Member Blog

AI software firm Optalitix is now working with the Tudor Lodge Consultants team to boost its SEO rankings. We are dedicated to helping the startup to develop their SEO practices and increase its online presence to a much wider audience.

Who are Optalitix?

Optalitix provides an AI machine learning solution to startups, with the aim of removing the complexity than can surround business analytics and data modeling. The company allows companies to see measurable advantages across key business metrics, regardless of the industry they are in.

How we are helping Optalitix?

Keyword ranking: The main task we are carrying out for the AI machine learning startup is focusing on keyword research, ensuring that they rank highly on SERPs for terms that relate strongly to their field of expertise.

This includes terms such as ‘ai companies’ and ‘data analytics companies’.  We make sure that content that is created relates to these keywords, as well as ensuring that links to Optalitix feature these terms too.

Market positioning: We wanted to use our knowledge of SEO to position Optalitix in the industry and hopefully when people type anything relating to AI into Google, that they will come up. This includes any “Top 10” lists or “AI Startups to Watch” and working with the publisher to put Optalitix at the top of the tree.

We appreciate that in b2b marketing, conversion rates can be quite low – but if we can establish Optalitix now as a key player in the industry and keep them ranking on different sites in the future, it will maximise their chances of getting a good enquiry.

Content creation: To position the brand further, we are conducting interviews with the company founders across different IT and tech sites and also on Linkedin, to further cement their position in the industry

Our team is delighted to reveal that we have teamed up with health insurance firm Equipsme. Tudor Lodge Consultants has been working hard to improve the firm’s online presence through implementing a thorough white hat SEO strategy, using an array of tools that we have acquired.

About Equipsme

Equipsme makes purchasing health insurance for businesses in the UK simple and easy to do.  The health insurance company provides an alternative, cost-effective solution for firms so that they can insure the health of their employees straightforwardly at a low price. Equipsme’s healthcare plans involve no medical jargon, no medical questions and an easy to understand pricing structure and the same premium for those aged between 16-69 years old.

What we have achieved for Equipsme

Improving functionality: one important aspect of SEO strategy is ensuring that a website is running as fast as possible – if it does not, this can impact bounce rates and its Google ranking. As a result, our team has been working hard to improve Equipsme’s site speed. We have also been working on the functionality of the mobile version of the site to ensure it is user friendly.

Keywords: we have also been carrying out keyword research to make sure that the health insurance firm is ranking high for terms related to the health and medical sector, so that Equipsme ranks higher in SERPs.

Links: Tudor Lodge Consultants understands just how vital having strong links can be when it comes to having an excellent SEO strategy. That is why we have been working on making sure that we have been finding Equipsme reputable and trustworthy links within the health and medical sector, as well as carrying out link reclamation. This also helps make the site easier to crawl for Google indexing.

Site fix: making sure that response codes have been fixed, as well as meta descriptions and titles are of an adequate length with relevant keywords, is important for SEO. This is something the team has been changing on the Equipsme site.

Norfolk is home to an entrepreneurial spirit that’s the envy of the United Kingdom. We’re a county that loves business, and that knows how to do business, but like the country as a whole, we’re having to deal with economic uncertainty. The impact of Brexit on Norfolk is yet to be seen, of course, but it’s sure to bring opportunities as well as challenges for its business leaders. One way our businesses can keep ahead of their corporate rivals is by avoiding wastage and saving money without impacting on their products or services. With that in mind, here are three simple yet effective ways for Norfolk businesses to save money.

Don’t Pay Too Much for Your Energy

All businesses should know exactly what their overheads are, and use this to ensure that there are no areas which leak money. One of the biggest overheads that most businesses face, whatever sector they operate in, is their energy costs, so it’s important that you don’t pay more than you really have to. The best way to get the best deal is to compare commercial gas suppliers and electricity suppliers via a specialist comparison website like Utility Bidder. You’ll be able to see which suppliers offer the best service at the lowest price, and make an informed decision about who to sign up with. Don’t forget to compare energy suppliers at regular intervals, as prices and deals can change rapidly.

