The Smith family’s business has been a growing concern for more than 80 years but the last 16 months has been one of the most challenging periods in its history.

Peter H Smith supplies flowers and plants, sourced from near, and far to florists and supermarkets in the North of England.

The company, one of the largest independent wholesalers of its kind in the UK, has had to overcome the double impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and Brexit on its operations.

Led by husband-and-wife team Nick and Diane, it has overcome those challenges and is emerging from the pandemic strongly and with confidence in the future.

Nick says: “We are a proud, third generation British family company. We believe in the business and we believe in what we are doing.”

Peter H Smith can trace its origins back to a market garden in Tarleton, which was started by Nick’s grandfather.

His father Michael then developed this into the current wholesale business on the original Preston Market and it has grown and expanded into state-of-the-art premises in Ashton-on-Ribble.

Today the wholesaler supplies flowers and plants from across the world, as well as nearer home in the UK. Every day it receives colourful blooms from places as far away as Africa, and South America.

A team of workers creates bouquets destined for sale in well-known supermarkets and stores and the business operates its own fleet of delivery vehicles.

Nick recalls the immediate impact of the first lockdown on the business. From being a 24-hour well-oiled operation with 48 staff, the company found itself closing the doors to its premises and sending everyone home.

Only Nick, Diane and one member of staff remained as a ‘click and collect’ service was set up. As the pandemic continued the business also increased its online sales presence.

Nick says: “We did whatever we could. It has been difficult, and we’ve received no financial support. Sales disappeared but the bills didn’t.”

The company has slowly brought its workers back and Diane says sales are now at pre-Covid levels.

Brexit has been another challenge. The cost of flowers has risen as a result of the UK leaving the single market. However, Nick says that it has worked closely with importers to minimise the impact of extra paperwork on the operation.

Nick and Diane are looking ahead to the easing of all restrictions and the return of events such as weddings and corporate gatherings, which will provide a major boost for their sector.

Nick says: “Our staff have been really supportive and have stuck by us. We’ve had to change the way we work, and they have responded really well to those changes. It has been a real learning curve for all of us.”

There has been investment in a new computer system as the company looks to the future.

Nick says he is also grateful for the advice and support received from WNJ during the pandemic.

He says: “We’ve a long relationship with WNJ and they have been there for us throughout the pandemic. As well as their valuable advice, when needed they are also a friendly ear on the end of the phone!”

Peter H Smith is based on Chain Caul Way, near Preston’s docklands. For more information on its services call 01772 333000 or email sales@peterhsmith.com

Fenn Logistics Limited provides transport and supply-chain services for key clients involved in the food and ambient sectors right across the UK.

During the pandemic it has been hard at work delivering vital food supplies up and down the country.

Despite the many challenges this year has thrown up, including the impact Covid-19 has had on many retailers, it has continued to move forward as a business.

Current owner and managing director Gary Major, of Major Logistics Limited (MLL), acquired the business with support and advice from WNJ in 2014 and during the last six years the company has overcome many tough challenges.

It has also grown its fleet from nine vehicles to 22 over that time.

Headquartered near Burton-on-Trent, Fenn never stands still. Its fleet will soon be enhanced further with the introduction of a new Volvo FH4 Limited Edition and it will use that to further promote its credentials across its market sector.

The business also changed its trading name in 2019 from RG Fenn, which has a history stretching back around three decades, to Fenn Logistics.

The new identity has been a limited company in its own right for 20 years and the switch was made to five the business a more appropriate brand name for the long-term.

Under its previous name and before the 2014 acquisition, the company had been moderately successful in garnering a number of clients, some of whom are still with the business in its current form.

Gary says: “The business has grown significantly since MLL acquired it and despite this awful year for everyone we have continued to go from strength-to-strength.

“WNJ have been the accountants for Fenn for the whole of its life and have supported MLL through may trials and tribulations as it has sought to grow organically. The relationship is a good one and based on mutual trust.”

