The 30 under 30 Awards, launched last year in memory of the wonderful Emma McDonald who tragically died at just 29, are now open.
Awarded to young florists who have demonstrated great achievement in their chosen career, the Awards are the only ones to focus on the new generation of talent in our industry and designed to encourage belief in their own abilities and provide encouragement to go further.
The Awards, sponsored by The Florist Trade Magazine and Good Florist Guide, of which Emma was a member, will be co-ordinated by GFG member Stephanie Harris, who runs The Rose Garden in Great Dunmow and Great Bardfield together with Emma’s sister Oonagh Staerck, who recently took over the day to day running of Good Florist Guide.
In 2021, 11 young florists - see our gallery below for some of the winners - were awarded prizes that reflected the unusual times facing the industry.
This year – and to open the scope for even more young florists to be nominated – the GFG Advisory Panel have decided to create three specific categories as well as the all-important ‘One to Watch’ category which will be selected from all the nominees.
Commenting on the Awards Stephanie said: “It was a delight to be involved in the first 30 under 30 Awards. Our profession touches every part of human life and we must never underestimate or lose sight of the important role florists have to play. However it is also vital that we recognise and encourage the next generation of florists and make them realise how important THEY are to the future of our profession. I am thrilled and honoured to be taking a lead role in the 2022 Awards and can’t wait to see the nominations.”
Above: Emma McDonald
For Oonagh the Awards are a poignant but heartfelt reminder of her sister who had built a multi-award winning floristry business and had big plans for her own future.
“Emma believed that 30 was a magical number and an age to have achieved things by. She was well loved within the floristry community, not only for her work but because she championed others and encouraged them to push themselves further; to feel confident in their service and value. I know that she would feel incredibly proud to be associated with an award that celebrates and uplifts successful young people in the industry.”
Because not only will all nominees appear in our special 30 under 30 Hall of Fame and receive a certificate but all finalists will be invited as the guests of Good Florist Guide to attend the Awards Dinner and Conference in October where the winners will be announced at the glamourous Tux and Tiaras Dinner.
Caroline Marshall-Foster explained why tickets with a value of over £200 each were part of the prize. “It is vital to encourage the next generation of florists – something we have always done since the Florist Magazine was founded in 1949. Without a constant stream of new, vibrant talent, the independent florist sector will wither and die and that must never happen. To include the finalists as our special guests is our way of both appreciating and encouraging them.
There are three categories you can nominate a young florist for
1: Young Business Owner of the Year
2: Young Employee of the Year
3: Trainee – nominators within this category should be the nominee’s employer or tutor
The 4th Award – the prestigious ‘One to Watch’ will be chosen from all the nominees by the GFG advisory panel.
To find out all the information and start nominating someone you feel is a winner click here.
Our 2021 winners
Sadly not everyone could attend but we've included everyone we could!
