Issue 10 - The British Florist Association

BFA
FLORIST
for today’s
professional
florist
inside this issue:
Chelsea Florist of the Year...
Lisa Fowler tells us about Angelina!
Fleurametz and Interflora –
Improve your credit and quality at the same time
Competing – The highs and lows
BFA Industry Awards 2014 –
Nominate your favourite
ISSUE 10 £5.00
Where sold
Contents
03 WELCOME
04
BRIAN WILLS-POPE MBE
Updates us on the British Florist
Association
28 Interflora and
Fleurametz combine
forces to create an
exciting opportunity
for florists
08
RHS CHELSEA 2014
This year’s champion Lisa Fowler
42 BFA Member
tells us how she is coping with her
new title “Chelsea Florist of the
Year” and what it means to her
10 THE BFA AND
EFLORIST HAVE AN
AMAZING OPPORTUNITY
FOR YOU
13
Fleurex 2014
Book your place now at the
workshops with leading designers
Laura Leong, Wendy Andrade and
Neil Whittaker
26
World Skills UK
Now they get ready to
showcase their talents at
the NEC in November
Benefits
HR and employment laws -find out
how to keep your business up to
date from the ever-changing rules
43
Funerals
Showcase your talents…
Dear BFA member
How amazing were the designs this year at
RHS Chelsea? Some serious hard work and
ingenious ideas, it is at times like this that I
am so proud to be part of the industry.
Changes are taking place not only within the floristry
world but the world of employment full stop… Changes to
pensions and other personnel related topics is always a
minefield to get your head around so it is great news that in
this issue we have an article giving us the lowdown on what
we should be doing!
Chelsea Florist of the Year 2014, Lisa Fowler (we always
knew she was a natural as her name is an anagram of
flower!) tells us about her experience and what she plans to
do now…
The brand new Professional Florists’ Manual is being
launched at Fleurex 2014. Copies can be pre-ordered via
the website very shortly. Look out for notification via email
or facebook on how to reserve your copy.
Fleurex is getting closer (only one more magazine before
the event!) This year is going to be bigger and better than
ever. We have some fabulous designers in store for you and
they are sure to wow you with their ideas. Don’t miss your
chance to book on the work-shops with Laura Leong, Wendy
Andrade and Neil Whittaker. Why not give your staff a
treat (as well...), as a bit of specialist training by having an
in-house sales promotion and giving a prize of one of these
courses to the winner? It’s a win, win situation, your sales
improve in your shop and your staff get training to enhance
your shop! It won’t all be about flowers though, we are
running business seminars to help owners to improve their
profit margins… And of course there is the massively
popular Industry Awards held at the Gala Ball on the
Saturday evening. Don’t forget to nominate your favourites see page 12… for details.
Plenty to read about in this edition too… Happy reading…
Sarah Cunningham
Editor
BFA
FLORIST
for today’s
professional
florist
BFA Florist is published by Euromedia Associates Ltd, Rhone House, Canalside, Chorley PR6 0BU
General Manager: Emma Higham | Sales: Ashlyn Higham
Production Manager: Sheila Helm | Creative Design: Nikki Carter
T: 01257 267677 | F: 01257 267711 | Editorial e-mail: euromedia@gmail.com
Advertising e-mail: bfaflorist@hotmail.co.uk
The editor’s articles are not the responsibility of Euromedia Associates Limited
From the
Chairman...
It has been a very busy time with competitions; my
congratulations to the winners of the Chelsea competition
and also to the competitors who have won the regional
heats of the World Skills competition and will be travelling
to Birmingham in November for the final.
My sincere thanks to the Army of Volunteers who make these competitions
possible from writing schedules, staging, judging and mark collation to
mention a few roles.
Following on from Chelsea the BFA will be at Hampton Court and Tatton
Park during the summer promoting to the consumer the benefits of using an
independent florist for all their floral needs. I am most grateful to Oasis for
providing the sundries for Hampton Court and to Country Baskets for their
support for Tatton Park. Both shows have enormous attendance so it does give
us the opportunity to showcase Floristry. As always these shows are run by
volunteers dedicated to our industry if you are interested in helping (and I can
say it’s good fun), you also get to look around the show, then send an email
to Zoe at volunteers@britishfloristassociation.org
The BFA will also be at Flowers Oxford in August where there will be a
number of International Demonstrators - a show not to be missed. For more
information go to www.flowersatoxford.com
With the peak periods behind us and I hope the wedding season in full
swing, this is the time to look at your business. Look out for some interesting
Business Seminars which are being organised so you can take a day out of
your business to work on it, instead of in it, for a day.
A trade association can only function if it has the support of members and the
BFA is the same; I ask myself “Do florists want a trade association?” If you
have any thoughts on this please email me at
chair@britishfloristassociation.org
Have a good summer and hopefully get some time away to recharge the
batteries for the autumn season.
Kind regards
Brian Wills-Pope
4
BFA
BFA FLORIST
FLORIST issue
issue 510
‘Your Page’
Got a story or some exciting
news you want to share.
Send details to
pr@britishfloristassociation.org
Last month we asked to hear about your
best tips on selling. What are your best
practices, how do you encourage a
customer to spend just a little bit more?
We had a great response and here are
just a few ….
“always offer to gift wrap the item the customer
has chosen. We have a selection of gift
wrapping available from free (plain paper
and curling ribbon) to bespoke gold, silver
or burgundy wrap with voile bow for a small
charge - customers invariably want the poshest
one! So we make a few pounds for very little
outlay”
“Buy one get one free works brilliantly in our
shop - we use the best value flowers from the
market and mark up at our usual price but then
add a further 10% - this gives the customer
good value and we make a little more on the
sale”
“We sell our display props as well as the
flowers that are displayed on them and this
can bring us a huge amount of profit especially
if its something we got cheap and renovated
it - retro is fab!”
Take a look at our feature this month on
Funeral and Sympathy tributes. Have
you made a bespoke design which you
are proud of? Send in your pictures and
we will print them.
Send them to
pr@britishfloristassociation.org
BFA FLORIST issue 10
5
Floral Fashion & Beyond...
Introducing Bloomsberry Limited...
Bloomsberry’s mission is quite simple...
to offer a constantly evolving design led collection of
unique floral products which simply cannot be found
elsewhere.
An import company excited to offer a new perspective
on floral product and the creation of a British brand to be
proud of...
The MD and driving force behind Bloomsberry, Tracey
Cardwell, has a wealth of experience in bringing product
to market. A highly experienced sourcing and product
development specialist as well as an inspirational
designer, she has worked closely and directly with Far
East factories for well over 20 years to create beautiful
ranges of artificial floral, festive and interior products.
Sister Gayle, sales director, shares the same passion, a
trained florist with a keen eye, Gayle assists customers
in selecting their range by giving guidance based on firm
experience. Gayle tells us “Our strengths lie in our core
values: quality, innovation and service, whilst striving
to satisfy our customers’ quest for something different.
There is so much over duplicated ‘same old same old’,
which we see saturating the market. Customers say
they buy from us because we offer a fresh outlook and
bespoke collections exclusive to Bloomsberry.”
Tracey reiterates this, “Diverse and definitely unique
certainly describes the Bloomsberry range, our focus
on design and the use of the best possible components
keeps us well ahead of our competitors and our objective
is to offer customers something a little more niché and
inspirational.
We are confident that you will not find the majority of
our products anywhere else because we design them
ourselves from scratch – We take great pride in our
supplier relationships, many of which span over 25 years.
This creative approach takes a tremendous amount of
work & attention to detail but we believe that this point of
difference enables us to offer our customers a distinctive
edge to their floral products, the styling sympathetic to
the individuality of their own brand.”
The collections and merchandise made to this high
design specification have ranges that appeal to all kinds
of tastes and all kinds of pockets... Designer products
priced reasonably and commercially.
Tracey says “The reaction to our product ranges this year
has been truly phenomenal, this instils us with confidence
that we are on the right track and that it’s imperative we
continue to create ever evolving, exciting new designs to
whet the appetites of our customers old and new “
Tracey & Gayle’s unique approach to dressing & theming
of the showroom reflects their genuine enthusiasm and
passion for their products... A breath-taking setting
full of merchandising ideas; the showroom is a key
part of inspiring buyers to create the Bloomsberry
“look”, encouraging the use of eye catching displays to
maximize sales. The showroom dramatically displays
Bloomsberry’s collections at their absolute best and is
most definitely worth a visit for discerning buyers looking
for fresh ideas .
