Author: Emma Robertson

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What will the hospitality industry look like in 2023? – Six Key Trends for 2023

Post author By Emma Robertson
Post date December 22, 2022

There’s no doubt that the hospitality industry is facing some big challenges amid tough economic conditions, societal change and technological advancements. However, there are also some big opportunities on the horizon.

To help you stay ahead of the curve, we’ve identified six key hospitality trends to consider for your venue or project in the year ahead:

Bleisure

Flexible spaces

Wellness

Biophilic Design

Technology: Personalisation, Automation and Virtual Reality

Sustainability

Bleisure

Employees are increasingly realising remote working doesn’t necessarily need to be done from home. With the rise of the digital nomad lifestyle, workers are combining business and leisure into one neat little package: bleisure.

So how can businesses capitalize on this trend?

This could involve…

offering special rates for business travellers
group packages
loyalty schemes
partnering with local businesses
targeted advertising

Due to flexible work styles, Forbes reported an uplift in interest for workcations and bleisure trips by over 25% compared to recent years. And it’s not just millennials who are driving this trend – business travellers of all ages are looking for ways to combine work and play and we expect to see more hospitality businesses catering to this market in the coming year.

Wellness

There’s no denying that the hospitality industry is tough. Long hours, late nights and early mornings are just part of the job for many bartenders, servers and hotel staff members.

The hospitality industry is all about taking care of others – and this should also include taking care of employees. Increased emphasis is being placed on creating a work environment that supports and promotes staff wellbeing.

There are several reasons for this shift. Firstly, the hospitality industry is increasingly competitive. In order to attract and retain the best talent, employers need to create an attractive and supportive work environment.

Secondly, as our understanding of the link between physical and mental health grows, so too does the recognition of the importance of staff wellbeing. A happy and healthy workforce is a productive workforce, and so it makes good business sense to invest in staff wellbeing.

Finally, as consumers become more health-conscious, they are also increasingly looking for brands that align with their own values. By promoting staff wellbeing, hospitality businesses can show that they are committed to creating a healthy and sustainable workplace.

If you are considering implementing wellness programs in your hospitality business, there are a few things to keep in mind:

Consult with your staff to find out what they would like to see included in such programs. Secondly
Consider the needs of your guests and ensure that your offerings are in line with their expectations.
Remember that wellness is a journey, not a destination, so be prepared to continue to evolve your offerings over time.

No matter what approach you take, incorporating wellness into your hospitality business is sure to pay off in the long run.

Biophilic Design

Continuing the trend of wellness, we expect biophilic design to continue to gain momentum in hospitality spaces in 2023.

Biophilic design is the incorporation of plants and nature into the design of a space. It is a response to the increasing disconnection that people feel from the natural world.

As our awareness of the importance of health and wellbeing continues to grow, we will increasingly seek out environments that support these values. More and more, we’re seeing hotel, restaurant, and bar design that incorporates natural elements into the space. This could be anything from using natural materials like wood and stone, to incorporating plants, greenery and even water features.

There are many benefits to this design technique. For one, it can create a more pleasant and inviting atmosphere for guests. Plants can also help to improve air quality and reduce noise levels. In addition, they can add a touch of luxury and sophistication to any space.

Flexible Layouts

Today’s hospitality industry is all about flexibility. Gone are the days of traditional, stuffy bars and restaurants. Instead, we’re seeing a trend towards flexible layouts that can be easily adapted to different needs and events.

Interior designers are playing a big role in this trend, as they are able to create flexible spaces that are both functional and stylish. By using movable furniture and modular design elements, they can create layout options that can be easily reconfigured to suit different needs.

For example, a restaurant might have a different layout for breakfast, lunch and dinner service, or a hotel might have a different configuration for events, parties and conferences. This flexibility not only allows businesses to better meet the needs of their customers, but also makes the most efficient use of their space.

Of course, flexibility doesn’t just apply to the physical space. It’s also important to be flexible in your operations. For example, you may want to offer a special menu for a holiday or event. Or you may need to adjust your hours to accommodate your guests’ schedules.

The bottom line is that flexibility is key in the hospitality business. By being flexible in your space, your operations and your offerings, you can make sure that you’re always on trend and meeting the needs of your guests.

While some may see this trend as a challenge, it’s actually an opportunity for businesses to get creative and really think about how they can use their space to its full potential. If you’re looking to update your hospitality business, then consider a flexible layout – it could be just the thing you need to stay ahead of the competition.

Technology: Personalisation, Automation and Virtual Reality

As the world becomes more and more digitized, it’s no surprise that the hospitality industry is following suit. Technology is changing the way we interact with bars, restaurants, and hotels, and it’s only going to become more prevalent in the coming years.

