Scottish Enterprise Awards 2020

8 | Scottish Enterprise Awards 2020 Oct20636 Family Business of the Year 2020 Established in 1991, Fleurtations Plantscapes design, create, install, and maintain interior plant displays, window boxes and hanging baskets for all commercial premises. Having recently found success in SME News’ Scottish Enterprise Awards 2020, we got in touch with Belinda Jarron to find out more about this award-winning family business. As a family-run business, the philosophy of Fleurtations is a very simple one. While providing the very best customer service, the firm aim to offer the most creative plant displays. Going into further detail, Belinda begins by providing us with a brief overview of the firm and the core values which drives Fleurtations to go above and beyond for their clients. “From five-star hotels to dental surgery waiting rooms, from the pub on the corner to royal palaces, our stylish displays are designed for a wide range of establishments. To bring a festive sparkle, we also supply Christmas decorations all over the UK. Integrity has been the buzzword when it comes to our core values, and from the start this principal has been embedded in everything we do especially in both our client and employee relations.” With competition in the sector being so fierce, it’s important to stay ahead of the closest challengers, and as Belinda goes on to explain, the knowledge of husband and CEO, David Chalmers and herself has been instrumental in this regard. “Belinda, founder of Fleurtations is actually a Horticulturalist so all of our displays are well suited to their unique environment. Some say I am a flamboyant farmer with “amazing design flair,” so, together we are able to offer our clients a unique combination of expertise. In addition, our hugely committed team all pull in the same direction through thick and thin. With eye-catching liveried vans, which have always been an extremely successful part of our marketing mix, we are always noticed in and around Scotland.” says David. Aside from the eye-catching vehicles, it is the talented team of hard-working, dedicated and innovative group of individuals which has helped the firm reach great heights throughout the years and created the Fleurtations Family. Developing its staff both personally and professionally is typically what Fleurtations’ internal culture is all about, as Belinda highlights. “Recently, we have recruited some excellent new team members who have all brought fresh ideas and personalities to the table. These have complimented the very long serving experience of Kevin Bellany and Kevin Armstrong who have been with the business for over 28 years between them. People with positivity and a can-do attitude have ultimately allowed us to supply a fantastic range of products. Our sons Davy and Tommy along with our nieces and nephews have always been keen to lend a hand and now they are certainly a great help at busy moments” Prior to the outbreak of COVID-19 plants were a true fashion accessory, however as Belinda points out, the current situation has closed some of the avenues the firm usually work with. “Currently, things are far from rosy with us being highly exposed to the hospitality sector, the majority of which is closed. Additionally, with the message being to work from home our office sector is also more or less closed.” Looking ahead to what the future holds for the firm, Belinda signs off by revealing some of the exciting plans which lie in the pipeline for Fleurtations, especially once the economy starts to return to normal. “The future looks much, much brighter and we are excited to get there! We are certain that this pandemic will cause people to want to “go back to Nature”. This means our product is really “of it’s time” so we know people will embrace our services again. As soon as the economy starts up again, we will be ready to get going and with a new marketing push planned in 2021, including a refreshed website and social media presence. Going forward there is plenty to be encouraged about – we just can’t wait for Spring” Company: Fleurtations Plantscapes Contact: Belinda Jarron Website: www.fleurtations.co.uk We like to start them young!