Interview With The Boss

   How long have you been operating as a florist?

I am what some would describe as a second generation florist! I spent many a cold Saturday morning at my parents flower shop in Birmingham and my love of floristry came in my early twenties when I decided to 'have a go' and found that I had a natural flair. That was back in 2000 and I haven't looked back since.

·       Have you won any awards?

My career really took off when I won the Smithers Oasis Academy Competition and then the Up and Coming Young Designer of the Year Competition. Since then, I have been fortunate enough to go on to work with the Interflora Team to win Gold medals at Chelsea Flower Show and Tatton Park Flower Show.

·       How many members of staff work with you?

We have a great team at the shop. There are a total of seven florists, including my parents, who I don't think will ever want to retire as they have been passionate about the industry for over 40 years!

·       How has working with Interflora and Mark Wright been?

The first thing that struck me about Mark is how relaxed and friendly he was. It has been a great experience gaining an insight into the world of television. I would love to have more involvement in the styling of floral arrangements for film and television. Randomly, the day after filming with Mark Wright, we had Alison Hammond in the shop (also on Strictly Come Dancing) collecting some Interflora Flowers from our Birmingham store.

·       Do you love giving/receiving flowers?

I love to give flowers and the most rewarding job I have ever done was to create my own wedding flowers and see my wife's reaction on our wedding day. I would love to receive flowers but nobody has ever made me any fresh flowers -  I do receive paper ones from my children occasionally!

·       Any other background information on yourself such as floristry qualifications, competitions entered, and achievements.

ICSF and a NDSF and various wedding training courses.

Many Thanks 

Steve