Personalisation

Customers now expect a much more personalised experience when they visit a bar, restaurant or hotel. Guests want to feel like they are receiving a unique and personalised experience that is tailored to their needs.

Whether it’s a virtual concierge who provides 24/7 assistance, smart room features like using voice technology to turn off the lights and play music, interactive walls and mirrors or keyless room entry; these technologies should all enable greater personalisation of the guest experience.

Automation

By automating administrative tasks such as reservations, check-in, and billing, hotels can save time and money while providing better customer service. This helps businesses to better manage their resources, track customer feedback, and increase the guest experience. Automation can also help hotels to keep up with industry trends and create innovative solutions to challenges. It even allows for remote management, enabling hotels to monitor multiple locations from a single dashboard.

As more and more venues embrace automation, customers can expect a pleasant, seamless experience from check-in to check-out. With these benefits, it’s no wonder so many businesses are turning to automation for administration in their premises.

Virtual Reality

With Virtual Reality, businesses can create captivating visuals that draw in potential customers and give them a taste of what to expect before they even visit the venue. This is especially useful for events and weddings where a more of an investment is involved and it should reduce travel and time previously spent scouting appropriate venues.

VR is also becoming increasingly popular for interior designers and architects, allowing closer collaboration with clients and to move projects forward with increased confidence.

Looking to the future, it’s exciting to think about all the possibilities that hospitality technology holds. As technology advances, we can expect even more customisation and personalisation in the years to come.

So whether you’re a hotelier, a restaurateur, or designer, keep your eye on these trends – they’re sure to shape the future of hospitality.

Sustainability

It’s no secret that sustainability is becoming increasingly important to consumers.

From reducing waste and energy consumption to choosing sustainable materials and sourcing local produce, there are many ways to make your business more sustainable. And with the right planning and foresight, you can make your business more sustainable without sacrificing anything in terms of quality or service.

There are many ways that hospitality businesses can become more sustainable. For example, some businesses are choosing to use recycled materials, energy-efficient appliances, and low-flow water fixtures. Others are investing in renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power.

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as sustainability means different things to different businesses within the hospitality industry. However, some common themes are emerging as the industry looks to the future.

One of the biggest trends in sustainable hospitality is the move towards using more environmentally-friendly materials and products. This includes everything from using recycled or recyclable materials to using more energy-efficient appliances.

Another trend is the focus on local produce and ingredients. This is not only more sustainable, but it also supports the local economy.

Finally, many hospitality businesses are looking at ways to reduce their water and electricity consumption. This includes things like installing solar panels and rainwater harvesting systems.

No matter what steps a business takes, it’s important to communicate their efforts to guests. In today’s competitive market, sustainability can be a major differentiator. Guests are more likely to choose a business that they perceive as being environmentally responsible.

With so much innovation and growth, it’s an incredibly exciting time to be involved in this dynamic and ever-changing industry.

At Benholm Group we’re passionate about keeping up to date with the latest hospitality design trends. We work closely with interior designers to deliver beautiful arrangements, floral designs and plant displays to restaurants, bars, hotels and spas across the UK.  

We can do everything – from living walls to hanging baskets, from branded signage to planters, from interiors to outdoor dining. You can get everything you need from us, from design to installation to maintenance.  

If you would like to talk to us about what we can do for your venue, get in touch today.

News

December Product launch: Pots with a purpose

Post author By Emma Robertson
Post date December 21, 2022

We are delighted to announce we now offer Ocean Plastic Pots, and they are available for use on all interior design projects.

As well as being beautiful to look at, we fell in love with the story behind Ocean Plastic Pots.

Designed in Glasgow and made in Scotland, Ocean Plastic Pots is Growing Awareness of Plastic Pollution. The pots themselves although durable and built to last can also be recycled again, creating a circular economy.

In an interview with The Retail Bulletin, company founder Ally Mitchell spoke of his inspiration for starting the company:

“I decided to set up Ocean Plastic Pots after I was asked to join a salvage operation in the Isle of Sky in Scotland for a ship that had run aground on the first day of lockdown last year. I’d been a commercial diver for the last 13 years and with this job, the ship we were salvaging was carrying around 2,000 tons of shredded plastic.

The Isle of Sky is one of my favourite parts of the world and it was the first time I’d seen the risk of plastic waste entering the seas that I really loved. It was a real eye-opener for me and an inspiration for starting the business.

Like many families, we would grow things in the windowsill in the kitchen, like tomato plants and chilli plants. I had read an article about how you couldn’t recycle black plastic plant pots because of the colour, the black polypropylene can’t be recognised by the sorting systems used in most recycling plants. This got me thinking about the plastics I’d seen over the years and on my salvage operations. We were putting tons and tons of green and blue polypropylene rope into waste.

