UK: Rising Star winner announced at GCA Conference

Louise Lockwood from Planters Tamworth was named as the winner of 2025's Westland Horticulture sponsored Rising Stars programme at the Garden Centre Association's 60th anniversary year Annual Conference yesterday (January 26, 2026).

Five individuals from member garden centres presented at the industry body's annual conference after completing in a series of workshops in 2025.

© Garden Centre AssociationGCA Rising Stars winner Louise Lockwood

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

"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 at Bell Plantation Garden Centre in October, who scored them – with the final five were the top scoring projects.

© Garden Centre Association

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 has 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."

Louise was voted for by conference delegates and crowned at the GCA Conference.

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."