GREEN FINGERS Liverpool-based Booker Flowers and Gifts is proud to have been recognised nationally as The Good Small Business Award winner in the Industry Champion in the Retail and Wholesale Category. This is in recognition of the continued work it does to reduce the environmental impact of the business and the active participation it has in its community. The Good Small Business Awards is the UK’s first national sustainability awards exclusively for small businesses. A representative told us, “We celebrate the work of small businesses doing the right things for people and the planet, something in small but highly effective ways. The judging model is based upon rigour, quality, impartiality and transparency, and the finalists were assessed for best practice across the sustainability pillars of planet, people, profit and purpose.” On receiving the award, owner of Booker Flowers and Gifts Gemma Wakerley says, “It’s such an honour to have won this award, it means so much to myself and my team. Going green is about making small, easy changes, and building from there. It’s progress not perfection. We need lots of small businesses doing what they can rather than one doing everything perfectly. Together we can make a big impact. I’m delighted that now green issues are on the agenda for the government it’s a lot easier to access help and support. “In 2023, I worked with a Liverpool John Moores University student to help develop a system that has allowed the shop to go paperless while improving productivity and customer service. The student and I are now business partners in a new company called Digital Florists to take this system to market. This will help us, and other florists, be more environmentally friendly, while also being more efficient and saving money in the process.” Find out more at www.bookerflowersandgifts.co.uk Nearlywed NEWS Catch up on the latest from around the region PLAN WITH KINDNESS At the Oak Tree of Peover in Knutsford, the weddings team are actively encouraging their couples to think more sustainably when it comes to their big day. The venue’s Chloe Rensch says, “Choosing out of season flowers means transporting them from overseas, which is an added cost and results in higher levels of CO2 emissions, as well as the use of potentially harmful chemical fertilisers. Opting for flowers that are in season for your wedding month and grown within the UK is a much more sustainable choice. “Many couples buy everything brand new; items that are often never worn or used again. Why not buy a pre-loved wedding dress or create something completely unique from a loved one’s old wedding dress? You could also consider using family heirlooms for engagement rings and wedding bands. Perhaps this could be your something old, borrowed, or blue? “Items such as flip-flops, blankets, and disposable cameras have become popular, however, these single-use items are often just thrown in the bin after the event, which has a huge impact on the environment. Why not ask guests to bring a spare pair of flats for dancing? Blankets can be donated to local animal shelters after use and there are now several apps that allow guests to share all their photos with you.” Learn more about how the venue is making small changes and trying to be more sustainable itself at www.oaktreeofpeover.co.uk https://emmapilkingtonweddings.co.uk 8
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