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 t

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.

Choosing greenery for Christmas designs? Use this A-Z guide to foliage essentials that will see you through the festive season and beyond.

Karen Barnes is an expert at identifying and interpreting key seasonal trends and translating them into commercial opportunities for florists. Watch how Karen creates a beautiful Christmas Swag. Using magnolia, spruce, cotton, gold cones and of course a Christmas bow and twinkling lights. With over 35 years’ experience, Karen Barnes   is one of the UK’s leading consultants to the floral industry and an expert in product development, future trends & colours, and floral photogr

Running a festive wreath workshop can be great fun and very rewarding, the key to success is to be organised and prepared.  So how to go about it? Here are some answers to commonly asked questions.

Su Whale is a florist and freelance writer with over twenty-five years' experience in the floristry industry. Su created a fantastic Christmas door wreath for the Floristry Trade Club; watch and learn as she explains how to make your very own. With insight into current trends, design technique and handy tips for construction. Watch how Su creates a beautiful Christmas door wreath reflecting the major trends for Christmas 2025, using moss, spruce, conifer and a selection of ru

Leading floral industry consultant