Never out of the top 10 of the world’s favourite flowers, the tulip is an iconic spring flowering bulb.

It’s important for employees and employers alike to be made aware of the facts (and fiction) that surrounds ‘Blue Monday’.

Employers often get confused around what exactly their health and safety responsibilities are. It is important to understand that avoidable accidents and incidents in the workplace can not only be devastating to the well-being and morale of your workforce, but they can also result in costly financial penalties and even costlier reputational damage. In fact, serious and preventable accidents constitute a breach in your legal obligations to protect your workers. Employers are l

The third Monday of January is labelled as ‘Blue Monday,’ a date not based on scientific fact, although it was first suggested by a health psychologist before being taken up as a marketing tool by a travel company. Despite that, January is genuinely a very difficult month for many, with the combination of short days, the post-Christmas slump and seemingly weeks to go before pay day.    So how can we cheer up our customers (and ourselves) in these dark, dismal days? Without a

This week Su celebrates the arrival of Cornish-grown Narcissi; another welcome sign that spring is on the way.

Floristry is Personal   Every customer has a story behind their purchase: celebration, sympathy, or “just because.” Connecting with that story turns a transaction into a relationship. When you listen well and recommend confidently, customers spend more, complain less, and return.   This article shows how florists can use psychology, phrasing, and mindset to sell with confidence, increase average order value, and create better customer experiences.   Start With Purpose, Not Pr

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

Are you overtrading? Spot the warning signs early and learn how to fix cash flow strain before it damages your business growth. Learn how you can prevent the dangers of overtrading and the measures you can put in place to grow sustainably and protect your bottom line. Overtrading may seem like a good problem to have in business. After all, landing a big contract means more orders and more sales. However, the risks of overtrading shouldn’t be ignored. A sudden rise in demand c

National Houseplant Week falls conveniently into the lull that comes after the Christmas decs have been packed away and before the prep begins in earnest for Valentine’s Day.  A time when people need a little pick me up and, after recovering from a busy festive season, perhaps nothing too challenging either, so here are my personal top five houseplants that are guaranteed to chase away January blues and brighten up an otherwise grey month.  My top 5 Customer Friendly Plants 

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

Su Whale's comprehensive guide to choosing and using UK-grown flowers and foliage.

Supplying regular flower and plant arrangements to local clients can be good business, as repeat orders mean regular income. These days, corporate work encompasses everything from products supplied to businesses for reception areas, to products purchased for employee gifts, customer gifts or those used to dress conference and exhibition venues, show homes and more. Competition to supply corporate flowers can be fierce. In tough times, many businesses choose to cut back on thi

The tulip is an iconic spring bulb and one which has been growing steadily in popularity at Valentine’s Day