Dare to be different!
A vast array of beautiful products with a real
‘Wow’ factor...
Consisting of readymade floral pieces as well as
loose components, all fitting within a coordinated
story. Everything from quintessential English garden rose
collections to delightful French lavenders & wild flowers...
Bouquets, centrepieces and fabulous items to style a
variety of interiors.
The meadow flower collections are completely
unique and so very pretty... These beautiful replicas
look as if they have just been picked from the fields,
delicate and intricately constructed, the flowers have a
If you are searching for a real point of difference then look no
further and we promise you will not be disappointed ...
Exclusive offers when you visit our showroom
Just a few examples of the stunning Christmas collection
lifelike movement adding to their appeal.
Truly Elegant vintage inspired bouquets, corsages
and headdresses, as well as an exclusive Bridal
collection consisting of bouquets painstakingly
constructed to the highest quality, garlands,
centrepieces and everything in-between...
A collection of pomanders, hearts & cone trees &
venue décor items are fabulous for hire or sale.
Bloomsberry’s colour fast rose collection is
available in an array of colours in an assortment
of ever evolving styles and most importantly a very
high quality product, customers comments include that
Bloomsberry foam roses are ‘by far the best in the
market today!’ Competitively priced to offer the best
value to our customers using them in bridal bouquets
and arrangements.
The stunning Christmas range is indeed ‘feast of
festive finery’ and a visual delight in an array of
colours and textures. Truly stunning carefully collated
collections, which can be interpreted by our customers
to fit into their own themes to create unique ranges within
their stores.
Bridal Bliss
Please feel free to contact us
for details of our range and your
nearest stockist.
Tel: 01253 726565
Email: sales@bloomsberry.co.uk
www.bloomsberryltd.co.uk
Simply the best quality foam roses in the UK today!
RHS CHELSEA 2014
RHS Chelsea Florist
of the Year 2014
Lisa Fowler, eden floral design, Taunton, Somerset
Lisa tells us about her experience, how
she chose her design and what it feels like
to be this year’s most talked about florist!
Photographs courtesy of The Florist
Lisa’s winning design impressed the judges and she was awarded
with the accolade of RHS Chelsea Florist of the Year 2014.
The design was created by layering an array of materials from
skeleton leaves to tilandsia, santini, succulents and poppy seed
heads. Hypericum berries, orchids and ceropegia all culminated
in the fabulous creation. (right)
Lisa’s design took many months of preparation, ideas were
brought together, rethought and revamped, practiced and tested,
before the finished fantasy dress brought Lisa the result she
deserved.
8
BFA FLORIST issue 10
The neckline of the dress is linked to the
collar with a fine tulle mesh and matches
the top layer of the skirt, a fine veil of
tilandsia and crystals add to the ethereal
effect. Clever blanket stitching and the use
of delicate skeleton leaves and the use of
phalaenopsis petals (which were delicately
inlaid into jewellery frames form the choker
type neck) make this design truly inspiring.
Lisa Fowler began her floristry career 18
years ago as an apprentice at Hollyrood
Florist in Chard (sadly now closed) but
her passion and desire to succeed and
develop her skills took off when she joined
eden florist in Taunton a couple of years
later… She honed her skills and completed
her level 4 at the famous Academy of
Floral Art under the tutorage of Tina Parkes
and this, she says, enabled her to bloom
into the amazingly talented florist that she
is today.
She told me that Chelsea is the most
amazing experience, having competed
there before with the chandelier, she felt
at ease and comfortable knowing a little
about how it all works and said that she
was actually “quite relaxed” on the day of
installation!
“Angelina” (the fond name given to her
stunning design), was inspired from the
brief which Lisa and Charlotte Murrant, (her
assistant and brainstorm partner!) studied
and analysed before the design was
created. They were very excited when they
saw the word “fantasy” in the schedule
and say it gave them the opportunity to
be creative, imaginative and think outside
the box. Charlotte gave her much needed
encouragement during the initial design
stage and Lisa wants to thank her and
acknowledge her support during this
prestigious competition.
Not one to rest on her laurels she is also
contemplating taking her level 5 as well as
preparing to become a new Mum (her first
baby is due early November) and that is a
completely different kind of challenge!
RHS
Chelsea
2014
Results
Gold Medal Winners
Amanda Randell, Academy of Floral Art; Di Marvell,
Petals Florist; Jillian Page, Something Special Flowers;
Sara Barrow, Flowers with Passion.
Silver-Gilt Winners
Alison Penno, Flower Scene; Helena Pike, Daisy Chain.
Silver Medal Winners
Ciara Quigley, The Flower Boutique; Heather Rogers,
Springbank Flowers; Karen Massey, Fleurtatious;
Katy Coleman, Lee Berrill Florist; Lucinda Knapman,
Broadwater Flowers; Peter Alan Bodnar, World of
Mandaps; Sara Lewis, The Bay Tree; Sharon Dower,
Neath Port Talbot College; Vicky Rymell, Hubbards
Florist
The BFA would like to offer their
congratulations to everyone
who took part… Look out for
details in the next issue for the
2015 competition heats
BFA FLORIST issue 10
9
eFlorist Members can now join the BFA through
the clearing house and get a discounted rate
Joining the BFA couldn’t be easier now that eFlorist have arranged for their
members to be able to join without having to make a separate transaction.
The benefits of being a BFA florist
member are immeasurable and not
only do you get the opportunity to save
money (which when you are running
a business has to be a bonus) but you
will get added advantages such as the
opportunity to attend business seminars
to improve your sales and profitability.
Fast track entry to the annual BFA
Fleurex trade show, (this year it is
being held over two days so you will
have even more opportunity to see
demonstrations and talk to suppliers,
wholesalers and sundry experts), and
as a BFA member you’ll qualify for
discounted rates on entry tickets and
workshop sessions.
You’ll also receive complimentary
advice on legal matters relating to staff
employment via our partner HR4UK
10 BFA FLORIST issue 10
(see article page 42… for further
details and get special discounted
rates on Floriguardbusiness insurance
via our insurance partner, Bridge
Insurance.
We offer members a discounted
payment card processing offer, regular
e-Newsletters and of course, a copy
of BFA Florist mailed to your address
bi-monthly.
For just £60 per annum, It really is a
no-brainer. You’ll receive a membership
certificate, personalised membership
card, a window decal for your shop
or business premises - indicating that
you’re a BFA member who abides by
the BFA Code of Conduct and, last
but not least, you’ll have an individual
entry on the BFA Find A Florist
database, promoted to and used by
members of the public searching for
a UK florist. You can save much more
than the cost of your membership
and you will be SUPPORTING THE
INDUSTRY… Don’t delay… join your
fellow florists and be part of the BFA!
BFA Florist Membership
Normally £80.00 + VAT
Special eflorist offer
£60.00 + VAT
Limited offer available until 31st August 2014
Boutique rose farm dedicated to growing
nostalgic, romantic Garden Roses
Alexandra Farms is a boutique rose farm dedicated
to growing nostalgic, romantic Garden Roses. We
are located in the incredibly fertile savannah of
Bogota, high in the Andes mountains of Colombia,
where the weather is perfect for rose growing: warm
days and cool nights.
We are tickled lavender to
announce that we are licensed to
grow David Austin Roses! We will
have a great availability of these
deluxe, posh roses this summer
just in time for wedding season!
Of course we continue to grow
beautiful roses from Tantau, Kordes,
Meilland, Delbard and many other
high quality rose breeders from
around the world.
We only grow Garden Roses
and colour hydrangeas. They are
all hand-cut, hand-graded and
hand-packed by caring, rose loving
people.
We are currently selling to a few
select importers in the UK and in
the Netherlands that can easily
supply your favorite wholesaler.
For a list of Importers please
email marketing@alexandrafarms.
com. For more information on our
varieties, please visit our web page
at: www.alexandrafarms.com.
And like us on Facebook!
BFA FLORIST issue 10
11
The Industry Awards 2014
It’s time to nominate your favourite wholesaler, delivery driver
and best boss! The 2014 Industry Awards will be held at
the Chesford Grange Hotel on Saturday 25th October at
the British Florist Association’s Gala Ball. Get your thinking
caps on and decide who you think deserves the award this
year…..
