BUSINESS is flourishing at a Bromsgrove firm, which has just been made a member of an exciting business programme.

The Fresh Flower Co, in High Street, Bromsgrove, is hoping to prosper further as a member of a national flowers initiative.

Staff at the florist have been fully trained to provide a service for the business market by offering tailor-made packages to suit all needs.

For example, the Bromsgrove firm can provide flowers in its customers' corporate colours.

Currently, less than 100 florists across the country have qualified for the prestigious role.

The company's managing partner, John Rudge, said: "To qualify as a member you have to undergo rigorous training to make your business more professional."

Mr Rudge said in the UK less than 12 per cent of companies buy cut flowers regularly, compared to 44 per cent of Swedish businesses.

He said: "Our contract business customers find cut flowers make a significant difference to their overall business.

"Flowers create positive feelings and are an excellent way of congratulating staff or building relationships with customers."