Two floristry businesses have been shortlisted for awards, and are calling for people to cast their votes in support.

Chickney Hall Flowers near Thaxted is an artisan cut flowers farm run by agronomist (an expert in soil management and crop production) and farmer Zoë Rutterford. 

The business has been shortlisted for the British Florist Association's (BFA) 2023 'Grower of the Year' award.

Meanwhile The Rose Garden, an independent florists in Great Bardfield run by Stephanie Harris, has been shortlisted for the BFA's 2023 'Retail Florist of the Year' award.

Zoë regularly supplies flowers and foliage to Stephanie, whose florists is just a few miles down the road.

Zoë said: "Winning would help us to expand and reach more customers with our British flowers and sustainable ethos.

"My connection with Steph at The Rose Garden formed during our first season of Chickney Hall Flowers.

"I was approaching local businesses, looking to supply them with our beautiful, fresh foliage and flowers. Steph was the first retail florist who invited me to supply a sample; and we have gone from there! 

"I really enjoy selecting specific flower colours and varieties to meet the diverse needs of customers like The Rose Garden Florists.

"All of us at the farm value Steph’s expert opinion and appreciate her sincere support for the industry and local community. She deserves to win this award!"

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Stephanie added: "We have been serving the community of Great Dunmow for nearly 10 years and are proud to have been short listed for this award.

"The BFA nomination recognises our commitment to excellent floristry, customer service and staff development and winning would be a huge accolade for a small business like us.

"I am so excited to see how Zoë’s business has grown from that first time she visited me. Her hard work and dedication to what she does is an inspiration. I really want her to win in her category.

Members of the public can vote for Chickney Hall Flowers and The Rose Garden online before Thursday, September 21.

To vote go to https://zealous.co/britishfloristassociationltd/opportunity/Grower-of-the-Year/results/submissions/ and select either Chickney Hall Flowers or The Rose Garden.