Local florist in bloom with a £750 grant from the council
Test Valley Borough Council has awarded a £750 Business Incentive Grant to The Lodge Florist, located at Houghton Lodge. This grant is part of the council's ongoing commitment to supporting local businesses and fostering economic growth within the community.
Victoria Smith, the owner of The Lodge Florist, has been running her business at Houghton Lodge, where she has created a thriving floral enterprise. The business benefits from its synergies with other on-site enterprises, including a hairdresser, a coffee shop, and the beautiful Houghton Lodge gardens. Visitors often find themselves exploring multiple businesses during their visit, enhancing the overall experience.
Victoria provides flowers for the tearoom at Houghton Lodge and coordinates her stock with the seasonal displays in the gardens. She has a large outdoor covered display area for her flowers, as well as a small indoor area for inclement weather. With the grant, Victoria plans to make several improvements to her business, including purchasing pedestals for wedding flowers.
Mid Test Ward Councillor Ian Jeffrey said: "The Lodge Florist is a fantastic addition to Houghton Lodge, and we are pleased to support its growth through this grant. The business incentive grants are a great opportunity to help get new businesses up and running in Test Valley."
Victoria Smith said: "I am incredibly grateful for the support from Test Valley Borough Council. This grant will allow me to enhance my offerings and expand my wedding flower service this year.”
Test Valley Borough Council is committed to supporting local businesses through various initiatives and grants. The Business Incentive Grant is designed to help new businesses located in Test Valley achieve their goals and contribute to the local economy. You must apply for the grant within eight weeks of starting to trade, and the Council will award the money once you have been up and running for six months.