Written by Alastair Owen
November 21, 2013
New Covent Garden Flower Market is the mecca for top independent florists and the Florist of the Year award recognises the creativity, skill and expertise of this dedicated army of professional florists, whose exquisite work lights up homes, hotels, restaurants, venues, weddings, parties and our lives every day.
Our expert Flower Market Awards panel deliberated for hours over all the wonderful entries to the category of Florist of the Year 2013. In the end, the shortlist had to be extended to four in this category, as two simply could not be separated on point score. Tasked with selecting the shortlist were our Judges:
- Caroline Marshall-Foster, The Florist magazine
- Rona Wheeldon, Flowerona
- Barry Porter, Porters Foliage
- Helen Evans, Covent Garden Market Authority
Our four shortlisted companies for Florist of the Year 2013 are:
Wildabout Flowers
From their exquisite flower shops in Twickenham and Clerkenwell, Wildabout Flowers consistently wow customers with their arresting window displays, spectacular events and beautiful bouquets. They increased online sales by 74% for nationwide delivery over the past 12 months and have taken on additional storage space due to the expansion of their event and wedding business.
Mary Jane Vaughan
True Flower Market favourites, Mary Jane and her team make full use of their proximity to New Covent Garden to source materials for some of the most prestigious and beautiful events in the capital from the premiere of The Best Exotic Hotel to creating a Harry Potter feast scene.
Simon J Lycett
Arguably the media face of floristry, Simon Lycett is at the top of his game. Renowned for his spectacular event floristry, theatrical floral demonstrations and for championing the expertise of the professional florist, Simon is a passionate devotee of the Flower Market.
NB Flowers
Much admired in the industry for his impeccable floristry, Neil Birks has developed a successful and expanding event business from his workshop in the Arches, recently winning prestigious contracts for The Mandarin Oriental Hotel and One Hyde Park.
AND THE WINNER OF 'FLORIST OF THE YEAR 2013' IS.........
SIMON J LYCETT
Here's what our judges had to say about Simon J Lycett's entry:
"Of the many excellent entries for the Flower Market Award for Florist of the Year 2013, one submission had the edge: Simon J Lycett. Well-written and illustrated with stunning photographs of great floristry, Simon's entry demonstrated his passion for flowers, floristry and the Flower Market alongside great entrepreneurial drive and resilience."
Go here to read a full profile of Simon J Lycett ›
Congratulations to our winner and shortlistees, and thank you to everyone who entered!
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