Chris Nicklin began his beekeeping journey in the late 1970s as a schoolboy in Cape Town. As a junior member of the Western Province Beekeepers’ Association, he secured his first pollination contract while still in school. After graduating from the University of Cape Town, Chris built a career in broadcast journalism, including a decade with the BBC in London and helping launch e.tv upon returning to South Africa. Today, he operates his bee business from farms in Napier and Tulbagh while serving as chairman of the Western Cape Bee Industry Association. Chris remains passionate about addressing industry challenges and promoting the vital role of bees in our ecosystems.

Brendan Ashley-Cooper built his business from one hive to over two thousand. With decades of hands-on experience in commercial beekeeping, he has developed innovative techniques for sustainable honey production while respecting the natural behaviour of bee colonies.