Bath College

How an adult floristry learner started her own business

Call for Expressions of Interest

Introduction

Ros, a former adult floristry learner at Bath College, now runs her own floristry business, Primrose Florals.

We recently sat down with Ros to share her adult learning experience at Bath College and find out how it helped her build the confidence to start her own business.

Keep reading to find out more…

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Could you introduce yourself and tell us about your floristry business?

“My name is Ros, and I run Primrose Florals.”

“I provide everyday bouquets, wedding, and farewell flowers. I only use locally grown seasonal flowers.”

“I never use imported flowers, and I don’t use any single-use plastics or floral foam.”

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What were you doing before the floristry course?

“I was working in HR and recruitment for schools.”

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What made you feel like it was the right time to take an adult floristry course?

“My children were both at secondary school, so they became more independent, and I also wanted to find a creative outlet for myself.”

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Did you feel nervous about returning to learning, and what helped you return?

“I don’t think I felt particularly nervous… but I didn’t obviously know exactly what to expect. Luckily, I had the support of my family.”

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What was the floristry course like?

“The course was interesting and informative - it was great to learn the basics of floristry and put it into practice during lessons and the exams.”

“I thoroughly enjoyed it. Everyone was so friendly, and we all really got on, supported each other, and boosted each other’s confidence when we needed it.”

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Which skills did you learn that you use in your floristry business today?

“Patience, perseverance, and attention to detail. Learning about colour, textures, and forms has also been helpful.”

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How did the tutors and other learners support you?

“Andrew was a great support. He always provided constructive feedback and helped with anything that I found tricky.”

“The other learners were all very friendly, and we all tried to boost each other’s confidence.”

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How did you balance the course with work, family, and other commitments?

“It was quite tricky, as I was working part-time while managing family life, but I found it possible to set aside time to revise or work on coursework.”

“We were given reasonable timescales to complete revision and coursework, and I just needed to plan my time accordingly.”

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What was the first step for you after you finished the course?

“I was lucky enough to get the opportunity to work in a florist shop in Frome while I was completing the course.”

“This was one day a week, and the owner of the shop made contact through the college.”

“Once I finished the course, I was offered more hours to work permanently in the shop.”

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How did the course help you start your own business?

“It gave me the confidence to know I had accomplished the basics and foundations of floristry.”

“The course also meant I could build experience in the floristry shop, where I was then able to move on to my own business.”

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What would you say to an adult learner who is interested but worried they’re too busy or too old or not confident enough?

“Do it! It’s surprising what you can do when you put your mind to it. If you really enjoy it, as I did, you will find the time.”

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How has adult learning changed things for you personally?

“I’ve realised that if you want to try something, do it.”

“You might just enjoy it, and you never know where it will take you. It eventually gave me the confidence to start my own business.”

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Want to try something new and see where it takes you?

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Bath College offers flexible part-time courses, from professional development and hobbies to recognised qualifications.

We understand that the thought of returning to the classroom can be scary. But we’re here to help.

Join hundreds of adults in Bath who try something new or learn new skills to switch careers.

Email acl@bathcollege.ac.uk or call 01225 312191 to start your self-improvement journey and learn something new.

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The Opportunity

To raise any points for clarification, or to submit an expression of interest email orata@bathcollege.ac.uk

  • A prominent restaurant within Bath College’s City Centre Campus, close to Bath city centre and major visitor,cultural and commercial destinations.
  • A restaurant and commercial kitchen that are fully fitted and ready for occupation, subject to operator checks, statutory compliance and agreed handover arrangements.
  • Approximately 60 to 70 covers, subject to final operating layout.
  • The opportunity to create a high-quality, commercially credible public restaurant with evening, weekend, private-dining and event potential.
  • A partnership with Bath College that creates authentic training, work experience and employment pathways for hospitality students.

Timetable

Activity

Date/Time

EOI and information pack

Wednesday 22 July 2026

Deadline for clarification questions

12:00 noon, Thursday 30 July 2026

College responses to clarifications

Wednesday 5 August 2026

Deadline for EOI responses

12:00 noon, Friday 14 August 2026

Structured market-engagement meetings, if required

17-21 August 2026

Market-engagement conclusions and procurement recommendation

Friday 21 August 2026

Planned publication of formal tender

Wednesday 26 August 2026

Further Documents

Orata Restaurant Opportunity Prospectus

Orata Restaurant Operator Information Pack

Orata Restaurant Call for Expression of Interest

Status and Reservations

  • This document is preliminary market engagement only and is not an offer, tender or commitment to contract
  • The College may amend, postpone or discontinue the opportunity and will not reimburse participation costs.
  • EOI responses will not be scored to select or exclude suppliers from the formal procurement.
  • The College may use market feedback to develop its requirements, valuation, procedure, contract and evaluation methodology.
  • A partnership with Bath College that creates authentic training, work experience and employment pathways for hospitality students. Material information relevant to competition will be reflected in the formal tender documents.