Use Modern Marketing Methods

The world around us is also changing rapidly, and that means that traditional forms of advertising and marketing may not be as effective as they once were. We consume media differently, so adverts on radio, television and radio may no longer be seen or heeded. An increasing number of businesses in Norfolk and beyond are using the opportunities that social media brings to promote their products, and this can allow you to reach a much larger audience for a significantly smaller outlay. You’ll need to have an active presence on all the main social media platforms, and remember that your posts should be vibrant, eye catching and entertaining as well as informative. Social media marketing can bring rich rewards, and it can also be an effective way to reach Millennial customers.

Make the Most of Outsourcing

Outsourcing some of your business functions can allow you to obtain high quality work at a very competitive price, so look for areas of your business where you can outsource tasks rather than recruiting directly into your company. This not only gives you added flexibility in that you can hire people nationwide, it also cuts down on the time and expense that a recruitment campaign can cost. Typical areas where you may be able to outsource include design, customer support, event management and accounting.

Don’t Use Overtime Unless Absolutely Necessary

Plan for the business so that overtime work and overtime pay is not required. While it’s commonplace to see companies resort to offering overtime to cash strapped employees in place of taking on someone part-time, it’s a bad idea. Having already completed their normal day’s work, the extra hours are sub-optimal. The overtime worker cannot perform at the same level and will likely be working early mornings or evenings to get work done. The altered hours lead to an increasing number of mistakes which may exceed what is gained. Also, their regular work will eventually suffer too when they don’t get enough rest.

Use Co-Working Arrangements to Save Money

Co-working is the idea of allowing full-time employees to work from their home office. It cuts out the commute and the need for a permanent desk for them. When either used as a strategy to reduce the office space required, or to manage rapid expansion without requiring an office move too soon, it can be a cost-efficient move.

Using co-workers is different to outsourcing because the staff still work for you. They’re under contract, receive most of the same benefits and can be expected to deliver when needed. Freelancers receive much less commitment from you or commitment to you. By mixing a little of both, companies can manage their costs and office footprint better while not sacrificing control of their operations.

Creating a lean, efficient company with the help of outsourcing, adopting social media marketing, and using a comparison website to find the best business energy supplier can save you significant amounts of money, year on year. That means that you’ll be competitive whatever Brexit and other economic factors may bring our way, so that you can continue to contribute to the Norfolk business success story.

Gas boilers have been the staple of our households for generations – providing heat and hot water at a relatively low cost. Despite the great functionality of gas boilers, recently, they have been under intense scrutiny. While they are useful, their use comes at a cost. Widespread use of gas boilers poses a dangerous threat to our environment with their ability to contribute to the greenhouse effect and to produce carbon monoxide.

Present Day Gas Boilers

It’s not going to come as a surprise to hear that due to our production and consumption as humans, our world is undergoing some very harmful environmental events. Specifically, in the case of gas boilers, their use of fossil fuels and release of toxic carbon monoxide have not helped in our mission to better the planet. Despite their mass use, if we want to progress in decreasing our negative environmental impact, we must at least plan for a replacement in the future.

I know what you’re thinking. If you don’t have a gas boiler you might be asking yourself, how are you going to take a shower or heat your home in the winter? These are all valid questions that can be answered using alternative heat sources. It all starts with creating and enhancing policies that cultivate healthy environmental practices. Fortunately, countries like the UK have already gotten a head start in this department. In 2008, we passed the Climate Change Act that places the duty of the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change to ensure that the UK’s carbon emissions are at least 80% lower than the 1900 baseline by 2050.

Furthermore, this policy goes on to introduce new measures to achieve these targets. Following this policy, the Department of Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) set the objectives to ensure that sustainable goals were being met. The goals set out by BEIS include the following:

Keeping the energy bill as low as possible: ensuring that The UK has a secure and resilient energy system: reducing carbon emission cost-effectively at home; and avoiding unreasonable upfront cost for consumers which could discourage home improvements. Additionally, to observe if these goals are being met, the Climate Change Act carries out an assessment tracking to see whether or not the UK is on course to meet its carbon reduction targets While factors, such as the first carbon budget and marginally changes in carbon change have been met, now, it appears as if our carbon emission has stalled. This means that it is, now more important than ever to grasp alternative methods of heating our homes before it is too late.

The Future of Gas Boilers

Fortunately, for us and our planet, alternative appliances to gas boilers have already started to be invented and even used in real-life situations. Particularly, hydrogen, heat pumps, and hybrids have been undergoing development to tackle this new challenge.

