Learn how ethical banking can benefit your small business. Discover responsible banking options, key considerations, and how to switch to an ethical bank. Where you choose to bank can have a bigger impact than you might think. Ethical banking ensures that your business finances align with your values, supporting sustainability, social responsibility, and transparency. For small businesses, ethical banking is about more than just avoiding harmful investments - it’s about activ

Looking to improve your business credit score? Here are eight ways you can keep on top of your score and put yourself in the best position possible for business funding applications. Your business credit score is a measurement used to represent the status of your business’ financial health. Having a good business credit score will signify financial stability and creditworthiness to existing and potential customers, partners, suppliers and lenders. This means that whether you’

Viv Bradford explains the threat of ethylene gas and how to protect your fresh flower stock from its effects.

Setting up a new business is a challenging and exciting time. You undoubtedly have a lot to think about

Modern buyers increasingly connect with brands that communicate identity, purpose, and authentic human experiences. The floral industry has always been built around products. Stem length, vase life, colour consistency, transport quality, and production volume have traditionally shaped how businesses position themselves in the market. These factors still matter, but they are no longer enough on their own. The market has changed, and so has the way people make purchasing decisi

New Lloyds research reveals how rising expectations around speed, convenience and flexibility are reshaping retail and why payments now matter well beyond the checkout. New research from Lloyds reveals that 91% of UK retail business owners and decision-makers say adapting to changing customer behaviour is now a top business priority, as retailers face growing pressure to deliver faster, easier and more flexible experiences, both in-store and behind the scenes. The new report,

"Never stop learning" is Viv Bradford's advice as she explains why continuous personal development is so important.

Father’s Day is a big occasion and although not as big as Mother’s Day for us florists, we should not forget that we can create more business and more awareness of our expertise when creating gifts for loved ones and special occasions. Father’s Day can mean so much to so many of us and when we have an opportunity to say, “I love you”, “Thank you for everything”, “Thank you for always being there”, what could be a better way, than giving flowers or a beautiful plant? There

When? 15th - 21st June Theme: Flowers for the Future What is British Flowers Week? The week is a celebration of the UK’s cut flower industry. Since its launch in 2013 by New Covent Garden Flower Market, it has grown in size and impact as consumers become more aware of the origins and sustainability of flowers. In 2024, Flowers from the Farm, a professional trade organisation for over 1000 independent growers, took over running this annual event. 2026 is the United Nations Int

In an era where convenience often trumps craftsmanship, floristry remains one of the few retail sectors where detail is not just important, it is everything. “Retail is Detail” is more than a catchy phrase; it is a philosophy that separates thriving florists from those merely surviving. From the angle of a bouquet to the scent that greets a customer at the door, every touchpoint contributes to perception, loyalty, and ultimately, profitability. For florists, detail is very im

Summer weddings have a magic all of their own. Long days, golden evenings and gardens in full bloom, create the perfect backdrop for unforgettable celebrations. Flowers can make or break a wedding day because at the heart of a beautiful, emotional and special day are flowers. Flowers soften spaces, tell stories, and bring a couple’s vision to life. But while floral dreams may be limitless, budgets often are not! The good news? With thoughtful planning and a little creativity,

Starting or running a business can feel like an exciting adventure, but it also comes with its fair share of challenges. From keeping track of finances to navigating legal rules and finding your first customers, there’s a lot to figure out. The good news? No matter where you are in your business journey, there’s plenty of free support available to help you along the way. We spoke to Joseph Babalola, Head of Cash flow lending at Funding Bay, to understand some of the key aspe

Confused by UK Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) regulations? Learn exactly what e-waste is, how your small business must handle disposal, and the strict new 2026 legal updates. In 2026, a single laptop tossed into the wrong bin is a criminal liability for a UK small business. Between the total ban on disposable vapes and the new 2026 home-collection mandates for large appliances, WEEE compliance is no longer a 'nice-to-do', it is a legal minefield. In the UK,

As a small business or start-up owner, handling your finances can be challenging. But don’t worry if you’re unfamiliar with accounting, you’re not alone. Over a quarter (26%) of small business owners claim to have little to no accounting knowledge. We’re here to help make things easier with guidance from AJ Dosani, a partner at Ace Accountancy. Read on for essential guidance on starting and running a business, including: how to form a business trading status and banking infor

As a small business owner, energy is likely to be one of your biggest costs, but it is now possible to generate some, if not all of your own electricity. While there are a number of ways to generate your own renewable energy, not all of them will be practical for your business, depending on the space you have available, your budget and your energy consumption. Ways to Generate Your Own Electricity 1. Solar Panels A popular and suitable option for small retail or business prem