The British Florist Association’s Annual Conference 2007 took place over the weekend of 27th and 28th October in the lovely City of Chester at the Crowne Plaza Hotel.

Conference 2007 was all about moving your business forward and keeping it ahead of your competitors - with three business seminars, a hands on workshop and one of Europe’s top designers, Europa Cup finalist, Neil Whittaker NDSF FSF AIFD & Antony Williams NDSF FSF, plus the finals of the BFA Young Florist of the Year competition.

Honorary Member Maurice Evans was given a standing ovation at the evening banquet, and presented Joe Massie with the inaugural award of the Maurice Evans Cup, as the winner of the BFA Young Florist of the Year. Joe will represent Great Britain at Eurofleurs in Brussels, August 2008.  Katy Coleman awarded second place, and Helen Hyland third.

BFA President Mark Ward also awarded Honorary Membership to Eileen Nott NDSF, for service and support as Vice President over the last 5 years.

Following Sunday’s AGM, the BFA is also pleased to announce the addition of Isabel Wilton to the Board, and the appointment of Brian Wills-Pope MBE as Vice President.

Three business seminars took place on the Sunday, "The Importance of Lighting" with speaker Gary Collins from Megaman; "Employment Law", presented by Francis Whitehead of Whitehead, Woodward & Co Solicitors; and "Sales & Marketing" with Haydn Rowe, European Managing Director of the Results Corporation. These were well received, with many questions and involvement from the audience.

BFA member Laura Evison, from Regent House of Flowers commented “It was my first conference this year, and I hope to be attending many more in the future. I found it very informative, met some nice people and made great contacts”.

The BFA would like to thank our very generous sponsors, Teleflorist, Lloyds TSB Cardnet, Chrysal, and FWTA. Conference flowers generously provided by Peter H Smith.