Entrepreneurial duo acquire Cleveleys florist

Two entrepreneurial florists from Lancashire have realised their dream of owning a business.

Friends Sarah Yardley and Annmarie Clark have bought Cleveleys-based Willows Florist with a five-figure funding package from Yorkshire Bank.

The pair met 10 years ago at Jeanette’s Florist in Blackpool, where they both trained after leaving school. Sarah specialises in wedding flower design and Annmarie in 3D arrangements for funerals.

Now they own Willows Florist, which has been trading since 2011, they plan to modernise the company and unlock growth by exhibiting at wedding fairs and exploring projects with businesses.

Sarah said: “Annmarie and I are both focused on exploring new revenue pathways and modernising the business to make it a lasting success.

“Running an organisation centred around something we both love is a great opportunity and we certainly intend to make the most of it.”

The funding package was arranged by Mark Gillespie, a relationship manager with Yorkshire Bank’s Business Direct service.

Sarah continued: “Yorkshire Bank has been brilliant to work with, making the whole process really simple. We’ve never had to do anything like write a business plan before and our relationship manager, Mark, was happy to answer our questions and help us every step of the way.”

Commenting on the transaction, Mark praised Sarah and Annmarie’s “great enthusiasm” and “professionalism”.

He said: “They possess strong experience in the area and have lots of new ideas for Willows Florist.

“I have no doubts these young business owners will be highly successful and we’re glad to have played our part in helping them reach their goal of purchasing a florist.”