That was my lightbulb moment that we should turn them into plant pots.”

It is estimated 8 million tons of plastic enters our oceans ever year, a terrifying amount.

All pots come with an A6 display card so you can play your part in raising awareness of the global ocean plastic problem. They are available in a range of beautiful colours from recycled rope and are perfect for use in hospitality and retail settings, or even corporate spaces looking to create a more homely feel.

Benholm has been building beautiful, sustainable displays for our clients all over the UK and beyond for the last thirty years. Get in touch to discuss your next project today.

Blog

Fresh evidence underlines the connection between green walls and employee health

Post author By Emma Robertson
Post date December 20, 2022

The pandemic has changed the way we work in many ways, and one of these changes is the need for healthier offices. Living green walls have become increasingly popular in offices around the world, as more and more companies recognize the benefits of having plants in the workplace.

A study by Finnish scientists has provided fresh evidence that indoor green walls can have a positive impact employees’ health.

Conducted between Natural Resources Institute Finland and two major Finnish universities, the study is the first of its kind to link exposure to living green walls with improved skin integrity and enhanced immunity against pathogens and allergens. The results were published in the journal Scientific Reports and is based on 28 office workers who were divided into two groups in urban office environments in the Finnish cities of Tampere and Lahti.

Eleven participants had their workspaces fitted with air-purifying green walls, while the 17 remaining participants formed a control group with no green wall exposure. Subjects in the test group were only exposed to the green walls of the office during working hours. Three skin and blood samples were taken from the experimental and control groups to study the effectiveness of the green wall.

Over the course of the 28-day study period, those working alongside air-circulating green walls experienced an increase in both the number and diversity of friendly bacteria on their skin, compared with workers in the control group. These beneficial bacteria help defend skin against harmful pathogens and inflammation. They also boost immune system responses, which indicates that working in spaces with green walls has a positive effect on health-supporting skin microbiota as well as the immune system.

“The results indicate that we can support people’s health with relatively easy nature-based solutions. However, urban societies need, in addition to these types of solutions, broader societal changes to maintain and increase healthy and useful contact with nature,” says Marja Roslund, environmental scientist at Natural Resources Institute Finland.

While it’s important to keep the workplace clean and hygienic, excessive cleaning which eliminates all bacteria and germs can often create an environment that is less healthy. Exposure to bacteria and other microbes can be beneficial for our bodies, as it helps to boost our immune systems and keep us healthy. Studies have shown that children who grow up in environments with more bacteria tend to be less susceptible to allergies and other illnesses. Likewise, office workers who are exposed to a variety of microbes may find that they are better able to resist illness.

“From an evolutionary and biological point of view, we are not meant to spend our lives inside concrete boxes – and that’s what most office spaces are like. Whether we humans know it or not, there’s an in-built need in us to be in the middle of nature. In Western societies – due to things like increased hygiene level and biodiversity loss – our natural exposure to environmental microbes has decreased. This is seen as one of the major reasons for the rise of autoimmune diseases and allergies,” says Aki Soudunsaari, co-founder at Naava, a Nordic indoor nature technology company who provided living walls for the study.

Soudunsaari founded Naava after falling ill due to poor indoor air quality and believes it’s important to find a balance between hygiene and health: “Science has told us that children should be in daily contact with microbes via dirt and soil to boost their immune systems—and it’s no different for adults. Isolating ourselves completely from positive microbes will only harm our health and well-being. Sanitization serves an important function in disease prevention and employee safety, but most workspaces have gone overboard with sterilization via chemicals.”

As someone who grew up in Lapland, surrounded by some of the most pristine surroundings on earth, Soudunsaari hopes more designers, office managers and decision makers will prioritize our human need for connection with the natural environment: “Our goal should be to flow in tandem with nature, not against it.”

Want to transform your office into a healthier and happier place to work?

At Benholm Group, we have a vast range of plants that allow us to design living walls to complement any setting and industry. We offer bespoke green wall design and installation across Scotland and the wider UK.

Click here to learn more about our Green Walls and Ceilings or get in touch to discuss your next project today.

Source: Forbes

Read the scientific study in full here

News

The Scottish Tourism Industry Conference 2022

Post author By Emma Robertson
Post date November 17, 2022

The Scottish Tourism Industry Conference (STIC) was held on 09 and 10 November at the EICC, bringing together industry leaders from across the country to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the sector. The event attracted over 400 delegates from across the sector, including hoteliers, tour operators, and marketing professionals.

We love seeing our plants and flowers bring joy to people, so were delighted to support this fantastic event once again by dressing the stages in the exhibition and conference hall.

