Asprin - Thanks for your advice, I think I may not have been clear enough. I'm not planning to open my own florist until I had gathered atleast a year or two of practical experience in a successful florist. At the moment I know NOTHING about ordering, how to price things, relays etc.

I think you may be right about specialising in something, or finding a niche in the market, but until I work within floristry it may be hard for me to identify a unique idea. It is certainly worrying to me that the supermarkets are so dominant in this country, however I do think that fly2hi is right about florists being able to provide a service that the supermarkets can't. I know myself that the quality and attention that goes into the flowers sold by florists is of a much higher standard, and the variety offered is much much better.

IanF - Thanks for welcoming me!

Fly2hi - It's very encouraging to me that you have made a successful business without taking qualifications. Would you be able to tell me more about your personal experience? Did you work in a shop instead to gain experience, or did you dive in head first into your own shop and employ people with the know-how?

I have always had a creative streek, I like painting, card making, sewing, gardening, making hand sewn teddybears and much more. I am also happy to work hard and get mucky, often doing major DIY tasks around our home. I get a great sense of satisfaction from doing a job well, although some poeple say I can be too much of a perfectionist. I beleive that the key to making a business successful is communicating well with your customers, and being passionate about providing good service. I am prepared to put in long hours as and when they are needed. I think I have what it takes, I just need to learn more about the industry. Don't be afraid to speak your mind if you think different qualities are required to be a good florist.

Thanks!