MP meets Angmering florist shortlisted for industry award

Arundel & South Downs MP Nick Herbert visited Angmering florist Ellen Ford at her shop The Enchanted Florist to congratulate her on being shortlisted for an industry award.

The Enchanted Florist has been nominated for ‘Florist Shop of the Year’ in this year’s British Florist Association awards, despite Ellen only opening her shop a year ago.  Ellen will be joining other nominees at a gala dinner and award ceremony on 27 October where the winners will be announced.

Ellen trained as a florist at Pulborough’s Brinsbury College and has worked both overseas and in the UK.  She set up her own business working from a home-based studio for three years before taking over the former newsagent’s premises.

Ellen welcomed the MP to her shop, located on Angmering High Street, and introduced him to her trainee Clare Calder, who is currently studying for a Level 4 NVQ in floristry. 

The floral industry provides over 29,000 jobs in the local economy and is an essential part of British high streets.  The British Florist Association has been established for 100 years and represents more than 8,000 florists.  Their annual awards celebrate the best in the industry across 10 categories.

Mr Herbert said: “It was a pleasure to meet Ellen and Clare and to hear more about the florist industry.  Ellen is representing West Sussex at the awards, as the only shop to be shortlisted from the county, and I hope she has a wonderful and successful evening.”  

ENDS

Notes  

1.       Photograph: Nick Herbert with Ellen Ford and Clare Calder outside The Enchanted Florist.

2.       For further information about the British Florist Association see www.bfaflorist.org.