Bright future for Spalding flower grower

Simon Redden with the biomass boiler on the open day at Redford Flowers.

Spalding grower Redford Flowers has invested in equipment that should help to secure its future.

The family-owned flower grower has bought an automated bunching machine and a state-of-the-art biomass boiler, having secured a six-figure investment.

The move will support the business’s expansion and cut energy costs by 50 per cent.

Simon Redden, who runs the ten-acre farm, said: “It was the only way we can be sustainable and carry on. It will make a huge difference. The margins have been eaten up. We were basically producing flowers to keep people in a job and keep the oil company coming every week and there wasn’t enough profit. It will provide all of the heating.”

The boiler, fuelled solely by wood pellets, is estimated to save the company about £70,000 a year in energy costs. Simon says it is low maintenance, unlike biomass boilers that are run on waste materials.

The new equipment was unveiled at an open day at the farm attended by about 100 people.

Redford Flowers grows about 8million stems each year, including lilies, irises and tulips, supplying major supermarket chains, wholesalers and online florists UK wide.

Simon said: “My father started the business in the ’70s with just £15. We’ve grown significantly since those humble beginnings, but our passion for producing top quality flowers remains as strong as ever.”