Shropshire florist Victoria Upton named Newcomer of the Year at British Florist Association awards
Ellesmere business owner Victoria Upton was named a newcomer of the year after studying at Coleg Cambria, whose floristry department has now won a national award of its own
A Shropshire florist who set up her own business after studying in Wrexham is among the success stories celebrated by a college which has won a national training award.
Victoria Upton, who runs Violet Hill Flower Company near Ellesmere, was named Newcomer of the Year at the British Florist Association (BFA) Industry Awards in 2025.
Now Coleg Cambria's floristry department has been named Training Provider of the Year at the 2026 awards, held during FleurEx in Nottingham.
The award recognises the work of tutors and students at the college's Yale campus, which attracts learners from North Wales, Shropshire and the Welsh borders.
Amanda Ellis, a floristry tutor with more than 25 years' teaching experience, said staff were delighted with the recognition.
“People sometimes think floristry is just about making beautiful arrangements, but there's so much more involved,” she said.
“Our students learn about running a business, dealing with customers, working to deadlines and all the practical skills they'll need when they leave us.”
Students gain commercial experience through Iâl Flowers, the college's floristry training shop, as well as studying for professional qualifications at Levels 2 and 3.
The courses combine creative work with business skills, preparing learners for jobs, self-employment and other careers in the floristry industry.
Amanda was also shortlisted for Floristry Tutor of the Year at this year's awards.
Natalie Cliffe, curriculum director for Visitor Economy and Art and Design at Coleg Cambria, said the award recognised the commitment of the department's staff.
She said: “Day in and day out, they put everything into making sure our learners get the very best opportunities possible.”
She added that some students arrived thinking floristry was simply a hobby, but went on to realise the courses were preparing them for a professional career.