As opposed to carbon, hydrogen is more environmentally friendly and does not produce a toxic gas when it is burned. In terms of being used to heat our houses, researchers are looking to design a Hydrogen for Heat system that has the same functionality of fossil fuel in gas boilers but is much safer. Next, heat pumps are also being crafted because, as opposed to hydrogen, which can be quite pricey and difficult to store, this alternative form of heating is one of the only ones that maintain heating quality and cost-efficiency. Finally, hybrids that are classified as developments in heat pump technology are now becoming available.

Gas boilers are inevitably harming our environment. Nevertheless, despite their mass use, by the year 2025, the Committee on Climate Change estimates that no new-built homes will be equipped with boilers using gas grid system as power source. We must invest in alternative forms of energy that not only keeps costs low but also preserve our environment.

When it comes to search engine optimisation (SEO) and digital marketing in general, we often hear the term ‘website crawling’ and similar terms. However, what does this actually mean and how can you ensure your website or that of any of your clients is crawled?

What is ‘Website Crawling?’

Website crawling refers to the process by which search engines such as Google, Bing, Yahoo and Baidu can read, process, understand and therefore rank the website in question. ‘Crawling’ is often used by those in the SEO and website marketing industry; it is fundamental to the very essence of what SEO is and how search engine marketing functions.

All search engines function through algorithms, which automatically read and understand [crawl] websites; their content, the words on the website(s) in question and the overall theme and focus. For example, if you are running a website in Brighton as a psychologist’s practice (find out more), you wouldn’t want search engines to misunderstand the site and rank you as if you were a website in France selling mobile phones.

Does Website Crawling Affect My Website’s Rankings?

The short answer here is yes. Ultimately, if Google, or indeed any other search engine is unable to understand and crawl your website, it will not be ranked properly if at all. Hence, this is one of the first factors which should be taken care of when revamping or just looking to improve your website’s online standing.

What Can I do to Improve my Website’s Crawling?

There is no single thing which you can do to improve and increase your website’s funding. However, there are a number of practices which undertaken, certainly increase your chances f being crawled and may even improve your rankings and positioning online. These include:

• Meta Data – This refers to the specific data [meta title and description] which should be assigned to each and every page on your website. Optimising your meta data helps search engines to read and understand pages on your website and therefore help rankings
• Website Speed – The speed and overall performance of your website is another important factor which implemented properly, can help search engines favour your website in rankings more than others who do not pay attention to their speed
• Errors and Broken Links – By ensuring there are no 404 errors or other error response codes across your website, you allow the algorithms and specific search engines to follow an unbroken path through your website, helping ensure it will be better understood

In an ever more competitive employment market, employers are looking closer at the overall benefits they offer, beyond just salary. This can be made up of several things including; healthcare cover, income protection and life insurance. These additional benefits can be a big factor when recruiting new staff and can also help with retaining existing employees.   One of the most cost effective benefits for an employer to provide is often life insurance, specifically a Relevant Life Plan.   A Relevant Life Plan is a term assurance plan available to employers, to provide an individual death in service benefit for an employee (including directors). It’s designed to pay a lump sum if the person covered dies or is diagnosed with a terminal illness, whilst they are employed during the term of the policy. A Relevant Life Plan is paid for by the employer.   The key point is that there has to be an employment relationship for the plan to be available. Therefore the plan would not be available for partners in a partnership or sole traders.   On death of the life insured the benefits are paid into a Trust, meaning the proceeds are paid free of Inheritance Tax. It is important that the Trust is set up correctly as there can be big consequences on both the premiums being paid in and more importantly when the benefits are paid out.   For employers the premiums are usually allowable as a business expense meaning the business gets tax relief on the premiums paid. This makes the premiums very cost effective.   Several providers also offer an additional valuable benefit. The life insured will have access to a network of medical practitioners who can answer any questions that they may have. So when faced with a medical problem, they’ll have all the information that they need to help them make the right decisions for their treatment and recovery.   Lovewell Blake Financial Planning Limited can assist with all forms of group and business protection, including shareholder protection and loan cover. Should you wish to discuss this further please contact us.

