whether the issue is hidden within walls or growing underfoot.
The Future Vision
Looking ahead, Alan’s ambition is clear:
- Scale chemical-free eradication nationally across the UK, ensuring every local authority, housing association, and homeowner has access to sustainable solutions.
- Expand internationally, most recently establishing operations in Ireland and exploring further global partnerships.
- Champion eco-innovation in legislation, pushing for policy changes that reduce chemical reliance and prioritise biodiversity.
For Alan, success is not simply about business growth. It is about leaving a lasting environmental legacy — one where future generations inherit land, water, and homes free from both invasive species and chemical residues.
Conclusion
This story is one of leadership, innovation, and impact. The Japanese Knotweed Agency has disrupted an industry, introduced groundbreaking eco-technology, and aligned local action with global sustainability goals. The work embodies the true spirit of the Leadership in Eco-Innovation & Sustainability Award — proving that with vision and courage, even the UK’s most hated plant can inspire a greener, safer, and more sustainable future.