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

Many florists enter the industry because of a passion for flowers and design. However, creativity alone cannot sustain a business. Every bouquet sold must cover not only the cost of flowers but also labour, packaging, rent, utilities, delivery, and waste. When these elements are overlooked, florists may unknowingly underprice their work. A bouquet priced purely on instinct or competitor comparison can quickly erode profit margins. In contrast, florists who understand their tr

Starting a new business or launching a start-up can sometimes feel overwhelming. There are many challenges, from managing finances to understanding legal requirements and building a customer base. Luckily, new businesses can access a lot of free support, regardless of where they are in their journey. We talked to Yulia Barnes, Managing Director of Barnes Law Associates, to get some insights on the key aspects of starting a business. How to register a business You’ve decided t

Learn how to identify and manage stress in your work and personal life, with advice from Health Assured.

With our partner farm in Zimbabwe recently obtaining its final certification, all Marginpar flowers now meet the requirements of the Floriculture Sustainability Initiative (FSI). This means that every stem we grow, at our own farms and at our partner farms, comes from a place that's certified according to internationally recognised environmental and social standards. What is FSI? The Floriculture Sustainability Initiative (FSI) is a global sector initiative that aims to make

Invaluable advise from floristry industry consultant and wedding expert Karen Barnes.

The difference between just surviving and actually thriving this wedding season comes down to preparation—and how you show up. As wedding season approaches, florists everywhere feel the same pressure: more orders, higher expectations, tighter timelines. But the difference between just surviving and actually thriving comes down to preparation—and how you show up when it matters most. This season, it’s not about working harder. It’s about working sharper. Start Before the Rush

Viv Bradford shares her top tips for handling wedding enquiries professionally and converting them to bookings.

With rising awareness of climate responsibilities, shifting customer expectations and growing pressure to reduce emissions, choosing a renewable energy supplier has become both a strategic and ethical decision. Switching to a green tariff not only helps businesses reduce their environmental impact but it can also enhance brand reputation and provide long‑term cost stability. How Green Energy is Defined A mechanism called REGO (Renewable Energy Guarantees of Origin) is used to

Leading floral industry consultant Karen Barnes offers top tips on making floral installations successful and profitable.

Karen Barnes explains what continuous professional (and personal) development can do for you and your floristry career.