UK: GCA announces Rising Stars finalists

Five individuals from Garden Centre Association (GCA) member garden centres have been revealed as finalists in the industry body's Rising Stars programme sponsored by Westland Horticulture.

Put forward by their garden centres, the staff completed a series of workshops in 2025 and will now present at the GCA's 60th anniversary Annual Conference in January.

Gordon Emslie, who mentored the workshops for the GCA, said: "Congratulations to our outstanding finalists: Aaron Caffarelli from Thetford Garden Centre, Louise Lockwood from Planters Tamworth, Charlotte Sait from Haskins Ferndown, Jess Salter from British Garden Centres (BGC) – Gloucester and Lewis O'Neill also from BGC – Gloucester. I'm excited to see them showcase their talents at the GCA Conference in January. Every year, our finalists set the bar high, and this year is no exception.

© Garden Centre AssociationRising Stars finalists 2025-2026

"This initiative simply wouldn't be possible without the fantastic partnership between the GCA and Westlands. My sincere thanks to both organisations for their enthusiasm, commitment, and unwavering support in helping develop talent across our sector."

All the candidates undertook projects within their garden centres, which ran from March to September. They then presented them to a Dragons' Den-style panel of judges, including Gina Lewis, Head of Content at Westland Horticulture and Sam Bosworth from Bosworths Garden Centre at Bell Plantation Garden Centre in October, who scored them and the final five were the top-scoring projects.

Gordon added: "This season's Rising Stars have once again demonstrated the exceptional calibre of talent within the garden centre industry. Their commitment, enthusiasm, and tenacity in delivering sustainability and environmental projects have been outstanding. Every one of them should feel immensely proud of their journey through this year's programme and of how confidently they presented at the Dragons' Den.

"Each finalist tackled important issues around sustainability and the environment – topics that too often go overlooked – and approached their projects with impressive breadth and creativity.

"They faced challenges throughout the year, as the programme is designed to uncover strengths and weaknesses, yet their determination to see their projects through never wavered. Personally, I've found working with this year's candidates a wonderful experience, and I am proud to have served as a mentor once again."

The finalists will present their projects at the 2026 GCA Conference at Carden Park Chester on the Monday of the event, January 26 and share with the audience how the Rising Stars programme has helped them develop during the past 10 months.

A final winner will be voted for by conference delegates and crowned at the event.

Gina Lewis, Head of Content at Westland Horticulture, said: "Garden centres – and the incredible teams behind them – are vital to the success and future growth of the UK gardening industry. At Westland, we are passionate about supporting the next generation of industry leaders, and we're proud to have continued sponsoring and supporting this year's Rising Stars throughout their 12-month journey to the GCA Conference.

"The presentations they've prepared, with Gordon's expert guidance, are thought-provoking, insightful and innovative, showcasing the enormous potential within this talented group. Each Rising Star has delivered real value to their garden centre through their projects, keeping sustainability at the heart of everything they've achieved. We wish them the very best as they move into the next stage of the competition and hope they continue to make a lasting impact on our industry as their careers progress."