Two businesses from the North East of England are celebrating national success after being crowned winners at the British Florist Association (BFA) National Awards 2025, held in Nottingham. The event brought together industry leaders, innovators, and florists from across the UK to celebrate excellence in the floral sector.
Strelitzia Software, based in Darlington, Co. Durham, was named Service Provider of the Year, while Smithers-Oasis UK, headquartered in Washington, Tyne & Wear, took home the title of Sundries Supplier of the Year.
The awards are decided 75:25 between a panel of industry experts and voted for by florists across the UK. Each award recognises the very best in floristry, celebrating innovation, service and contribution to the industry. Despite the challenging economic climate, both companies are bucking the trend, showing that the North East continues to foster businesses that thrive in creativity, resilience and business excellence.
"We are absolutely delighted to be recognised at this year's BFA Awards and win the prize for the second year running," said Paul Southwick, MD, Smithers-Oasis UK. "This achievement reflects the dedication of our entire team here in Washington and our mission to support the floral industry in thriving sustainably. We are proud to share the stage with Strelitzia. Both of our businesses are rooted in the northeast and share a deep passion for supporting florists and raising standards across the industry."
"We're over the moon," said Amy Bennett, Director of Strelitzia Software. "We are a small family business, and winning this award for a third time is a huge honour. For us, innovation is about understanding and empowering florists, solving real-time problems and delivering tools that help florist businesses thrive. Everything we've achieved this year has come from staying focused on that mission, and this award proves that."
Throughout the year, Smithers-Oasis and Strelitzia Software have worked closely together at key national florist events, including sponsoring and giving talks at the BFA's National Hub meetings for florists and bringing to life Florist Glow Up at FleurEx. Florist Glow Up is an interactive florist shop experience designed to showcase best practice, inspire innovation, and help florists grow their businesses.
The two companies plan on building on their success of the past year, taking Florist Glow Up on the road and continuing to support the BFA and florists all over the UK.
For more information:
Smithers-Oasis
[email protected]
www.oasisfloral.co.uk
Strelitzia Software
[email protected]
https://www.strelitziasoftware.com/
