GCA reveals Westland Horticulture Rising Stars Finalists
The Garden Centre Association (GCA) has announced the five talented finalists in its 2025 Rising Stars programme, proudly sponsored by Westland Horticulture. The candidates were nominated by their respective garden centres and have spent the year developing and delivering sustainability-focused projects designed to enhance their businesses and support environmental progress across the sector.
Throughout 2025, the group took part in a series of workshops led by mentor Gordon Emslie, before presenting their projects to a Dragons’ Den-style judging panel in October. The top scorers—Aaron Caffarelli (Thetford Garden Centre), Louise Lockwood (Planters Tamworth), Charlotte Sait (Haskins Ferndown), Jess Salter (British Garden Centres – Gloucester) and Lewis O'Neill (BGC – Gloucester)—secured their place in the final.
Gordon praised this year’s cohort for their determination and their innovative approach to sustainability. He emphasised that each finalist tackled critical environmental issues with creativity, resilience and a strong commitment to improving their centres. He also thanked the GCA and Westland Horticulture for their continued support in nurturing emerging talent within the industry.
The finalists will now prepare to showcase their projects at the 2026 GCA Annual Conference at Carden Park Chester on January 26. Each Rising Star will explain how the programme has shaped their development over the past ten months, giving delegates a unique insight into their ambitions and achievements.
A final winner will be chosen by conference attendees, who will vote during the event. The Rising Stars initiative, now a firm feature of the GCA calendar, continues to spotlight the next generation of horticultural leaders and strengthen the industry through ongoing skills development.
Westland Horticulture’s Head of Content, Gina Lewis, commended the finalists for their innovative thinking and their dedication to placing sustainability at the core of their work. She reaffirmed Westland’s commitment to supporting future leaders and celebrating the talent emerging from garden centres nationwide.
Tickets for the GCA’s 2026 Annual Conference are now on sale via the members’ section on the body’s website or via https://gca.digitickets.co.uk/.
For further information, please go to www.gca.org.uk.