Following our AGM yesterday, we are delighted to welcome three new Directors to the British Florist Association Board. Each brings a wealth of experience, fresh insight and a deep commitment to supporting the floristry industry. Together, they strengthen the Board’s collective skills, representation and capacity, ensuring we can continue championing florists across the UK with even greater impact.
We are also pleased to confirm that John Davidson, who has served as Interim Chair since June, has now been formally elected as Chair of the BFA. In addition, Jo Biddle, a long-standing and highly valued Board Director, has been elected as Vice Chair. We extend our sincere gratitude to both for stepping into these leadership roles and for their ongoing dedication to the Association and the wider industry.
Below, we’re proud to introduce our three new Directors.
Jamie Grant
Jamie has spent more than three decades in floristry, beginning on his father’s flower stall and learning the trade the practical way. He now runs Gardenia of London in Wimbledon Village, where for over 26 years he has championed friendly, sustainable floristry that balances beauty with everyday practicality.
His extensive hands-on experience has shaped a grounded, modern outlook, and he is passionate about supporting florists at every stage, from market stalls and home studios to established shops. Jamie is committed to helping the community build business confidence, develop practical skills and access meaningful mentorship.
Sustainability sits at the heart of Jamie’s work at Gardenia, and he continues to advocate for greener, commercially sensible practices that benefit florists and their local communities.
Katrina Skybak Doyle
Katrina is the Founder and Creative Director of Cloud Hill Flowers, a leading studio wedding and event business known for its innovative floristry, meticulous planning and sustainability-focused approach. Her award-winning work includes twice securing BFA Wedding & Event Florist of the Year, alongside further industry recognitions across the UK.
She has worked closely with the BFA in recent years, creating installations for FleurEx, demonstrating at Hub Meetings and contributing to educational initiatives. Her commitment to skill development extends to ARU Writtle College, where she guest lectures, supports industry days and offers valuable work experience opportunities. She also mentors emerging florists and independent businesses wanting to grow with clarity and confidence.
With extensive experience in operations, strategy and business development, combined with her active role as a commercial wedding florist, Katrina brings a valuable blend of insight and industry perspective to the Board. She is dedicated to strengthening professional standards, fostering creativity and promoting collaboration within the floristry community. Her aim is to help build a dynamic, inclusive and forward-thinking BFA that continues to evolve in line with the needs of its members.
Rachel Kennedy
Rachel joins the BFA Board driven by her passion for strengthening the floristry industry through creativity, collaboration and education. As co-founder of Acacia Creative Studio, she creates large-scale installations, editorial work and festival designs across the UK, Europe, Africa and Asia, including RHS Chelsea Flower Show and the Best in Show installation at Fleurs de Villes, Kew.
Her practice centres on sustainable, foam-free floristry and story-led design, and she is committed to nurturing the next generation of floral creatives through mentoring and skills development. Through her role on the Board, Rachel aims to champion innovation, technical excellence and greater opportunities for creative and professional growth within the industry.
Looking Ahead
With Jamie, Katrina and Rachel joining the Board, and with John Davidson and Jo Biddle stepping into key leadership roles, we begin a new chapter strengthened by experience, creativity and a shared passion for the future of professional floristry.
We look forward to the year ahead and to the important contributions each will make to the Association’s continued growth and impact.
