PULSE Newsletter Issue 13

This week, we celebrate the people, events and initiatives helping to shape the UK floristry industry. From a well-deserved award nomination for a florist dedicated to inspiring the next generation, to 50 years of the Harrogate Autumn Flower Show and easier access to British-grown blooms, there’s plenty to catch up on.

A Lincolnshire florist with four decades of experience is being recognised for her dedication to sharing her knowledge and inspiring the next generation of florists. Viv Bradford, who runs Mrs Bee's Flower Company from her home in Stamford, Lincolnshire, has been shortlisted for the inaugural British Florist Association Shining Star Award, recognising her extraordinary contribution to floristry education and mentoring over a 40-year career.

The self-described "floristry geek" (a nickname she's embraced) had to be persuaded to enter the awards by her grandaughter but is now delighted with the recognition from her industry peers. She is even cutting short her first holiday in 16 years to attend the awards ceremony in Nottingham on 3rd October.

Her clients have included actress Helena Bonham Carter, football manager Alex Ferguson, and she has overseen the floral decorations for a royal visit to Stamford Town Hall. But it is her work mentoring the next generation, including her Floristry Geek group on Facebook, which has 3,000 members, that earned her the nomination. "It's about what I've done for my industry to move it forward," she said, "and that's why it's a really special one to me."

Whatever the result on the night, Viv’s nomination is a fitting recognition of a career spent not only creating beautiful floristry, but sharing her knowledge, encouraging others and helping the next generation of florists to flourish.

The Harrogate Autumn Flower Show wrapped up its 50th anniversary celebrations at Newby Hall & Gardens, Ripon last weekend (18–20 September) and by all accounts, this was the show's most spectacular edition yet.

First staged in 1976, the show marked five decades with an extraordinary installation: renowned floral designer Jonathan Moseley created Grain & Grandeur: The Harvest Ball inside Newby Hall, a spectacular harvest-inspired gown built entirely from seasonal materials, celebrating the abundance and vibrant colours of Autumn. Meanwhile, leading florist Sarah Richardson of Leafy Couture brought her signature creative touch to the brand-new Secret Garden live stage, exploring retro-inspired flower arranging in honour of the show's 1970s origins.

The competitive classes were equally impressive: the giant vegetable competitions attracted record entries, and the Grand Floral Pavilion saw a record number of premier golds awarded in the traditional display classes. The show, organised by the North of England Horticultural Society, continues to be one of the most important events in the northern horticultural calendar.

For florists who couldn't make it, the inspiration from this year's Harrogate show: lush Dahlias, Chrysanthemums, late-season Asters, and foliage at absolute peak — translates directly into what your customers want to see in arrangements and bouquets right now.

A significant development for florists who want to source more British-grown product: Stem Union, a grower-led wholesale hub founded by three South Cambridgeshire growers, launched a weekly collection point at New Covent Garden Flower Market in late April 2026 — and it represents a genuine step-change in access to English-grown flowers for London florists.

The model: florists order online between Sunday and Tuesday, flowers are cut fresh on Wednesday morning, and are available for collection from the Nine Elms market from 4am every Thursday, within 24 hours of harvest. Currently representing 16 growers from Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, Essex and Suffolk, the hub offers everything from unusual foliage from micro-specialists to larger-scale flower varieties.

"London florists are desperate for more English-grown flowers, but access has always been the problem," said co-founder Cissy Bullock. "This model removes a major barrier by bringing dozens of small growers together and giving florists a single, reliable place to collect their orders."

This is part of a wider movement: according to Floral Daily, there are now 16 grower-led wholesale hubs operating UK-wide, with more set to open before the end of 2026. The model is gaining traction because it allows even the smallest producers to participate in wholesale supply and gives florists access to genuinely seasonal, locally grown material.

27 September 2026 – National Federation of Young Farmers' Clubs National Final — Floral Art

3 October 2026 – BFA Industry Awards Ceremony & Gala Dinner, Nottingham (FleurEx 2026)

October 2026 – FleurEx 2026 BFA's flagship event for retail florists and students

FleurEx 2026 — BFA (https://britishfloristassociation.org/fleurex)

Viv Bradford / Mrs Bee's — LincsOnline (https://www.lincsonline.co.uk/stamford/news/self-proclaimed-floristry-geek-with-clients-including-actres-9479806/)

Harrogate Autumn Flower Show 50th — Harrogate News (https://www.harrogate-news.co.uk/2026/09/19/harrogate-autumn-flower-show-50th-anniversary-newby-hall/)

Harrogate Autumn Flower Show photos — Harrogate Advertiser (https://www.harrogateadvertiser.co.uk/whats-on/things-to-do/15-photos-from-a-blooming-brilliant-first-day-as-harrogate-autumn-flower-show-celebrates-its-50th-anniversary-9091532)

Stem Union at New Covent Garden — Floral Daily (https://www.floraldaily.com/article/9833142/collection-hub-for-british-grown-flowers-opens-at-new-covent-garden-flower-market/)