A Floristry Manager is responsible for the daily running of a floristry shop or department and may have many roles within the business, or they may bring in expertise to help with some of the management demands, such as book keeping and marketing.
Flowers and floral displays are used throughout our lives, in personal circumstances like births, romances, deaths and marriages, and in corporate or other public events. The UK’s fresh-cut-flower and indoor-plant market is worth £2.2bn at retail level and we spend an average of £36 a year on flowers.
A floristry business faces many retail competitors on the high street and the web, so understanding competitors, potential customers and clients is essential for a successful business.
A good level of customer service, communication and sales skills are a must for Florists to maximise levels of customer service, sales opportunities and assist customers with their orders and purchasing requirements. An extensive product knowledge including the seasonal availability of flowers and foliages is required.
Floristry Business Manager/Owner may have many roles within the business, or they may bring in expertise to help with some of the management demands, such as book keeping and marketing.
Working Conditions
Most businesses have between 3 to 8 full- and part-time staff or are just owned and run by the Florist. Managers are closely involved with all the workings of the business.
A floristry business will normally work a standard full-time week during shop opening hours, Monday to Saturday, 8am to 6pm. There will be times when an early start or late finish is needed, especially during peak periods such as Valentine’s Day, Christmas and Mother’s Day.
Salary
Salaries vary with experience, qualifications and between companies, but here's a guide to what you can expect.
£15,000
£30,000
Getting started
There are essentially three ways to become a Floristry Manager:
- Through promotion within a business
- Buying a going concern
- Starting a new business.
A high percentage of start-up businesses fail in the first year due to a lack of business skills, so it is essential to get the right training in producing a business plan.
What experienced workers can do
- Business planning and implementation
- Knowledge of employment law and business legislation
- Management of staff, including recruiting and interview skills
- Health and Safety policy development and management for staff and customers
- Manage business finance
- Marketing the business to various customers from individuals to corporate clients
- Purchase and negotiation skills with suppliers, wholesalers and clients
- Shop design and layout skills for optimum display of plants and flowers
- Assist customers in choosing products for different occasions.
Personal qualities you should have
- Decision making
- Good communication skills
- Team working
- Use initiative.
Next steps
For Floristry Managers with the experience and enthusiasm to progress, there may be opportunities to become a become freelance worker for a variety of businesses, or work as teachers or professional demonstrators.
Useful links
The Flowers and Plants Association