Keeping up with the Joneses might not be the be all and end all of business, but using the latest products or services can make your life a whole lot easier, which is why we bring you Launchpad. A regularly updated look at the best new products for florists, this is the first place to look when you're in need of something new. So why not make this page a regular port of call?


What's hot right now?

Celebrate Valentine's Day with boxesforflowers
Available exclusively from www.boxesforflowers.co.uk is a brilliant range of vases and delivery boxes designed specifically for retail florists. Made to be both kind on the eye and functional at the same time, all the products offered by the company are fully recyclable and are made using materials sourced from the UK.

Vases are available in numerous colours and for all occasions, including Valentine’s Day, with prices starting from just 58 pence plus VAT with free delivery. What’s more, the vases can be personalised with a company logo too.

boxesforflowers
www.boxesforflowers.co.uk
07860 373556

 

Homegrown and available!
There’s no denying that customers are looking to buy more and more homegrown flowers, which is why the brilliant ‘British Flowers Direct’ service from Flowers by Clowance is the perfect answer for florists struggling to get hold of top quality British blooms.

The Cornwall-based nursery grows and supplies beautiful Cornish and English cut flowers all-year-round using a next day courier delivery service, meaning flower miles are kept to a minimum. Many different varieties and types of Cornish flowers are available, including asters, Sweet Williams, Freesias, Stocks, Delphinums and Alstroemeria, all grown on their two and a half acre nursery. In-season English flowers are also sourced from growers around the country. 

Varieties and prices change on a weekly basis throughout the season so please contact them for more.

Flowers by Clowance
www.flowersbyclowance.co.uk
01209 831317

Add some glitz and glamour
Country Baskets has lots to shout about this festive season, especially with the arrival of their superb range of new dried products. The ‘Midollino Glitz’ sticks pictured here are ideal for those florists and designers who want to add an innovative Christmas twist to their designs and arrangements. The 150g packs are excellent value for money, priced at just £4.69 and are available in three colours: Gold, Black/Silver & Bordeaux Red/Gold. Visit your nearest branch of Country Baskets to purchase these items, as well as a wide range of other dried products.

Country Baskets    
www.countrybaskets.co.uk
0113 218 9090
 
 

Rose revelation
New and exclusively available from import company Vered are these gorgeous scented garden Roses. Grown in Colombia by Alexandra Farms, the flowers are available all-year-round thanks to the favourable growing conditions out there. Packed in sleeves of 12 (complete with branded packaging and flower food) with six sleeves per tray, wholesale customers can choose just one colour from the many available or an assortment, making them great for special orders. All that Vered asks is that one-week’s notice is given.

It’s hoped that these brilliant and highly fragrant Roses will be widely available soon, but for now florists can get hold of them from Hardcastles at Covent Garden or GF Mercer in Bristol.

Vered's scented Roses
020 8349 4944

Adding value the cost-effective way

Kelly Tags has lots of clever ways to add a little extra to your Valentine's arrangements, all at prices that won't break the bank. There are simple tie on tags with either a blank space for writing or a simple message, and all have the upbeat and different style that is the signature of the company. Due to popular demand, the new Valentine's range is being offered in bulk quantities. As margins get tighter, you can add something really special for as little as 6p per bouquet. They also continue to have innovative promotional ideas that really work. Simply ask for their free brochure today!

Kelly Tags
01892 512337


 

The friendly container

Launched at this year’s Horti Fair was the Biovaas, a brand new biodegradable vase made of bioplastic. Available in numerous colours, the vase, which is supplied in two parts to cut down on the space taken to transport it, is also fully recyclable. Stable and extremely sturdy, the vase also has the added benefit of being resistant to bacteria thanks to the materials used in its production, making it perfect for hospital use. Being rolled out via wholesalers across Europe, the Biovaas is coming to a town near you!

 Biovaas
 www.biovaas.nl

Get behind the wheel for less
As belts are tightened and every penny becomes more important, the latest range of ‘Porter’ vans from Piaggio are well worth checking out. Reportedly Britain’s best value light commercial vehicles, the surprisingly spacious range starts at just £6295 plus VAT. What’s more, with a congestion charge and road fund licence exempt electric version available too, cheaper, greener motoring is easily within your reach.

Piaggio Porter Vans
01491 415230

New Range of Dried at Country Baskets
Another new range of products Country Baskets is keen to boast about is this collection of dried products. The range includes Midollino sticks (80cm/150g), Midollino Coils (250g), Guinco Sticks (10cm/150g), Pepe Cones (200g) and Wood Cones (pack of 20). This new collection is available in a wide range of contemporary colours including Turquoise, Fuchsia, Orange, Yellow, White, Black, Apple and Erica. Prices start from as little as £3.29 for a 150g pack of 80cm Midollino sticks.Check out the full range of products in all branches of Country Baskets.

Country Baskets
www.countrybaskets.co.uk
0113 218 9090