The July 2005 Florist of the Month Award has been won by Jodie McGregor Flowers in the Sydney suburb of Annandale, owned by partners Jodie McGregor and Stewart White.

With its signature bright pink interior and the variety of flowers to choose from Jodie McGregor Flowers are spoiling the people of Annandale. Scoring highly in the areas of product quality, presentation and customer service, husband and wife team Jodie McGregor and Stewart White are certainly doing something right.

Jodie McGregor Flowers not only received the Sydney Markets Florist of the Month for July 2005, they were also the proud recipients of the Sydney Markets Florist of the Year program in 2004 and have won a number of other awards within the industry.

Stewart believes that one of the reasons for such recognition is their staff. "We pride our self on the quality of the flowers and the service we provide and we encourage and recognise staff for their achievements" said Stewart.

This particular win reflected highly upon the staff at Jodie McGregors Flowers as new born daughter Remi, the most recent addition to the McGregor family resulted in Jodie not spending as much time as she would like in the store, leaving it in the capable hands of her husband Stewart and her staff that include Amanda, Jade, Lea and Fiona.

Ideal Flowers, located in Wentworth Falls, has been announced as the August 2005 Florist of the Month in the Sydney Flower Markets FLORIST OF THE YEAR AWARDS

Felicity who has been a florist for a number of years and completed her traineeship in the store she now owns, was pleasantly surprised when she received the call to say that she had won the Sydney Markets Florist of the month award. "I knew that the previous owner took part in the mystery shopping program but was unaware she had re - registered the shop before leaving" said Felicity.

"Its great to see that all the hard work my team & I put into my shop has actually paid off, that the customers are happy with the service and products we provide"

Felicity originally worked as a trainee at Ideal Flowers, before taking the plunge and moving to Brisbane where she briefly worked as a florist before trying her hand at housekeeping and reception work at the Fairmont resort. Realizing she really loved working with flowers she returned to where it all started and asked for her position back at Ideal Flowers in May 2004.

When the opportunity to own Ideal Flowers came up, Felicity took up the opportunity and admits that at only 23 the prospect of owning and managing her own shop seemed a bit daunting. "I was lucky I had a great circle of friends and family who where there to support me" said Felicity.

Picture: left to right: Maria Rizos, owner of B&M Florist with daughter Katrina Rizos and Michael Mavratis.

B&M Florist, located in Monterey, has been announced as the September 2005 Florist of the Month in the Sydney Flower Markets FLORIST OF THE YEAR AWARDS

For Husband and wife team Maria and Bill Rizos, the recognition of their excellent business, floristry skills and customer service comes after 20 years of operating the community focused shop in Monterey.

Maria's creative flair stems from earlier years where she studied fine arts, however her ambition to become a fine arts teacher was left behind when she and Husband Bill decided to purchase B&M Florist.

B&M Florist has gone through numerous renovations with recent changes including a total refurbishment of both the interior and exterior. Maria who believes in keeping up with change has just introduced an on-line ordering system which allows customers to view floral arrangements on line.

Maria says "In such a competitive industry, florists need to take that extra step; it's not just about the flowers but also the look and feel of the store."

PICTURE: Megan Baker, owner of Passion for Flowers

Scoring highly in the areas of Customer Service, Shop Appearance and Flower Presentation, its little wonder that Passion for Flowers, at Chipping Norton received the October Florist of the Month Award.

Passion for Flowers has won several awards including The Small Business Award three years in a row, owner Megan Baker was pleasantly surprised when her shop was announced as the October Florist of the month.

"This award is extra special it's an achievement within the industry. My staff and I work really hard to ensure the community of Chipping Norton receives high quality product, to receive such recognition is worth all the hard work" said Megan Baker.

Megan's win is recognized by a plaque, a $1200 advertising package, and a months free parking at Sydney Markets. Passion for Flowers is also in the running to win the 2005 Florist of the Year.

PICTURE Left to Right: The team at McGrath Florist, Jessica Hunt, owner Elisabeth Fraser, Michelle Davies and Michelle Sevinga.

It's been 22 years since Elizabeth and Paul first started their journey with McGrath's Hill Florist. Back then it was a small cottage located on Windsor Road. Much has changed with McGraths Hill, not only growing in size, but also becoming one of 5 stores in the Peppertree Centre.

Elizabeth believes that the reason for her success is her refusal to settle for less than top quality products and great customer service. "I simply wont compromise" she said "and Iam sure it is why we have been so successful"

The success can also be attributed to her staff members "My job is made much easier with my 5 exceptional staff", said Elizabeth.

Along with other monthly winners and recipients of Awards of Excellence, McGraths Hill Florist will now move forward into the finals for the 2005 FLORIST OF THE YEAR AWARD, to be announced at the Flower Growers Group Annual Dinner Ball held at Waterview Convention Centre on Saturday 26 November.