In just a few years, gaming has gone through a massive, unpredictable revolution. This has left gamers with numerous options at hand when they want to enjoy their favourite pastime. In addition to a sea full of games and other perks, gaming enthusiasts can now choose the ideal destination to have fun or try their luck at winning some cash. They have the option of walking into a real casino or staying put and exploring the games they love online. This brings us to the huge debate on online vs. real casinos in the UK. Below we will highlight some of the differences these two options have.

Play Time

Online casinos have made it possible for gamblers to play the games they want anytime at any place. This is because all a person needs is an internet connection to play online. Additionally, a majority of online casinos are optimised for mobile play, permitting round-the-clock play regardless of the amount of time you have to spare. This is not true for brick and mortar casinos because you have to look for a casino nearby and probably dress up to game. This implies that you need to spend a lot of time and be ready to spend some cash in traditional gaming destinations.

Pomp and Glamour

This is one of the areas real casinos in the UK continue to score major points. There is an exciting appeal that the traditional gaming houses offer thanks to flashing lights, insistent gaming sounds, gorgeous architecture, glamorous layout, etc. Top land-based casinos have enticing gaming halls that draw players in so that they just want to jump into action. Most of these gaming clubs will also offer food, drinks and other forms of entertainment to ensure that you are as happy and comfortable as possible when gambling. 

Online casinos have not yet reached these levels. However, a majority of casino operators work on their sites to present them in such a way that gamblers will want to spend loads of time on the site without logging out.

Security

Premium online and brick and mortar casinos take security very seriously to protect gamers and the establishments as well from fraudulent activities. When it comes to the land-based UK casinos, security measures are put in place from the second you enter the house. Cameras capture the faces of the revellers and countercheck with the ones on their database so that they can pick the ones who are no longer welcome for one reason or another. The casinos also embed their lobbies with RFID (radio frequency identification device) so that people do not steal them. Playing cards also have a unique identification.

Online casinos are not left behind when it comes to ensuring players feel safe on their sites. They employ various security measures like:

• High-end encryption- this secures passwords so that other people do not access your account.

• Regulating authorities- the best internet casinos are under licensing authorities and gambling commissions. These ensure that they operate legitimately, following all the rules and regulations.

• Advanced software and hardware systems- they allow players to place bets in peace, knowing that their bank transactions are secure. An example is SSL that many use for data encryption to keep money safe.

• Random Number Generator- online casinos use it to make certain the games on their websites are free and fair.

Payouts

Another area that real casinos thrive is that they pay winnings instantly. When you are gambling in such a casino, you will instantly walk away with your winnings. This is not something that online casinos have mastered due to different payment methods and processing times. In some instances, it may take days for your winnings to reflect in your bank account. Although this may not be a major inconvenience, it is one of the areas that brick and mortar casinos score better than the online ones.

Bonuses and Promotions

hanks to the competition of the online casinos, they are always trying to score new players and keep existing ones by offering a myriad of generous promotions and bonuses. Signing up at an internet casino can earn you rewards like:

• Free spins;

• No deposit bonuses;

• Match bonuses;

• Sign-up/welcome bonuses;

• Reload bonuses;

• Refer- a-friend bonuses;

• VIP promotions; 

• Loyalty programmes, etc.

It is not to say that land-based casinos do not have a variety of promotions for their clients. Most of them, however, are not as lucrative as the ones from online gaming operators.

Social Interactions

Land-based casinos are a great gaming destination for social butterflies. They give gamers a chance to meet other people who have similar interests. This is where you can end up meeting friends for life as you have a good time gambling. Some people are even lucky enough to meet their spouses there. 

While online casinos, do not offer high levels of social interaction, they feature live games that allow gamers to interact with human croupiers and other players from the comforts of their home, office, or while travelling. Virtual reality is also bound to offer a more realistic gaming experience to online players. This will let you feel like you are in Macau or Vegas right in your house.

Wagering Limits

Most gamers will admit that going to land-based casinos can be a costly affair. Online casinos in the United Kingdom come in to solve this problem by offering a huge range of betting limits for all types of players. In low deposit casinos, you do not need a huge betting budget. An example is £3 minimum deposit casino UK – a great option for players who are not keen on spending large amounts of cash.

Legislative Restrictions

Age is one of the restrictions that both online and land casinos stipulate as a restriction. A majority will only allow members who are above the age of 18 with some raising it to 21 and above. 

