Interflora’s prestigious Florist of the Year competition opened late last year, with photographic heats running from November 2021 – January 2022. Those heats have now been judged and we’re delighted to announce the names of our ten super-talented semi-finalists.
• Charlotte Davies, Hilary’s Floral Design, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire
• Helen Pannitt, Helen James Flowers, Harrogate, Yorkshire
• Rebecca Hough, Rebecca Hough Floral Design, Peterlee, Durham
• Caroline Crabb, Fleurtations, Bodmin, Cornwall
• Elizabeth Newcombe, The Botanical Company, Bramley, Surrey
• Dean Sharpe, Dean Sharpe’s Floral Studio, Stafford, Staffordshire
• Tracey Griffin, Sandra’s Florist, Southampton, Hampshire
• Hannah Beckley, Level 4 student at Moreton Morrell College, Worcestershire
• Victoria Clemson, Rotherhithe, London
• Jill Winton, Plantology, Sheffield
This has been the first time ever that the Florist of the Year competition was open to all florists in the UK and Ireland, not just Interflora members. And in another first, the winner of Florist of the Year will represent the UK and Ireland at the Interflora World Cup in 2023, to be held in the UK for the first time in the competition’s history.
For now though these ten top-scoring competitors have to get through the next stages. First a live semi-final on 24th April in the glorious surroundings of RHS Bridgewater in Manchester from which the final five will return to Bridgewater on 3rd July to see who is crowned the ultimate UK champion.
Speaking on behalf the UK Floristry Judges Guild and the people responsible for choosing the finalists and winners, Chairperson Sarah Hills-Ingyon, said “I would like to personally congratulate each and every entrant. Competing is not all about winning but is also about participating, gaining experience, and challenging oneself. Experience gained from entering the Interflora heats is invaluable and will help competitors further develop new skills and techniques”.
