A BASINGSTOKE business passed down through the generations of the same family has celebrated 25 years of trade. 

Suzie Herridge and her husband Steve Baker purchased Balloons 4 U from Suzie's stepfather and mother in 2007 after they owned the shop since 1998. 

Balloons 4 U, in Pack Lane, sells various balloon designs and partyware. 

After buying the business, Suzie and Steve started Ballons 4 U sister brand, Events 4 U, which offers wedding and event styling to around 400 weddings and events a year. It organises services ranging from furniture hire and draping to lighting and centrepieces. 

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After moving into a larger showroom next door in 2017, the business was forced to close for almost 18 months in March 2020 due to the Covid lockdown. 

Thankfully Suzie and Steve bounced back from the challenge, and Suzie explained that they were able to diversify and quickly rebuilt their website, offering around 25-30 non-contact deliveries in Basingstoke per day.

Basingstoke Gazette: The majority of the staff who work at Balloons 4 U.The majority of the staff who work at Balloons 4 U. (Image: Suzie Herridge-Baker)

She said: "We did this so friends and family could send something for their loved ones for a special occasion or simply to cheer someone up. We received some lovely heartfelt comments from our loyal customers and gained a whole new customer base over this time. 

"This last year and the year ahead doesn’t go without challenges with helium gas prices rocketing and yet to increase again, which sadly we have had to pass onto our customers in recent months. However, that said we will continue as we have done for the last 25 years."

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The business employs seven staff, including long-standing Nikki Englefield, who has worked at the shop for the last 17 years. The team also includes their daughters, Lily, who grew up around the shop and helps to set up events, and their youngest daughter, Isabel, 15, who even used to come to work with the couple as a small baby in a carrier whilst Suzie was working behind the counter.