Sophie Liebthal of Coolings Nurseries was announced last night as winner of this year's GCA Westland Rising Stars challenge.
Sophie was one of six finalists who delivered presentations on Monday as the final part of their quest to become the Rising Star at the GCA Conference in Brighton.
Follow these links to see a GTN Xtra profile of each of the finalists:
Jack Fillingham, Sunshine Garden Centre
Kath Bailey, Barton Grange Garden Centre
Sam Clark,Cowells Garden Centre
Matt Tanner, Squires Badshot Lea
Sophie Liebthal, Coolings Garden Centre
Will Clark, Barton Grange Garden Centre
All six finalists made really professional presentations to the full GCA Conference audience on Monday and then conference delegates voted to decide who should be crowned as the Rising Star of 2015. The result was announced at the 50th anniversary GCA Annual Dinner.
Keith Nicholson, of Westland, said: “There are some great success stories here – huge efforts put in from all finalists with their projects. The Rising Stars Programme will be extended this year with Regional Masterclasses, and also a new programme in Ireland.”
Iain Wylie, CEO of GCA, added: “Well done to everyone in 2015 Rising Stars. The standard was so high we could not select five – that’s why we ended up with six finalists."
