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

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