News: Business blossoms in Rotherham

A green fingered florist is celebrating a blossoming first year in business following help and advice from The Rotherham Enterprise Project.



Artistic Alice Goodwin, aged 40, from Kimberworth Park, had twenty years experience in floristry when she chose to go it alone and establish Alice in Flowerland, selling a variety of balloons and cards along with tailor made floral arrangements.

Alice said: "Putting a smile on people's faces when you hand them a beautiful bouquet of flowers is one feeling that makes you feel on top of the world - plus I get the chance to be really creative.

"But I ended up spending a lot of money on my van and refurbishing the shop, which had to be gutted and needed new windows and rewiring. A trained advisor from The Rotherham Enterprise Project helped me with all these things, including other business queries such as my tax returns, employment queries, and rent reviews.

"Now I'm fully booked for the wedding season throughout August and am doing at least one a week!"

Alice's friendly disposition is reflected in her charity work, which has involved raffling off bouquets and donating tips to Rotherham Hospice.

The Rotherham Enterprise Project offers professional support for businesses and is funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

Rachel Clark, Community Business Coach Manager at RiDO, one of the delivery partners of The Rotherham Enterprise Project said: "It is clear that Alice has an imaginative talent that has spurred her on to set up a well placed business which is proving to be a fantastic success.

"We are thrilled our advice could be of such value to Alice, who is an inspiring individual to those who want to set up their own enterprise and we hope her business will continue to grow and prosper."

Rotherham Investment and Development Office

Images: Rotherham Enterprise