Leading florists “press pause” on business

Saturday 09 January 2021

Scores of islanders have shared messages of support after one of Jersey’s leading flower sellers announced it was pressing “pause” on business following its founder’s drugs conviction.

Mark Howe, whose eponymous store is based in West’s Centre, was jailed for four years by the Royal Court in December for 30 importations spanning a 21-month period.

Customs uncovered the offending after stopping the florist at the Airport in November 2019 and finding a sachet of crystal meth - a substance he was described as being “strongly addicted” to.

Howe’s legal representative told court he considered it a “blessed relief” that he was caught, as he could finally “come clean of this terrible drug.”

The news sparked an “overwhelming” outpouring of support towards the town florist’s shop colleagues, who thanked islanders on social media for their “custom, kindness and care”, which they said had “kept us going” throughout an “incredibly difficult time.”

While the popular store continued trading over the Christmas period, an update posted to the flower shop’s page yesterday morning announced that the business would be taking a break.

The post read: “With Mark’s blessing, the Mark Howe family has decided to press pause, for now, on the business. The last few months have been hugely challenging for us as a team and we are incredibly grateful for your custom, loyalty and support.”

The team added: “It’s not goodbye; it’s see you again in the future.

“Until then, all our love.”

Dozens of islanders shared messages of support in response, praising them for their work and expressing optimism for the future.