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

Karen Barnes give some timely advice about the benefits and legality of foraging for foliage and other plant material.

As more customers look for businesses with sustainable values, green pledges have swept across the world of marketing. Yet almost 40% of businesses that set green targets in 2020 either haven’t hit them or have stopped reporting. So, how do consumers know who to trust, and who’s guilty of greenwashing for quick gains? This is where business owners need to turn pledges into actionable green retail strategies. Use your eco-conscious mindset to prove your commitment and create

Dealing with customer complaints during the busy Christmas season always feels challenging, but it is understandable that with increased demand for a perishable product that there are inevitably going to be a few hiccups. However, responding calmly, thoughtfully and with professionalism can turn a negative situation into a positive experience for both parties. Here are few of my top tips for handling complaints: 1. “Two ears one mouth”, was always a favourite saying of the la

Here's a great marketing opportunity to promote your business locally and for free.

Su Whale says give your houseplants a Christmas makeover and watch them fly off the shelves!

getting things right at the recruitment stage helps you avoid issues arising later

Preparing for the Christmas season as a florist involves more than just stocking up on flowers. It’s about anticipating demand, creating beautiful and festive designs, and offering excellent customer service during one of the busiest times of the year. Embrace festive florals that blend traditional and contemporary styles. My top tips: Winter Favourites: Ensure you have a good stock of traditional Christmas flowers, like poinsettias, amaryllis, roses, carnations, and holly.

Su Whale explains how to create a festive atmosphere and boost sales in your shop this Christmas.

Being a florist means wearing many hats: designer, problem-solver, negotiator, and sometimes even miracle worker. However, even the most talented floral designers can stumble regarding the business side of floristry - pricing, contracts, vendor relationships, and branding. These common mistakes can quietly shrink your profits, overwhelm your schedule, and limit your growth. Here are the 10 biggest “don’ts” in the floral world - and how to avoid them. Skipping the Contract Han

I am predominantly a wedding florist, creating the flowers for 50+ weddings a year in south Lincolnshire, Rutland, east Northamptonshire and north Cambridgeshire. If I’m brutally honest I don’t think it has ever been harder for florists to book weddings. We have huge competition in the field from venues now offering floral packages within their venue fees, venue dressers offering fresh flowers, hire companies offering silk packages and the fact that a lot of wedding have muc

In today’s fast-moving business world, flexibility is more valuable than ever. Whether you’re expanding your team, responding to seasonal demand, or trialling new roles, having the right vehicles available at the right time can make all the difference. That’s where short-term car leasing in the UK comes in. It offers a practical way to stay agile without the long-term financial commitment of a traditional lease or vehicle ownership. In this guide, we’ll explore what short-ter

With the focus now on the up-coming Christmas peak, here are some tips, ideas and help for potentially the busiest period of the year.