"I just thought I would drop you a line to express my heart-felt thanks for the things you and your colleagues taught me last September on the Business of Floristry course. I enjoy my flower work so much it is so relaxing and rewarding. Since the course I have done various things - all making excellent use of the skills which were taught to me. Thank you so very much and I hope to do some more courses with you in the future." Anne McMahon

"Thanks very much for a brilliant time at the school. The 2-week business course taught me so much, and I launched my own business in April. Things are going so well; I am doing 3 weddings this month. I am really enjoying myself as a florist - quitting my job was the best thing I have ever done." Ha-Le Dang

"I did your business of floristry course in September last year and thanks to you have set myself up as a freelance florist (suzihorrocksflowers.co.uk). I’ve done my first two weddings, and have a couple of businesses that I deliver bouquets to. I have another four weddings booked in for this year, and two for next. I’m so happy! Your course has completely changed my life - thank you. Suzi Horrocks, Business of Floristry

"I just wanted to say how very much I enjoyed my two days at the school for the Church Flowers course. Having for some weeks been apprehensive over coming and my ability to cope with the classes, I found the relaxed atmosphere and the superb way of teaching made us all at ease.

"I learnt so much and have already put into practise some of the skills with the Easter flowers in church. Once again, thank you all for my two days at the school." Judith Nunn, Church Flowers

"Floristry was a mere dream 5 months ago, but after taking your Business course and having the confidence to go ahead, it has really begun to feel like it will happen for me. I am now taking orders for gift bouquets daily and have secured 3 weddings and a 25th Wedding Anniversary party. And yesterday, I completed the flowers for a fashion shoot and the stylist was really impressed.

"I have found that, as a young graduate, there are a lot of organisations out there willing to help new businesses. I now meet regularly with 2 personal business mentors – one with the Prince's Trust and one through Business Link. I have written a business plan and secured a business loan and have also been given a grant from the government to cover start-up costs.

"I thank you once again for all you have done to inspire and teach me." Harriet Creedy, Business of Floristry

"Thank you so much for a wonderful couple of weeks. I have learnt so much and feel very excited about the prospect of a future with flowers." Ashley, Business of Floristry

Una Richmond, who completed the Business of Floristry course in September 2009, is shown here (right) with her own stall at Chiswick Farmers' Market. Linden Townson, (left) who was on the same course, lends a hand. "As you can see we were very lucky and had a brilliantly sunny day," says Una. "I'm hoping that this is the start of great things, so a big thank you to everyone at the school."