After struggling to find the perfect gift for a loved one, Awais Babar decided to solve this annoying problem by setting up his own business and, four years later, Endura Roses is now a successful and growing franchise.
It was a business born out of sheer frustration, which led one creative businessman to devise a range of gifts that just keeps on giving. It all started at Heathrow Airport, where Awais Babar was searching for a gift to give to his daughter. He visited a number of duty-free shops but left empty-handed each time.
He even thought about purchasing a bouquet of flowers but, once again, was left disappointed. Most of the flower arrangements on sale looked tired and past their prime but it was this latest discovery which sparked an idea in his brain.
Following this vain attempt to find a suitable present for a loved one, Awais took matters into his own hands and so began the tale of Endura Roses. He wanted to find a way to make flowers retain their colour, beauty and vibrant appeal for many months and years.
So, in 2016, after discovering a technique for preserving flowers in good condition, he launched his company. His team of experts developed a chemical process which, when applied to flowers nearing the end of their lives, enabled them to remain beautiful for years.
Awais said: “Flowers are a beautiful gift for any family member or loved one, but they ultimately die after a short period of time. We wanted to find a way to make them last, so that they can stay with that person as a reminder of the person who gifted them.
“Our products last a minimum of approximately four years but can last up to 50 when encased in protective glass and cared for correctly. They range from keyring-style pendants to a £20,000 arrangement, laced with rare Ecuadorian diamonds and 24-carat gold.”
The firm employ a team of talented floral artists who are constantly working on new products. Their most recent launch is called Nature’s Symphony range, and there are many more new designs planned for 2021.
Endura Roses currently have five franchisees around the UK, including ones in London, Birmingham and Manchester where earlier this month they opened their newest outlet at the Trafford Centre. A second London store is set to open soon in the Olympic Park, with international franchises recently awarded to Oslo, Boston and Mumbai.