The categories are…
• Sundry Wholesaler of the Year
• Flower Wholesaler of the Year
• Flying Dutchman of the Year Delivery
• Driver of the Year
• Floristry Training Provider of the Year
• Floristry Tutor of the Year
• Florist Newcomer of the Year
(less than 2 years experience)
• Employer of the Year
12 BFA FLORIST issue 10
British Florist Association Presents:
‘The Annual Trade Fair for today’s Professional Florist’
BFA FleurEx 2014
Saturday 25th & Sunday 26th October
Chesford Grange Hotel, Kenilworth, Warwickshire, CV8 2LD

6 exciting Floristry Competitions to enter & win

Brilliant Floristry Demonstrations

Trade Exhibitors, Hands On Workshops & much
Come along for a great day out for today’s
Professional Florist. We have moved to a
different 4 star venue set in 17 acres of
beautiful grounds with great facilities. This
years show will see the finest Trade Stands by
our Exhibitors, Hands on Workshops by Wendy
Andrade and Laura Leong in the BFA Master
Classes, Floristry competitions, Business Seminars and of course some fabulous
Floristry
demonstrations by Carles Fontanillas and the
UK’s very own Ian Lloyd. All of these attractions are available over not just one but 2
days this year as we will be opening FleurEx on
both days, the Saturday and the Sunday offering you more time to browse at your leisure
and take in all the show has to offer. So join
your fellow florists colleagues and catch up
with old friends. FleurEx is the place to be this
October on our 6th Anniversary!
Buy your Entry Tickets to FleurEx
during our Early Bird Special
which runs until the end of April
and save yourself valuable £££’s
Prices starting from just:
£15 for members
£20 for non-members
(*Plus VAT & Booking Fee)
For full details visit:
www.fleurex.co.uk
FleurEx is held at the Chesford Grange
Hotel, Kenilworth, Warwickshire CV8 2LD
How to wrap successfully
BFA Master Classes - Learn from the Best!
‘The King of Packaging’
Neil Whittaker in this
popular innovative hands
on work shop that caters
for all those who are
looking for different ways
to wrap their wares. Neil
will share some brilliant
techniques with you that you will be able to
use in your shop the very next day after returning from the show. Prices for this workshop start from as little as £10.00 + VAT &
booking fee which is a great price for what
you can turn into ££££’s in your own shop
These popular hands on floristry workshops are run by Laura Leong who will be
joined by Wendy Andrade both inspiring
you with some wonderful techniques.
The Master Classes are priced separately
to your entry ticket with discounts for BFA
Members. Prices are
subject to VAT & Booking Fee. Each Master
Class include all the
materials used and
tuition. Apart from your
jolly self all that you will
need is your tool box!
Box Office :
0844 800 7332
www.ticketsource.co.uk/
bfaevents
Competition etiquette
Competitions… they fill us with fear and dread
when we read the schedule and then terror when the results
come in! But despite all that, they can be the most rewarding
experience…
Read on to find out how to get the best from a competition
and how to deal with the highs and lows of the feedback
If it’s the first time you’ve entered a
competition, then most probably you
will not only be nervous (“Have I done
the right thing?/Followed the schedule
correctly?”) if you’re an old hand at it
then you are probably still going to be
asking yourself those questions too!
Once you have completed the
competition, it’s time to get your
feedback from the Judge(s). This is
an extremely important part of the
process, those competitors who
don’t take time to listen to feedback
invariably either give up competing
or don’t learn from the experience
and can sometimes repeat the same
mistakes which can result in loss of
confidence.
Competitions give florists the
opportunity to expand their
knowledge, experiment with new
techniques and showcase their design
talents. It is an experience that every
florist should try!
Remember though, not everyone can
win (in fact there is usually only one
winner) and there are certain rules that
apply to winners and losers that ensure
that the spirit of competitions is upheld.
Here is a resume…
How to be a good winner
Winning is the ultimate goal, it is
exhilarating, fun and glamorous. It
should never be under-estimated after
all the hard work and effort that goes
14 BFA FLORIST issue 10
into the preparation.
Enjoy the ecstasy of achieving the
highest accolade…
Remember though that it isn’t stress
free, being the winner adds additional
pressure and its easy to let the award
go to your head…
Celebrate with your team of
supporters (no-one can do it on their
own!) this is only right and proper after
all the hard work.
Be gracious and humble in victory.
Showing off , gloating or being
patronising have no part in winning.
Be a great winner. Keep your
friends and earn the respect of your
opponents and colleagues with a
magnanimous approach to winning.
Coming down from the high of
winning can be a bit of an anti-climax
so make sure you build in some “metime” before setting back into a normal
routine. After months of focusing purely
on a competition, deflation will occur
so a way of relaxing is essential,
whether it be a day out with friends
and family or a short holiday.
Other tips include eating well,
getting plenty of sleep (not so easy if
you’re running a busy florist shop, we
know!) and get some physical exercise
(this is easy if you’re running a busy
florist shop!)
In short, be proud of your
achievement, celebrate but don’t brag
and share your experience with others
so that they can learn too.
How to be a good loser
It’s not the best feeling in the world and
no-one really wants to experience it
but there can only be one winner in a
floristry competition.
How you conduct yourself, with
good manners and dignity will say
a lot about the person you are. Of
course you will be disappointed but try
to turn it into a positive experience.
Never argue with the judge or
officials. The judges decision is final.
Get feedback from the judge. This
is invaluable and will enable you to
improve and enhance your skills for
the next time. The judge will be able
to explain where points have been
gained and lost. Use this information to
improve.
Be happy that you have taken up
the challenge, trying and losing is far
better than never trying at all.
Learn how to improve by listening to
other comments made by the judge to
other competitors.
Discuss the winning piece with the
designer and learn from them about
pitfalls to avoid.
Be gracious in defeat.
Always congratulate the winner.
Analyse why the winning design has
come first compared to other entries.
Acknowledge that you may not have
put enough time and practice into your
entry.
The North West’s newest Flower Market
At the start of the new millennium the seeds of a
hugely successful family flower business were sown.
Now 14 years on, Paul and Derek Koppert, known
as ‘the flying Dutchmen’ are looking forward to
taking their latest venture to new heights.
The brothers have launched a fabulous
Flower Market in purpose built
premises, in the heart of Lancashire
to provide an even greater choice
of fresh blooms – as well as locally
grown seasonal flowers and exciting
sundries.
Operating a personalised service to
bring fresh flowers and their expertise
door to door, six days a week, across
the North West has firmly established
Paul and Derek in the business.
However, even with a fleet of
delivery trucks to service florists in
Lancashire, Cheshire and Yorkshire,
Paul explained they were not able to
offer the extensive choice of flowers
and floral merchandise they were keen
to provide.
Launching a new company Flower
Vision and expanding their service
follows the opening of the Flower
Market in April, in a brand new
warehouse at purpose built premises
in Chorley, Lancashire, in a convenient
location, just five minutes from the M6
and M61 motorway.
New and prospective customers
from all over the North West will be
greeted with marvellous displays of the
heavenly scented David Austin roses,
stunning Meijer and Lillies of Life and
top quality Pure Roses.
As well as the new warehouse
Flower Vision has launched an
online delivery service. Orders
placed on the website at www.
flowervisionlancashire.co.uk at
midnight can be delivered about eight
later the following morning.
Visitors to Flower Vision can expect
to find a friendly team. The relaxed
and friendly service is supported
by a wealth of knowledge in the
industry to ensure expert advice, and
personal service are combined with a
willingness to go the extra mile for any
last minute or unusual requirements.
16 BFA FLORIST issue 10
Paul said: “We are very flexible and
with flowers coming over daily we
can offer a very wide selection of the
freshest flowers.
“We now also have a choice of
flowers from local growers including
Dahlias, Petunias and plant baskets
as well as our more unusual sundries.
We are keen to explore this to source
sundries from Holland and Germany
which are different to those available
in the UK.
“Unusual vases and different types of
packaging for displaying flowers offer
florists more options to be creative.”
The range of flowers in the spacious
cool room at Flower Vision is more
than sufficient for any florist, with
everything from the most delicate
sweetpeas to Celosia (Brains) standing
four feet tall, beautiful quality peonies,
an amazing range of hydrangea and
scented stocks.
