Five-figure investment sees corporate florist establish new Soho base

A corporate florist has secured its first permanent office in the capital with £25k funding.

Storm Flowers London used the five-figure boost, provided by NatWest, to relocate from the home of its owner to St. Anne’s Church Tower in Soho.

The funding will also enable the firm to create up to 20 temporary jobs for the Christmas period, which normally accounts for 30 to 40% of its revenues.

Storm Flowers said recruitment is already underway, with seasonal staff due to start in mid-November.

Owner Joao Rocha said: “Christmas is an exciting but incredibly busy time of year for us and we already have 100 orders for Christmas trees.

“Thanks to the funding from NatWest, we can begin recruiting the extra staff who will be invaluable in assisting us with delivering and installing Christmas trees and themed flower arrangements in offices across London.”

He continued: “The move from our home office to our first permanent premises will also allow us to grow the business over the coming years.

“We are increasingly being recognised as the chosen supplier for businesses in the City and the West End and we hope to continue to boost our growing reputation.”

Storm Flowers was established in 2003. Joao Rocha joined the business in 2011 and acquired it three years later when the former owner decided to sell up.

Joao has since expanded its client base to include a raft of West End and City property companies. Working with commercial director Lucy Haine, he hopes to continue expanding the business and hire new permanent staff in 2019.

NatWest business growth enabler Rahul Modasia commented: “I have worked with Joao for five years, providing Storm Flowers with funding on three separate occasions to initially purchase the business and support business growth.

“Since Joao acquired the business, I have seen it go from strength to strength and I look forward to continuing to support him and his team with further expansion in the future.”

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