Welch the Florist, a fifth-generation family business based in Nottingham, has received a ‘Highly Commended’ accolade in the customer excellence category at the prestigious 2024 Midlands Family Business Awards. The awards ceremony, which took place at Athena in Leicester on October 3, celebrated 12 years of honouring outstanding family-run enterprises across the UK, with proceeds from the event donated to the Brain Tumour Charity.
Founded in 1920, Welch the Florist stands as one of Nottingham’s oldest businesses, deeply rooted in family values and traditions. The company initially opened in Long Eaton and has evolved significantly over the years. In 1973, Tony Shaw took on a directorial role, infusing the business with his passion for flowers and horticulture. His unique approach to floral design helped establish Welch’s reputation for creating beautifully crafted flower bouquets.
Currently, the business is under the leadership of Tony’s son, Gareth Shaw, who has successfully merged six former florists into the Welch brand. Under Gareth’s direction, Welch the Florist has emerged as the leading flower delivery service in the Nottinghamshire area, catering to customers through both Welch and Interflora.
Expressing his delight at the recognition, Gareth commented, “This is the first time in our 104-year history that we’ve entered an award. Being shortlisted as a finalist came as a complete surprise, and to be highly commended among so many fantastic businesses is truly flattering.” His sentiment reflects the pride and dedication of the entire team, which has consistently demonstrated a commitment to excellence in customer service.
The Family Business Awards saw intense competition, with the judging panel facing the challenging task of selecting winners across various categories. Charlotte Perkins, Group Managing Director of the award organisers, Wilsons, acknowledged the quality of entries, stating, “The judging panels have had a tough job in picking winners across the board. With so many stand-out entries, there were several heated debates to decide on the Winners and Highly Commended for each category. Every business that is a finalist should be incredibly proud of their achievements and celebrate their successes.”
Gareth further emphasised the significance of the award for his team, saying, “Being highly commended recognises the whole team’s dedication to excellence and is a testament to the hard work, passion, and expertise offered by the Welch the Florist team.”
As Welch the Florist continues its legacy through five generations of floral artistry, the recognition at the Midlands Family Business Awards not only honours its rich history but also highlights its commitment to providing exceptional service in the community.
For more information about Welch the Florist and their journey, please visit www.welchtheflorist.co.uk.