Leading industry brand enters new phase of growth
After more than 25 years championing excellence in floristry, the Good Florist Guide is entering a new chapter with the exciting news that Stephanie Harris, who runs the award-winning business Rose Garden Florists, will take on the day-to-day stewardship of the organisation from 20th April 2026.
Founded in 1999, the Good Florist Guide celebrates the very best independent florists across the UK and Ireland and is one of the industry’s most respected kitemarks of quality.
Commenting on the change Caroline said: “GFG has always been extra special to me – my first ‘baby’ - so finding the right person to take Good Florist Guide forward was never going to be easy. However, having been a member for 10 years and joining Council back in 2024, not only is Steph’s corporate background, enthusiasm and practical day-to-day knowledge of running a successful florist business the right combination of skills to take it forward but she totally believes in the concept. As such I am thrilled she has accepted my invitation and that I can return to my writing.”
For Steph it is a challenge she is looking forward to. “Good Florist Guide has been an integral part of my business since I was first approved for membership back in 2016. Ten years later I am as passionate about the brand as I was then and being part of something that doesn’t just acknowledge professionalism but provides a unique support system for its members. I am thrilled to be given the opportunity to build on what Carrie has achieved and excited to make it even more successful.”
The Good Florist Guide will continue to operate as an independent organisation dedicated to recognising exceptional floristry and will be launching a new series of initiatives over the coming months.
Caroline will remain closely associated with the organisation for the foreseeable future while Stephanie takes responsibility for the day-to-day running of the Guide. The existing Council structure will remain unchanged, with Jake Nicholson-Lailey, Emily Elvin and Karen Massey continuing and expanding their roles.
Pictured above: Left to right Emily Elvin, Jake Nicholson-Lailey, Karen Massey and Steph Harris
Look out for more details of the new chapter over the coming weeks … it is all looking rather fabulous!
For further information contact
Editors Notes:
About Good Florist Guide: Founded back in 1999 as a division of the long established and respected Florist Trade Magazine, Good Florist Guide is the only kitemark of quality in the world that not only checks and accredits all their members before they are allowed to display the coveted logo but re-checks the members each, and every year to make sure they are maintaining standards.
About Stephanie Harris: After a successful career in the City, Steph made a career change in 2015 and after training opened her first shop in Great Dunmow and a second branch in Great Bardfield. Starting with one full time florist, the business now employs seven florists and two drivers. Winner of the British Florist Association Florist of the Year in 2023 and finalist a record six times, the shops not only offer a full-service range of floristry but is contracted to provide all the flowers for executive jets at the local Stansted Airport.
About Caroline Marshall Foster: As Editor of The Florist Magazine, Caroline is considered one of the most popular and well-connected communicators in the global floricultural industry. Never afraid to say it how it is, her work spans more than four decades in which time she has travelled the world to report on the changes and developments as well as being a popular speaker and presenter.
