How to start a florist business

If you have a head for business and a love for flowers, you could be the perfect person to open a florist.

It’s one of the UK’s most enduring industries, with flowers often at the centre of our biggest and most significant celebrations and events, from romantic gestures and weddings to birthdays and funerals.

Florist businesses come in many different shapes and sizes, each suited to a unique set of skills and interests, so starting a florist is about finding the right path for you.

Find out how to get started when choosing and creating your florist business.

Why should I start a flower business?

Starting your own floristry business could be an opportunity for entrepreneurs with relevant skills and a passion for flowers.

The flower industry is thriving – it’s expected to be worth £1.1bn by 2028-29.

Online retail has expanded the market, allowing flower sellers to tap into a wider audience.

Starting a flower business offers several compelling benefits along with strong revenue potential.

You can choose to run your flower business online, from a physical shop, or a combination of both, allowing you to be flexible in how you manage your operations.

Launching a floristry business can be very rewarding.

It allows you to use your creativity to make beautiful floral arrangements and designs.

Whether you prefer elaborate bouquets or minimalist styles, there’s room to explore your artistic talents.

You could also take pleasure and pride in participating in someone else’s joy in giving and receiving flowers.

The business also fits with the trend toward sustainability.

Offering eco-friendly options, such as locally sourced or seasonal flowers, can attract customers who care about the environment.

You could also expand your offerings to include complementary products, like cards, vases, and gardening supplies.

Types of florist business

You might have many different ideas when picturing what it would be like to open a florist.

For instance, some florists have high-street shops providing floral arrangements and hand-tied bouquets, while others prefer to grow their flowers and sell them to retailers.

It’s important to know what type of florist shop you plan to open before you start your business.

Common types of florists include:

• retailers – typically set up in a high street shop, selling flowers and creating arrangements for individual customers
• online sellers – operating at home or in a private space, where they sell flowers via their website or a third-party marketplace
• wholesalers – sell all types of floral materials, such as flowers and glassware, to retailers and service providers
• limited-service flower shops – focus on specific markets, such as weddings.

Some florists offer a subscription flower service, which provides a predictable income stream and builds stronger relationships, leading to better customer retention.

Each type of florist has its own specific business requirements.

When choosing one, consider whether you want to focus on the art of flower arranging, be creative with marketing and advertising, or speak with customers on a daily basis.

What qualifications do I need to be a florist?

Although there are no legal requirements or specific qualifications to become a florist, acquiring certain skills and training can significantly enhance your prospects.

Consider looking into professional certifications, such as those offered by the British Florist Association or City & Guilds in Floristry, which can enhance your knowledge and credibility.

A keen eye for design and colour could be essential for creating attractive arrangements.

Many florists benefit from taking courses in floristry or horticulture, available at various levels, from short workshops to diplomas.

Practical knowledge about flower care, arrangement techniques and plant varieties could also be invaluable.

Understanding when various flowers are in season and when to source them could help you work efficiently.

What other skills do you need to set up a flower business?

Starting a florist business is about more than just having a passion for flowers, you need the skills to run your own company.

If you have previous experience in retail or customer service, you may find it easier to handle sales and customer interactions.

Strong communication skills help you understand client needs and provide excellent service, while good organisational skills help you manage stock and handle multiple orders efficiently.

Floristry can be physically demanding, requiring you to stand for long periods and lift heavy items.

You might also need to work irregular shifts during busy periods, such as Mother’s Day and Valentine’s Day.

It also helps to have a solid understanding of fundamental business concepts, including bookkeeping and marketing, although you can develop these as you set up and grow your business.

You might consider enrolling on a training course, such as our Learn with Start Up Loans programme, to further your business knowledge and skills.

Created in partnership with the Open University, these online courses are free to join and delivered by experts.

By combining these skills and qualifications, you could position yourself for success in the competitive world of floristry.

What costs are involved in setting up a flower business?

The costs of starting up as a florist may depend on the type of flower business you want to establish.

For example, retailers may need to consider renting a location for their shop.

Wholesalers and online sellers, on the other hand, could have more flexibility when deciding where to keep their stock.

Equipment you may need as a florist

If you decided to open a flower shop, the equipment you would require might include:

• display cases
• watering systems
• storage
• payment systems
• shop decor
• gift wrapping, such as paper, ribbons, cards, and bows.

Other costs to consider could include:

utility bills – whether renting a shop, a warehouse, or operating from your home, consider expenses such as water bills, which could be exceptionally high after watering your flowers, and other utilities like gas and electricity

materials and stock – you might need a diverse range of flowers, foliage, and other floral supplies, including decorative materials and vases

employees – you might need an extra pair of hands to run your florist shop, or you may want to hire a specialist to help with the business

marketing – this could be essential to the success of your flower business start-up – consider allocating a budget specifically for advertising campaigns and other strategies to boost brand awareness

insurance – depending on your type of flower business, you may need business insurance that covers aspects such as public liability and employers’ liability, as well as property and contents insurance.

