Sutton flower shop employee celebrates 35 colourful years of serving community

Allison Radford, aged 51, began working at Flowers by Lesley while completing her studies at Sutton’s Quarrydale Comprehensive School – now Quarrydale Academy – back in 1988.

The shop, in Jubilee Buildings, Outram Street, was owned by her sister Lesley, who gave her a Saturday job.

“After I finished school I did my qualifications and started working there full-time,” Allison said.

“Now, 35 years later and I’ve never looked back – it’s amazing. I don’t know where the time has gone, it’s absolutely flown.”

Allison, of Teversal, said the shop got busier over the decades as it established its reputation.

“People love coming to flower shops because they like that personal touch,” she said.

“It’s rewarding what we do. I especially love making deliveries because I enjoy seeing people’s faces light up when they answer the door to a big bunch of flowers.”

Allison reflected on the shop’s “ups and downs” over the years, but said her working life has been “full of happy times”.

“It can be tough sometimes when the winter months come and it’s cold,” she said.

“And it is hard work, with long hours when it’s busy. But we all cheer each other on and it’s really just a very happy shop to be honest.”

In 1994, Allison won the Chad’s customer service award and was gifted the opportunity to work in a florist in Mansfield, Ohio.

She remembered: “It was a competition where the public voted for the best businesses and then the winner got to go to Mansfield’s twin town in America.

“It was lovely experience and such a good opportunity.”

Allison said it was impossible to choose a favourite flower

“I think lillies are gorgeous but there are so many amazing ones,” she said.

“All the summer flowers are stunning like the stocks and the peonies. But every season has beautiful flowers. I really don’t think I could pick a favourite.”

Allison’s colleagues surprised her with a special celebration to recognise her achievement.

She said: “It was a lovely surprise, I was honoured.”