British florists celebrated at FleurEx 2026

Flowers, fresh ideas, familiar faces and plenty to celebrate. FleurEx 2026 brought the industry together in Nottingham for two days of creativity, conversation and community.

On 3rd and 4th October, florists, growers, suppliers, educators, students and friends from across the industry gathered at the East Midlands Conference Centre for FleurEx 2026.

There was so much to see and enjoy, from inspiring demonstrations and hands-on workshops to new products, practical business advice and the chance to catch up with friends and colleagues. Some of the loveliest moments happened between the sessions – people exchanging ideas, sharing experiences and simply enjoying being together.

© British Florist Association

A weekend full of inspiration
Across the Main Stage, Flower Lab and Plant Lab, visitors enjoyed demonstrations, fresh techniques and creative approaches from talented florists and industry specialists. The exhibition brought together growers, wholesalers, suppliers and businesses for useful conversations about products, materials and ideas.

The Business Drop-Ins provided space for refreshingly honest discussions about running a floristry business. From profitability, weddings and marketing to sustainability and new materials, there was plenty to take away and put into practice.

Making a difference beyond the weekend
The BFA was delighted to work with COM:POST to give floral waste generated during FleurEx a useful next life. As Fiona and the COM:POST team have confirmed, the event’s collected floral waste will produce around half a tonne of compost, to be supplied to growers at the start of 2027.

It’s a practical example of how the industry can think differently about its materials. Thank you to everyone who helped support the collection throughout the weekend.

© British Florist AssociationCelebrating the 2026 Industry Awards winners
Saturday evening brought everyone together to recognise the people and businesses making a real contribution to British floristry. Congratulations to all twelve category winners.

Jamie Kelly of CAFRE was named Floristry Student of the Year, while Abigail McGuire of The Floristry School Sheffield took the title of Floristry Tutor of the Year. Coleg Cambria was recognised as Training Provider of the Year.

On the supply side, Miss Alstroemeria was crowned Grower of the Year, and Morgan Douglas Nuth won Service Provider of the Year. Westflor was named Sundries Supplier of the Year, Hoek Flowers took Flower Supplier of the Year, and Flower Grower Collective was honoured as Local Flower Wholesaler of the Year.

Two special awards recognised individuals who have gone above and beyond. Denise Cross of Bicton College received the Sustainability Award, and Viv Bradford of Mrs Bees Flower Company was presented with the Shining Star Award.

Finally, Lilys Flowers in Lightwater was named Wedding/Event Florist of the Year, and Helensburgh Flowers in Helensburgh won Retail Florist of the Year.

Celebrating exceptional floristry talent
FleurEx was also a chance to see exceptional competition floristry in action. Congratulations to everyone who took part, and especially to this year’s winners and runners-up.

In the UK Florist of the Year 2026 competition, Anja Norris took the top spot, followed by Helen Pannitt and Katie Haslam. Anja also won the People’s Choice Award.

In the UK Florist of the Year Newcomer category, Macy McMeekin was the winner, with Natasha Wright and Daiva Barzdeliene placing behind her.

The Sunday floristry competitions were also keenly contested. In Schedule 1, Grace Potter came first, followed by Amy Wilson and Sarah Murphy. Schedule 2 was won by Peter Bodnar, with Megan Deakin and Alexandra Bolton in the runner-up positions. In Schedule 3, Valerie Edgar took the win, with Tina Pound and Natalia Kutniakova close behind.