Outside the cooler customers will
find a range of orchids of all colours
and varieties including some of the
most perfect Vanda, along with Proteas
and Anthuriums for the more exotic
tastes.
Whatever the occasion, whether it
is a wedding, funeral, or corporate
event, it is certainly worth a trip
down to meet Paul and Derek to seek
inspiration and look round the great
range of sundries. Even looking ahead
to Christmas it is worth a peek to find
lots of new ideas.
The plant department is filled
with trolleys packed with a glorious
selection that will not disappoint.
Stunning blue Delphinium, scented
Lavender and beautiful Lisianthus
plants are certainly among the most
popular and for the more unusual the
Bougainvillea is eyecatching and very
tall!
Flower Vision has an excellent
team of experienced staff who are all
knowledgeable about flowers. The
new warehouse is fully equipped with
the most up to date refrigeration system
to ensure the flowers are at their best.
Paul said: “We’re very pleased with
the unit becausue it is all brand new.
We’ve received excellent feedback
from those who have visited us,
everyone has been really impressed by
the wide selection.
“Our service is particularly good for
wedding work because we can source
and supply to individual requirements.
“We still operate a delivery service
to Yorkshire but certainly opening our
own Flower Market and having a
permanent home has enabled us to
grow the business.
“We are now able to provide
a much wider selection of flowers
backed by the same reliable service
and high quality produce.”
Flowervision Lancashire Ltd,
Unit 5, Buckshaw Link,
Ordnance Rd,
Buckshaw Village, Chorley,
Lancashire, PR7 7EL
www.flowervisionlancashire.co.uk
01257 208844
sales@flowervisionlancashire.co.uk
BFA FLORIST issue 10
17
Copies can be reserved on
the website very soon at
www.britishfloristassociation.org
18 BFA FLORIST issue 10
FOCAL POINT
The only national, independent trade association for professional florists.
In this section we will be giving you up to date information on events held
by the British Florist Association and when and where to find them.
New to this magazine?
Want to join the BFA and receive benefits* exclusive to members only?
Apply online TODAY at www.britishfloristassociation.org
(should you experience any problems please contact Carl at
secretariat@britishfloristassociation.org
who will be pleased to assist you with your application.
BFA MEMBER BENEFITS*
Brand New 2014 window decal to show you are a current member
Money saving affinity schemes
Training & Education
BFA “Florist” Magazine
Newsletters via email
BFA Local Meetings—catch up with your fellow florists
BFA Floristry Competitions
Flora Culture International Magazine
Design Demonstrations at BFA events
Brand new initiatives for florist members
IoPF—Institute of Professional Floristry
Support from the Industry
Free online HR service (worth £120)
BFA Floriguard Insurance - exclusive member
DON’T DELAY, JOIN TODAY
£80.00 + VAT per year
YOUR VOICE
YOUR BUSINESS
YOUR INDUSTRY
YOUR FUTURE
YOUR TRADE ASSOCIATION
BE PART OF THE BFA!
BFA FLORIST | for todays professional florist
Dates for your Diary
National Flower Shows & Events
RHS Hampton Court Palace
Flower Show RHS Flower Show Tatton Park Sandringham Flower Show Shrewsbury Flower Show Flowers@Oxford 8th – 13th July
23rd – 27th July
30th July
8th – 9th August
22nd – 24th August
BFA Gala Dinner & Fleurex 2014
Chesford Grange Hotel 25th - 26th October
Worldskills UK
13th - 15th November
For more information on any of these events, please take look at our website www.britishfloristassociation.org
BFA Book Shop
New and not so new publications available to our BFA
members. Ordering couldn’t be easier...
Simply go to the website and place your order.
Special Half
Price Offer
Form Linear
Design
£8.95
Society of Floristry
Handbook
£12.99
Floristry techniques
definitions (2nd
Edition) £15.99
Floristry Competitions
Lynda Owen £19.99
Transparencies
£20.00
Foliage for Florists
£16.99
Postage & packaging fees apply
YOUR BFA BOARD
Chairman
Events Director Dennis van Wonderen
Email: events@britishfloristassociation.org
20 BFA FLORIST issue 10
Vice-Chair
- Brian Wills-Pope MBE
- Sandie Griffith
Email: chair@britishfloristassociation.org
Email: sandie@jemini.co.uk
PR & Communications
Director
Regional
Development Director
Membership Director
- Tracy Tomlinson
Email:bfaregdev@gmail.com
Email: memberships@britishfloristassociation.org
- Sarah Cunningham
Email: pr@britishfloristassociation.org
- Muriel Simpson
BFAMAG5
* Valid until 31st January 2015
£80.00*
Hats off to ‘Lady
Josephine’ for a long
and happy retirement
After a lifetime closely associated with flowers Josephine Yates, of Lancashire, is
to enjoy a much deserved retirement. As floral art manager at Southport Flower
Show for many years she is known to a lot of people in the industry.
Josephine has also entertained audiences around the
country for a number of years with her talk ‘My life in
comedy, hats and flowers’ and it is of course also for her
hats – amazingly she has more than 300 – that ‘Lady
Josephine’ is well-known!
In December 2013 at the AGM of The West
Lancashire Flower Club Josephine officially retired as
treasurer after 46 years. For her hard work she was
presented with a gold chain and locket bearing a star
and diamond design, because fellow members felt she
had always been a ‘star and a diamond.’ She was also
awarded a one off Special Award of Honour.
Josephine has been involved with many Area Festivals.
In 1973 she was officially appointed area staging
consultant when she staged Edge Hill, followed by
Holker Hall in 1976 and Hoghton Tower in 1978.
She was festival chairman of Upholland in 1986 and
Stonyhurst in 1992.
She was treasurer for the NAFAS Assembly ( National
Association of Flower Arrangement Societies) at Edge
Hill in 1997 then designer/competitions at NAFAS
Festival Blackpool (Northern Lights in 1979 and Liverpool
Garden Festival (Odyssey) in 1984 and also involved
with the National Show at GMEX in 1993.
In 1991 Josephine became area chairman and area
president in 1997. For her exceptional service to area
she was awarded Associate of Honour in 1978 and
made Life Vice-President in 2002. At the NAFAS AGM
in 2007 she was awarded an Associate of Honour of
NAFAS.
There is no doubt that Josephine has exceptional
leadership qualities which know no bounds. Friends and
colleagues say she is quite unique in all that she has
been involved with.
Her drive and energy is unbelievable and all done
with an amazing sense of humour and of course the
ubiquitous hat. Her quick wit has amused many a person
over the years and long may it continue to do so.
BFA FLORIST issue 10
23
TRAINING AND EDUCATION
The World Skills Heats are coming to an end with only
CAFRE outstanding at the end of June.
Grateful thanks go to all the colleges
that hosted a heat this year Keits Training Services Ltd, who hosted
the first heat on April 6th at South East
Flowers in Ashford, Kent
Kingston Maurward College held
a heat on May 11th in Dorchester,
Dorset and on May 14th in
Farnborough, Hampshire, Farnborough
College hosted a heat,
Hadlow College held a heat on June
1st in Hadlow, Kent and on June 7th
in Nuneaton, Warwickshire North
Warwickshire & Hinckley College
hosted a worldskills UK heat
Myerscough College held a heat on
June 8th in Preston, Lancashire
Finally CAFRE who are hosting a
heat on the 25th June in Belfast will
complete the entries for this year.
A big thank you from all the judges,
competitors and myself to the colleges,
tutors and support staff for your superb
efforts and hard work in ensuring
that the quality and delivery of the
competition retained such a high
standard.
We are indebted to the sponsors of
the competitions. The competitions are
going from strength to strength and
they are dependent on wholesalers
such as those listed below for
supporting a very important experience
for the floristry industry. Our industry,
is under a lot of pressure in these
hard times, but making sure we keep
our young florists trained to a high
standard and giving them opportunities
to compete on a National and
International stage helps to ensure the
future of the industry.
South East Flowers from Ashford, Kent
who sponsored all the flowers for the
Keits Heat
Floradirect, Bournemouth who
sponsored all the flowers for the
Kingston Maurward Heat
FleuraMetz who generously discounted
the flowers for the North Warwickshire
& Myerscough Heat
The quality of the flowers received
at all the heats was outstanding and
26 BFA FLORIST issue 10
it was fantastic for the competitors to
work with such lovely flowers.
