Balloon and Party Ideas Celebrates New Era

A long-established local business has been given a fresh lease of life under new ownership and by relocation back into the city.

Balloon and Party Ideas has been bought by Sally Stevenson who has opened a new shop with free parking in Coleman’s Yard, Alfreton Road, between Jewson and Bowmer & Kirkland. She has taken over the business from Diana and Graham Rose. Mrs Rose (69) set up Balloon and Party Ideas 22 years in the Eagle Market.  She was joined by her husband Graham (70) a few years later who specialised in creating bespoke room decorations for commercial clients and private weddings. Balloon and Party Ideas has been based in Derwent Street, Derby, and, for the past two years in a barn conversion at the couple’s home in Radbourne.  The couple also had a second shop in Nottingham.

Mr and Mrs Rose will be working alongside Mrs Stevenson for a few months to support her as she takes over the reins.  They are then planning a well-earned retirement spending more time with their three children and five grandchildren and seeing parts of the UK they have not had time to visit. Mother-of-two Mrs Stevenson (40) is a former children’s day nursery and then administration manager.  She explained that her desire to find a new challenge had perfectly coincided with the Rose’s retirement plans. “I was keen to put my creative skills to better use and was fascinated when I heard that Balloon and Party Ideas was up for sale. “For me, it’s the ideal business and something close to my heart. We all lead such busy lives that, when we get the opportunity to celebrate a special occasion, we want to do it properly. “We will obviously continue to offer the widest range of balloons and party favours for all sorts of special occasions from birthdays and weddings to christenings and anniversaries. “Having taken the lead from the USA for new celebrations such as baby showers and changing tastes such as giant balloons which are particularly popular at weddings – I am looking forward to expanding the ranges here and identifying future trends – both for the shop and online. “I also want to maximise the potential of marking special one-off events. This could not be a better time to take over the business with some great celebrations coming up such as the Queen’s 90th birthday, Euro 2016 and, hopefully, Derby County at Wembley! “Diana and Graham have worked so hard for many years to build up a fantastic reputation and I am looking forward to learning from them and adding my own style to the business.” Mrs Rose continued: “Graham and I took to Sally straight away and I know that Balloon and Party Ideas is in good hands. “We have lived and breathed the business – focusing on quality products and excellent customer service.  Saying goodbye for the final time this summer will therefore be an emotional time.“However, having both worked for 55 years and building this business from scratch we are looking forward to, hopefully, a long, happy and healthy retirement.”

 

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