Mansfield family florist crowned UK’s favourite family business after public vote
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A flower business that began beneath an umbrella in Mansfield almost four decades ago has been named the UK’s People’s Choice Family Business of the Year after thousands of public votes.
Beneath an umbrella in Mansfield, Erik and Sandra Hoving began selling flowers more than 37 years ago with a simple ambition: help people celebrate life’s important moments.
Today, the business they founded has been recognised as the UK’s favourite family business.
Bunches, now run by the second generation of the family, has won both the Midlands & Central People’s Choice Family Business of the Year and the National People’s Choice Family Business of the Year at the National Family Business of the Year Awards 2026.
The awards, organised by Family Business United, are unusual because the winners are decided by public vote rather than a judging panel, meaning customers themselves chose Bunches as their favourite family business in the country.
From dispatching just five postal bouquets during its first week in partnership with the Post Office in 1990, Bunches has grown into one of the UK’s best-known online florists, having delivered more than 13 million bouquets while continuing to operate from its headquarters in Mansfield.
Today the company is led by Dani Hoving and her husband Dan, who collected the awards on behalf of the business at a ceremony in London.
They said: “For 37 years, our family business has helped your families celebrate what matters. That’s not a coincidence - the generosity, trust and emotional connection that keep families strong are exactly what we help people express through flowers.
“These awards belong to every single person at Bunches, whether they pack an order with care, answer a customer query with kindness, or look after our website and products with diligence.
“We are so very grateful for everyone who voted for us. We really can’t express how much it means.”
The company says it has maintained the same family values since its earliest days, combining customer service with a long-standing commitment to donate at least 10% of its profits to charitable causes and sourcing many flowers from certified sustainable farms.
Bunches says its customer support team is rated 4.9 out of five, while the business holds an overall 4.7-star rating based on more than 200,000 customer reviews.
Award-winning bouquets from Bunches
Customers voted Bunches the UK’s favourite family business in the 2026 People’s Choice Awards. Among the bouquets currently available are:
Pink Roses and Freesias (£27.90, was £31)
Pink roses, white freesias and two-toned alstroemeria in a classic hand-tied bouquet.
Summer Cascade Letterbox (£18.85, was £20.95)
A colourful letterbox-friendly arrangement designed to fit through most standard letterboxes.
Strawberry Swirl (£23.85, was £26.50)
A vibrant mix of pink, white and cerise blooms designed for birthdays and celebrations.
Sunflower Splendour (£31.05, was £34.50)
Bright sunflowers paired with seasonal white flowers for a cheerful summer display.
For readers looking to send flowers for birthdays, anniversaries or other special occasions, Bunches offers a wide range of bouquets, plants and gift hampers that can be delivered across the UK. Browse the latest collections on Bunches