Alan Hoey

Chemical-Free Invasive Weed Eradicators

Alan Hoey is the Managing Director and founder of the Japanese Knotweed Agency (JKWA), the UK and Ireland’s Leading Authority on the identification, control, and eradication of invasive plant species. Under his leadership, JKWA has pioneered the UK adoption of thermo-electric treatment, an innovative, chemical-free method that delivers permanent root-kill without harming surrounding ecosystems.

Alan’s expertise extends beyond Japanese Knotweed to tackling several of the UK’s 58 recorded invasive plant species, including Himalayan Balsam, Giant Hogweed, Rhododendron, and Laurel. Through ongoing case studies and field trials, JKWA is expanding sustainable control methods that eliminate reliance on glyphosate herbicides, offering safer solutions for homes, businesses, and sensitive environments.

JKWA’s work spans private gardens, housing developments, water filtration sites, and large-scale conservation areas. Projects include treatment in Special Areas of Conservation, organic farmland, and riparian zones where environmental sensitivity is paramount. Alan’s team works with homeowners, councils, developers, utility companies, and conservation organisations to deliver solutions that are both effective and environmentally responsible.

In 2025, JKWA was named Weed Removal Specialists of the Year in the Manchester & North West England Prestige Awards, recognising Alan’s innovation, environmental leadership, and commitment to raising industry standards.

In addition to his work with JKWA, Alan is also a Director and owner at OSCAR Onsite, the company that authored two formal National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) for Cavity Wall Insulation surveying & inspection and Cavity Wall Insulation extraction & clearance, raising National Occupational Standards in an industry set to affect approximately 17 million UK homes over the next decade.

Dedicated to protecting biodiversity, influencing environmental policy, and increasing public awareness, Alan continues to lead the fight against invasive species with science-led, eco-friendly solutions that work with nature, not against it.