Online gambling operators are stricter when it comes to restrictive rules. To operate in certain jurisdictions, you will find that an online gambling platform must get a licence from the right governing body. For instance, UK residents can only play in the casinos licensed by the UKGC. In contrast, most brick and mortar casinos will allow visitors from other countries without too many complications.

Closing Thoughts

Both online and real UK casinos have their distinct features offering players a fair share of advantages and disadvantages. Although land-based casinos seem to be losing their popularity, there are still some gamers who prefer to go out to establishments when they have an urge to gamble. 

Going by recent developments, the two types of casinos will continue to strive for sovereignty and excellence in the gaming world. It all boils down to preference when it comes to individual players. Comparing what the two branches of a gaming business have to offer will give you a better idea on the one to choose, depending on what you prefer. 

Worth noting is that brick and mortar gambling houses majorly charm old-school gamblers who love an authentic gambling ambience/environment. Online casinos, on the other hand, favour gamblers who prefer a more “home-like” gaming to what the traditional brick and mortar casinos offer.

Flowers are very versatile, and can be used for a variety of occasions, whether it be a wedding or a funeral. They can be used as a home décor item, or a gift to your significant other. The list is endless. Due to their beauty and versatility, they are widely bought in the UK. Flowers shops are very common throughout the country. You are bound to find one in your neighborhood. However, you should note that the world of flowers is really vast, and there are many different types available, to choose from. The choice of the flower you buy, should be dependent upon a various factors, most importantly the occasion for which the flowers are to be used. This is because each type of flower is used to portray a particular emotion. Below is a description of the best-selling flowers in the UK, for popular occasions. It can serve as a viable guideline for what flowers you should be looking to buy.

Wedding Flowers

The most classic type of flowers are roses. They have stood the test of time, and never seem to go out of style. Their luscious red color conveys a sense of deep passion and romance. Millions of roses are sold in the UK, each year. They are widely used in wedding decorations and also wedding bouquets.

Lilies are also amongst the best-selling flowers in the UK, primarily for weddings. They are known for lasting long amounts of times. Their white buds give off a vibe of elegance and classic beauty. In recent years, the amount of lilies sold in the UK has even surpassed the amount of roses sold, which is a testament to their growing popularity. Moreover, orchids are gradually becoming one of the best-selling flowers in the UK. They look very exquisite and exotic. Plus, they come in many different colours and sizes, so you have many different types of orchids to choose from. Orchids are suitable for a wide variety of occasions as they are symbolic of various things. They symbolize fertility, love, royalty, and power. The most popular orchids are Yellow, Pink, White and Blue Orchids. An iris is also a very popular type of flower in the UK. In fact, it is the birth flower of people who were born in February. Hence, it can make for a great birthday gift for such people. An iris symbolizes valor, faith, and wisdom. The color blue is relatively rare in flowers, and a Blue Iris is one of few true blue flowers available.’

Home Décor Flowers

Flowers are also a very popular home décor item. They can lighten up your room, with beauty and an air of freshness. They are also one of the most inexpensive options when it comes to home décor, and that is one primary reason why they are so widely sold in the UK. One of the most popular types of flowers for home décor are Tulips. Tulips were also very popular a long time ago. They were viewed as a luxury item, and hence had staggering prices. Thankfully, their prices has reduced by a significant amount now, in the UK. They come in a wide variety of unique shades. Jasmines are also used for home décor, and are very widely sold in the UK.

Funeral Flowers

That’s right, flowers are also widely used for funerals. People do not only buy flowers to express their love for each other, but also to express their condolences for each other. The death of a close is one of the most painful and difficult experiences of life. Providing your condolences to those who are grieving, is necessary etiquette. Sending them flowers is a good way to show them your sympathy. However, there are certain types of flowers and flowers arrangements that are more suitable when it comes to funerals.

Some of the best-selling flowers in the UK (appropriate for funeral ceremonies) include Orchids, Daffodils, and Lilies. Erin Bradley from ‘Funeral Flowers’ has termed these three flowers as the most appropriate for funerals. This is because these flowers carry with them a sense of deep meaning and symbolism. Therefore, it can be seen that flowers are one of the most popular items in the UK. They are used for a wide variety of situations and occasions throughout the country, whether it be down in London or up in Newcastle. That is why they are being sold in larger numbers than ever before. Naturally, some flowers have won the popularity contest against other flowers, and that is why some are more widely sold than others, in the UK.

