Florist in Newbiggin-by-the-Sea asks public for votes in Englands Business Awards final

Ocean Bloom, on Gibson Street, was named best florist at the Englands Business Awards’ Northumberland event earlier this year, and is now in contention for the awards’ national prize.

Stephen said: “I am over the moon that I won the Northumberland one. That is a massive achievement itself.

“This one is absolutely bonkers. It is a blessing.

“It is just nice, the fact that people actually want us to get there.”

Stephen has been interested in the artistry of floral arrangements since he began setting them up as subjects for his photography hobby.

He began making wreaths and arrangements as a side project to sell at markets before officially starting the business during the pandemic.

Stephen said: “Getting to where we are now, it is just crazy. It is the customers really. They are the ones who are voting and pushing it, which is nice.”

He added: “When you put so much work and effort into your craft it is nice that people appreciate it and it keeps making you want to do more and be better.”

Customers can vote online at nominees.info/vote, and Stephen is hoping he will not be returning from the grand final in Birmingham empty handed.

He said: “It would be nice to bring it home, not just for Ocean Bloom but for the area as well, and Northumberland, just to put them a bit more on the map.”