Member Spotlight: Ruari McCulloch, Founder and Creative Director, Pinstripes & Peonies

Introduce yourself:

I’m Ruari McCulloch and I am the Founder and Creative Director at Pinstripes & Peonies. Having started the company from my kitchen table in in 2010, we celebrated our 15th anniversary this year and are proudly one of the most successful, luxury Wedding and Event florists working in the industry today.

Career highlight:

Too many to mention! Designing and working on three events in three different countries over one (very busy) weekend, perhaps? The first time we worked with the RHS at Tatton Park or the Chelsea Flower Show. Or maybe meeting Bridget Riley after installing flowers for the opening night of her exhibition at the National Gallery and being invited to stay for dinner. But ultimately, it’s every single time someone trusts me with their event, wedding or party!

Name three words that describe your personality:

I am tempted to leave this to my team and see what they say! Let’s go for creative, curious and… *Rachel, Head of Business Development stepping in here*, only ever so slightly chaotic.

What’s the best thing about pro-manchester?

One of the best things is the huge variety of businesses and different industry professionals that pro-Manchester brings together. Coming in as an outsider, it’s really helped to give us a lay of the land here and discover what makes the city tick. It’s already opened lots of doors for networking and collaboration and is helping us find like-minded businesses to connect with.

What are your priorities for 2025?

Winning more phenomenal work in Manchester & the surrounds and continuing to grow our profile here. Achieving our B Corp certification (well underway) and furthering the Giving Back initiatives we already have in place including extending our Gardens for Schools project. And from a personal standpoint – traveling more for work and play, finally growing enough chillis to make my own chilli sauce.

What do you think are the most important things going on in Manchester at the moment?

The Town Hall refurbishment is amazing to watch and be part of, as is the expansion of so many amazing clients and companies to Manchester. We’re hearing from international clients that they are looking at Manchester rather than London as the place they want to visit, and we think that speaks a lot to the buzz and excitement that there is around the city.
As an escapee from a small town in Scotland, then a London resident for many years, coming to Manchester feels like a wonderful middle ground where everything is big and shiny but the people are still friendly and welcoming… It’s hard to quantify the general ‘vibe’ of the city, but it’s always an absolute pleasure to be here.

Favourite meeting place in Manchester?

So many! Pollen Bakery – I will kill for their brownie / blondie / croissant. The Stock Exchange Hotel for breakfast meetings because their breakfast tacos are insane! The Midland Hotel, Lowry Hotel (yes, I know it’s not technically Manchester) or the Clocktower Hotel for a coffee and catch up because all of them have such welcoming spaces and amazing architecture. And finally, Climat – it was a meal here that convinced me that I wanted to open in Manchester.

Are there any particular type of businesses that you would like to meet?

As an effective start-up (with a pretty phenomenal amount of experience in London and around the world) we are looking to meet venues, clients and connectors that can help us redefine the standard for event and wedding flowers in Manchester and create some truly spectacular experiences.