Published: Friday, 18th December, 2009 5:47pm

Blooming lovely business grows

by Alan Bunce

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BUSINESS is blossoming for Helen Harris just a year after she took over the Croppers in Bloom florist.

Helen, 23, had been working in the shop in Theale High Street for more than four years but business began to suffer as owner Teresa Cooper had to spend more and more time looking after her elderly parents. So Helen (pictured) took over, stemmed the losses and has now set down roots to grow the business.

She has launched a website with an online shop, got a company van and added a few touches like ensuring business cards are given out with flowers, especially those going to offices.

Since then, one area of business has grown more than any other. Helen said: "I think we have done more weddings in 2009 than ever."

Another thriving market is nearby business parks, such as Arlington, largely for corporate functions, reception areas and for individuals who send flowers to people at work.

Helen said: "You would think flowers on reception desks would have gone by the way in the recession but they don't seem to have." She believes Teresa, who trained in a shop, and college-trained Helen made a formidable team, bouncing ideas off each other.

But now as the boss, Helen wants to implement more new ideas in the next few years including using a Volkswagen Beetle for deliveries, employing more staff and possibly opening an additional shop.