Business is blooming for a Sussex florist.

Suzie Baird decided to take her business in a different direction after closing her flower shop, Fitzherbert of Brighton, last month.

Mrs Baird, who specialises in exotic flower displays, said: "Fitzherbert of Brighton was established in Pool Valley in 1988, and I took over in 1994.

"But as the years went on, I didn't feel small businesses received a great deal of support from the council. In the end, parking regulations, increasing overheads, rubbish not being collected, increasing staff demands and the general lack of interest in making matters easier for small businesses lead to my decision to close the shop.

"I decided to continue operating as a creative floral designer by offering a mobile service for my existing corporate clients.

"I design and create floral arrangements for events, bars, and restaurants. Most of my work is generated by recommendation and referral. I do not need to advertise to generate new business.

"People visiting my clients regularly comment on the quality of the unusual flower displays and ask the staff for the number of the florist.

"In addition to corporate floral design, I continue to do flowers for weddings, as I have a team of workers I can call upon if I need extra pairs of hands."

Mrs Baird's clients include Browns restaurant, the Hilton Metropole Hotel and hairdressers Toni and Guy, For more information, contact Mrs Baird on 01273 302233.