Flower arrangements are usually made of different kinds of flowers, imported and locally grown, because that’s the easiest way to do it. However, if you really want to do it right, you should create your arrangements using season flowers. This is a cheaper and more eco-friendly way of making flower arrangements. If you decide to use locally sourced, seasonal flowers, your bouquets and arrangements will always be fresh, interesting and affordable for everyone.

If you have no idea about flowers, you need some help, and you will get help only if you ask professionals. And when talking about flowers and other plants, you can’t find better experts than flower delivery companies. They usually know a thing or two about flowers, and our friends from Flowershops.co.uk keep up to date with all the latest trends in the flower industry. We asked them for some tips so you don’t have to. This is what they told us:

“Certain blooms like roses are available all year round. They have always been popular and every florist has them. This is why you can easily find them when you need them for that date you’ve been planning for the next weekend, for February 14th and for your mom’s birthday in July. But, you don’t have to be that lazy. Do the research and get creative. Because there are other flowers you can choose from. In February, for example, you can choose a nice bouquet of Calla Lilies and Hyacinths look awesome in July!

Seasonal flowers: Autumn

Many summer flowers are still in bloom during autumn in the UK but your options are very limited when it comes to creativity. You may choose from very popular flowers like Chrysanthemum, Carnations, lilies, roses, snowdrops and winter jasmine, forsythia, iris, freesia, etc. but you can also spice the things up with natural seasonal colors like gourds, nuts, yellow leaves or wood and you can make nice vases using pumpkins.

Seasonal flowers: Winter

Well, we don’t have to tell you that winter is a really tough time to find flowers. However, you can make some very interesting arrangements with what we have, here in the UK, during those cold winters. Depending upon your location in the UK you may have to decide between carnations, camellias, chrysanthemums, heathers, holly, roses, snowdrops and winter jasmine, and pussy willows. You can combine those blooms with dark greenery, seasonal berries and Christmas color schemes.

Seasonal flowers: Spring

Spring is the most colorful time of the year in the UK when it comes to flowers. It is that time of the year when almost all plants and flowers suddenly start re-emerging all around you. You can list them from A to Z with Amaryllis, apple blossoms, azaleas, bluebells, camellias, cherry blossoms, carnations, crocuses, clematis, chrysanthemums, daffodils, daisies, freesia, honeysuckles, jasmines, lilacs, orchids, etc. However, many of these flowers look somewhat pale in the spring so you need to improvise if you want to spice things up a little bit. And to make a perfect combination of colors you also need to keep in mind that all those spring flowers in the UK give up distinct aromas and the overall scent also has to be harmonious.

Seasonal flowers: Summer

Summer is that time of the year when flower options are almost as plentiful as during the spring in the UK. In fact many of these flowers overlap during these two seasons. You can choose from all kinds of flowers like lilac (of course), larkspur, marigold, orchid, peonies, sunflowers, sweet pea, gardenia, gerbera, delphinium, dahlia, daisies, aster, azalea, carnations, chrysanthemums, and roses (duh!) are just a few flowers that you can find across the entire UK during those summer months.

Wildflowers are (as other kinds of flowers) at their best during the summer months… As the matter of fact, the height of summer is possibly the most productive season for all British grown flowers, including wildflowers. This kind of flowers can make the arrangements look a bit more relaxed and informal.”

Our friend from the already mentioned flower delivery company, Hollie Hobbs, also told us that a huge part of flowers that are currently sold in the UK comes from “abroad”. She told us that these flowers are often raised with heavy use of dangerous pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides, and under extremely poor labor conditions. And by the time you purchase them at the local grocery store, they are a week old, and this means that they often last just a couple of days in your (or your friend’s/ girlfriend’s) home. This is why we should start looking at buying local flowers as some sort of activism. You will say no to chemicals, no to air pollution (because of carbon emissions from long-distance shipping), no to exploitative labor practices, and no to industry that cherishes quantity over quality.

As a florist designer, you will be able to achieve your dream of using your creative skills, art and love for flowers to bring joy to others. It is a career that opens up a world of love and beauty. 