In the spirt of showcasing the very best of Scotland, we also brought along a Nordik Moss wall depicting the stunning rolling hills of Loch Voil, created by our very own Kyleigh Fielder. The wall was an instant hit with attendees, and many were eager to find out how much a similar wall would cost, how it was made, what maintenance it requires, and some even wanted to take it home!

We also had our own stand within the exhibition hall this year where we had the opportunity to showcase our products and services. We spent most of our first day here and this was an excellent opportunity to learn more about the challenges and opportunities within the Scottish tourism and hospitality sector. It was great to meet old and new contacts and to be able to demonstrate the power of plants in and discuss the science behind how and why they are good for us. 

After a productive first day of the conference, delegates made their way to Eve Restaurant inside The Virgin Hotel where they were once again surrounded by our lush greenery. Click here to read about our work with ICA on the stunning Virgin Hotel which opened earlier this summer.

Having spent most of the first day frantically restocking our complimentary peace lilies (apologies to those who missed out), we were able to take in some thought-provoking presentations on day two. The morning began with a “power” breakfast attended by Scotland’s Deputy First Minister, John Swinney. Swinney emphasised the importance of tourism to the Scottish economy and pledged to continue supporting the industry amidst difficult trading conditions.

Upstairs in the Pentland Suite, one of the main topics of discussion was sustainability in tourism, and how we can make sure that our tourism practices are eco-friendly and have minimal negative impact on the environment. This seemed like the perfect opportunity to introduce guests to our Enviroculture planting system during the breaks, with many unaware of the devasting impact harvesting peat for compost can have.

Despite the sobering nature of many of discussions had over the two days, the event finished on a high with inspirational speeches from The Scottish Crannog Centre and racing champion Penny Mallory who brought the conference to a close with a motivational presentation on building mental toughness.

The Scottish Tourism Industry Conference is now established as one of the key events in the Scottish tourism calendar and we look forward to seeing what next year’s event has in store.

We thrive on the creativity required to bring events to life. Are you planning an important event that would benefit from lush greenery? We’re delighted to have designed and installed unforgettable plant and floral displays for some of the biggest brands in the world. From major sporting events, annual occasions and conferences to graduation ceremonies and trade shows, we’ve helped customers amp up their events when they really needed it. Get in touch today.

Blog

Winter Blues: Tips to combat SAD in the workplace

Post author By Emma Robertson
Post date November 7, 2022

The clocks have gone back, and the days are getting shorter. For many, the winter months can be a challenging time of year, particularly for sufferers of SAD.

Given how long the winters can be, and that SAD affects a high percentage of the UK population, it is important to be conscious of this when creating or redesigning a workplace that will maximise employee productivity.

While we don’t claim to be medical professionals, we do have a few handy tips which have been proven to boost the wellbeing of staff in an office setting. In this article, we’ll cover what SAD is, symptoms of SAD, the impact it has on businesses and some simple ways to combat it.

What is SAD?

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), also known as seasonal depression, is a condition that affects the brain’s ability to regulate mood and sleep. It is thought to be caused by a change in the length of daylight hours and occurs during the fall and winter months when there is less light.

Symptoms

SAD can manifest in different ways and to different degrees, but common symptoms can include:

a persistent low mood
a loss of pleasure or interest in normal everyday activities
irritability
feelings of despair, guilt and worthlessness
weakened immune system
feeling lethargic (lacking in energy) and sleepy during the day
sleeping for longer than normal and finding it hard to get up in the morning
craving carbohydratesand gaining weight
difficulty concentrating

For some people, these symptoms can be severe and have a significant impact on their day-to-day activities.

The impact of SAD in the workplace

Seasonal Affective Disorder can affect anyone and can be especially challenging for office workers who stay inside during the daylight hours. Long working days and fewer daylight hours in the UK during the winter months mean many office-based workers typically don’t get enough exposure to sunlight and the results of this can be costly for businesses.

According to research commissioned by electronics company Epson, SAD causes one in five Brits to call in sick at this time of year meaning 9.6 million working days are lost every year because of this condition.

However, it’s not just sick days that can be associated with SAD. Research has also found that more than half of British workers are significantly less productive during the winter months. Aspects such as darker and gloomy night making it harder to concentrate and the view from the office being less inspiring when it’s dark outside have been blamed for the lack of motivation.

With such numbers affected by the condition causing increased workplace absenteeism, presenteeism, and lost productivity; the ramifications of SAD can be can be costly.

While the main motivation for tackling manage SAD in the office is to support employees, improving wellbeing also should also reap tangible business benefits. These include:

Reduced staff turnover
Reduced sickness absence
Improved staff performance
Reduced complaints and grievances

When Epson asked what measures would improve the mood of employees in the office, a third (33%) of respondents stated better lighting. 27% of workers wanted a more colourful workspace and one in five (20%) would like to see more creative visuals and colourful presentations.

