A Monmouthshire florist is enjoying new-found business success thanks to support from the Welsh Government’s business start up service, delivered by local provider Centre for Business.

Flowers by Victoria in Monmouth is owned and operated by Victoria Trask, aged 28, who opened her first store earlier this year.

Miss Trask, who already operates Green Goddess Garden Design and Maintenance decided to open the shop in order to service the local community after a sharp increase in demand for her floral arrangements.

Miss Trask approached the Welsh Government Start Up Service in setting up her own shop.

She said: “I have always made wedding floral arrangements from home as an aside to my garden maintenance business, but it has taken off so well that I needed a shop to carry out all my orders.

“I was provided with all the help that I needed to draft a business plan to support my loan application. I received a £5,000 Start Up Loan to help me pay the first month’s rent at the shop, purchase vases, crates, flowers, plants and all other items that I needed to get started. I work on my own but often need to draft in family to help out at busy times, such as Mother’s Day.”

The Welsh Government’s business start up service also advised Miss Trask on merchandise and aesthetics in the store so that it looks as eye-catching as possible.

Miss Trask said: “People often comment on the vintage look and feel to the store, and I feel that’s what sets me apart and makes Flowers by Victoria seems that little bit different.

“Since opening the doors earlier this year, I have received orders from lots of different organisations in the community, including Monmouth Boys School, Gabby’s, Monnow Eye Care and other local schools in the area.

“I am hoping to grow the business even further and take on an additional staff member. This will allow me to concentrate on new business leads by attend more wedding fairs, carrying out floral workshops and targeting new markets, such as hotels.

“Without the help from the Welsh Government business start up service, I don’t think I would have had the courage to open this exciting new venture. I was supported with knowledge and advice on things that I didn’t even know that you needed when starting out. I have since recommended the service to others and continue to seek advice and help today. It is an invaluable service to people who are first starting out and taking that huge step to owning their own business.”