BUSINESS
Starting a food business cont.
Laura Bounds, Kent Crisps, www. kentcrisps. com
What sparked the initial idea for your business?
I was very fortunate to get involved in the brand early on. Firstly, buying the product to sell while working as a fresh produce wholesaler and then being offered the opportunity to work for the brand a couple of years after it launched. I always knew the brand had potential; the concept around promoting Kent as a destination and working with other local producers to use their lovingly made products in our seasonings was always a something I was passionate about. Now I am in the fortunate position of taking ownership of the business, we have built on this original concept to focus even more on our producers, destinations and Kent as a county. As well as the crisps being delicious, of course!
What was the first step you took in getting off the ground?
When I took the business over it was like having to start again, which can be harder than starting a business from scratch. For us, it was ensuring we created a sustainable business, that was lean but effective – making sure we could create realistic budgets and stick to them to ensure that we can continue to grow.
What’ s been the toughest challenge you’ ve faced so far and how did you overcome it?
The hardest part of business is ensuring you keep your niche, which for us is about promoting our county and using provenience in our seasonings to make the best tasting crisps available. We continue to work closely with our local producers to make sure our flavours stand out from our competitors.
What’ s been your biggest achievement to date?
Most certainly the growth of Kent crisps in international markets as well as in the UK. Kent Crisps are now available in 10 countries around the world, as well as being available on board some well-known airlines.
In your opinion, what separates a product that will be a success from one that won’ t?
I think the success of any product is to identify its uniqueness and ensure that its quality is exceptional. To create a successful product, I think passion is the biggest factor; building a team that is as passionate about the products as you are.
If you had one piece of advice for anyone thinking of launching their own food or drink business, what would that be?
Ensure that everything you do, you do to the highest standard. Being a perfectionist is only a good thing within business and even more important in the food and drink industry. Your branding and marketing sells the product and the quality of the product ensures it is bought again and again. If you’ re going to do something, do it well!
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