Perennial, the only UK charity dedicated to supporting everyone working in horticulture, is expanding its industry Ambassador programme. They are welcoming Angela Oliver from the floristry sector and Steve Harper from the garden retail sector; helping to raise awareness of how Perennial’s expert services support everyone facing challenges in the horticulture industry.

Angela Oliver is Chief Executive of the British Florist Association (BFA) and an RHS award-winning nursery owner. She is a leading voice in the floristry industry, championing sustainability, skills development and collaboration to support independent businesses and strengthen the supply chain.

Angela says; "Florists are incredibly dedicated professionals, often working long hours under significant pressures. I am looking forward to raising awareness of the support Perennial can provide to florists, ensuring that individuals and businesses are aware of the charity’s confidential advice and wellbeing services, so no one feels they have to face challenges alone.”

Steve Harper is Managing Director of Grass Gains, where he is driving growth of the sustainable lawn-care brand across retail and online channels. He brings extensive horticulture industry experience, having previously held several senior leadership roles. A long-standing supporter of Perennial, Steve has led partnership and fundraising initiatives and is an active advocate for the charity. Steve will play a key role in connecting professionals working at all levels of the garden retail supply chain with Perennial.

Steve says; “Garden retail can be a fast-paced sector and behind every successful business are individuals who may at times need support. I’m looking forward to helping share Perennial’s message and ensuring more people in our sector understand how the charity can help employers and individuals."

Alongside Mark Gregory, Perennial’s original Ambassador, Angela and Steve will extend the charity’s reach across key areas of the horticulture industry, raising awareness of its services and the importance of supporting the charity through engagement and fundraising.

Perennial’s President, Alan Titchmarsh says; “I am delighted that Angela Oliver and Steve Harper are coming on board as new ambassadors for the charity, alongside Mark Gregory. Ambassadors help to raise awareness of how the charity’s services can support everyone working with plants, trees, flowers or grass. This in turn helps Perennial to raise vital funds so they can continue to be available for people when they are needed.”

The appointments were celebrated at the National Plant Show on 17th June, where the new ambassadors were photographed with Perennial’s Chief Executive Jamie Gault. He also took the opportunity to speak to teams from some of the four specialist wholesale nurseries involved in ‘Plants for Perennial’. Allensmore Nurseries, The Bransford Webb Plant Company, New Leaf Plants and Wyevale Nurseries propagate and grow a carefully curated collection of vibrant, fragrant and wildlife-friendly plants which are sold into garden centres across the country in support of Perennial. So far, this initiative has raised over £45,000 for the charity.

Jamie Gault says, "Collaboration with the industry we support is vital. I am delighted that Angela and Steve have joined Mark Gregory as Perennial Ambassadors. Their combined knowledge, passion and industry connections will be invaluable in raising awareness of Perennial’s services. And initiatives like Plants for Perennial are a fantastic example of the industry coming together to raise vital funds for our work, so we can continue to support people in horticulture when they need us most."

Perennial provides free and confidential advice and guidance to everyone working in horticulture, supporting with challenges such as finance, mental and physical health, career and employment, as well as life-changing issues such as bereavement and homelessness. By offering people the right support at the right time, Perennial helps to build better lives for all those in horticulture.

For more information about Perennial’s services visit perennial.org.uk