Karen Barnes is an expert at identifying and interpreting key seasonal trends and translating them into commercial opportunities for florists. Jump to the Videos Autumn Trends Video Autumn Hand-Tied Design Autumn Square Vase Design Autumn Hand-tied / Swag Video Watch how Karen brings popular autumn trends to life. Discussing colours, designs and packaging to inspire your autumn range. Showcasing three designs that will be featured in future videos. Identifying this season's l

More and more young florists are seizing unique opportunities to showcase their talent in floral design. And because floral designer Hanneke Frankema, just like FM Group, believes in the new generation and the value of education and craftsmanship, she gave this chance to seven young talents. They were able to show their passion for flowers on the big stage during Hanneke’s show "GROWTH!", presented at the final of the Florint World Cup of Floral Art in The Hague. Opportunitie

Flowers make people happy. They bring colour, atmosphere and emotion, at home, at work, for a celebration or a farewell. But alongside that emotional value, consumers are becoming increasingly critical. Whereas people have long made conscious choices when it comes to food, similar questions are now being asked about flowers. And that poses a challenge for growers, traders, and florists alike. Negative media coverage about CO₂ and pesticides weighs heavily on the sector’s imag

One of the joys of floristry is its seasonality, and the passage of summer into autumn is a moment to celebrate and set the seasonal tone in store and out. And if there is one thing florists can do which is heads and shoulders above supermarkets and garden centres, it is shop display. Autumn is without a doubt one of those moments to show off how creative we can be. There is still time for planting outside while the soil still retains the warmth from the summer. Encourage yo

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.

Bromeliads are perfect impulse purchase plants - colourful, fun and easy to care for.

No matter how many Christmas peaks you’ve worked through, there are always lessons to be learnt. To help you survive and thrive this Christmas, we asked some experienced florists to share their top tips for trading successfully this festive season. What to consider first Decide how much business you can realistically cope with. If you have historical sales information, look back at it to remind you what sold well and what didn’t. It’s best to look back over the previous thr

Viv Bradford shares her savvy tips to minimise waste and maximise profit this Christmas.

Fresh berries are perfect if you want to give seasonal arrangements a natural, festive feel, says Su Whale.

Getting all the details in black and white is crucial. We share our top tips for writing your next freelance contract and explain why they’re so important.  Why are contracts so important as a freelancer? No matter what kind of freelance work you're doing, contracts are part of everyday life as a freelancer, but the devil is in the detail. A freelancing contract, commonly in the form of a contract for services or consultancy agreement, should include the details and expectat

There’s something about the colours and the cosiness as nights draw in and fires are lit that makes autumn special for so many people. Capitalise on this warm and fuzzy feeling by promoting this colourful season in all its glory. How to sell autumn in your store Even though most flowers are now available all year round, this is the time to concentrate on those that have strong associations with autumn, such as Dahlia, Chrysanthemum, Asters, Gladioli and Callistephus. Pop re

Su Whale shares 10 gorgeous Christmas wreath designs to get you inspired this season.

Confused by IR35 rules? Our tax specialists from FSB Tax Investigation Protection explain what the new rules mean for freelancers working in the private sector. This content was last reviewed in August 2024. We’re here to help you understand the ins and outs of the off-payroll working changes introduced into the private sector in April 2021, so that you can stay compliant. What is IR35? IR35, also known as the off-payroll working rules or intermediaries legislation was origin

As the days grow shorter and the air turns colder, the beauty of autumn comes alive in more than just the changing of colours. Autumn seasonal flowers are notable for their deep, warm colours. In this guide, we’ll explore the top autumn flowers, dive into floral design trends, and reveal the best colour palettes to capture the spirit of the season. Top Flowers for Stunning Autumn Arrangements Autumn is the perfect time to embrace the beauty of seasonal flowers. Whether you’re

Follow Su Whale's guide to making environmentally friendly Christmas wreaths.