The awards celebrate excellence from all areas of the floristry community in the UK, including students, tutors, growers, suppliers, training providers, wholesalers and professional florists. 

It includes celebrating the highest achievers in the Level 4 Higher Diploma in Floristry and Level 5 Master Diploma in Professional Floristry courses.

There are four awards for students, recognising highest theory and practical marks at both levels, with students from Moreton Morrell College being crowned in all four categories.

Tutor Jane Benefield said: “I’m super proud of all four of these students. They are consistently pushing boundaries and striving to improve, which is reflected in winning these awards.

“These awards reflect the commitment and creativity of their work. We are proud to be able to support these four incredible florists in their journeys.”

Hannah Beckley, from Evesham, was also a finalist for UK Florist of the Year on the evening. She won the prize for highest practical exam marks in the Level 5 course.

Hannah, who studied with the college from Level 2 through to Level 5, said: “I was really shy when I first started out at a college at 16. I’ve grown a lot as a person during that time and this award was a lovely surprise to end those seven years.

“I’m working full-time now at The Nursery Shop in Redditch and that experience coupled with what I have learned in competitions stood me in good stead for the practical exams.”

Alexandra Bolton, who lives in Worcestershire, first started in floristry as a 16-year-old apprentice, before changing careers at the age of 21 to work in the fitness industry.

She decided to return to floristry in 2017 and set up her own business Beautiful Blooms, which specialises in wedding and event floristry. This led to her returning to college in 2020 and four years on winning the award for highest theory exam marks at Level 5.

“I’m thrilled to achieve this award because I love the theory side of floristry. I’m trying to expand my business and hope that winning this will give me a little bit of a boost,” said Alexandra

“I came back to floristry because it’s my real passion. I’ve really enjoyed my time at college, Jane is an incredible teacher, she has inspired me to achieve by best and always gave me the confidence that I could do great things.”

Surrey’s Catey Burn came the college later in her development after already completed a Level 3 apprenticeship. She was awarded with the highest practical marks in the Level 4 course, and has returned to Moreton Morrell College to study for the Level 5 Master Diploma.

Catey added: “I first came to the college when I was competing in WorldSkills and after speaking to the tutors here I knew it was the perfect place to continue my development.

“I think my experience in competitions helped in the practical exams, as they run very much like a floristry competition. I’m going to continue developing my skills, both in work and at the college, over this next year. It’s an environment where we are always encouraged to push ourselves and try new things.”

Jane Sked-Connop, an adult learner from Warwickshire, received the highest marks in theory examinations for Level 4.

She was formerly a fashion designer and colour expert who worked in Hong Kong as a consultant to the Chinese fashion market.

“I was looking for something different for a new career and came into floristry from appreciating nature. I joined up with Moreton Morrell College for Level 2 and have now progressed all the way to Level 5,” she said.

“I run a creative design consultancy and have been using floristry as part of our offer to clients. I’m really proud of have won this award, particularly as a mature learner, and I’m hoping to take my skills into an education role in the future.” 

To find out more about floristry courses at WCG visit www.wcg.ac.uk/study