Meet the Family Behind Courts of Rayleigh florist

Courts of Rayleigh Florist is a proud family-run business that has been at the heart of the local community for over 40 years. Established on a passion for beautiful flowers and personal service, the family continues to create stunning floral arrangements for every occasion.

How It All Began for us!!!

Buying a Florist seemed like a great idea.

Having worked at Courts of Rayleigh Florist for over 20 years, I was given the opportunity to buy the business, when the previous owner decided to sell. 

I loved flowers and floristry, but the truth is I had no idea how to run a business. Suddenly, I found myself responsible for a team of experienced staff, paying wages, managing accounts, and navigating the realities of a demanding industry. My team at the time were great, but it’s very hard stepping from being a colleague to being a boss.

At the same time, my husband Russell and I had sold our house and downsized to what I affectionately called a “crumbling money pit” to fund the purchase. While rebuilding our home, we spent six months sleeping on the floor of my parents’ lounge. Life was challenging, finances were tight, and there were many moments when we questioned how we would make it all work. Our French bull dog even had a litter of puppies. Life couldn’t get much grittier!!

But somehow, we did it.

Little by little, I found my feet. We rebuilt our home, learned valuable lessons, and grew the business from strength to strength. Throughout it all, Russell has been my rock and my partner in every sense of the word. As a skilled carpenter, he creates everything we need for the business, from workrooms and flower stands to bespoke wedding décor, planters, and custom displays. Together, we’ve built far more than a florist – we’ve built a way of life.

Today, we’re incredibly proud that Courts continues to thrive, and even more excited that the next generation is joining us. My youngest daughter, Florence, has recently become a trainee florist, although herself and my older son Ben spent many days helping us build our business. Watching her discover the same passion for flowers that I found all those years ago is incredibly special. Seeing her natural creativity and flair is just amazing

I hope one day she’ll attend the Sheffield School of Floristry, just as I did, and continue learning from some of the very best in the industry, about our fantastic trade. 

Many people really didn’t think I had what it took to take an already well known business and grow it, god knows sometimes I didn’t. But even in these tough days of business, I will endeavour to keep pushing and creating new ways to make our business continue. I owe it to my family, amazing staff and most of all the community, who have welcomed me over the last nine years.

Courts of Rayleigh Florist is much more than a business to us. It’s part of our family, our history, and our future. We are so grateful to our wonderful customers who have supported us over the years, and we have so many exciting plans for what comes next.

Thank you for being part of our journey.