In an exciting move The Florist Trade Magazine is partnering with Interflora to help launch the Interflora Floristry Trade Club (FTC), a new communication and resource hub for the whole industry being launched at the end of the month.
Open to anyone and everyone involved in the flower and plant industry, FTC will offer a dedicated, industry focussed information and support service to help florists – whatever their style, whatever stage of the journey they are at - build their career, skills and businesses as well as supporting the industry as a whole.
Whilst The Florist Trade Magazine will retain complete independence and editorial control, joining forces with other partners including Croner, Institute of Professional Florists (IOPF), Health Assured, The UK Floristry Judges Guild and British Retail Consortium (BRC) will enable it to help the new project offer everything a florist could need in terms of business, inspiration, support, advice and of course all the latest news from around the world.
And because FTC is open to everyone there are plenty of opportunities for all suppliers to get involved as well.
Speaking about the move Caroline Marshall – Foster, owner and editor of The Florist Trade Magazine said: “For 72 years The Florist Trade Magazine has been the eyes, ears and voice of the UK floricultural industry and is acknowledged around the world as a market leader. And, having just celebrated 55 years of my family owning it, I know there are still a zillion things we could do to help the industry I have grown up in and which faces both challenges and amazing opportunities.”
However, even working 24/7, there are limits on just how much I can do on my own! Joining forces with FTC will retain my independence and allow me to focus on the areas where I am strongest knowing that there are other people alongside me to cover all the other elements needed.
I’ve worked with Interflora since I started in the industry back in 1978, indeed my Mum was a member in the 50’s - way before she bought the magazine. The fact they are prepared to invest substantial amounts of money in creating a central portal that the whole industry can access is testament to their wish to create something that will benefit everyone ... not just Interflora members.”
A move that sits well with The Florist Trade Magazine ethos as Marshall-Foster explained. “As a magazine we have always worked with everyone and I have long dreamed of a body that would allow the industry to collaborate, not compete and work together for the common goal of strengthening the florist sector which is facing some of its toughest challenges. I am delighted that it has happened and that the magazine will be part of it.”
Speaking for Interflora, Nick Priest said “The seed of the idea for the Floristry Trade Club came from a desire to build a hub for the floristry industry which was open to everyone; a dedicated, florist focused information and support service which will help build careers, skills and businesses, whilst supporting our industry as a whole. We share Caroline’s passion for championing independent florists and tackling the big issues so having The Florist as part of the new Floristry Trade Club gives us a unique and incredibly established core at the very heart of the industry.”
FTC goes live at the end of September with a website packed to the gills with information and advice covering all the key areas that make being a florist easier and more successful. Look out for all the latest updates at theflorist.co.uk or to register for update emails click here.
