Case studies

By offering advice, business development and addressing skills issues, Lantra has helped many people in floristry develop their skills and improve their businesses.

Our business champions have interesting tales to tell about how development and, in some cases, diversification has changed their lives for the better.

Have you developed your skills, and how has this helped your business? Tell us your story.

Gary Taylor - Ultra Violet

From working in a garden centre coffee shop to preparing flowers for an Alesha Dixon launch party, Gary Taylor’s career in floristry is blooming.

“Five years ago I was working in coffee shops having had a spell working in hotel management,” says Gary Taylor, “but it wasn’t quite what I wanted to do.

Sandie Griffith - Jemini

Years of dedication to creating a highly trained team have paid off handsomely for Sandie Griffith and her floristry business. Jemini holds three Chelsea Flower Show gold medals along with three Chelsea Gold Cups, it has held Investor in People status for nearly four years and every single member of its 24-strong staff has accredited qualifications.

Natalie Stanyer, Elizabeth Floral Art

Natalie Stanyer has had a sparkling start to her floristry career. After winning UK Skills she travelled to Japan where she was crowned fourth in the world and has worked for some of the leading florists in the industry. She talks about her training, competitions and her plans for the future.

Neil Whittaker - The Design Element

Neil Whittaker co-owns The Design Element in Manchester with Anthony Williams and continues to travel throughout the world to train with top designers. He believes his personal and business success is due to his willingness to push himself and keep learning new skills.

Joe Massie - Fishlocks

At just 19, Joe Massie manages Fishlocks, one of Liverpool's most renowned florists, which was established 100 years ago. Joe explains why training has been essential to his rapid rise in the industry and how his skills bring major benefits to the business he manages.

Lorraine Hanshaw and Lauren Curry - Sarah-Ann Florists in Christchurch

Fate must have had a hand in bringing together London florist Lorraine Hanshaw and 20-year-old Dorset apprentice Lauren Curry - who was once told she was in the wrong job!

Lauren's apprenticeship, which involves working for Lorraine at Sarah-Ann Florists in Christchurch with one day a week spent at Bournemouth & Poole College, is not only developing her skills and confidence, but boosting the business as well.