A regular column in which we gauge the mood of independent local businesses in the borough.

What is your business?

We are florists. We cater for funerals, weddings, parties and a lot of flowers for the home.

How long have you been in your present premises?

Fifteen years. The owner came to the area because the rent was cheap and there was nothing here. In that time it has become quite a popular part of London.

 When are you at your busiest?

Weekends and the seasons. Mother’s Day and Valentine’s Day are frantic, but Christmas is our busiest, people want trees, wreaths and centrepieces. With the other days it’s all last minute, but with Christmas we’re constant for about two weeks. We close on Christmas Eve for 10 days.

 What is your bestseller?

Bouquets, although a lot of people from the area come in to buy flowers for the home

Who are your typical customers?

Families in the area. There’s a village feel to Brook Green and we’ve good relationships with our clients, most have been coming in for years.

 How are you coping with the economic downturn?

I think everyone has felt it, no-one is exempt. It has affected everyone around here even the hairdressers, but customers are still coming, which is all that matters.

 What is your unique selling point?

People around here are artistic and our flowers are current and imaginative. There are so many flower shops across London, but people keep coming back here, so they must really like the choice we provide.

 Any plans to expand?

Not at this point in time. We offer a delivery service so there’s not much point opening up another shop, only to have to pay rent on it.