We would like to thank the
competitors and their tutors. We
started this year’s cycle with 90
competitors mainly in the Advanced
category. The uptake on Highers was
disappointing, especially in view that
we had been asked to hold a Higher
level. However, what was more
disappointing were the competitors
who either didn’t turn up on the day or
gave us short notice of not attending.
In a few cases, it was beyond their
control and quite understandable but
for those who just didn’t come, it is
frustrating for the organisers because of
the work involved for everyone - BUT,
more importantly the cost!
It costs us a lot of money for the
flowers and sundries and whilst this
year we have had them sponsored,
it is still a waste, so PLEASE think
carefully when you enter a competition
and it is free, some-one has put a lot
of effort in making it possible for you
to enter!
However, it was lovely to see such a
lot of new faces and some florists that
had entered before and our hope is
that they learned from and enjoyed the
experience.
The WorldSkills UK competition is an
amazing opportunity to compete on a
National level at the Skills Show, the
nations largest skills and careers event,
helping to shape the future of a new
generation. Attracting 75,000 visitors
this gives Floristry a wonderful platform
to showcase the Industry’s skills and
an experience not to be missed. All
the competitors have been supported
throughout by their tutors, colleges and
family transporting and encouraging
them for which we thank them.
Finally, we would like to thanks go to
our Judges - Lead Judge Lynda Owen
who travels all over the country with
me and makes sure that our marking
is consistent and in line with the high
standards of the WorldSkillsUK . She
has been ably assisted by one of her
fellow Judges - Sarah Hills-Ingyon,
Steph Willoughby, Julia Ryde, Tracy
Tomlinson, Konomi Yajima, Joan
Pemberton and Frances Fenwick at
each of the heats. We operate blind
marking with 2 judges at each heat
and the highest scoring competitors
over all the heats are invited to go to
the Skills show.
We are very lucky to have judges
from the UK Floristry Judges Guild
who are experienced in giving
encouragement and critique. It is
important that our students reflect on
the Judges’ comments with their tutors
in order that they learn from their
competition experience. There is an
unwritten etiquette on behaviour at
competitions and it is important that
everyone adheres to it.
After the CAFRE heat we will be
totting up the marks and contacting
the highest scoring competitors and
inviting them to the Skills show in
November - we will also send all
the competitors that have entered
their marks - so PLEASE make sure
you all keep the dates of 13th - 15th
November 2014 in your diary in case
you go through to the final.
Then it’s full on for the organisation
of the Skills Show competition - Lynda,
Tracy and Steph are already putting
together an exciting schedule for the
competitors and we will soon be
sourcing some wonderful props and
flowers. It all makes for a very busy,
tiring but worthwhile year.
Well done to all those who took part
and good luck to all those that have
worked their way to the Final - see you
there!
Written by Sandie Griffith.
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR
WINNERS FROM THE KINGSTON
MAURWARD HEAT
- SUNDAY 11TH MAY 2014
Advanced Competitors
1st Place - Tanya Jenkins, Bicton College
2nd Place - Emily Moor, Kingston Maurward College
3rd Place - Laura Bettany, Andreas of Yeovil
Well done to all our competitors for their superb efforts and
a Big Thank you to Flora direct for sponsoring all the flowers
and Kingston Maurward College for Hosting the competition without the continued support of our Colleges, Training Providers
and Flower Wholesalers these events would not be possible
International Florint Organisation (FLORINT) Members
Congress, General Assembly, and Alden Biesen: A must go!
A personal invitation from Mark Ward HMBFA, President, FLORINT (Pictured)
On the 26th and 27th September Florint
will hold its Second Member’s Congress,
followed by Florint’s General Assembly on
the 28th September.
The aim of this Member’s Congress is for
all sectors of the flower and plant sector to
get together and communicate with each
other. However, all activities will have a
focus on the florist. In order to do this, we
will be organising various opportunities
to network and discuss with growers,
wholesalers, transmission companies, and
many other components of the sector.
To do this we will be organising a
reception on Friday with everybody who
is attending the conference. On Saturday
we will organise two types of round-table
events. On the one hand, we will organise
4 large round-table events focused on the
sector in general. These round-tables will
have 3 main speakers and will last 45min
with a 45min question and answer session.
The subjects will be the following: Lessons
in moving forward together in the new
business setting; Floral trends: global versus
local; Fair trade: the future or a delusion?
And: floral education and floral business:
two different floral concepts? These roundtables will follow each other throughout the
day.
On the other hand, we will also
organise workshops that are aimed more
at associations. These will be held in a
smaller format at the same time as the
round-table debates. These will focus on
the following subjects: Social Media for
florist associations; the basic guidelines of
creating a flower competition; and, how to
judge, the Florint way.
After an intense day, we will hold a
Gala Dinner will all the participants, where
you will all be able to get together in a
perfect setting.
For participants who will not be able
to come to the General Assembly on
Sunday, we have organised together with
Fleur Creatif the possibility of going to
Fleur Amour in Alden Biesen, where all
of those who go can visit a spectacular
demonstration of floral art in a the beautiful
setting of Alden Biesen’s castle. The event is
one which a florist must attend once in their
lives. To get there, Florint have organised
buses to go to and from the hotel, as Alden
Biesen is at
least 1 hour
from Brussels.
For the
delegates
taking part in
the General
Assembly, we have arranged for a unique
visit to Fleur Amour on Monday, where
you can talk to growers, sponsors and
florists over beer, champagne and a nice
barbecue.
All the events will take place at the hotel,
The Renaissance Hotel, where we have
found an excellent price for rooms: 80€
(including VAT and breakfast, but excluding
city tax at 7.50€) a night for a superior
room and 120€ for a suite (same price
conditions). The hotel is a 4 star hotel
located next to the European Parliament
and easy access from the main Brussels
airport. Further information with booking
forms etc. will be sent to the British Florist
Association (BFA), your national association
over the coming weeks should you wish
to book and be a part of this very special
event.
BFA FLORIST issue 10
27
WHOLESALERS
Interflora and FleuraMetz Form a Strategic
Partnership to Benefit the Florist
Fleurametz are delighted to announce a new strategic alliance formed
with Interflora BU to support the needs of the Interflora florist network.
The ever changing world of flower
supply which is seeing consolidation
right across the supply chain is
placing pressures on florist’s margins.
Both organizations have been working
closely together identifying solutions
to the challenges both of their shared
customers / suppliers face both now
and in the future.
Interflora’s objective was to find a
partner that could provide its florist
suppliers with high quality product
at consistent value pricing together
with flexible ordering processes
and a range of delivery options all
supported with a dedicated local
support team on the ground providing
unrivalled service levels to its florists.
Interflora also wanted to find a long
term partner whom it felt had longevity
and was willing to invest in its future
operations.
Fleurametz met Interflora’s
requirements and more. Its unrivalled
operations in Holland and globally,
together with its already first class
reputation and being the world’s
largest and most experienced supplier
to florists meant it was a great match.
Both parties precondition in
forming their partnership was; how
do they make their shared customers
/ suppliers e.g. the florist, be more
competitive and how can they support
them more to deliver high quality
products at consistent margins.
Fleurametz have been able to
develop a number of solutions to help
Interflora florists including;
• Improved cash flow by paying your
Fleurametz bills through the Interflora
clearing house with extended credit
terms up to 42 days
• Working closely with the Interflora
Product Development team, Fleurametz
will have;
❍ Advance access to the Interflora
ranges in order for them to negotiate
with growers directly before they are
launched
❍ Provide a comprehensive range
28 BFA FLORIST issue 10
Nick Priest
of pre-made branded products for sale
locally with suggested selling prices
from £5 and margins in excess of 40%
❍ A range of pre-made Interflora
bouquets and time saver boxes
• Exclusive offers and product ranges
• A simple and intuitive web shop
• National delivery in UK and Ireland
all year round
Martin Vered, Commercial Director
of Fleurametz said “Interflora is the
world’s largest and most experienced
flower delivery network while
FleuraMetz is the world’s largest and
most experienced floral wholesaler.
