Flowers from a Swansea wedding design firm have been featured in smash BBC TV hit Dr Who.
Trudi Hall and Kirsty Guise, who run Purple Rain Wedding Design, contributed flowers for use in the New Year’s Day edition of the show where Catherine Tate’s character tied the knot.
Over 10 million people tuned into the programme to watch David Tennant’s last outing as the Time Lord.
Trudi and Kirsty, both of Penclawdd, knew someone working for the Dr Who props department and were asked to provide flowers for the church, buttonholes for the guests and bouquets for the bride and bridesmaids.
The duo only started trading at the end of September and are now making preparations for a wedding fair at Swansea’s Village Hotel in February. They’re also contributing flowers to welcome HRH Princess Anne to Swansea early next week during her visit to the city.
Business Centre Swansea helped the ladies turn their idea into reality.
Trudi said: “I’m a trained florist and Kirsty has a degree in art and lots of experience in decoration and jewellery. We felt we could make our idea work and initially became serious about starting a venture at the start of last year.
“We made contact with Business Centre Swansea and found the staff there very helpful when it comes to advising people looking to start up their own businesses.
“One of the free courses we attended at Business Centre Swansea was spread over three days and covered areas such as book-keeping and relevant legislation.”
Business Centre Swansea is based on St Mary’s Square in the city centre and offers tips on starting up businesses and support for existing businesses including business strategy and planning, access to funding sources, mentoring, development of marketing strategies, information technology advice and training.
Figures show staff there have helped about 90 businesses start up since last April and that the team has also dealt with over 800 queries in that time.
Cllr Gareth Sullivan, Swansea Council Cabinet Member for Economic and Strategic Development, said: “It’s hugely encouraging that so many people are looking to set up businesses during uncertain economic times.
“Kirsty and Trudi should be applauded for turning their idea into reality and I wish them well with their venture.
“It’s also satisfying to see staff at Business Centre Swansea being praised so regularly because their expertise proves invaluable to so many people.”
Purple Rain Wedding Design has established itself on EBay and has a website at www.purplerainweddingdesign.co.uk
Kirsty and Trudi are also already making preparations for several wedding bookings so far this year.
Have a look at www.businesscentreswansea.co.uk for more information about Business Centre Swansea or call 01792 545050.
