Brian Whittle MSP dropped into Scarlet Rose Florist on Kilmarnock Portland Street to promote this year’s Small Business Saturday Campaign.
Small Business Saturday UK is a not-for-profit campaign, which highlights small business success and encourages the UK to support small businesses. MSPs across the political spectrum have already given their backing and are demonstrating their support and the great work of small businesses in their areas.
Scarlet Rose Florist sell a wide selection of beautiful flowers, using their decades of experience to produce stunning bouquets, baskets and other arrangements for any occasion. They also stock a selection of gifts, soft toys and handmade chocolates for when you need something that extra special.
Scarlet Rose Owner, Karen Browning, said:
“It was lovely to meet Brian last week, being from a small business background he could relate to the challenges that SMEs are facing in this uncertain economy. We discussed the difficulties of finding qualified staff. An apprenticeship in floristry being recognized as part of the modern apprenticeship programme in Scotland -as it is in England – would be very beneficial to businesses in the florist industry in filling the skills gap.”
Brian Whittle MSP said
“It was a pleasure to meet Karen and chat with her during my visit. Scarlet Rose Florist and the thousands of other small businesses like it across South Scotland are vital to the economy and the communities they serve. There’s a wealth of creativity and talent on show from the florists at Scarlet Rose and I was pleased to be able to talk to Karen about what else could be done to support anyone looking to have a career in floristry. I hope when people are shopping for Christmas this year, they’ll try and support as many of the small local shops in their community as possible.”