The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
A family-owned commercial flower grower has secured a six-figure investment to enable it to expand and cut its energy costs by half.
Established in the 1970s by Peter Redden as PA Redden & Son, Redford Flowers Ltd is now run by son Simon from the ten-acre Sycamore Farm in Spalding.
Redford grows eight million stems each year, including lilies, irises and tulips, supplying major supermarket chains, wholesalers and online florists UK wide.
With a need to prepare the business for future growth and increase productivity, Simon turned to NatWest and its dedicated asset finance arm, Lombard, securing a six-figure finance deal.
The funding has enabled Redford Flowers to purchase an automated bunching machine and a state-of-the-art biomass boiler, installed by CPL Renewables.
Fuelled solely by wood pellets, the boiler will save the company some £70,000 per year in energy costs.
Owner and director of Redford Flowers, Simon Redden said: “My father started the business back in the 70s with just £15, buying a set of cold frames.
“We’ve grown significantly since these humble beginnings, but our passion for producing top quality, beautiful flowers remains as strong as ever.
“The investments we’ve made over the years have all improved our efficiency and capacity in a sustainable way, without cutting corners or compromising on the quality of our products.”
John Walsh, local relationship manager and agriculture specialist for NatWest, added: “It’s great to see this well-respected family business reaping the benefits of renewable energy.
“We are proud to have supported them through this phase of growth and look forward to watching the business flourish as a result.”
