Our florists have gained a great overview of their dynamic industry during study tours of influential floristry businesses.
Fourteen of our Level 2 Diploma students, aged 16 to 39, enjoyed an informative visit to leading Manchester wholesalers Country Baskets, where they found that Christmas was almost over and that Valentine’s Day was on the horizon! Our students looked at the range of stock, from flowers, ornaments and accessories to tools and equipment, and studied how the displays were laid out to attract custom.
They were also introduced to pricing and VAT and used the experience to think about where their careers might lead.
The group then moved on to Bents Garden Centre in Warrington, a leading retail home and garden centre renowned for its Xmas displays and display techniques. The students enjoyed comparing the different display techniques and were able to compare the sale of wholesale materials to a business trading the end product.
Our Level 3 Diploma students enjoyed visits to Van Vliet, a flower wholesaler in Stoke-on-Trent, where the emphasis was to see how fresh flowers are imported from Holland and elsewhere in the world for same day delivery and collection. As well as looking at pricing, the students admired the latest range of containers, glassware and bridal accessories and soaked up the atmosphere of the busy store.
These visits were held before Tier 3 Covid restrictions were introduced in the region and followed strict rules for social distancing and hygiene, both during travel and within the stores.
