Green shoots triumph as business blossoms

A Worcester based orchid growing business has named their new flower after their business relationship manager, in recognition of her support over the last 18 months.

Tim and Janet Morris's business had a difficult time last year, with their business in danger after a rooting problem caused them to lose over £100,000 in stock.

Established in 2003 by the husband and wife team, Hollyoak Orchid Ltd imports young plants from German supplier Bremkens Orchideen de. before nurturing and growing for another year, when they will finally flower and be ready for market.  The business is only one of four orchid growers across the UK, employs five staff and supplies over 1200 orchids a week to retailers across the UK.

However, with the damage to the stock the successful business needed some assistance and Barclays Business relationship manager Paula Haycock stepped in to help with financing the business. As a result of her support over the last 18 months, Tim and Janet have named their latest orchid the ‘Paula Mary' after her.

"We had lost over £100,000 of stock due to a rooting problem and if Paula had not stepped in and refinanced our business we may not have been here today," said Tim. "Despite what you hear there are some banks and local managers out there who are prepared to listen and step in when required. We were very pleased to be able to name an orchid after her."

The "Paula Mary" was officially unveiled this week and will be available through branches of Waitrose and garden centres across the UK later this year.

Paula Haycocks, Barclays Business Manager, said, "I'm truly honoured to have this beautiful orchid named after me but the biggest thrill I have is watching this business continue to trade and grow in every sense of the word. Barclays research identifies the significant role "entrepreneurs" play in the economy and is committed to supporting such propositions. By using our knowledge and experience within the local market, Barclays Business has been delighted to support Hollyoak Orchids Ltd and wishes the business every success for the future."

Tim continues "We currently have a rolling stock of around 30,000 orchids at various stages of development and demand will now peak as Christmas approaches. Future plans include expansion into other retailers and making the beautiful orchid, the number one pot plant in the UK. We grow our orchids as naturally as possible, using nature as a bouncing board with a little tender loving care from ourselves to produce a top quality product. Running your own business is demanding but the freedom to make your own decisions and implement your own creative ideas are hugely rewarding. We have recently produced our own orchid feed which we will be retailing via our existing distribution network and make available online in 2011."