So what can be done to help?

Layout

A good place to start is to look at your workplace layout and see if you can improve your employees’ experience and comfort levels.

A poor work environment, such as one that’s dark, cluttered, and cramped, can negatively affect people’s mood. Is there any way to make it a more pleasant physical space to be in? Can you position some desks closer to windows? Or create a free-flowing space so that no one in your team feels cut off. This will also help the flow of conversation and, as long as it doesn’t impact on work, create a more sociable and supportive space for your colleagues.

This may involve a clear out, rearranging of furniture, removing partitions to create a more open-plan office space. Existing infrastructure may limit what you can do here, but even small changes might encourage those who are working from home to visit the office more when they feel comfortable doing so.

Let the light in

Natural light is a crucial component of workplace happiness, productivity, and overall well-being.

Many experts attribute SAD to an imbalance of two chemicals in the brain, melatonin, and serotonin, due to less sunlight available during the colder months. Unfortunately, many workplace buildings were not designed to prioritise the flow of natural daylight and according to Mind’s Workplace Wellbeing Index 2017/18, more than a quarter of employers (26%) do not have exposure to natural daylight in all their workspaces.

The cost of installing additional windows to improve the availability of natural light is considerable, however, there are steps that can be taken to maximise natural light for employees. Keep existing windows clean and blinds open where possible and remove posters or other obstacles that block the flow of natural light.

Taking positive steps to improve natural light in your workplace benefits everyone – not just sufferers of SAD.

Introduce more nature and greenery

Bring in some greenery to brighten things up!

Biophilic design is on the rise in offices and other workplaces, and for good reason. Plants and flowers don’t just look nice, they make us feel good too. There is a strong, proven connection between office plants and flowers and workplace wellness. From decreased stress to improved productivity and engagement, Biophilic design brings positive plant power to your place of work.

Colour psychologist Angela Wright lists introducing more plants and greenery into the office as one of her top 5 tips to combat the winter blues commenting:

“Grey is always a favourite colour for office design – yet, the human instinct in a grey world is to hibernate – so the winter months are already a constant battle to fight the instinct to sleep. When the world turns grey, we know we could be in for a long winter and we naturally draw into ourselves – hoarding both resources and energy. Therefore, it’s no surprise that light and colour have come out on top as remedies for the winter blues; the quality of visual intake for busy, hardworking employees plays a crucial role in brightening up their days and keeping motivation levels high.”

Need a helping hand?

At Benholm, we use care and creativity to create plant and flower displays that will help make your office a more beautiful place to be. We’ll create a working space that your team will enjoy day after day, helping clean the office air and improving wellbeing through the power of plants.

Contact us to discuss the plant and floral possibilities for your unique workplace and get a free tailored quote.

Seasonal affective disorder can affect any of us – if you suspect that you, or anyone you know, is affected, seek professional advice.

Resources

Download our free Corporate Plant Display Brochure

See examples of our work in offices across the UK

Read about previous projects we have worked on

Download our free Corporate Plant Display Brochure

Visit our dedicated page for Corporate spaces

Learn more about Seasonal Affective Disorder

Blog

COP26: One Year On

Post author By Emma Robertson
Post date October 31, 2022

The COP26 summit brought parties together to accelerate action towards the goals of the Paris Agreement and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.

What is COP26?

When was COP26?

Why was COP26 “the most important COP since Paris?”

What happened at COP26?

Benholm at COP26

What is COP26?

For nearly three decades the UN has been bringing together almost every country for global climate summits – called COPs – which stands for ‘Conference of the Parties’. In that time climate change has gone from being a fringe issue to a global priority.

In 1995 the first COP was held in Berlin and since then the urgency for action against climate change continues to grow in importance. COP26 marked the 26th time countries gathered under the convention. Hence, COP26.

When was COP26?

COP26 was held in Glasgow from 31st October until 12th November and was the biggest summit the UK has ever hosted.

The conference was held at The Scottish Event Campus (SEC), Glasgow; a Gold Green Tourism Award winner for its commitment to reducing the environmental impact of its operations.

World leaders arrived in Scotland, alongside tens of thousands of negotiators, government representatives, businesses, and civil society groups for fourteen days of talks.

Why was COP26 the “most important COP since Paris”?

Back in 2015, at COP21, for the first time ever, something momentous happened: every country agreed to work together to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees and aim for 1.5 degrees, to adapt to the impacts of a changing climate and to make money available to deliver on these aims. The Paris Agreement was born.

