Institute of Flowers goes live in Ireland!
It’s been two weeks since the new Institute of Flowers was officially launched by MEP Maria Walsh in Ireland, but they’ve already seen a huge response and are busy organising their first events.
The only association for Ireland’s 4000+ professional florists, the inaugural Blooming Forward event, run in partnership with Positive2Work Skillnet and generously sponsored by leading wholesaler van der Plas, kicked off with a fabulous workshop hosted by renowned designer Sabine Darrall. Over two days delegates transformed the gorgeous Bellinter House, in Navan, Co. Meath, into a wonderland of flowers which enabled them to explore new techniques and sustainable design practices as well as learn from Sabine a whole host of other skills including using AI.
The Blooming Forward event also included a dynamic panel discussion by Lamber De Bie, Dutch Master Florist from Lamber De Bie Florists in Kilkenny and Waterford; Judi Roche from Balla Flowers in Mayo; and Eoin Morton, Head of Policy & Public Affairs, Skillnet Ireland to exploring the sector’s challenges and opportunities and focusing on how the sector can grow stronger in a changing market while building a more sustainable, forward-thinking industry. Sadly, Caroline Marshall-Foster, founder of the UK’s Good Florist Guide and editor of The Florist Magazine, was unable to attend due to the storm that cancelled flights, but she will be talking in a special webinar in December.
For Fionnuala McAuley, Interim Chair of Institute of Flowers, and Sinead Kieran of People Forward, the event was the culmination of an idea and many hours of work and to say they were thrilled with the result would be an understatement as Fionnuala explained. “It was amazing, and I was so heartened to see so many florists support it. The Irish cut flower market holds significant economic impact and is valued by Bord Bia (2023) at €97m and local Irish florists are an important part of the fabric of Irish towns and communities, playing a crucial role at key life events for families and community groups.”
Fionnuala continued: “Our newly established Institute will support and nurture the sector to future-proof it for generations to come. Sustainability, digitalisation, AI, competitiveness, upskilling and succession planning are just some of the critical issues that we will support our membership to harness and flourish as a result. There is a huge amount of creativity, talent and expertise within the sector that we need to preserve and share with upcoming generations.”
PIctured above: Sinead Kieran, Sabine Darrall and Fionnuala McAuley
Maria Walsh, MEP, said: “As Ireland’s only organisation dedicated to the floristry industry, the Institute of Flowers is vital for empowering the more than 4,000 professional florists across Ireland. The Institute not only facilitates vital upskilling for florists but also advocates for their recognition as skilled professionals in our economy. I am especially pleased to see the Institute partnering with Skillnet Ireland through its Positive2Work Skillnet to deliver critical training for our local businesses. As an MEP, I’ve always championed small enterprises and female entrepreneurs, and this Institute is a valuable step toward future-proofing Ireland’s floral sector, supporting local jobs, and sustaining our communities."
Now the work continues with the introduction of a range of resources including a special online demonstration on November 12th by Morgan Douglas Nuth which will focus on making Christmas more profitable and an on-line Q & A with Caroline Marshall-Foster on November 26th which will explore how florists can develop their businesses whatever the challenges.
Because upskilling is key to growth within the industry and a core area of focus for the Institute in helping its members to develop their technical and business skills through regular events and training. As the collective voice for the sector, the Institute will advocate for recognition of florists as valued, professional members of the Irish business community and of local communities throughout the country.
To find out more and sign up to join click here
Pictured above: Henk of van der Plas who generously sponsored the event and Karen Massey, one of Irelands leading florists and strong suppporter of the new IOF
