insideKENT Magazine Issue 84 - March 2019 | Page 156

BUSINESS
Women in Business CONT.
Nimisha Raja
NIM’S FRUIT CRISPS
“Manufacturing is very much a male dominated
sector, however, my personal experience has been
very positive. I haven’t encountered any negative
comments or felt that I am being treated differently
by my peers because I’m a woman.
“I think if women have the experience, can do the
job, have ambition and put in the same hours
as their male counterparts do, then they should
be given the same opportunities. What I do
not believe in is quota for quota’s sake. Women need
to rise on their own merit and if the company they
are working is clearly biased against women then
maybe they should consider moving to a more
progressive company.”
“One thing that is changing is the profile female
entrepreneurs are receiving and the positive spotlight
the media are putting on us. This is being driven by
a number of high-profile women business leaders
and a new breed of entrepreneurs that are not
afraid to take risks and follow their dreams and
creativity. Together, we are going to inspire the
next generation.”
Nim’s Fruit Crisps was launched in 2015 by Nimisha Raja,
who was running a coffee shop at the time when she spotted
a gap in the marketplace for an alternative to mainstream
snacks. She sold her home to raise additional funds and
proceeded in setting up an A Grade BRC accredited facility
in Sittingbourne where, after recent investment in new equipment,
it is now capable of producing over 15 million packs of crisps
a year. By the end of 2018, the company had its products
stocked in Co-op, through online specialist Ocado and in more
than 14,000 Tesco stores nationwide.
www.nimsfruitcrisps.com
Natalie Adams
HOLIDAY EXTRAS (Head of Organisational Development)
"I'm really encouraged by how open businesses are becoming to the topic of inclusion, making
steps towards the boardroom becoming a more equal playing field. However, I think there is
so much more to do to really ensure talented women have every opportunity to reach their
potential. Flexible working at all levels, mentorship for women in management roles, sharing
career stories, development for boards and leaders around unconscious bias and the importance
of diversity of thought, are all key areas where I'd like to see businesses investing budget, time
and resources for real meaningful change. Holiday Extras truly supports women in the industry
having set up our Women’s Network this year which has 194 members, providing a space to
discuss a range of issues, something I was involved with from the outset."
Holiday Extras is the UK's market leader for travel extras – with airport hotels, airport parking, airport lounges,
airports by rail and coach, destination car hire and holiday insurance as its core offerings.
www.holidayextras.com
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