We had to figure out a way to bundle
the strengths of these two uniquely
positioned companies to better serve
our shared customer – the florist.”Nick
Priest, Director – Interflora Services
also commented “We are delighted
to be working with Fleurametz. For
us, the end quality of the product
delivered into the hands of the
consumer whether it is for an Interflora
order or for florists local orders is
of paramount importance. We also
wanted to ensure that we could offer
consistent pricing so that our florist
Martin Vered
suppliers could better understand their
margins when supplying an Interflora
order and we wanted an extremely
high level of customer service on the
ground. Fleurametz demonstrated their
capability in all aspects”
The new partnership launched on
Friday 5th June and can be found at
www.interfloraflowermarket.co.uk
You can also contact your local
Fleurametz representative for more
details
WHOLESALERS
Serving the needs of
florists in the UK for
over 20 years
William Higham
Wholesale flowers
Servicing the needs of florists
throughout the North West of
England since the1940’s
s
er
feath
For more than 20 years Koot Flowers
ray has been serving the needs of florists
p
s
s
r
flowe
n
dried in the UK with their unrivalled service
o
b
s
l
b
i
r
ysta
rayhigh quality range of flowers.
r
p
c
s
and
s
s
bead
ower
fl
es
l
n
d
o
n
b
b
ca
s ri
r
e
h
t
als
t
fea
s
y
s
r
c
pin
eads
b
s
le
cand
With two deliveries a week
dried in their custom built delivery
T: 01942 826970 F: 01942 826971
E: sales@williamhigham.co.uk
www.williamhigham.co.uk
trucks and a simple to
use web shop, they have
built a fantastic reputation
with florists throughout the
UK for providing a great
range of both seasonal and
year round products. As a
family business they have
generations of knowledge
and experience ready to
pass on to their customers
and are always more than
willing to help out with any
unusual and late requests.
Along with fresh flowers
they also provide a varied
selection of both indoor
and outdoor plants and
with a well stocked sundries
department you will find
them a one stop shop for all
your floristry needs.
Tel: +31 6 10932669
www.kootflowers.nl
To see your
advertisement here
in the next issue of
BFA contact us on
Fresh flower and sundry supplier
G&M HALE LTD
Tel: 0121 5204491 Fax: 0121 5574784
G&M HALE SUNDRIES LTD
Tel: 0121 5206686
Unit 1 Brook Street , DY4 9DD Tipton
30 BFA FLORIST issue 10
01257 267677
Tel: +31 6 10932669
Email: info@kootflowers.nl
Web: www.kootflowers.nl
Dutch Flower Wholesaler in the UK every week delivering
to over 80 wholesalers, shops and garden centres.
We deliver fresh flowers, plants and sundries.
Koot Flowers aim to serve their customers with high
quality flowers, plants and sundries. We believe quality is
the key to a succesfull business, that’s why our moto is
if you’re doing well we’re doing well.
BFA FLORIST issue 10
31
Your Flowers Delivered?
2 to 3 times a week to your doorstep fresh from the flowerauctions.
We deliver to The Midlands, The North West, The North East, North Wales and Scotland
FLOWER
AND PLANT
WHOLESALERS
WITH 3
TRUCKS
PB FLOWEREXPORT
It’s 1997. The year P.B. Flowerexport started. With one truck, two
brothers at the ages of 21 (Cor) and 17 (Henk) take their plunge and
start their own company exporting flowers to the United Kingdom.
Having learned the ins and outs of the business of their father (two
rounds and over thirty years of experience in Germany) they feel
confident to make it on their own.
DELIVERY TO YOUR DOORSTEP
In the past 16 years of delivering flowers to
your doorstep we understand the importance
of personal contact between us and our
customers. Over the years we’ve made
some great long-term relations and are
confident we can build on that in the
future. Not only our personal contact
but also ‘delivery to your doorstep’
method will remain important in the
future.
For your area
Northeast and Scotland phone Cor Kralt
Tel. UK 07836541208 Tel. NL. 0031622206116
Northwest, Midlands and North Wales phone Henk Kralt
Tel.uk 07747536526 Tel. NL. 0031651531256
or email us info@pbflowerexport.com
Online growers’ platform
Waterdrinker webshop live!
Waterdrinkers’ online growers platform really does enable Cash
& Carry customers to purchase whenever it best suits them! All the
products supplied fresh from the grower and physically available in
the Cash & Carry (2,500 trolleys) are now also on offer online.
From Sunday 12.00 to Friday 12.00
you can choose between over 9,000
varieties of plant; an extensive basic
range as well as numerous specials
and novelties! A wide range of
hardware and accessories is also
available online. So too are the theme
collections from the Cash & Carry
showcases. You can ‘walk’ round the
Cash & Carry as it were but online,
from your own home or office! And
best: delivery within 24 hours! Via
the webshop, you will also have
access to the Plant Information System
(Wikiplant), which has details of most
of the range, background information
and care tips.
For more information about the
possibilities in your region, please
visit the Service Point in the Cash &
Carry. Alternatively, you can contact
Waterdrinker by telephone: +31
(0)297 - 332 250 or by e-mail to:
service@waterdrinker.nl.
BFA FLORIST issue 10
33
BRITISH FLOWER WEEK
British Flowers Week
2014 reaches 1.5
million on Twitter!
British flowers are firmly in the media spotlight following the
success of British Flowers Week, the initiative led by New Covent
Garden Flower Market. The #BritishFlowersWeek Twitter campaign
alone reached 1.5 million, and the story was picked up by The
Daily Telegraph, Daily Express Online, The BFA Magazine, Fusion
Flowers Magazine, The Florist, Interflora blog, Horticulture Week,
Fresh Produce Journal, Farming Today and BBC Radio London.
34 BFA FLORIST issue 10
“We are delighted with the
nationwide and industry-wide
support for British Flowers Week
in just its second year,” says
Helen Evans, Director of Business
Development and Support at
CGMA. “It proves that there is
a real passion for British-grown
flowers and foliage out there, just
as there is for locally-grown food.”
Market also created the firstever British Flowers Chart for
florists, highlighting the seasonal
availability of British flowers and
flowering foliage. It is available to
download for free from
www.newcoventgardenmarket.
com or to buy online.
Photo Competition
News of the campaign’s success
came on the eve of the first-ever
British Cut Flower Conference,
where growers, wholesalers,
florists and buyers met to discuss
the future for British cut flowers.
Beautiful images flooded in for
the ‘Your Gallery’ section on
newcoventgardenmarket.com.
The winning image by florists,
Field of London, summed up the
celebratory feel of British Flowers
Week perfectly.
Designs on British
Local events
Fronting the British Flowers Week
campaign was the spectacular
work of 5 florists and 5 Britishgrown focus flowers – Okishima
& Simmonds & Lisianthus;
Hybrid & Sweet William;
Simon Lycett & Garden Pinks;
Euphoric Flowers & Flowering
Foliage; and McQueens &
Garden Roses. Their dramatic,
edgy, artistic headdresses,
bouquets, vase displays, office
flower arrangements, cascading
candelabras and event flowers
re-imagine the popular notion of
British-grown.
Growers and florists around the
British Flowers Chart
New Covent Garden Flower
country celebrated British Flowers
Week with Lonely British flower
Bouquets, workshops, pop-up
flowers stalls in town centres,
British flower window displays,
competitions, giveaways, special
blogs and photoshoots.
“The hope is that British Flowers
Week will inspire more florists to
actively look to source more Britishgrown flowers and foliage,” says
Helen Evans. “And the Flower
Market is a great place to start
looking. It is an amazing hub for
UK-grown with 8 wholesalers of
British flowers, 2 of British foliage
and 6 of British plants.”
BFA FLORIST issue 10
35
COLLEGE CORNER
Writtle College academic named a
National Teaching Fellow for 2014
Writtle College academic Dr Anya Perera has been awarded a National
Teaching Fellowship – the most prestigious award for excellence in higher
education teaching and support for learning.
Anya is one of only 55 higher
education staff across the country to
be awarded a National Teaching
Fellowship by The Higher Education
Academy (HEA).
The successful fellows were chosen
from over 180 nominations submitted
by higher education institutions across
England, Northern Ireland and
Wales. Anya will receive an award
of £10,000 which will be used to
support her professional development
in teaching and learning or aspects of
pedagogy.
Anya, who lives in Chelmsford,
is Interim Head of the School for
Sustainable Environments at Writtle
College – which encompasses
undergraduate and postgraduate
courses in Agriculture, Conservation,
Horticulture and Floristry – as well as
being Postgraduate Coordinator.
