In 2023 the board structure was updated to further to represent the modern industry. We hope to engage potential future directors and members involvement. Here you will find the current positions held and any new opportunities. We aim to be transparent about how you can be a part of your association.
What is the BFA and a Trade association all about?
Every Industry needs an official Trade Association which provides a voice for a particular work sector. It gives us a status as an industry and means that government will consider our input as a group. By working together with members, the association ensures that their trade is well represented and at its strongest. Trade associations play a crucial role in promoting best practice, and helping companies to become more competitive. They have a duty to ensure that training and qualifications for their sector are both current and appropriate. We want to help, share ideas and resources, organise meaningful events, provide benefits, create connections, build our profile together and show everyone that flowers and plants are essential as part of our life.
British Florist Association Mission Statement
The British Florist Trade Association is committed to nurturing the growth of the floral industry, fostering collaboration, and enhancing unity. We strive to undertake initiatives that elevate the entire sector, uniting professionals with a resounding voice. Our unwavering commitment to Honesty, Trust, Integrity, and Passion remains the cornerstone of our mission, guiding us as we cultivate a thriving and interconnected floral community.
The Structure
This structure involves the whole industry by giving each sector a voice. The board is made up of its members.
How do the BFA operate?
The board meet once or twice per year in person and monthly virtual meetings. We discuss actions and how to help our members who consist of Florist business members, Corporate members, College members and IPF members.
Claire Currie works for membership and she monitors, rings members and checks everything is up to date. Julie Collins is working on sustainability news for the BFA.
Currently our manager Tracy, and Claire are paid members of staff 4 days a week. Nina, our magazine editor is paid per issue and Kate works for the BFA around one/two days a week on a freelance basis covering the Communications officer role.
All other Directors work as volunteers and everyone put in voluntary hours. Directors are paid for the board meeting days they attend as well as our BFA conference days, unless their business covers the days they are away from the work because they are helping to further the industry. All Directors help in various areas but we all have differing skill sets and specific roles. Everyone works remotely.
BFA current directors
Board Contacts:
- Chair: Nikki Meader Nikki@britishfloristassociation.org
- Vice Chair/ Communications Director: Kate Whelan Kate@britishfloristassociation.org
- Training and Education Director: Joanne Biddle Jo@britishfloristassociation.org
- Institute of Professional Florists Director: Rebecca Hough Rebecca@britishfloristassociation.org
- Commercial Operations Director: John Davidson John@britishfloristassociation.org
- Services Director: Wendy Rea Wendy@britishfloristassociation.org
- Retail Director: Donna Cornish Donna@britishfloristassociation.org
- Wholesale/International Trade Director: Andy Porras Andy@britishfloristassociation.org
The Team
Team Contacts
- Tracy Tomlinson: Manager@britishfloristassociation.org
- Claire Currie: Membership@britishfloristassociation.org
- Charlotte Baker: Competitions@britishfloristassociation.org
- Emma Alexander: Editor@britishfloristassociation.org
A Brief background of current directors
Nikki: Association Chair is a champion of the retail high street florists, having owned her own shop for many years.
Kate: Vice Chair and Communications Director specialises in weddings and events, is a master florist, qualified teacher and a UKFJG judge. Kate freelances and runs workshops around the Northwest area.
Rebecca: Institute of Professional Florists Director is a master florist and qualified lecturer with a successful background in competition work including winning RHS Chelsea Florist of the Year. Rebecca develops industry qualifications and Standards, teaches on the Level 5 Master Diploma programme and is responsible for overseeing the quality and delivery of the Apprenticeship Standards and Level 4 Higher Diploma programme. Rebecca works as a tutor at East Durham college.
Joanne: Training and Education Director is an English Master Florist and qualified teacher and has taught Floristry related subjects for over 20 years, during which time she owned a successful floristry retail business in Lincolnshire for 10 years. She has helped to develop the new Level 2 Apprenticeship Florist Standard and completed her European Masters qualification in Floristry. Jo teaches on the Level 5 Master Diploma programme and oversees and verifies the apprenticeship programmes.
John: Commercial Operations Director, has a background in finance and investment banking before he joined the Tom Brown wholesale team. Johns family have a long history in the floral industry from florists to wholesalers, ideally placing him in a unique position to represent the UK floral community.
Wendy: Services Director has owned her own retail shops with multiple locations, been involved in the industry for many years and now focuses on services geared to assist florists with sales.
Donna: Retail Director, owns her own successful shop in Cornwall and has current experience in running a retail business. She is ideally suited to understand the modern florist needs.
Andy: Wholesale and International trade Director, Brings us experience from the Colombian flower trade. With a background in Consultancy and the family flower trade business, Andy is aware of the challenges around exportation, importation and distribution of flowers around the UK.
BFA Opportunities to get involved
The BFA look for those who are committed and able to offer their time and experience in the best interests of our members. We strive to be inclusive and diverse and recognise the important work that our volunteer directors and officers do for the whole industry.
We are keen to strengthen the current board and have vacancies for:
Officers
- Sustainability
- International relations
- Government liaison
If you are interested in a role please contact manager@britishfloristassociation.org. You’ll find all officer role and responsibilities in the members area.
The UK Floristry Judges Guild
UK Floristry Judges Guild are an affiliated member of The British Florist Association.
The Guild was established in 2009. The UK Floristry Judges Guild primary function is to standardise judging at floristry competitions throughout the UK and Ireland and to maintain excellence in judging floristry competitions. To read more about the Guild click here https://britishfloristassociation.org/uk-floristry-judges-guild/
