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 window

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.

First Impressions Matter More Than You Think When a customer walks into your shop, they’re not just buying flowers. They’re stepping into an experience. The look, feel, and even the scent of your space can influence how much they spend, how long they stay, and whether they come back. We’ve seen it time and again. Florists who invest in their shop’s presentation consistently outperform those who don’t. And it’s not about spending thousands. It’s about being intentional.

With flower prices at a premium and ongoing supply worries, concerns have resurfaced over the cost and availability of red roses for St. Valentine’s Day.

Learn what makes an attention-grabbing Valentine's Day window display from visual merchandising experts Two Visual.

Floral industry expert Karen Barnes extolls the virtues of great teamwork in your business and suggests ways to achieve it.

Why This Series Matters More Than Ever As Interflora’s National Sales Manager for the UK and Ireland, I spend much of my time on the road with our Business Development Managers, visiting florists across our network and beyond. From bustling high street shops to tucked-away studios, we see first-hand what works, what doesn’t, and what small changes can make a big difference. This nine-part series was created to share those insights with you, a collection of practical, proven

Accessing the right type of finance is essential for the growth and sustainability of any small business. From traditional bank loans and government grants to alternative options like angel investors and invoice financing, there are numerous ways to secure the funds you need. Each method comes with its own benefits, requirements, and risks, so understanding these options is key to choosing the best fit for your business goals. By exploring a mix of short-term and long-term fi

We often get questions about sustainability at our flower farms. Here, we answer your most-asked questions about how Marginpar is working with nature, not against it, to grow flowers that are beautiful in more ways than one. 1| How do you nurture soil health and biodiversity Healthy soil creates thriving ecosystems, resilient plants, and ultimately, stunning flowers. At Marginpar, we've embraced a nature-first approach, working with the earth rather than against it. One key