Business

The Blossoming Trend: How Same-Day Flower Delivery Services Influence Local Floristry

Published

6 months ago

July 11, 2024

The popularity of flower delivery firms that operate online has skyrocketed in the past few years. They provide a convenient answer for last-minute giving and save clients precious time, which is why they have risen to prominence. You won’t have to keep asking about the availability of same-day flower delivery near me.”

Convenience at Your Fingertips

The way we send flowers has changed a lot since we can now order them online. Here are some of the best reasons to use an online flower delivery service:

User-Friendly Interfaces. Online sites are made to be easy to use, which makes placing an order a joy. Customers can choose the flower they want and set up delivery with just a few clicks.

Wide Variety of Choices. Online delivery services have a huge collection of flowers and arrangements, unlike traditional shops that only have a few items in stock. You’ll be able to find the right gift, whether you want a classic rose or an exotic orchid design.

Flexible Delivery Options. One great thing about online flower delivery is that it gives you a lot of options. With same-day delivery, you can make decisions on the spur of the moment, so you can surprise your loved ones at the last minute and celebrate important events right away.

Online flower delivery services make sending flowers easy, fun, and adaptable, which makes the whole gift-giving experience better. When you need to send a flower gift next time, think about how simple and varied these sites are.

Supporting Local Florists

Mutually Beneficial Partnerships

Online flower delivery services often collaborate with local flower shops. Both parties benefit from this partnership. Local flower businesses can reach more customers, and online flower stores can deliver fresh flowers from florists in your area.

Economic Boost for Local Businesses

The local economy benefits from these collaborations since small shops are able to expand. These connections have been important to the success of many local florists, allowing them to reach a wider audience and ultimately increase their revenue.

Ensuring Quality and Freshness

In the flower business, quality and freshness are very important. Delivery services promise bright, fresh bunches by getting flowers from nearby farms. This local buying not only improves the quality of the product but also reduces the damage that long-distance shipping does to the earth.

Time-Saving Solutions

Buying bouquets of flowers has never been easier. Shop without leaving your house or even while travelling by placing your order online. For people who already have a lot on their plates, this ease is a huge boon.

Flower delivery services are a game-changer for urgent needs. Whether you forgot about a special occasion or want to send a spontaneous gift, these services have you covered. Countless testimonials highlight how this feature has saved the day for many customers.

Future event planning is also quite easy. Make sure your thoughtful gift arrives on time by scheduling delivery in advance for important events like birthdays and anniversaries.

Floral Industry Transformation

In conclusion, same-day flower delivery is the newest fad when it comes to floral gifts. The diversity, user-friendliness, and positive impact on local florists make this decision appealing. The next time you need flowers delivered, consider using your local online florist for a lovely and stress-free experience.

Business

How to plan financially without sacrificing your usual activities

Published

17 hours ago

January 15, 2025

Staff Writer

Getting on top of your finances can feel daunting, particularly if you have hobbies that you don’t want to sacrifice. The good news is that there are plenty of ways you can save money without having to compromise on your favourite activities.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at a few suggestions that could help you better manage your finances whilst continuing to do the things you enjoy most.

Track your spending

Before making any changes, it’s a good idea to evaluate your current spending. In the age of online banking, regularly checking your bank account couldn’t be easier and doing so can offer you more control over your finances.

Consider going through your current outgoings and finding areas for improvement, such as overspending on groceries or identifying subscriptions you no longer need and cancelling them. You can use tools like budget planners to help track and manage your spending more efficiently.

Use second hand equipment

If your hobbies and interests require equipment, think about purchasing second hand instead of buying brand new. You can use sites such as eBay or Gumtree to find used equipment in good condition. Not only is buying second hand a great way to save money without missing out on the things you need, but it’s also less wasteful and better for the environment!

Make money from your hobby

Plenty of hobbies can be turned into an additional income. If you enjoy creating content online, consider monetising YouTube videos or joining the TikTok creator fund. If your interests involve creating things such as clothes or art, opening a shop on Etsy and selling your pieces is an excellent way to continue pursuing your hobby whilst earning a little extra.

Downsize your hobby

Finally, downsizing your existing hobbies and interests is a great way to reduce the expenses that come with them. If you enjoy exercise, consider working out from home to save money on gym memberships. If you’re learning a new language, utilise free tools and courses.

Alternatively, if gambling is more your scene, think about switching to online gambling. Online gambling sites typically offer more in terms of rewards than traditional brick-and-mortar bookies do. You can utilise sites like AskGamblers who make it easy to find free spin bonuses and sign up offers. Free spins bonuses are a great place to start as a beginner. You can typically use free spins on slot games and still land wins to later withdraw, given you’ve surpassed the wagering requirements.

Saving doesn’t have to be limiting

Cutting back on your spending and saving money doesn’t mean you have to compromise on the things you enjoy. By keeping track of your spending, reducing unnecessary costs, saving on purchases, and even finding ways to make money from the things you enjoy, you can continue to live life to the full whilst improving your finances.

