A balloon business has decided to plan for the future following predictions of a global shortage of helium that will send prices soaring up, up and away.
Estimates that by 2020 there will be no more helium left for the party industry has made Joanne Ferguson, 40, of Kingfisher Drive, Leighton, determined to make sure her business succeeds.
Balloon Queen is a joint family venture by Joanne and her daughter Charlie Baughan, 21, which she launched 18 months ago.
Although the duo understand about the helium shortage, they aren’t concerned about their business and are now striving to increase awareness and try different methods to succeed long-term.
Joanne said: “I think it will have an effect because people obviously want to have helium balloons for occasions. I don’t know how it will go in the future. I think it is a massive challenge, so I am worried, but like most things you have got to look at it in a different way. We will have to think of other ways to get around the shortage. I am trying to do different designs.”
Joanne says that she has already seen the price of helium go up by £15 per canister from her provider recently, but still has a guaranteed supply.
She said: “Helium has gone up too much already. The providers are saying that the shortages and price increase will go until January or February time, which is much longer than the usual at holiday times.
“They are only giving helium to existing customers, so I originally thought it would help my business because that would mean people starting up wouldn’t be able to buy it. Once it goes down I will have to look at different options.”
Joanne has explained the positives of using balloons filled with air instead of helium that is prompting her to look to the future for her business and make sure she is providing what customers need.
She said: “On the good side, for customers, air designs will last for weeks and weeks in comparison to the average helium balloon that drops after three days.
Balloon Queen delivers to anywhere in Leighton Buzzard, Dunstable, Aylesbury.
For more details visit www.balloonqueen.co.uk, tweet @LBBalloonQueen or call 07861 664612.