The ten candidates who have who have made it through to the final masterclass of the Rising Stars training programme were announced this week.

Rising Stars, organised by Westland Horticulture and the Garden Centre Association, was set up in 2009 with the aim of developing the best new talent in the garden centre industry.

Pictured right: Sophie Liebthal of Coolings, winner of the 2015 Rising Stars challenge, presenting at the GCA Conference.

Of 33 hopefuls who entered the programme in February, the following have been chosen to attend the next stage, the third and final masterclass, which will be held in October:

Daniel Holden (Barton Grange), Bethan Wylie (Bents), Kathryn Crouch (Haskins West End), James Ruston (Klondyke Daleside), Rob Frith (Klondyke Holland Arms),  Hana Parker (Monkton Elm), Rupert Sleight (Squires Cobham), Sam Jones (Squires West Horsley), John Bradley (Stewarts), Saskia Logan (Sunshine)

Following October’s masterclass, five finalists will be chosen to present on stage at the annual GCA Conference at St Andrews in Scotland next January.

The Rising Stars year-long course, facilitated by training consultant Ian Boardman of IBBIS, helps candidates understand the importance of merchandising, develop ideas to implement at their own garden centres and how to measure results.