Think about factoring in the costs of expanding stock and managing supply chains, as these could be crucial for business growth.

Establishing strong relationships with suppliers could help you ensure a consistent flow of flowers and materials.

Consider diversifying your sources to reduce the risk of supply disruptions.

In addition, building an efficient inventory management system to track stock levels could help you reduce waste and lower costs.

You may also want to regularly review and adapt your supply chain strategy to accommodate seasonal demands and market trends, keeping your business competitive and responsive to customer needs.

How to get started setting up a floristry business

One of the first things you need when launching your florist start-up is a business idea – the seed that could turn your interest in flowers into a plan that could make money.

Your idea might be based on a tried-and-tested approach, such as opening a shop on your high street.

Alternatively, it could be inspired by a unique demand or a special interest, such as offering rare flower varieties or creating bespoke arrangements for niche markets.

Once you have an idea you’re happy with, you could start turning it into a business.

Research the market

Researching your target market may help you understand what they’re looking for in a florist and whether you can provide those services.

Without this information, it may be tricky to gain momentum and grow your business, let alone get it off the ground.

Market research could also help you consider the competitors in your industry.

You might look at their prices, the areas where they’re succeeding, and how your business can stand out from the crowd.

Create a business plan

A business plan is a working document that outlines:

• what your business does
• its objectives
• when it will achieve those objectives
• why you believe it will make money
• how it will make money.

This document can help you develop your start-up idea as you highlight challenges that stand in your way, as well as opportunities you can take advantage of.

It can also help loan providers and investors understand your business and determine whether they can provide funding.

Secure funding

Unless you have enough personal savings, consider how to finance your flower business.

Several funding options are available, but not all may be appropriate for your business and personal financial situation.

Some new businesses seek loans from banks or credit unions, but these can often be hard to acquire.

You might be better off considering alternative options, such as crowdfunding or government grants.

You may also be eligible for a Start Up Loan – a government-backed scheme that provides unsecured funding of up to £25,000 for new businesses.

It’s always a good idea to seek independent specialist advice when it comes to deciding how best to fund your start-up.

Choosing a location for a physical shop

Choosing the right location for your florist shop could make a big difference to your business. 

Here are some factors you may want to consider:

Foot traffic

Choose a location with high pedestrian traffic to increase visibility and attract walk-in customers. 

Busy streets, shopping districts, or areas near other popular stores can be advantageous.

Accessibility

Make sure the shop is easily accessible to customers, with convenient parking and public transportation options nearby.

Size and layout

The shop should have enough space for displaying arrangements, storing inventory, and possibly hosting workshops or events.

Competition

Check out other florists in the area. 

While some competition can indicate a healthy market, too much might make it challenging to stand out.

Rent and rates

Consider all your costs to ensure the location fits your budget without compromising on other business needs such as stock or marketing.

Find more tips on how to find the perfect retail space.

Setting up as an online florist

Here are some things to consider:

Working space

While you won’t need a storefront if you decide to open an online flower business, you’ll still need space for arranging flowers, storage, and shipping.

This could be in a room at home or a rented unit.

Shipping

Choose a location that aids efficient shipping. 

Proximity to distribution centres or courier services can help ensure timely deliveries.

Website

Investing in a robust e-commerce website and budget for ongoing web hosting and digital marketing activities, including quality photography and engaging content to attract customers, might be wise. 

Make sure you have the tools and processes to handle customer inquiries and orders.

Register your business

Once you have chosen the right business structure for your florist start-up, you will need to register it with HMRC to pay tax on your profits.

Sole traders must register for self-assessment, while limited companies must register for corporation tax.

If you decide to operate as a limited company, you must also register your business with Companies House.

This registration provides several benefits, including protecting your company name from being used by another registered company.

Consider consulting a business advisor to help you decide on the right business structure for your needs.

For more detailed steps and guidance, see our guide for more tips on registering your business.

Consider tax and VAT

Understanding your tax obligations, including potential VAT registration, is vital for operating legally as a small business owner.

If your annual turnover exceeds the VAT threshold, which is currently £90,000, you must register for VAT.

Limited companies are required to file annual accounts and a company tax return with HMRC.

Consider consulting a financial advisor who can help keep your finances in order.

Read our guide on taxes affecting the self-employed.

Set up a supply chain

If you don’t plan on growing your own flowers, establishing a robust supply chain for your floristry business is essential.

Building strong relationships with reliable suppliers could ensure a steady flow of quality flowers and materials.

You may want to consider diversifying your sources to help reduce the risks associated with supply disruptions.

Market your flower business

Consider different marketing strategies to attract customers to your flower business.

Marketing methods such as social media, paid ads online, leafleting, local advertising, attending local events, and networking to increase brand awareness and sales opportunities.

You could also consider partnering up with other local businesses to help build your client base and sales.

Read our Essential guide to marketing.