The Entrepreneurial Spirit
These are challenging times for small businesses. Although some businesses have already sadly closed, there are many others who have managed to adapt in interesting ways. It is the entrepreneurial spirit and survivalist nature of small the business owner that enables them to steer their course and make positive changes - quickly.
Changes our customers are making:
Crumbs and Doilies
Crumbs and Doilies have closed their bakery temporarily, and are producing home baking kits for us to continue to enjoy their products. The results are mouthwatering masterpieces you most likely never would have attempted at home on your own. Prepare to be inspired!
Can’t get a birthday cake made for love nor money at the moment? Order the baking kit online, or red velvet cookies and a wonderful selection of cupcakes. Visit their website to see the full range along with videos https://cupcakejemma.com/
Nicola Simons started Single Variety Co just 4 years and soon developed the tastiest jams with the least sugar possible. She started selling at food markets and now her flavoursome jams are stocked by high end and independent retailers across the UK.
The recent pandemic has meant that Nicola needed to focus more on her online sales which have now grown ten fold. At the moment, Single Variety Co are working to strict social distancing guidelines so orders may take a little longer than normal, but you can rest assured the delivery will be worth the wait! You can order some mouth watering jams here https://www.singlevariety.co.uk/
Here is what Nicola had to say about the changes she has made to her business model:
“Our online sales have increased ten-fold during the pandemic. We’ve really focused on our online marketing to introduce the brand to new customers and we’re getting so much lovely feedback from first time buyers.
We’ve launched new online delivery packaging as well to enhance the customer experience and to ensure all our jams arrive safely, in one piece during this very busy time for our couriers.”
Happy Butter is a Devon based artisan company making ghee from UK organic butter. Their award winning ghee is made in a traditional way and is sold mainly to wholesalers. With more and more people turning to online grocery shopping, Happy Butter has seen their orders grow as well. Here is what Kate from Happy Butter had to say:
“Our online sales from our own website have increased a bit but we mainly sell to wholesalers and Ocado. It’s these wholesale orders which have increased mostly as their sales have shot up.
We have had to take on an employee this week to help cope with the extra demand as before it was just Rupert and me! We also have 4 children and the juggle with home education and fulfilling orders was really putting the pressure on, so its great to have some extra help.”
If you want to try Happy Butter’s organic ghee, you can visit their website here https://www.happybutter.co.uk/
As we had seen the increase of label orders from Rogers Own, we spoke with Roger who confirmed that although he hadn’t changed his business model as such, he always sold his exceptional jam’s, relishes and marmalade’s online anyway. He put the increase in sales, during this time, down to the supportive network of customers that he has made.
Roger has two holiday lets next to his jam kitchen and it is the people who have stayed there in the past who have taken home his products for friends and family that has caused an increase in sales. That and his family who are actively promoting his jams to their network of acquaintances to help support the business through trying times.
If you would like to try some of Roger’s Own hand made produce, take a look here https://www.rogersown.co.uk/
Support Local Business
Supermarkets may continue having to adhere to social distancing rules making people wait in line, outside for some time to come. Inevitably we will all, at some point, reconsider the way we shop. Organic vegetable boxes, organically reared meat, jams, chutneys and gin, all to purchase online or collect directly from a local producer. I know which I’d prefer.
The buzz at the moment is very much about supporting local businesses and this being the road for the financial recovery of the nation. Local businesses and British businesses alike. If you are wanting to buy something a bit special for yourself because you deserve a treat or want to indulge someone else with a super thoughtful present, think of these local producers, some of whom are are fighting a battle everyday just to retain their livelihoods.
Label stocks and redesign
Currently many businesses are using this time to reflect and make changes: building a new website, implementing a new marketing strategy, thinking about a brand redesign, assessing their label stock and so on.
At inkREADible, we are working closely with many small businesses who currently feel now is a good time to do something different, fresh, positive and exciting. Call us for a chat on 01803 326 818, drop us an email sales@inkREADible.com or visit our website for more information https://www.inkreadible.com/
Food and drink producers, what positive changes have you had to make in the last month or so to ensure the survival of your businesses? As entrepreneurs and one-man bands are you better able to adapt and change? We would love to hear from you!