What You Need to Start

The first thing you need to become a florist designer is an undiminishing supply of passion for the job. This is because the job is not all a bed of roses. There will be times when you will be required to do a lot of mundane things.Get enough relevant training. This includes lessons in floral design. The course will help you understand how to care for flowers, and the best way of cutting and arranging them. As you do this, ensure the programs offered at the school have the American Institute of Floral Designers approval and possess a state license.

You can also take photography lessons if you wish, as this will help enhance your skills in visualizing shapes and patterns, a useful skill to have as a floral designer. As you get your formal training, you should find time to indulge in some practical work. Hands-on experience is important as it will help you develop a deeper understanding of what you learn in class. You can also become an apprentice at a florist. This will give you the hands-on experience you seek.

You should work on being original, authentic and unique in your floral designs. This is important as it is what will make you stand out from your competitors. Allow your innovativeness to take a front seat. As a florist, you should have some math skills as you need to be able to estimate how many flowers would be needed to decorate a certain venue. To ensure you run your business in a professional manner, it is advisable to take a basic business course, even if it is just up to certificate level. Lastly, you need determination and a vision to push on through the tough times, knowing that a bright future waits for you.

These are just some of the points that Victoria Howe from www.flowerdelivery.org.uk has to offer to any person with a desire to becoming a florist designer. Victoria is regarded as one of the leading florist designers in the UK.

Victoria goes further to advice potential florist designers that they need to sharpen their people skills as customer service is the cornerstone of the floral business. You need to be able to empathize with the customer if they are grieving, or rejoice with them when they are celebrating. That helps to seal the bond between you and your customers.

Pros of Running Your Floral Business

The biggest plus point is the idea of doing what you love every day. It has been proved that those whose work involves doing what they love have a greater productivity rate, are happier and are more satisfied. The business offers the designer a great outlet for their creativity. They are able to design unique floral arrangements, while also helping their customers choose the right flowers, plants and arrangements for their occasion. Being your own boss is great as you can decide where you want to take your business, setting your own boundaries. Should you venture into event venue floral decoration, you will enjoy the opportunity of taking your creativity to a higher level. You will also get to meet a lot of new people. The prospect of creating something that brings joy to others is very satisfying. This is true whether the flowers are for individuals or for decorating for an event. The need for fresh flowers will never go out of style, meaning that your floral business can keep running into the unforeseeable future.

Cons

Using your creativity throughout can be mentally exhausting, especially during Christmas, Valentine and other special seasons. The stress levels are compounded by the requirement to meet certain deadlines that come with the job. Being your own boss means that the buck stops with you so there is a lot of pressure to make sure that all orders go out  goes flawlessly. There is also the challenge of multi-tasking. During a normal work day, you will have to deal with a number of customers at a time. You need to develop your prioritization skills to be successful. As the business owner, you have the responsibility of ensuring that all the relevant taxes are paid in full and on time. When all is said and done, being a florist designer is one of the most satisfying careers for any person gifted with a creative and artistic skill, coupled with a love for flowers.

Have you ever been faced with the daunting task of buying flowers for your significant other? Chances are that you were and that you took a long time making the final decision. It does seem rough, standing in flower shop and looking at all those flowers displayed in front of you while you try to remember your girlfriend’s favorite colour. It is not as easy as entering the first flower shop and getting the first bouquet of flowers you see. The process is much deeper than that. There are all kinds of things to consider and sometimes the ultimate decision you make will end up shaping the future of your relationship.

Miriam Watts, from Handy Flowers, says that their flower shop has flowers for all kinds of occasions and that if you are not sure which one is the best one for your significant other, the staff is there to provide help. Nevertheless, if you are facing this decision alone, here are some tips on how to buy a perfect flower for a British woman.

What’s The Occasion?

One of the first things that you have to determine is the reason you are buying flowers. Guys buy flowers for various kinds of occasions whether it is romantic or simply as a way to put a smile on her face. Romantic occasions demand more romantic flowers. This means roses or flowers with intense colors or hues. But if you are buying something for a birthday or an anniversary you can tone things down by using flowers which do not have such lush colors.

When to Give her Flowers?

Now when you got the occasion out of the way you need to determine the time. If you are trying to surprise her than any time is okay, but if you are going on a first date you might consider opening with that. A first date is a great occasion for giving a girl some flowers and if you do it immediately it will explain to her your intentions deeper and also make the evening run smoother.