The commitment to aim for 1.5 degrees is important because every fraction of a degree of warming will result in the loss of many more lives lost and livelihoods damaged. The Paris Agreement set out that every 5 years countries must set out increasingly ambitious climate action. This meant that, by 2020, countries needed to submit or update their plans for reducing emissions, known as nationally determined contributions (NDCs).

This made the run up to last year’s summit in Glasgow (due to take place in 2020, but delayed by a year due to the pandemic) a critical moment in the mission to keep the hope of limiting global temperature rises to 1.5 degrees alive.

What happened at COP26?

Prior to COP26 the UK worked with every nation to reach agreement on how to tackle climate change. As the Presidents of COP26, the UK’s role was to act as an impartial chair in bringing all Parties (individual countries and the EU, which operates as a group) to an agreement by consensus.

On 13 November 2021, COP26 concluded in Glasgow with all countries agreeing the Glasgow Climate Pact to keep 1.5C alive and finalise the outstanding elements of the Paris Agreement. The Glasgow Climate Pact, combined with increased ambition and action from countries, meant that 1.5C remains in sight and scales up action on dealing with climate impacts, but it will only be delivered with concerted and immediate global efforts.

COP27 will take place in Sharm el-Sheikh from 6 to 18 November. Faced with a growing energy crisis, record greenhouse gas concentrations, and increasing extreme weather events, COP27 seeks renewed solidarity between countries, to deliver on the landmark Paris Agreement, for people and the planet. 

Benholm at COP 26

We are committed to preserving the environment so we were honoured to be awarded the official plant supplier at COP26. This further demonstrated our ability to facilitate large-scale events, having successfully supplied a range of bespoke and engaging displays for the Commonwealth Games in 2014.

COP26 was hosted very close to our Head Office in Falkirk – just 33 miles away from the COP26 event venue The Scottish Event Campus.

As the official plant supplier at COP26 we provided:

Planting and flowers for the stands

Plating for the grounds, common areas and stage backdrops
Created a lush green environment where climate discussion could be productive and meaningful
Fresh flowers and greenery to honourable guests and speakers
Throughout the entire event we had a team member from Benholm Group on site to ensure all displays were kept in fresh condition.

Many of our plants that we had at COP26 were planted using our own-brand, peat-free, eco-friendly Enviroculture to add some vibrant greenery in and around the conference. 

At Benholm we design, create and install living walls, plants and flowers for sectors including corporate, hospitality and interior design across Scotland and the UK.

We thrive on the creativity required to bring events to life. Are you planning an important event that would benefit from lush greenery? We’re delighted to have designed and installed unforgettable plant and floral displays for some of the biggest brands in the world. From major sporting events, annual occasions and conferences to graduation ceremonies and trade shows, we’ve helped customers amp up their events when they really needed it.

Contact us to discuss the endless possibilities our bespoke branded plant and floral designs could bring to your next brand event and get a free tailored quote.

Resources

Find out more about the conference here.

See more examples of previous events we have worked on

Visit our Sustainability page

Blog

Plants for Profit: The Undervalued Role of Plants in Retail

Post author By Emma Robertson
Post date October 13, 2022

If you’ve ever been to a retail store, you may have noticed that the atmosphere can be a bit… intense. It’s not hard to imagine why. Retail environments are often loud, crowded, and full of sensory overload. But what if we told you there was an easy and relatively cheap solution that could alleviate some of that stress, whilst also increasing sales and the amount customers are willing to pay for a product?

In the world of retail, subtle cues are everywhere. From the music to the lighting to the layout of the store, all of these things influence how a consumer perceives a shop and their experience. These subtle cues present are often processed on an unconscious level making it difficult to establish their effectiveness.

That is why we’re so excited about Margrét G. Kristjánsson’s study: “Greenery in the Indoor Retail Environment.”

The aim of the study was to determine whether the presence of greenery in the indoor retail settings:

positively influenced consumers’ environmental perceptions

increased probable shopping behaviour

increased the consumer’s willingness to pay for clothing items

306 participants were presented with pictures of clothing items in retail settings which featured no plants, a medium number of plants and many plants. Participants then answered a questionnaire, and an average score was applied to each category of retail settings.

Here’s what she found:

The store setting is visually pleasing and desirable

1 – strongly disagree 2 – disagree 3 – neutral 4 – agree 5 – strongly agree

No plants: 3.48 Medium Plants: 3.62 Many Plants: 3.65

The clothes in the score appear to be of high quality

1 – strongly disagree 2 – disagree 3 – neutral 4 – agree 5 – strongly agree

No plants: 3.36 Medium Plants: 3.36 Many Plants: 3.44

How often would you like to visit the store

1 – 1-2 times a year 2 – 3-5 times a year 3 – once a month 4 – 2 to 3 times a month 5 – once or more a week

No plants: 1.61 Medium Plants: 1.63 Many Plants: 1.66

How much would you be willing to pay for the shirt

5 prices ranges were given with one being the lowest and 5 the highest

No plants: 3.54 Medium Plants: 3.65 Many Plants: 3.84

How much would you be willing to pay for the purse

5 prices ranges were given with one being the lowest and 5 the highest

No plants: 2.25 Medium Plants: 2.27 Many Plants: 2.33

Although the scores may look largely similar, there is an unmistakable correlation between the use of plants in retail and customer behaviours. These marginal differences in behaviour repeated consistently over the course of a year can really add up and have a measurable impact which majorly outweighs the cost of investment in plants.

