Stowmarket-based Kings the Florist has moved in to new, larger premises in the town.

Proprietor Sophie Newman, who was 19 when she bought the business from its previous owner, has spent the past eight years working from the original shop in Bury Street.

Besides selling fresh flowers delivered into the shop daily, she also provides bouquets and displays for events and has a busy schedule of weekly corporate clients.

Needing more space in order to grow, she has now moved to a newly refurbished store in Ipswich Street, with the help of her bank, NatWest.

The move will enable Sophie and her team of five employees to take on more events.

She said: “We saw that this shop was available to rent and just went for it. The space and additional storage has meant that we have already taken on more work, which in turn has allowed us to create a new position for a member of staff.

Frank Moss from NatWest added: “We could see that Kings the Florist would benefit from a larger shop as it is growing steadily thanks to its regular customer base and the high level of personal service.”