FloriCon is an annual trade fair and conference weekend organised by the British Florist Association, with exhibitions, workshops, product and skills demonstrations celebrating the UK floristry industry.

This year’s event was held in Loughborough and saw Katie awarded Student of the Year by the Institute for Professional Florists whilst Karen won the award for the highest practical marks in her Level 4 exams.

Katie, 20, from Milton Keynes, was recognised for the high standard of work throughout her Level 4 Higher Diploma in Floristry.

Katie has worked in floristry since she left school at 16 and joined Moreton Morrell College to complete her diploma in September 2022.

She had previously studied for her Level 2 and 3 qualifications in Northampton and wanted to enhance her technical abilities to compliment her role in a local Milton Keynes flower shop.

Katie said: “It is wonderful to be recognised for my work and be named Student of the Year by a panel of my industry peers.

“Since joining Moreton Morrell College, the tutors have been so supportive in building my confidence and preparing me for competitions including the upcoming WorldSkills event.

“I am excited to be continuing my studies and will be returning to the college in the new year to begin my Level 5 qualification.”

Karen, 41, from Dublin, who has run her own commercial flower shop Fleuratious since November 2007, was recognised for her high technical ability in the course exams, which included constructing a Victorian bridal wire design.

She completed her Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications in Northern Ireland and had previously attended workshops at Moreton Morrell College where she was impressed by the tutors’ expertise.

Karen, who has worked with flowers since she was 13, visited the college monthly to complete the training for her Level 4 diploma after enrolling on the course in September 2020.

Karen said: “I am delighted to be recognised at FloriCon for the high quality of my practical work in this year’s exams.

“The course has challenged my technical skills and allowed me to experiment with flowers in a way which compliments the work produced in my shop.

“The tutors are always on hand with advice and support and I am looking forward to finishing my Level 5 course at the college in the new year.”

College tutor Zoe Rowlinson also attended FloriCon and featured as the teacher for the technical wiring workshop with seven students from the college also assisting in preparing floral decorations for the awards’ reception.

Jane Benefield, department leader for floristry at Moreton Morrell College said: “It was brilliant to see both Katie and Karen’s skills recognised on the national stage at Floricon.

“The pair have worked very hard throughout their studies and these awards are a testament to their hard work and growth, I look forward to welcome them both back to Moreton Morrell College to continue their studies.” To find out more about floristry courses at Moreton Morrell College, visit www.wcg.ac.uk/study

Pictured: Karen Massey and Katie Weekes with their awards at FloriCon 2023