Valentine’s Day is one of the busiest single peak days of a florist calendar. For many florists, it can account for a significant portion of annual revenue, but it can also be one of the most stressful periods of the year. It is the only peak that I have never enjoyed. Due to heightened customer expectations, tight delivery schedules, high wholesale prices, and intense competition (both local and online), getting Valentine’s Day right requires more than just beautiful flowers

With Mother’s Day looming and customer expectations high, its worth reminding yourself about where you stand if something goes wrong.

There can be few of us who haven’t left an online review for businesses we have used and most of us understand the power reviews can have, both positive and negative.  As business owners we can embrace them with understandable pride when they are glowing and we can easily lose sleep over the negative ones.  With the peaks of Valentine's Day and Mother’s Day being only four weeks apart this year, I thought it would be a good idea to look at reviews and what is the best way to

Getting a customer through the door is just the beginning. The real value lies in keeping them coming back. Loyalty isn’t built on discounts alone, it’s built on trust, consistency, and thoughtful incentives that make people feel valued.   This article explores how florists can use smart promotions, seasonal planning, and customer engagement to drive repeat business and build long-term relationships.   Plan Ahead for Seasonal Peaks  What works:   Pre-build collections for Val

Let’s be honest - most people aren’t reading your whole website. They’re skimming, scanning, subconsciously deciding whether you’re “the one” within seconds of landing on your homepage. And if your floristry website doesn’t give them what they need right away? They click out. Not because your work isn’t good enough (it probably is). But because people are busy, easily distracted, and constantly comparing. That’s why what you put "above the fold"- the first part of your homep

Employers often get confused around what exactly their health and safety responsibilities are. It is important to understand that avoidable accidents and incidents in the workplace can not only be devastating to the well-being and morale of your workforce, but they can also result in costly financial penalties and even costlier reputational damage. In fact, serious and preventable accidents constitute a breach in your legal obligations to protect your workers. Employers are l

Floristry is Personal   Every customer has a story behind their purchase: celebration, sympathy, or “just because.” Connecting with that story turns a transaction into a relationship. When you listen well and recommend confidently, customers spend more, complain less, and return.   This article shows how florists can use psychology, phrasing, and mindset to sell with confidence, increase average order value, and create better customer experiences.   Start With Purpose, Not Pr

Discover cost-effective ways to upskill your staff, from online training to available grants. Learn how small businesses can boost skills without overspending. For small businesses, staying competitive often means doing more with less. Upskilling your staff can help bridge skills gaps, boost productivity, and improve retention, without the need for constant recruitment. But with tight budgets and limited time, many business owners wonder how to upskill staff effectively and a

Expand your Valentine’s gift range to include Gerbera

In floristry, the flowers are only part of the story. The way you make your customer feel, from the moment they walk in to the moment they walk out, is what keeps them coming back. We’ve seen florists transform their business simply by changing how they greet customers or how they talk about their designs.   It’s not about being pushy. It’s about being present, personal, and proud of what you do.

Many consumers and florists take a critical look at imported flowers. Public perception is often shaped by incidents widely covered in the media. “Local” is assumed to be better by definition. The reality? It’s much more nuanced. New Grounds, Same Passion The truth is that local cultivation is becoming less self-evident. “In Europe, we simply don’t have enough land to meet demand,” says Niels Glas, import manager at FM Group. “And many growers in the Netherlands no longer hav

Your shop displays are more than decoration… they’re silent salespeople. The way you present your products influences what customers notice, how they feel, and what they choose to buy. Great merchandising doesn’t just look good, it drives revenue.   This article explores how florists can use display techniques to increase average order value, prompt add-on sales, and create a more engaging customer experience.   Make Your Window a Talking Point  What works:   Refresh your win

Kick start the new year by making some business-based resolutions. Karen Barnes suggests how.

Open Banking lets small businesses securely share financial data, simplifying access to finance, improving cash flow & accounting. It also enables easier, more secure, and cheaper customer payments, offering a competitive edge. It's a UK government-backed initiative for better business management. What is Open Banking? Open Banking is a way for you to safely and securely share your business’s financial data, such as your bank transactions or account details, with other truste

Top tips from Viv Bradford on getting the new year off to a flying start.