So how can retailers capitalize on this? By adding plants to their stores! There are many ways you can incorporate plants into your store. At Benholm, we offer bespoke plant and floral designs that transform any retail space into a happy place, where customers and staff can shop and work in inspired relaxation.

With our incredible range of plants and florals for retail, as well as green wall options, it can be hard to know where to begin. Luckily, our design team has worked with countless retailers across Scotland and the wider UK. They will bring your retail vision to life with plant and floral retail design that perfectly complements both what you do and the space you do it in.

We also know how busy life in retail can be. You have enough to do each day delivering the best service possible for your customers, so we want to deliver the same to you. That’s why we offer a choice of reliable ongoing plant and floral maintenance plans for our retail store clients. So you and your team don’t need to lift a finger, and your plants and florals will deliver the same wow-factor for every customer who walks through your doors.

Biophilic design in any space has positive effects, but using plants and flowers in retail spaces can be especially beneficial. With Biophilic retail design, we can create a relaxing retail experience that encourages shoppers to stay longer, feel happier, and ultimately increase their spend per visit.

Let Your Creativity Blossom. Contact our design team to discuss the endless possibilities our plant and florals for retail could bring to your store and get a free tailored quote.

Resources

Greenery in the Indoor Retail Environment: The Effect of Greenery on Environment Perceptions, Probable Behaviour, and Willingness to Spend by Margrét G. Kristjánsson

News

Benholm to support Scotland’s Tourism Industry Conference 2022

Post author By Emma Robertson
Post date October 12, 2022

Scotland’s Tourism Industry Conference is back for 2022. With a packed programme, the event is designed to celebrate, empower and further propel the industry into the future in line with the national ambition to be leaders in 21st century tourism.

The tourism industry landscape has changed significantly over recent years, prompting huge change, unprecedented challenges but also new opportunities.

We’re huge advocates of tourism in Scotland and are delighted to be once again dressing the event with an abundance of our magnificent plants and flowers to delight everyone attending and make the venue look even more fabulous.

This year’s event will also feature an exhibitor hall where we’ll be showcasing our industry leading range of planting solutions loved by some of Scotland’s most iconic and popular hospitality venues. If you see us come and say hello! We’d love to meet you and talk about biophilic design, plants, flowers, and how we can help your business grow.

The much-awaited event of the year, the biggest of its kind in Scotland, is the perfect opportunity to re-connect with industry peers, make new connections, gain invaluable and actionable learnings from expert speakers, share knowledge and be inspired.

The conference will take place at the EICC on the 9th and 10th November promises to be an unmissable event for anyone at any level who works, supports or is interested in the tourism industry.

For more information about the event have a look at their website: https://scottishtourismalliance.co.uk/scotlands-national-tourism-industry-conference-2022/

We hope to see you there!

Blog

Do plants in commercial spaces need to be certified for fire safety?

Post author By Emma Robertson
Post date October 6, 2022

Fire certification standards for plants can be a tricky subject to navigate as they are not explicitly mentioned on government guidance.

In this article, we’ll address some of the most common questions we receive to ensure you have all the information you need before arranging an installation.

What is fire certification?

Fire certification is a process that tests and certifies materials against specific standards. It’s used to determine whether a material is suitable for use in high-risk environments like schools and hospitals. The purpose of fire certification is to ensure that the products you use meet strict safety standards and will perform as expected in the event of a fire.

What does it mean if a plant has been certified?

A plant that has been certified means that it has passed rigorous testing procedures and met all the requirements set out by relevant authorities.

Flame resistant or fireproof: What’s the difference?

Flame resistant and fireproof are two terms that are often used interchangeably, but they mean different things.

Flame resistant means the plant will not catch fire, but it can still melt or burn if exposed to extreme heat over time. Fireproof means that the product will not catch fire under any circumstances.

When buying an artificial plant, tree, or floral display, don’t be afraid to ask questions about how temperature-resistant your purchase is! If you’re concerned about longevity and quality, get in touch and our friendly team will be happy to assist.

Are fire certifications for plants a legal requirement?

The short answer is no.