On the other hand, a birthday or anniversary flowers should be a surprise. If you have organised something for your special girl you should include the flowers as part of the surprise. Try being flamboyant and show her that she really means to you.

What Colours Should I Choose?

This is something that goes beyond simply knowing her favorite flower. Certain flowers only come in certain hues and colors also express the meaning of the flower. Warmer colors express deeper feelings while subdued flowers can evoke calmness.

You need to consider the occasion first and the reason why you are giving flowers to a girl. That way you will know which color suits the situation the most. Don’t just go immediately for red roses, there are many other colors that can express your feelings. Flower clerks are usually professionals so they can help you but it is much more fulfilling if you do the research yourself. Here Are Some Examples of Specific Type of Women and Flowers that match:

• White Lilies for elegant women.
• Pink Orchids for a modern girl.
• Daisies for a dynamic woman.
• A Mixed bouquet as something for anyone.

If you know your girl than these are some prime examples that can help you determine which way to go. Sometimes it can be as easy as that but on most occasions, it’s not. However, mixing things up a bit and choosing a whole bunch of flowers, in the end, might also be a good idea. Chances are that if a girl likes you she will most certainly like whatever flowers you give her. However, just to be on the safe side, try putting in a bit of effort and make your girl happy.

What’s Your Pick from The Vehicle Finance Menu?

Vehicle Finance is no longer an alternative for purchasing vehicles! In fact, 80% of all new cars purchased, are done so through bespoke finance arrangements!

What is Vehicle Finance?

There are many forms of Vehicle Finance-which we have listed for you below!

Essentially, Vehicle Finance is a way for businesses or private individuals to obtain a vehicle or fleet of vehicles. Vehicle Finance is often preferable than a cash purchase as it reduces large upfront costs-protecting your cashflow! Due to low rates, it’s easier and more affordable than ever to borrow a sum of money!

At Chatsbrook, our clients are at the heart of everything that we do. We pride ourselves on finding the most competitive deal on the marketplace for our clients, even if it means that we don’t earn a lot of money from it! If you would like a fully transparent service, contact 01603 733500 for the best Vehicle Finance.

So, without further ado…

There are a multitude of finance options you can select on your route to finance. Sometimes it is hard to know which one would work best for your business. So, to make it easier for you, Chatsbrook have summed up each finance plan.

Hire Purchase

The customer (hirer) agree to hire an asset from a finance provider, who agrees to purchase and provide the asset to the business if the business meets all of the criteria. The hirer is then accountable for the insurance and maintenance of the equipment and make regular payments to the provider. At the end of the agreed term-time the hirer has the option to take ownership of the asset.

Lease Purchase

This agreement is very similar to Hire Purchase but offers more flexibility to the hirer. Lease Purchases enable you to defer a proportion of your payments-this is known as the final balloon payment. Clients that choose to defer a larger proportion of the payment consequently have lower monthly payments.

 Finance Lease

This is a contract between the hirer and the lender, whereby the hirer agrees to lease the asset for a particular amount of time whilst maintaining regular payments. Throughout the lease, the hirer is wholly responsible for the maintenance of the equipment. At the end of the leasing period, the provider sells the asset and typically receives only 5% of what it sells for. On average, 95% of the money generated from the sale is returned to the hirer that leased the asset.

Contract Hire

A Contract Hire agreement is great for clients that wish to have a vehicle, such as a car or van where usage rather than ownership is required. There are many benefits to this type of agreement. For instance, you do not have the burden of having to source the vehicle from the supplier, there is no risk of depreciation or disposal and there is also an option to include the running costs of assets. There are however mileage limits.

Refinance     

Businesses can agree to sell one or more of their assets to the finance provider, releasing a sum of money- this is good for businesses that are asset rich and wish to release cash flow. The business retains full use of their asset as they lease it from the finance provider by providing regular payments. Refinance is also good for businesses with poor credit history as the finance arrangement is based on the value of the asset and not the businesses credit history. This means that businesses that have been turned down by lending institutions in the past for loans could have the opportunity to access funds.

To make it easy to understand, Chatsbrook have created a table to showcase the terms and features of each type of agreement. Click HERE to see. 

If you think that any of these finance options could benefit your business, please do not hesitate to get in touch with our friendly team!