About Helen James Flowers
Founded in 2001, Helen James Flowers has been creating beautiful floral designs for customers across Harrogate and the surrounding areas for over two decades. As a proud family-run business, we combine traditional floristry skills with contemporary creativity, delivering exceptional flowers for every occasion.
At the heart of the business is Helen, a multi award-winning florist with more than 45 years of experience in the floristry industry. Helen's passion, expertise and dedication to her craft have earned national recognition, including prestigious awards at the world-renowned RHS Chelsea Flower Show.
Today, Helen works alongside her daughter, Laura, continuing a family tradition of floral excellence. Together, they are both multi award-winning florists, sharing a commitment to outstanding design, quality flowers and exceptional customer service. Laura has also achieved success at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, winning a Gold Medal and further strengthening the family's reputation for award-winning floristry.
Our shop is located in the beautiful floral spa town of Harrogate, on the historic Prince Albert Row, surrounded by an array of independent boutiques and charming local stores. From hand-tied bouquets and luxury arrangements to wedding flowers, sympathy tributes and bespoke floral creations, every design is crafted with care, creativity and attention to detail.
Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply sending a thoughtful gesture, Helen James Flowers is proud to serve Harrogate and the surrounding communities with beautiful flowers and award-winning expertise.
Helen – Founder & Head Designer, Helen James Flowers.
Helen is one of the UK’s most accomplished and respected floral designers, renowned for her innovative artistry, technical excellence and award-winning work on the national and international stage.
As founder and head designer of Helen James Flowers in Harrogate, Helen has built an outstanding reputation for creating exceptional floral designs and combine creativity, craftmanship and contemporary flair.
Major Achievements
Winner of three RHS Chelsea Flower Show Gold Medals (2019,2023 and 2026), with her business also achieving a Silver-Guilt Medal at Chelsea.
Crowned RHS Chelsea Florist of the Year 2019, the highest accolade in competitive floristry at the prestigious RHS Chelsea Flower Show.
Awarded Gold Medal for her celebrated Royal Floral Crown exhibit, which secured her Chelsea Florist of the Year.
Selected by the China Flower Association to represent the United Kingdom at the World Floral Art Contest in Beijing.
Multiple winner and finalist in leading UK floristry competitions, including several appearances in the prestigious British Floristry Association Florist of the Year competition.
Industry Recognition
Helen is widely recognised for pushing the boundaries of contemporary floral deisgn while maintaining exceptional technical standards. Her work has been showcased alongside the world’s leading florists at Chelsea, where she has consistently earned recognition from judges and industry peers alike. Her designs are noted for their originality, strong narrative concepts and meticulous execution.
Through Helen James Flowers, she has established a thriving independent floristry business that has become synonymous with award-winning floristry, luxury event work and excellence in professional floristry.
Laura – Award-Winning Floral Designer, Helen James Flowers
Laura is one of the UK’s most exciting emerging floral designers, rapidly gaining recognition for her creativity, technical excellence and contemporary design style. As a key member of the family business, Helen James Flowers, Laura works alongside her mum, Helen, helping to lead the day-to-day operation of one of the country’s most successful independent floristry businesses.
Following years of world travel, she returned to the family business in 2017 and completed formal floristry training, Laura quickly established herself as a talented competitor and designer, earning numerous awards at regional and national level. Prior to competing on the national stage, she achieved multiple first-place awards at the prestigious Harrogate Flower Show.
Major Achievements
RHS Chelsea Flower Show Gold Medallist (2024), winning Gold in the highly competitive RHS Chelsea Florist of the Year category with her solo debut Chelsea exhibit.
Became part of only the second mother-and-daughter team to win RHS Chelsea Flower Show Gold Medals, following the success of her mother, Helen.
A two-time Finalist in the British Florist Association UK Florist of the Year competition, with an amazing second place in 2026, nudging mum Helen into third spot.
Multiple- winner of competitive floristry awards and recognised for consistently high standards of design, innovation and technical execution.
Laura’s work has been showcased numerous times in written press publications.
Industry Reputation
Laura is widely regarded as one of the brightest rising talents within British floristry. Her work combines strong technical skills with a modern creative approach, producing designs that are both visually striking and conceptually strong. Her Gold Medal-winning Chelsea debut demonstrated her ability to compete successfully against some of the industry’s most established names.
Working daily within Helen James Flowers, Laura continues to develop her skills across all aspects of professional floristry, from luxury events and bespoke commissions to high-level competition work. Her passion for innovation and willingness to challenge herself creatively have earned admiration from colleagues and industry professionals alike.
Looking Ahead
With a Chelsea Gold Medal already to her name and growing success in national competitions, Laura is firmly established as one of the UK’s leading next-generation floral designers. As her competitive career continues to flourish, she hopes to build on her achievements through international opportunities, further expanding her experience and adding a global dimension to an already impressive portfolio.
Andy – Logistics & Operations Manager, Helen James Flowers
Andy plays a vital role in the continued success of Helen James Flowers, overseeing the complex logistics and operational systems that support one of the UK’s most celebrated floristry businesses. Responsible for fleet coordination, delivery management and day-to-day movement of flowers, materials and installations, Andy ensures that every project is delivered efficiently and professionally, whether for weddings, events, corporate contracts or prestigious flower show exhibits.
Behind the scenes, his expertise in logistics, scheduling and stock management provides the foundation that allows the creative team to perform at the highest level. His attention to detail and practical problem-solving skills make him an indispensable member of the Helen James Flowers team.
Andy is also responsible for the photography of products on the Helen James Flowers online store.
Beyond Floristry
Away from the business, Andy is a passionate wildlife cinematographer and filmmaker, spending countless hours capturing the natural world through photography and film. Combining patience, technical skill and a deep appreciation for wildlife, he creates compelling visual stories that showcase the beauty and diversity of the natural environment.