In the UK, fire certifications for furnishings are only a legal requirement in certain settings such as council buildings and hospitals. These assessments are needed so that any potential issues can be identified and dealt with before they become an issue.

If you are unsure which category your building falls under, we recommend speaking with your fire safety officer or building manager.

Although fire certifications are not always legally required, failure to use flame retardant furnishings is not only potentially dangerous for building inhabitants but can also invalidate building insurance in the event of a fire.

Are all Benholm artificial plants flame-retardant?

We offer both standard and fire-retardant plants.

If you have a specific requirement for the type of artificial plants you need, please bring it up during our initial conversation. We will look to discuss what your requirements are and the range of plants we can offer should you need your plants to be certified.

Inherently Fire Retardant vs Surface Treated Foliage

We offer two types of flame-retardant foliage: foliage that has been treated, and inherently flame-retardant fabrics.

Inherently Fire Retardant foliage has flame resistance built into their chemical structures, so they’re intrinsically non-combustible will remain retardant for the life of the plant.

Surface treated flame-resistant artificial plants can be certified if done by a professional company and the foliage is compatible. Surface treated plants have either been dipped into a flame-resistant solution or sprayed which can dissipate over time. For this reason, professional treatment is recommended to guarantee that the spray or solution has been applied evenly and that the initial coating remains sufficient to resist the spread of flames.

What certifications can you offer?

Our flame-retardant foliage is rigorously tested and certified to BS 5867: Part 2: Type B, and BS EN 13501-1 standards.

BS 5867: Part 2: Type B applies to the standards for curtains, drapes, and fabrics that are used in hotels, public buildings, and offices.

BS EN13501-1 is the classification of construction products and building elements that enables certain products to be CE marked. This marker signifies that a product complies with relevant safety, health or environmental regulations across the European Economic Area (EEA). 

On certain products you may also find the familiar CE marking which indicates that a product has been assessed by the manufacturer and deemed to meet EU safety, health and environmental protection requirements. 

How are certifications achieved and what’s involved in testing?

BS 5867: Part 2: Type B involves testing material placed on a metal frame and then exposed to a flame for 15 seconds. This test is carried out both before and after cleaning. The fabric will then pass the test if:

The flame does not spread to any edges of the fabric
No burning debris falls from the fabric

BS EN 13501-1 measures material resistance to collapse, fire penetration and the transfer of excessive heat. The five test methods used depending upon the end use application are:

Non-combustibility test                                         
Calorific potential test                                         
Single burning item test                                      
Ignitability test                                                    
Burning behaviour, flooring + radiant source

Do we provide clients with a copy of these certifications?

Yes, we’re happy to share copies of these certifications with you. Please let us know if you require them and we’ll provide them for your records.

Do we offer a warranty?

All certified artificial foliage comes with a lifetime warranty for its inherently fire-retardant properties.

We know that your business is important to you, and we want to make sure that you have the peace of mind that comes with knowing that our products are safe for use in your space.

Living walls

Living walls have been gaining popularity over the past few years, and many people are now using them as part of their interior design plans. This trend has led to more people considering fire safety plants when they’re designing their living walls.

The highest possible fire rating for a living wall is Class B-s2-d0, although you may see occasionally see the higher A2 certification showing on some supplier websites.

The A2 certification relates exclusively to the module in which the plants are held, not the whole living wall system. As soon as substrate and plants are added to the module it changes to a combustible category which is why the B-s2-d0 certification is the highest rating a living wall can achieve.  This B rating applies to the whole living wall system – the module and all of its contents.

That being said, living plants are widely accepted to present much less risk than most interior furnishings and any risk is diminished further with regular maintenance. Throughout the creation, installation, and maintenance of our living walls, we are fully compliant with the health and safety regulations of the venues we work with.  We also ensure our living walls do not obstruct any means of warning or escape in the event of fire, and that they do not interfere with fire-fighting facilities and access points needed for the fire service are kept clear.   

For further information on living wall fire regulations, ANS Global have created a useful guide for interior designers and architects which can be downloaded here.

Artificial Green Walls and Moss Walls

If you are looking for a beautiful and safe way to add green walls and moss walls to your space, our artificial green walls and moss walls are the perfect alternative.

Our artificial green walls and moss walls can also be created with inherent flame-retardant properties for settings where safety is paramount.

Get in touch

Looking to arrange an installation or have a question that’s not covered in this blog? A member of our friendly team is at your service. Whether you’re looking for installation advice or just have a general question, we can answer it. We are here to help.

Resources

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/832633/Approved_Document_B__fire_safety__volume_2_-_2019_edition.pdf

https://nobelcert.com/DataFiles/FreeUpload/EN%2013501-1-2018.pdf