Mansfield-based online florist Bunches has been named the UK’s favourite family business at the 2026 National Family Business of the Year Awards. The company, which began as a humble market stall in 1989, secured the prestigious People’s Choice title after receiving thousands of votes from its loyal customer base nationwide.
Key takeaways
- Bunches won both the regional and national People’s Choice Family Business of the Year titles.
- The business was founded 37 years ago in Mansfield by Erik and Sandra Hoving.
- The company has successfully delivered over 13 million bouquets since its inception.
- The award was decided entirely by public vote rather than a judging panel.
A journey from humble beginnings
The story of Bunches is one of remarkable growth and adaptation. What started as a modest market stall where founders Erik and Sandra Hoving sold flowers beneath an umbrella has transformed into one of the country’s most recognisable online florists. By engaging directly with their early customers, the founders identified a unique opportunity to send fresh flowers through the post. This vision led to a successful partnership with the Post Office in 1990, and by the early 2000s, the business had fully transitioned into the digital space, cementing its place as a leader in the online floral industry.
A legacy of family values
Now led by the second generation, Dani Hoving and her husband Dan, the company remains deeply committed to the values established nearly four decades ago. Despite its national scale and the delivery of millions of bouquets, the business maintains a focus on the emotional connections that flowers represent. During the award ceremony in London, the leadership team emphasised that their success is shared with every employee, from those who carefully pack orders to the staff who manage customer queries. This dedication to kindness and diligence has been a cornerstone of their operational philosophy for 37 years.
Commitment to quality and service
The recognition from the public highlights the company’s sustained focus on customer satisfaction and ethical business practices. Bunches currently holds an impressive 4.7-star rating based on over 200,000 reviews, with its customer support team boasting a 4.9 out of five rating. Beyond their service standards, the business is known for its commitment to sustainability, sourcing flowers from certified farms and donating at least 10% of its profits to charitable causes. Today, the florist continues to offer a wide array of products, including traditional hand-tied bouquets, letterbox-friendly arrangements, and seasonal gift hampers, ensuring they remain a go-to choice for celebrations across the UK.
Sources
- Online florist Bunches wins UK’s favourite family business award, Northumberland Gazette.
- Mansfield florist Bunches wins UK’s favourite family business award, Mansfield and Ashfield Chad.
