Verity Findlay
“Working in the industry alongside my teaching brings so many benefits. Running my own business and attending shows keeps my finger on the pulse of the latest trends.”
With a flourishing floristry business, Verity has considerable experience as a florist and instructor.
A winner at prestigious competitions at Harrogate Flower Show, Tatton Park and the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, Verity also delivers seasonal workshops and classes with local schools and the Women’s Institute. As a working practitioner, she is able to keep her finger on the pulse of the latest styles, colours and products. She is also a proponent of eco-floristry bringing green methods into the programme learning.
A talented florist with a keen eye for new trends, Verity’s knowledge and experience makes her an incredible teacher of our Floristry programmes. Her extensive experience in industry is invaluable to her students, who she loves watching develop their styles develop throughout their courses.
Verity came to UCBB to study a Foundation degree in Floristry. Inspired by her experience on the course, she went on to complete a further one-year BA in Floristry Design. As a student, Verity won awards at prestigious events including Harrogate Flower Show, Tatton Park, and the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, where her team topped the whole competition.
Her success motivated her to go on to open her own successful flower shop in Lincolnshire which caters to all floristry needs in 2019. Inside her shop, Verity runs regular seasonal workshops whilst also leading classes at the Women’s Institute and local schools.
Verity’s experience as an instructor led her to consider taking on teaching, and she completed her Level 3 Award in Teaching and Education at Bishop Burton. She was invited to teach here at Bishop Burton, where she has worked with students since 2021 on the Level 4 and Level 5 Foundation Floristry Design courses.
“The courses are fantastic for providing students with so much practical experience alongside their classroom work,” Verity says. “The chance to attend competitions where they are able to view professional work takes them beyond what can be offered on a traditional commercial floristry course, and prepares learners for work out in industry. Banking all these invaluable skills and learning opportunities forges the confidence to plan and create their own business, as well as market and grow it effectively.”
“Working in industry alongside my teaching brings so many benefits. Running my own business and attending shows keeps my finger on the pulse of the latest trends. Last year, I visited FleurX and received a masterclass from expert Frederick Dupree, where I was able to pick up on all the new styles, colours and products this season.”
“Eco-floristry is also gaining traction and we are seeing a real shift in the industry towards greener practices. Bringing these green methods into our course learning really keeps teaching at the forefront of modern floristry.”