High Peak floral designer wins UK Florist of the Year and People’s Choice award
“I’m grateful to the customers and community who support us. It’s exciting to bring these awards home and see where this next chapter takes us.””
Glossop business owner Anja Norris has been named UK Florist of the Year 2026, taking home both the national title and the People’s Choice award at the British Florist Association’s annual Fleurex event.
Anja, founder and creative director of Norris Master Florists, competed as one of six national finalists in a challenging live final. Following months of preparation, competitors completed several design tasks under strict time limits and rules, testing their creativity, technical precision and ability to perform under pressure.
The double win adds to her RHS Chelsea Flower Show Silver-Gilt and Silver medals and the 2026 Glossop and High Peak Business Person of the Year award.
From her Glossop shop and studio, Anja leads a floral design business spanning everyday flowers, weddings, funerals and private commissions, alongside corporate events, brand activations, large installations, and film and television productions. The business serves the High Peak while undertaking commissions across the UK and internationally.
Her work combines professional craftsmanship with a considered use of botanical materials, form, colour and texture, responding to each setting and brief.
Anja said: “Winning UK Florist of the Year is a huge moment for me, and receiving the People’s Choice award makes it particularly special. The final brought together years of training and experience.
“Glossop is where our business is rooted, and I’m grateful to the customers and community who support us. It’s exciting to bring these awards home and see where this next chapter takes us.”
Anja completed a three-year floristry apprenticeship in Germany before later achieving her Master Diploma in Professional Floristry, a Level 5 qualification. Her apprentice Harriet also competed at Fleurex, reaching the final six in the junior category.
Anja added: “Professional floristry is a skilled craft combining in-depth botanical knowledge, design expertise and technical precision. It takes years of practical training to master the hand techniques, construction methods and understanding of living materials needed to deliver consistently to a client’s brief, budget and deadline.
“I continue to develop those skills through advanced training with internationally recognised designers and annual continuing professional development as a Fellow of the Institute of Professional Florists.
“Supporting apprentices is an investment in their future and the future and standards of our industry. Seeing Harriet reach the national final makes me immensely proud.”
Anja has also created The Florist Gin, extending her botanical knowledge into an independent drinks brand.