About Us

The Design Element based in Irlam, Manchester is co-owned By Neil and Anthony. We supply fresh flowers with "PASSION and STYLE" to the Manchester area and worldwide via the Interflora relay service.

We have been based in Irlam since 1981 and strive to give our customers the very best in service, style and design.


Co-owner Neil has studied all over the world, and gained his "National Diploma of Floristry" (NDSF) in 1998, and his "American Institute of Floral Design" (AIFD) in 2000. Neil was placed second at the world floristry finals in Manila, Philippines in 2000, and travels extensively both nationally and internationally, demonstrating his unique style and teaching at all levels.

Neil was very proud to be listed as one of the top ten florists featured in "The Independent On Sunday". His work has also been publicised in many magazines over the years, and more recently in "The Best of British" and "The Spirit of the Rose" design books. Neil has just arrived back from a very Successful Bridal Show in New York USA.

Anthony has trained with Neil since 1990 and gained his NDSF qualification in 2004. He now demonstrates and teaches all over the UK, and regularly tours Poland and Spain.

Both Neil and Anthony are proud to be amongst the selected few to have both achieved these combined qualifications in the UK, and were winners of the gold medal at the Chelsea flower show in 2003 /2004.

They have been featured on many TV shows including "Shopping City" and "The Sack Race" for the BBC, "The Sack Race" for Granada, and "Lunch Time Live" and "The Flower Show" for UK Style.

Weddings

GMTV - Battle of the Brides

Neil Whittaker of The Design Element in Manchester will be providing the flowers that bring the winner’s dream wedding to life. His stunning floral creations will be carried by the lucky bride as well as decorating the venue.

Neil has years of experience of creating stunning bridal designs and venue displays, and has wowed brides around the world, including those attending the New York bridal show, with catwalk shows of some of his couture bouquets.

View Battle of the Brides Images on the website.