A new business which aims to lead the UK floristry industry into a more sustainable era has launched in Staffordshire.
After returning to work from beating breast cancer, Rosie Broom, from Stafford, set up the Ethical Florist Collective to realise her dream of becoming her own boss.
Rosie – who has a 'lifelong love of flowers' – has launched a website selling ethical, UK-made floristry supplies.
The idea came about after Rosie realised how much plastic waste there is in the industry after working as a freelance florist, and decided she wanted to offer sustainable alternatives to single-use plastics.
Rosie said: "Having beaten breast cancer, I took a good look at my life and wanted to be my own boss. It's hard work but well worth it.
"I want to inspire the florists to be more eco-friendly and come together to not just share ideas on how to reduce waste, but also buy ethical alternatives from us.
"We launched the website just two weeks ago and we've already had some orders. It's a very exciting time and it's great to be a part of an ethical movement that makes such a difference."
To help launch her business, Rosie signed up to Staffordshire County Council's Get Started scheme which aims to support people who are thinking of setting up their own business, or those who have a business less than two years old.
The free initiative offers support around confidence building, accountancy, marketing and more.
Rosie said: "I approached the Get Started scheme because I was completely new in starting a business. I'd written a business plan but I was struggling knowing where to start.
"I signed up to the scheme for any kind of help really, but I went for the accountancy support because I thought that's the bit where I would really struggle.
"I've seen an accountant through the scheme and he's been absolutely fantastic.
"I'd thoroughly recommend anyone even thinking of starting up to get in touch with the Get Started scheme to see how it can help. Now really is the time to just go out there and try it."
Philip White, Staffordshire County Council's deputy leader and cabinet member for economy and skills, said: "Small businesses are growing at a higher rate than most other places in the UK, in part because of schemes like this that help to turn people’s great ideas into viable businesses.
"In the early stages of any business there will be gaps in knowledge – so this scheme is about helping to know what you don’t know and get the professional help you need to get started in the meantime.
"From business plans to accountancy services, marketing plans and free branding and websites, this service has the potential of helping a lot of people finally take the first step to being their own boss."
