Date: 08/11/2007
Being closely involved in the community is helping business blossom for New Mills florist Zoe Bolton.
Whether it be donating raffle prizes, offering advice to create colourful well dressings or dressing her shop window at carnival time, Zoe, of Passion for Flowers, Market Street, is keen to play an active role in local life.
Her hands-on approach to investing both time and resources in the town where she works is typical of many of the small businesses involved in High Peak Borough Council's current 'Shop Smart, Shop Local' campaign.
"I think local shops have a very positive role to play in their local community, in a whole variety of ways," said Zoe, who launched her own business in March after 14 years' practical experience in floristry followed by two years' formal training at Stockport College.
"Since I opened the shop, I've been happy to donate raffle prizes whenever I've been asked, taken part in the carnival and donated flowers for local primary school children to draw as part of a special project.
"I've also supplied flowers for local well dressings, and given advice on the best kinds of petal to use to create a particular design by children at Hayfield Primary School. It's all part of contributing to local life, and the job satisfaction and feedback I've had so far has been tremendous."
Offering an individually-tailored, approachable service to customers has also been a top priority, and has resulted in plenty of repeat business and word-of-mouth recommendations that have attracted new clients.
Added Zoe: "I've got a lot of regular customers now, and more recently have gained some contract work for hotels, restaurants and hairdressers in and around the area. I think for a lot of people, the attraction is that we offer a friendly and personal service to create customised, rather than ready-made, hand-tied bouquets and arrangements that you can buy 'off the shelf'.
"I tend to favour more exotic flowers, such as anthuriums, birds of paradise and protea, to put together unusual and eye-catching designs. It's great when clients are pleased with the finished result. It's a two-way process, and makes me feel part of the local community too."
As well as supplying striking flowers, bouquets, wreaths, garlands and table arrangements Zoe also stocks contemporary gifts, including a Christmas selection featuring seasonal favourites such as candles, tree decorations, tea light holders and photo frames.
Another bonus for local shoppers is that Zoe and her husband and business partner Colin offer free delivery within New Mills. Their client base also extends to surrounding villages, such as Hayfield, Whaley Bridge, Disley, Marple, Marple Bridge, Mellor and Thornsett.
"I think it's important for people to shop locally because it will help their communities to continue to thrive, as well as being good for the environment because they don't have to travel so far," said Zoe. "We live in Birch Vale, and one of the attractions of launching a business here was that we wouldn't have a long way to go to work."
Beryl Southworth, currently lady captain at New Mills Golf Club, who has been a customer since Passion for Flowers opened, added: "When I originally came into the shop, I was looking for flowers for a special occasion, and Zoe gave me plenty of time and advice to achieve what I wanted - it was brilliant.
"She was so helpful that I have been coming back ever since, and she is so versatile she can supply everything from traditional bouquets for older members of our club to modern arrangements for my own home. And if I don't have a particular type of vase, Zoe will loan me one, which is an extra service you don't get in many other places."
The 'Shop Smart, Shop Local' campaign in the Buxton and Central areas of High Peak is part of a national initiative promoting the social, environmental and economic benefits of supporting local businesses. As part of the campaign, customers can collect a sticker each time they buy something in a participating shop and stick it on a passport.
When one of the sections on the passport is full, it can be entered into a monthly prize draw if handed in at Buxton, Chapel, New Mills and Whaley Bridge Town Halls, Glossop Municipal Buildings, or posted to High Peak Borough Council, Hayfield Road, Chapel-en-le-Frith SK23 0QJ. Monthly prize draws will take place from now until March 2008.
Further information about the campaign, including tool kits full of marketing and promotional ideas and ways to encourage people to spend in local shops, are available from Helen Pakpahan, economic development officer, on 0845 129 7777 or at helenp@highpeak.gov.uk.