Anyone who doubts the benefits of World Skills should have been at the closing ceremony at the O2 arena last night. 950 competitors from across the world, forty different skills, the arena packed full with cheering crowds. All celebrating the best under 22year olds their country can produce. For floristry there is nothing in our industry that supports and encourages young florists as World Skills does, yet it is not really valued by our industry in this country. We should be shouting from the roof tops for young florists to enter this competition, and for the industry leaders, relay organisations and florists associations to be behind this competition one hundred percent. God knows florists need something to cheer about and here is the opportunity. No other competition gives the support and training that World skills gives and it is short sighted of our industry not to see the benefits. In 2009 when Isabel Wilton and I judged the UK Skills at Moulton college, we saw a young florist who we recognised had the potential to become a great florist. This was Victoria Richards and we are delighted that our prophesy came true. For Victoria Richards the transformation has been amazing. From being the underdog in the World Skills Squad she has worked her socks off to become top dog and 6th in the world. What a girl, what a terrific ambassador for young florists in this country. I hope the trade magazines and all the industry will be showing off her skills and using her potential. Whilst on the subject of young people Joe Massie has pulled out all the stops to help and mentor Victoria. Joe was commended and won the award for AN OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION FOR A WORLD SKILLS ALUMNI at the World Skills. Here is a winning young florist helping and encouraging others to achieve their ambitions. What a star. Lets have a cheer for young florists everywhere, they are our future.