the husband and wife vendors of this business established operations in 1986. They originally devoted the majority of the retail area to cards and gifts. As the years progressed they have developed a fantastic niche business for the supply of balloons, both on-site to passing trade and with large arrangements delivered for private functions, weddings, parties, and corporate events across a large area of west london. The business still has a base of regular customers and revenue driven from the sale of cards and gifts to the local community. The supply, design and installation of special balloon arrangements provides an excellent revenue stream, with little direct competition. As well as to private individuals who come to the business from recommendation and referral for their private events and parties, the business has supplied to a wide range of corporate clients. These have included major blue-chips in the region such as bp, bupa, proctor and gamble, centrica and the local hsbc bank, as well as continual on-going orders from restaurants, pubs, clubs and venues looking for event decoration. There has also been a good level of business received over the years from the public sector such as schools for the end of year proms. With such a unique offering, long trading history and well known name, the business has a very stable footing from which to receive regular income, and also expand into new areas. The business is based on a busy high street, with high levels of footfall. There is a mini-supermarket currently being redeveloped opposite which once re-opened will draw further traffic to the location. There are also plans by the local authority to further develop the surrounding commercial area. Equipment: the business operates with a paper based customer database, cash register and commercial photocopier on-site. There is an agreement with a local supplier for regular deliveries of helium gas. Customer service: the business prides itself on customer service, both to retail customers who always receive a friendly welcome and courteous experience to the local businesses and larger corporates who receive a timely and professional service that brings them back time and again. The business offers a true one-stop shop experience, and can cater for all from design, through delivery and installation. The customer service is shown to be exemplary by the amount of recommendation and referral received over the 25 year history. Key strengths: alongside the lengthy trading history, the niche that has been built by the business means that there is little direct competition across a large area that can offer a true one-stop solution. The location offers great levels of passing trade that keep the retail operation profitable, and the company name is well know, meaning they are the company of choice for a wide range of customers over a large geographical area. The business has the flexibility to supply customers and clients of all sizes. Growth and expansion opportunities: the business can easily be expanded to gain revenue from clients across a larger geographical area with a little investment in direct marketing, and a push to receive orders online. With a new website, the business could easily handle many more enquires and orders without an increase in overheads. With a range of local venues already utilising the businesses services regularly, there is no reason why this could not be expanded to other venues across london and the home counties. The shop unit currently stocks cards, gifts and gift-wrappings – there is potential to trial higher margin offerings, and grow revenue as the local supermarket begins to draw customers to the high street from further a field.
