WOMENINBUSINESS inside THE BUSINESS :
LAURA BOUNDS MBE
BEYOND THE GLASS CEILING ...
BORN AND RAISED IN KENT , LAURA BOUNDS MBE , OWNER OF KENT CRISPS , KENTISH OILS , A LITTLE BIT AND SPECIALIST WHOLESALER CURD & CURE , HAS A PASSION FOR FOOD , DRINK , SUCCESS AND MAKING HER MARK ON THE INDUSTRY .
Tell us a little bit about you and your journey into the food industry ?
I am a country girl through and through , born and raised in Kent . After my school years , I went on to achieve a BA and master ’ s degree at university which I am very proud of . Upon returning to Kent , I landed a job at a fresh produce wholesale business , where my passion for local produce really began . I knew from that moment that I wanted to be involved in the food and drink industry .
When did you take over the businesses , and what was your driving force ?
I started my journey with Kent Crisps and Kentish Oils in 2012 in a sales position , and in the years that followed helped to contribute to the growth of the company . The opportunity arose in 2017 to take over the company and I jumped at the chance . That was the start of my entrepreneurial journey , and it didn ’ t stop there . A Little Bit , the baby of the businesses joined our portfolio in 2019 and I took a slightly different but very exciting path with Curd & Cure in 2018 .
For me , it ’ s about being in charge of your own destiny and taking a situation into your own hands . I had the drive and ambition to bring these brands to something that I knew was achievable with the right tools and team behind me .
What sets you apart from the rest ?
On a personal level , my drive and determination to succeed , married with a genuine love for business . I have always been ambitious and had a real fire in my belly to achieve . It ’ s never been about money for me , but turning businesses around through strategic actions and giving them a new lease of life . I think I have the ability to see opportunities that perhaps others may not recognise , and once I see a chance , I ’ m on a mission to bring that to fruition .
In terms of my businesses , they all have unique selling points . First and foremost , Kent Crisps has powerful Kentish branding , and we have great partnerships with fellow Kentish producers who we have collaborated with . While at Curd & Cure , we work closely with some of the finest producers from far and wide , sharing their stories with our customers .
Over the years , we have worked hard to develop an outstanding reputation and now have an incredibly loyal customer base across Kent and much further afield .
What are you most proud of / what ’ s your biggest achievement ?
It has to be our brand ’ s reputation . I ’ m so proud of our Kentish links and how these brands are now recognised worldwide . I set out to build brands that not only support our local economy but also pave the way for the future of our industry .
If you could give one piece of advice to women in business , what would it be ?
It ’ s sometimes hard not to compare yourself to others , but my biggest advice would be to ignore all that white noise , focus clearly , don ’ t doubt your ability and stay in your own lane – anything is achievable .
55