She was recognised for her passion
for enhancing student learning in
a way that inspires and facilitates
adjustment to higher education study.
Anya said: “This award is a
36 BFA FLORIST issue 10
reflection of the importance that Writtle
College places on providing inspiring
educational opportunities of the highest
quality, as well as the supportive
community we have on campus.
“With higher tuition fees, students
rightly expect the very best standards
of learning and teaching from us.
“We are a small and specialist
institution and have seen three of our
staff awarded National Teaching
Fellowships in recent years, which is
a huge achievement and shows that
Writtle College is exemplary in the
sector.
“It is a huge honour to receive
this award, and I am excited at the
opportunity it will give me to develop
my teaching ideas, but this accolade
reflects the hard work of all my
colleagues at Writtle College; I am
proud to be part of a thriving teaching
community that is very much focussed
on enhancing the students’ learning
experience.”
The scheme, funded by the
Higher Education Funding Council
for England, is open to staff whose
teaching or support roles enhance the
student learning experience.
Institutions nominate their staff and
submissions had to show evidence of
three criteria: individual excellence,
raising the profile of excellence and
developing excellence.
Dr Stephen Waite, Principal of
Writtle College, commended Anya,
saying: “Anya has worked tirelessly
to enhance the quality of the student
experience, giving undergraduates
and postgraduates the support
they need to excel academically,
professionally and personally - this is
fundamental to what we do at Writtle
College.
“She received a student-nominated
teaching award in 2013 for Overall
Excellence and a Writtle College
Learning and Teaching Award in
2012 for the Innovative Use of
Technology and Student Support,
reflecting how her work makes a
difference to students and how she
is highly regarded by them. She has
also received a University of Essex
Excellence in Teaching Award for her
significant teaching achievements.
“I am pleased Anya’s outstanding
and highly valued commitment to
supporting student learning and
delivering inspiring higher education
has now been recognised by the
wider sector through the National
Teaching Fellowship.”
Professor Stephanie Marshall, Chief
Executive of the HEA, said: “Each year
I look forward with great anticipation
to the announcement of our new
National Teaching Fellows. It is always
such an inspirational time as we
welcome 55 outstanding teachers in
higher education to our growing family
of NTFs. This year is no exception.
“While their fields of expertise are
many and varied, what they each
hold in common is their commitment
to learning and teaching, their
dedication to their students, and their
tenacity in sharing their expertise with
others. What also strikes me about our
National Teaching Fellows this year is
their willingness to learn from others,
showing us that learning is an ongoing
process from which we can all benefit.
“Our students deserve the best
possible learning experience and it
is colleagues like those we celebrate
today who can make a real difference
to their futures. I congratulate all the
successful Fellows and wish them every
success in their own learning and
teaching experiences.”
Throughout her teaching career,
Dr Anya Perera has demonstrated
a passion for enhancing student
learning in a way that inspires
and facilitates adjustment to higher
education (HE) study. Her overall
aim is to instil confidence in learners
with diverse entry profiles, and she
focuses on teaching science to nonscientists and engaging her students
in a challenging yet supportive
environment. Her interests focus on
transition both at undergraduate and
taught postgraduate levels, and on
skills development, helping students
acquire attributes for their future
careers in competitive job markets. At
the very start of a student’s academic
journey, when insecurities abound,
Anya recognises the importance of
student/tutor dialogue and provides
tailored feedback. This has led to work
on how students perceive formative
assessment in relation to their own
academic development. Anya’s love
of teaching started in a research
intensive institute as a demonstrator
for large laboratory classes. After a
short spell teaching at further education
(FE) level, she progressed to HE and
continues to lead modules at all levels
of the undergraduate and foundation
degree programmes. While her current
role embraces other
administrative roles,
she actively retains
teaching commitments
and continues to
learn from her team of
colleagues and from
students, helping to
assess the impact of
institutional strategies
on the student
experience. Through
sector and industry
links, Anya is now
developing a specific
skills programme for taught Masters
students that recognises the need
for leadership and project planning
and is leading to some exciting new
assessments using live projects in
conjunction with industry and the
land-based sector. This, together with
her experience of curriculum design
and quality assurance, is helping
to shape a new multidisciplinary
approach to land-based courses. Anya
studied Botany at Durham University,
studied her Masters at the University
of Reading and completed a PhD in
Plant Pathology at Imperial College in
London.
A partner of the University of
Essex, Writtle College is a specialist
provider of Higher Education and
Further Education courses covering
Horticulture, Design, Equine & Animal
Management, Sport, Agriculture and
Conservation. Founded in 1893 the
College has trained generations of
graduates who have made significant
contributions to enhancing the
environment and landscape. Today,
the College combines its heritage
with a cutting edge training approach
to prepare its students for the future
challenges in the specialist areas in
which it operates.
BFA FLORIST issue 10
37
COLLEGE CORNER
NPTC Group’s Floristry department’s
blooming at RHS Chelsea Medal delight
Students and staff from NPTC Group’s
Floristry department have been
celebrating success recently after
winning a number of Gold and Silver
Medals at the Royal Horticultural
Society’s 2014 Chelsea Florist of the
Year Show.
Both budding florist, Sara Lewis, and
her NPTC Group’s Floristry lecturer,
Sharon Dower, came home with
The design saw her cover an obelisk
with a rubus leaf to create the look of
marble along with the proteas flower,
a bloom that was close to her heart
as she has previously lived in South
Africa.
“I am over the moon, I was on a
high for a week,” she said.
“It’s the first time I have entered the
Chelsea Flower Show and it’s the first
Silver medals for their adaptations of
a fantasy ‘Floral Dress for a Crystalthemed Ball’ in the Florist of the Year
Category.
On top of this, recently qualified
Level 3 Floristry student, Barbara
Cummings, who only returned to
education last year in order to fulfil a
lifelong ambition of becoming a florist,
walked away with a Gold medal in
the Sculpture in the Garden category
for her arrangement entitled ‘Flower
Tower’.
time I have had Gold.’’
Current student Sara’s design was
a mass of pink, purple and mauve
hydrangeas massed together and
arranged in test-tubes hidden under
the dress frame which was made with
sculptured willow. The bodice was
preserved Stachys leaves individually
glued on to form a wearable
dress. The top part represented a cape
or wings covered in gorgeous Vanda
orchids.
Floristry tutor Sharon’s was inspired
by the Tudor royalty who wore
elaborate collars around their neck,
with dresses having tight fitting bodices
and flowing full skirts. Creating a
willow frame to hold the shape of the
skirt took weeks of preparation, which
was overlaid with canes holding a
host of subtle coloured carnations. The
bodice contained hundreds of
preserved pussy willow heads,
preserved protea stamens, dried silver
leaves and elaborately lattice-cut
Aspidistra leaves.
Sharon also went on to win a
Silver medal in the Flower Arranging
competition. This competition was
judged by NAFAS/RHS judges. The
design entitled ‘Tangled’ incorporated
contorted and twisted vines, flowers
and branches to create a lost and
overgrown garden.
Sharon said:
‘’I am delighted with both my Silver
medals but also being able to see
my students go on to achieve such
outstanding success in this recognised
and famous competition.’’
NPTC Group offers a range of
creative full- and part-time Horticulture
and Floristry courses.
For more information, please visit our
website www.nptcgroup.ac.uk or call
tel: 01639 648000.
Bloomin’ Marvellous!
Two years ago, students Nikki and
Jo had just begun the final stage of
their WAES floristry course. Now their
business is flourishing!
Nikki and Jo met on a beginners’
floristry course in Pimlico back in
2012. Nikki, an IT manager working
for the civil service at the time, was
looking to pursue a new hobby and
she knew that her local adult college,
Westminster Adult Education Service,
offered a good range of courses.
An outlet for creativity
On the course Nikki met Jo – also
a civil servant. “I’ve always been
creative... I knew next to nothing about
flowers but the course became an
outlet for my creativity.” On finishing
the course the twosome decided to
38 BFA FLORIST issue 10
practise their newly-learned trade.
They secured a market trading licence
in April 2013 and opened their
Daisy Chain Flowers market stall on
Chatsworth Road, a thriving East
London Sunday market. “For the first
couple of weeks we were up until the
early hours preparing bouquets and
other pieces... Fortunately we learned
to be much quicker and now the jobs
take only five minutes so we can make
them up on the stall to our customers’
specific requests.”
