industry news Floristry students get crafty!


The Covent Garden Flower Market College Day in November last year attracted more than 430 floristry students from across the UK. The event, held in association with the British Florist Association (BFA), included RHS Chelsea Florist & Young Chelsea Florist of the Year Competitions, Floral Workshops and Demonstrations, Bookshops and the opportunity for students to design their own floral creations. Braced with a £35 budget, each team of young students had two and a half hours to select and barter for materials to create their design.


Prizes were awarded at two levels of entry and winners took home £150 worth of Covent Garden vouchers. The event was sponsored and attended by European Connoisseurs Travel, a tour group operator which specialises in customized trips to floral events and shows, both nationally and internationally. Theresa McDermott, CEO of ECT Travel commented on the sponsorship: “It is inspiring to be involved with so many enthusiastic, young newcomers to the industry.” For more information call 0800 298 0588, email fiona@ecttravel.com or visit www.ecttravel.com


John Stone scoops


Worker of the Year Dickies is proud to announce that John Stone, a fire protection engineer from Westerham, has been crowned as the inaugural UK Worker of the Year, 2010. The workwear specialist launched the initiative to recognise excellence in the British work force in April. At a gala awards ceremony in October, John Stone was honoured for his work in helping save lives as a fire protection engineer in Kent. Runner up was mobile vehicle body repair specialist, Andy Rose from Reading. Hundreds of entries were whittled down to a shortlist of nine, who then met at Pinewood studios for face-to-face interviews with the panel of judges. A delighted John Stone said, “I’m absolutely amazed. To win something like this is more than I could ever have dreamt of, but having spent a day with the other finalists I know they are all no less deserving of recognition for the work that they do. ” John selected a brand new Renault Grand Scenic as his prize, whilst runner-up Andy Rose received a specially commissioned trophy as well as £2000 in holiday vouchers. For more information call 01753 650004 and 07973 159070, email gary@chicanemarketing.co.uk, or visit www.ukworkeroftheyear.com


New UK sales director for Scotts


Jeff Kwiatkowski has been appointed as the consumer products group UK sales director for The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company. He brings his nine years of experience with Scotts Miracle- Gro in the USA to the UK marketplace and comments, “As the global consumer products leader in gardening, we will continue to focus on delivering superior and innovative products that make garden easier and more enjoyable for our consumers. By focusing on core principles of powerful brands, advertising, innovation and service, Scotts remains dedicated to supporting the growth of our UK retailers.”


For more information call 01483 410334, email jane.hartley@scotts.com or visit www.lovethegarden.com


The Heather Society


launches new award The Heather Society has awarded the first of its new accolade, the Premier Award, to the Erica x darleyensis ‘Lucie’, a Darley Dale heath. The innovative award is granted to a new heather cultivar showing outstanding attributes for general garden planting. Each plant is judged on flower colour, size and longevity, habit,


suitability for a wide range of soil types, hardiness and versatility in the garden. Erica x darleyensis ‘Lucie’ has beautiful, large, glowing magenta flowers from late autumn to spring. The blossoms are set against dark green foliage. ‘Lucie’ is vigorous and resistant to disease. It is protected by plant breeders’ rights and is marketed by the French company SAPHO under the trademark WINTERBELLES. For more information email theheathersociety@phonecoop.coop


Garden & Hardware News 5


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