Beautifully Presented Florist & Homeware Business in Prime Village Location, Mid Sussex

Occupying a prime position within the highly sought-after village of Ditchling, this exquisite florist, homeware and gift shop is nestled within the breathtaking surroundings of the South Downs National Park, approximately seven miles north of Brighton and nine miles south of Haywards Heath. Established within the village for the past eight years and in the current owner’s hands for the last two years, Poison Ivy has developed into a highly regarded and extremely well-supported lifestyle business, enjoying an excellent reputation throughout the local community and surrounding areas, together with consistent footfall and repeat custom. Floristry currently accounts for approximately half of the business’s trade, with the remainder generated through an impressive range of gifts and homeware sourced from both respected national and local suppliers, including premium products such as Plum & Ashby candles, locally produced wines from Artelium and Court Garden, together with artisan ceramics, soaps, furniture and unique lifestyle pieces. The vibrant village atmosphere, year-round tourist trade and regular local events further enhance the appeal and continued success of the business. The vendor has only now decided to bring the business to market due to family commitments. 

THE PREMISES: Occupying a prominent trading position on the village’s bustling main high street, this beautifully presented florist and homeware business is offered to the market in excellent condition throughout. The premises form part of an historic and characterful building, boasting stunning original features and impressive high ceilings which create an exceptional sense of light, peace and space, providing a truly unique trading environment. Upon entering, customers are welcomed into an elegant and thoughtfully designed retail space. To the right-hand side is a substantial serve-over counter, currently utilised for the preparation of bespoke floral arrangements and gift wrapping. The main shop area has been stylishly fitted with bespoke custom-made shelving, beautifully displaying an array of carefully curated gifts and floristry items, perfectly complementing the charm and character of the premises. To the rear of the shop there is access to a useful stock room, staff kitchenette and WC facilities. The premises further benefit from an enclosed rear yard providing valuable additional storage space, together with a large shed ideal for ancillary storage and seasonal stock requirements.

TURNOVER:  The business is owner-operated, with the current vendor playing an active role in the day-to-day running alongside one part-time florist. Trading hours are presently Tuesday 10am–2pm and Wednesday to Saturday 10am–4pm, with the business also benefitting from approximately eight weeks’ annual closure for holidays. Despite these limited trading hours, the business generates an annual turnover in the region of £45,000, evenly split between floristry and gift sales. The business offers significant scope for growth and further development. There is excellent potential to expand the supply of premium flowers to local boutique retailers, gift shops, pubs, restaurants, hotels, and corporate clients, whilst the recently launched online offering provides an exciting opportunity to further enhance the brand’s digital presence. Additional avenues for expansion include collaborations with established third-party platforms such as Interflora and Etsy, alongside the introduction of Sussex-inspired products, curated hampers, and bespoke gifting ranges. Further growth opportunities exist through increasing wedding and funeral floristry work, as well as developing seasonal workshops and floristry experiences, including highly popular wreath-making courses and private events, creating multiple additional revenue streams throughout the year.

PREMISES LICENCE: Allows for the retail sale of alcohol. 

GENERAL REMARKS: Charming and well-established village business benefiting from strong support from the local community as well as surrounding villages and towns. Offered with the security of a new lease, the business presents excellent potential to further expand wedding and funeral work, while also increasing its online and social media presence. In addition to the core trade, the business offers a popular selection of retail gifts including locally sourced ceramics, artisan products, and homeware. The business has also successfully hosted popular Christmas wreath-making workshops, with a clear opportunity to expand seasonal classes and events throughout the year. The sale includes valuable fixtures and fittings, making this an excellent opportunity to acquire a thriving lifestyle business in a beautiful village setting.

TENURE: The premises will be held on a new 8 year full repairing and insuring lease at a commencing  rental of £13,000 per annum until November 2027 and increasing to £14,000 thereafter. With a rent review and tenant only break clause at year 4. 

RATES: The premises receive the benefit of the small business rate relief, therefore rates payable are currently zero. The rateable value for the premises is £11,750 per annum. Prospective occupiers should make their own enquiries to verify same. 

PRICE: We are instructed to quote for the valuable lease, equipment, premises licence, trade fixtures, fittings and chattels Price reduction £25,000 SAV (stock estimated at £10,000)

LEGAL FEES:  Each party to be responsible for their own legal costs. The purchaser to cover the landlord’s reasonable legal costs. 

VIEWING: On no account should any approach be made to the Manager or the staff without a prior appointment through the vendor’s agents, Watkins Commercial, Telephone: 01273 709090.  

ENERGY PERFORMANCE CERTIFICATE:  The premises has been rated a band E. The full report is available upon request. 

DISCLAIMER: Neither the Vendor nor the Agent gives or implies any warranty that the premises are fit for any particular use or that they comply with any relevant regulation or statutory requirement.

The agents have not tested any apparatus, equipment, fittings or services so cannot verify that they are in working order.  The buyer is advised to obtain verification from their solicitor or surveyor before proceeding with the purchase.

VAT: All prices and rents are quoted exclusive of VAT.  Any intending purchasers or lessees must satisfy themselves independently as to the incidence of VAT in respect of any transaction.

MORTGAGE  & FINANCIAL PLANNING: We shall be pleased to assist any purchaser in arranging finance to acquire this business or any other business you may be considering subject to status.  

Prop. Ref: 6947M

These particulars are believed to be correct but their accuracy is not guaranteed and they do not form any part of any contract 

APPLICANTS CONFIDENTIALITY AGREEMENT

I understand and agree that any information regarding any business supplied to by Watkins Commercial will be kept strictly confidential.  I also undertake that I will: 

i) View businesses registered with Watkins Commercial by appointment only.

ii) Not contact any owner, staff, suppliers, competitors or customers of any business 

registered with Watkins Commercial

iii) Not pass on any information supplied by Watkins Commercial to any third party other than professional advisor et. Bank, solicitor, surveyor accountant, etc. 

iv) Submit any offers direct to Watkins Commercial with whom I will conduct all negotiations

v) Be liable for any commission which would have been due to Watkins Commercial should I be party to negotiations or actions which seek to preclude, or are contrary to the interest of Watkins Commercial