Business

Two Welsh companies feature in the Startups 100 Index 2025

Published

3 days ago

January 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

RETURNING for its 17th year, Startups.co.uk has unveiled the Startups 100 Index 2025, spotlighting the most promising UK startups. Two Welsh companies, Deploy Tech and PlantSea, have been ranked 47th and 60th, respectively, in the prestigious list.

The Startups 100 Index is the UK’s longest-running showcase of innovative young businesses. It highlights startups demonstrating groundbreaking ideas, strong financials, market opportunity, and a loyal customer base. Previous alumni include household names such as Monzo and Deliveroo.

Recognising Welsh innovation

Both Welsh startups achieved additional recognition in this year’s awards. Deploy Tech won the Startups 100 Social Impact Award, while PlantSea was shortlisted for the Sustainability Award, solidifying Wales’ reputation for entrepreneurial ingenuity.

To mark the launch of the 2025 Index, Startups.co.uk surveyed 531 business leaders, revealing a surge in Welsh business optimism. Seventy-five percent of Welsh businesses expressed confidence in the year ahead—a significant rise from the 58% reported in 2024.

Championing ideas with impact

47. Deploy Tech
“The IKEA of concrete infrastructure for water storage”

Founders: Paul Mendieta and Beren Kayali
Founded: 2020
Award: Winner of the Startups 100 Social Impact Award 2025

Deploy Tech revolutionises water infrastructure with its flat-packed, concrete-filled fabric solutions. These innovative systems are lightweight, easy to transport, and ideal for disaster relief, construction projects, and emergency responses. Collaborations with UNICEF and Oxfam highlight the global impact of Deploy Tech’s work, including earthquake relief efforts in Turkey.

60. PlantSea
“Tackling the UK’s plastic waste problem with seaweed-based packaging”

Founders: Rhiannon Rees, Alex Newnes, and Gianmarco Sanfratello
Founded: 2020
Award: Shortlisted for the Startups 100 Sustainability Award 2025

Inspired by Bali’s pollution crisis, PlantSea develops biodegradable and compostable packaging made from seaweed and plant-based materials. Backed by the Development Bank of Wales, the company is scaling up its efforts to combat plastic waste globally, driving sustainable packaging innovation.

A message from Startups.co.uk

Zohra Huda, Editor of Startups.co.uk, commented: “Who says you need to be born in the capital to succeed? This year’s Startups 100 Index proves that inspiration, innovation, and ingenuity abound in Wales. Deploy Tech and PlantSea are leading the charge, thriving despite the challenges of the post-COVID era and current economic landscape. Watch out, London.”

About the Startups 100 Index

The Startups 100 Index is based on five key criteria: financial health, external validation, market opportunity, innovativeness, and strength of concept. Businesses featured must have launched in the last five years, be privately owned, and be UK-based. A panel of expert judges selects the winners.

For the full list, visit: Startups 100 Index 2025.

Business

£1.4 million now available for Welsh Marine and Fisheries Scheme

Published

3 days ago

January 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

MORE than £1 million in funding from the Welsh Government is now open to support the marine, fisheries, and aquaculture industry in Wales. The funding aims to drive sustainable growth in the sector while benefiting coastal communities.

***Deputy First Minister for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies***

The £1.4 million funding package includes £700,000 for revenue and £700,000 for capital projects. The application window is open for 10 weeks, closing on 24th March, and encompasses a wide range of eligible activities across 11 categories.

What can the funding be used for?
The scheme supports various initiatives, including:

Expanding aquaculture site potential and upgrading vessel equipment to reduce emissions and boost energy efficiency.
Providing professional advice on marine environment sustainability, business development, and marketing strategies.
Funding optional health and safety equipment for onboard and land-based operations.

In the previous funding round, grants were awarded for projects such as ice machines, ice flakers, weighing scales, cool boxes for fishers, vessel modifications to enhance energy efficiency, and marine evidence gathering initiatives.

Encouragement from Deputy First Minister
Deputy First Minister for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies, said: “The Welsh Marine and Fisheries Scheme is designed to create opportunities within the marine environment, coastal communities, and sustainable seafood across the entire supply chain, from production to processing and marketing.

“Our aquaculture, marine, and fisheries sector brings many important benefits. It provides a low-carbon, high-quality protein food source, supports future food security, and creates high-skilled jobs.

“I’d encourage those with an interest to take advantage of the funding to explore opportunities for growth, diversification, and innovation. Let’s use this scheme to build a more prosperous, fairer, and greener Wales.”*

Grant details

Maximum grant per application: £100,000
Minimum grant per application: £500

Support for applicants
Free, independent support is available through the Welsh Fisheries Animateur Pilot project, funded by the Welsh Government in collaboration with the Welsh Fishermen’s Association. For assistance, contact The Fisheries Animateur:

Phone: 01736 362782
Text: 07864 087119
Email: [email protected]

Applicants must be registered with Rural Payments Wales (RPW) Online, where the application and claims process can be accessed.

For more details, including guidance, visit the Welsh Government’s website.