To find out more about the business visit www.rgfenn.com

To discuss how WNJ can support your business please contact me on 01772 430000

A natural hair product inspired by a three-year-old girl and developed and manufactured in the North West of England has been officially launched onto the global market.

FYC (For Your Curls) is a natural hair product range specially designed for mixed race and curly hair and is looking to take a slice of a haircare market worth £1.72bn in the UK alone.

Rob Binns, co-founder of the Preston-based business, began working on the range with his business partners Bradley Lincoln and Mike Peters after failing to find the right kind of hair product for his three year-old-daughter Lydia.

Rob is also managing director of Cotton Court in Preston. WNJ advised him during the creation of the business centre and continues to provide ongoing support for the growing venture.

Speaking about his latest business, Rob said: “We’ve got a little girl aged three with frizzy, curly hair and we couldn’t find any products that worked for her that didn’t contain harsh chemicals. So, together with Brad and Mike, we set about creating them.

“Having seen first-hand what a ‘problem’ curly hair can be, there are so many textures, so many differences and so many options, we wanted to develop a product range to help ‘curlies’ live with and love their hair. Lydia certainly loves it!”

He added: “We are really excited about FYC’s potential. We feel we’ve found a genuine gap in the market, a hair care product that is natural and meets a real need.

“The sales potential for FYC is massive and not just in the UK. Our aim is to build and develop a strong British brand that can make a real impact.

“We’ve got ambitious marketing and sales development plans and a strong and enthused team around us. We’ve set ourselves ambitious but very realistic targets for growth.”

FYC is vegan and made from naturally derived ingredients including shea butter, organic aloe vera, olive oil and argan oil. It contains no silicones, sulphates or parabens. It is also gender neutral.

It has taken 24 months from the initial concept to the launch of the brand.

FYC has based its manufacturing and sales operations in Lancashire. An online sales platform has been created, working with Preston-based e-commerce specialists EKM.

The products are being made by a specialised, award-winning contract manufacturer in the region.

Gin is proving a real tonic for a popular Lancashire hotel as it looks to emerge strongly from the coronavirus pandemic and attract visitors from across the UK.

The family-run Whitehall Hotel in Darwen is currently converting its restaurant into a gin distillery and bar as part of its development plans.

Primarily a venue for weddings and events, the popular hotel has been run by Neil and Tracy Bullows since 2003, with WNJ providing support and advice to the couple.

During this latest lockdown, work is continuing to convert its former restaurant area into the distillery, with a bar and seating area, and a space for gin-making classes to take place.

Once completed, the Whitehall will also be able to offer dishes from its ‘ginstronomy’ menu, which will match botanicals with food from regional suppliers.

Paul Sheerin, who owns Defiance Spirits based in Oldham, and who is a friend of Neil’s, is assisting in the plan, which will help expand the drinks brand, which includes a range of gins and rums.

And a special premium London gin is being developed by Paul and Neil as part of the overall project.

The Whitehall has been an institution in the area for more than 50 years, but in common with many other businesses within the hospitality sector, it has been significantly impacted by the pandemic.

The gin project is an example of how businesses are creatively looking to emerge stronger from the Covid-19 pandemic.

Neil says: “The one thing that the Whitehall has always been able to count on is the support of the local community, which was never any more evident during the recent Eat Out to Help Out scheme.

“I thought if we could further build on that business by attracting customers from outside of the area, the Whitehall will stand the test of time.”

“We’re hard at work creating something very special and we believe we’re the only hotel outside London to have its own gin distillery. These are really exciting times for the business.”

A majestic Victorian manor house lovingly transformed into a traditional country house hotel, The Whitehall dates back to 1898.

It enjoys many period features from the sandstone frontage to its panelled sweeping staircase and is perfectly situated for visitors wishing to explore the West Pennine Moors.

Defiance gin, was voted the best in the world at this year’s prestigious San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Up against more than 3,000 entries, Defiance Navy Strength won the ‘Best in Show, Unaged White Spirit’ category.

• To discuss how WNJ can help support your business please contact me on 01772 430000.