Gift shop teams up with National Trust

A Shropshire firm is celebrating its first two years by teaming up with a National Trust property.

Big Little Things, a florist and gift shop in Norton, was asked by bosses at Dudmaston Hall in Quatt, Bridgnorth, to host a Christmas wreath workshop there.

The company, which has grown from two to six members of staff since they opened their shop in the courtyard of Apley Farm Shop two years ago, will now host a total of 23 events throughout November and December.

Owners Sarah Knowles and Fran Robinson said they are delighted to have this reputation.

Fran, from Shrewsbury, said: “We were an online company for five years before setting up the shop and we cannot ever have imagined how much it would change our business.

“We are still selling very strongly online but we have gone from strength to strength and seeing our customers face to face has allowed us to engage with them more and cater to their needs.

“Our workshops have grown beyond recognition, we are now out most weekends, either here in the shop or at locations across Shropshire, the Midlands and Staffordshire.

“It is a compliment that Dudmaston Hall approached us for this latest workshop, we have taken part in the annual Christmas Fayre and this is a nod to our work which is a great honour.

“It is great to be able to share our expertise with people and see them enjoy learning a new skill and creating something, sometimes people get very excited.”

Both women set up the company as a way to work from home and manage family life as well as create an income.

Sarah, from Telford, said they are now hoping to build on the success they have already had.

“We’re always investing in the business,” she said. “So far this summer we have relaunched our website to make it more easily understandable for our customers, increased the number of products on offer by 20 per cent and also created a new flower bar which can be set up at weddings, parties and corporate events.”

Alexandra Blakeman from Dudmaston Hall said having Big Little Things on board will really add to the Christmas atmosphere at the property.

She said: “We have a full programme of events at Dudmaston over Christmas and the Christmas wreath workshop is proving very popular.

“We were delighted that Big Little Things were able to come along, it’s just the sort of thing that our members and visitors enjoy and it really does get everyone in the Christmas mood.”