The business has gone from strength
to strength and trade has expanded to
include bespoke wedding, funeral and
celebratory floral arrangements.
“...just do it, just keep saying yes!”
Daisy Chain Flowers already
provides a number of local businesses
with floral designs and now seeks
to expand further with the prospect
of attractive contracts in the future.
Speaking of their WAES tuition,
Jo remarks, “The advice and
encouragement on the course was
great – the tips were from a practising
florist and she told us: “just do it, just
keep saying yes!”.
Enrol now on a WAES floristry
course in September 2014 - visit
www.waes.ac.uk or call 020 7297
7297
WANT TO GET QUALIFIED
IN A JOB YOU LOVE?
PART-TIME LEVEL 2 AND 3 FLORISTRY COURSES
Level 2
This is an ideal course for people who are interested in developing basic floristry
skills, exploring creative ideas and producing inspirational floral designs.
Level 3
This is an ideal course for people who are interested in extending their floristry
skills to an advanced level, exploring creative ideas, critically evaluating displays
and producing inspirational floral designs which could lead on to further study or
employment.
For more information visit
www.wakefield.ac.uk/study-with-us and search for Floristry,
or call Course Information on 01924 789111
BFA FLORIST issue 10
39
SUNDRIES
FLORIST SUNDRIES ONLINE
Essential Florist Sundries & Florist Supplies On One Site!
Based in the Midlands and with over 20 years experience within
the florist wholesale trade; we at Florist Sundries Online aim to
provide a second to none service to you the consumer.
To see our full range visit us online at
www.floristsundriesonline.co.uk
02476 393778 - enquiries@floristsundriesonline.co.uk
Family run firm Trevor Green floral sundries are located in the North
East of England with 37 years of experience in sales and customer
care. For more information, and to view our product lines, please visit
our website at www.Floralsundries.com
Email enquiries- Kristina@trevorgreen.co.uk
Trevor Green Floral Sundries
33 Sedling Rd, Wear Industrial Estate, Washington, Tyne&Wear NE38 9BZ
T: 0191 4173407 F: 0191 4155983
www.floralsundries.com
40 BFA FLORIST issue 10
All you need
in one place!
What are you looking for from a floral sundries supplier? At Opiflor UK
we have a comprehensive range of great products at competitive prices
to suit all your needs – exciting new seasonal items, unique solutions
for that special occasion, attractive containers in all shapes, sizes
and colours, exquisite artificial flowers, traditional and contemporary
decorations. Plus, we can supply all your routine stock items like floral
foam, ribbon, wire, paper etc.. If you need something for your business,
the chances are that we have it! So no need to trudge round lots of
suppliers, just log on to our webshop at www.opiflor.co.uk.
Using our webshop is
quick and convenient.
You can browse the full
range of our fabulous
catalogue, check
product availability,
create wish lists and
place your orders. We
aim to deliver to your
door within 3 to 4
working days. It couldn’t
be easier!
Our Autumn and
Winter 2014 range
will be available from
August and brings you a
feast of inspiring ideas
for stunning seasonal
designs and decorations.
Why not get ahead of
the game and check
them out online. If you
aren’t already an online
customer, you’ll find a
short registration form
on our website. Just
complete, send and we’ll
quickly have you up and
running .
Opiflor UK – shopping
made simple!
www.opiflor.co.uk
BFA FLORIST issue 10
41
BUSINESS CORNER
NEW BFA member’s benefit
Running a business these days is not only about making a profit on sales but also about minimising expenses, and
guarding against unplanned costs such as Employment Tribunals and fines! Staffing is an area where unexpected costs
can occur only too easily; BFA membership now gives you the opportunity to minimising this happening to you.
Being able to prove that you have done what the law requires is the first part of protecting your business, and this
usually means more paperwork. This new member’s benefit does not, and yet it protects your business in a very cost
effective manner.
Answer yourself these questions to illustrate whether this new service could benefit you:• If you were required to produce a copy of your current employee’s contract of employment and handbook, could you? Would it be up to date?
• If you had an employee causing problems who left, or was dismissed, could you prove you had complied with your legal obligations, even if they allege some form of discrimination such as disability, sex or even race?
• Are you aware of your duties and obligations regarding Workplace Pensions;
- Are you ready to introduce Workplace Pensions into your business?
- Do you have the re-quired proof you have assessed your staff and have issued (or are ready to issue)
the statutory letters?
Did you know that under
legislation introduced since
2009 not being able to prove
that you have complied with the
law can lead to Employment
Tribunals, fines and costs of
many thousands of pounds?
The number of Employment
Tribunals are down but the cost
of not being able to prove you
have complied with the law is
up!
The BFA has increased
their link with HR4UK to
provide a FREE analysis of
your exposure in this area
of your business and to help
you on the introduction of
Workplace Pensions. It is
possible that HR4UK can
even save you money, issue
them the challenge to do so
and as-sess the results! Unlike
other organisations HR4UK
do not tie employers into long
term sub-scription schemes,
42 BFA FLORIST issue 10
you never contract with them
for more than one month at a
time. Using the Internet their
fees are also very reasonable,
for instance if you wanted a
Workplace Pension scheme set
up it is currently on special offer
to members at just £27.50 plus
vat!
We strongly suggest that you
do an analysis of your business
NOW, it will only take about
10 minutes. You can either
do this on line at https://
www.surveymonkey.com/s/
Y783STN or contact Maria of
HR4UK during normal working
hours on her direct number of
01455 630700 or use her
e-mail maria.buckle@hr4uk.com
Participating in this exercise
will not only help you but also
other BFA members as an anonymous summary of what has
been found will be published in
a future edition.
BFA NEW services to
members through HR4UK
Do you have an employee problem and not
know where to get advice?
Do you know Workplace Pensions are coming
in but are not sure of your risk or liabilities?
Have you just received a call from ACAS saying
that an employee (or ex-employee) is claiming
against you, do you want to pay up or risk an
Employment Tribunal claim?
Do you know you should update you contracts
of employment and handbook to protect your
business but not be sure of how to do this
quickly and cheaply?
Obtain 10 minutes advice FREE from HR4UK on
01455 444222.
BFA members may use HR4UK’s subscription
services at a 15% discount.
Funeral & Sympathy Tributes
As florists we are able to provide a service for the bereaved that currently
no-one else can match. In order to maintain this niche market and ensure that
funeral and sympathy tributes continue to be designed and created by bespoke
florists, it is imperative that we showcase our talents. Take a look at your current
selection guide for funeral and sympathy tributes. Is it a mixture of well worn
pages and mixed photographs of your work or is it the standard brochure or
guide that is provided by a relay organisation? If you answer yes to either or
both of these, then maybe it is time to have a rethink.
Obviously images created by
professionals for relay organisations
do look pretty amazing and we’re not
suggesting for one moment that you
don’t continue to use these. What we
are suggesting though, is that you take
some pretty good shots of bespoke
work that you design. Your challenge
in this edition is to send in your pictures
of creative designs that you have
made in your shop - send them to pr@
britishfloristassociation.org and we will
print them.
When a bereaved client comes to you
they not only want to be given a service
that is sympathetic and helpful but also
perhaps want to have suggestions as
to what can be created for their loved
ones.
Think of funerals in the same way as
you would a wedding and it becomes
an opportunity to showcase your talents.
I know some people will consider this to
be unpleasant but funerals need to give
you a good income just as much as a
wedding does.
So first and foremost, make sure your
customer is comfortable. Perhaps you
have a seating area where they can
ponder over the designs or discuss their
requirements with you without having
to contend with other customers. If
you haven’t perhaps you could make
a space at the sales counter that is a
little more private and maybe have a
stool or chair for the customer to sit on.
Sometimes and no-one likes to see it or
admit it, the customer can be or become
very upset, make sure you have a box
of tissues at the ready to offer them and
then discreetly disappear and let them
know you’ll be back when they’ve had
a look through the brochure. If your
customer wants to tell you all about the
loss, then you will have to listen carefully
and make sure that you offer suggestions
as to what tribute may be best for them.
It is a very delicate subject but a real
one and one that staff must be trained
on properly. A customer expects good
service from you always but when they
are bereaved then you need to go the
extra mile to make sure they feel cared
for.
BFA FLORIST issue 10
43
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