Scottish start up capitalises on new working from home culture
Throughout the Covid-19 crisis, small businesses have had to continually adapt their business models to survive. Many are facing untold challenges in the wake of changing consumer behaviours and supply chain disruption, while others have been able to find opportunities to adapt and grow despite the disruption.
Sara Roberts, founder of Healthy Nibbles, a Scottish-based snack delivery service delivering across the UK, is one business owner who has adapted to the challenges of Covid-19 and is achieving growth despite the difficult environment.
Previously providing tech-enabled healthy vending machines to offices in London, Sara trialled home delivery of healthy snacks at the start of lockdown and found there was a huge demand for her products as employers searched for new ways to motivate their staff from home.
Quick to identify that the working from home culture originally enforced by government restrictions was more than just a fleeting moment, Sara has now adapted her service to deliver healthy snacks across the country direct to employees’ homes.
She has since included a home-delivery service as part of her future business strategy and is planning how best to optimise this new offering as lockdown lifts.
Sara Roberts, the founder of Healthy Nibbles, said: “Since founding Healthy Nibbles, I’ve learnt that as a small business owner you need to make the most of the challenges that come your way and not be afraid to re-evaluate your business plan if circumstances change.
“Initially I was concerned about the impact working from home regulations would have on Healthy Nibbles, but I am confident that I have been able to find a new way for Healthy Nibbles to add value to customers during this uncertain time, and beyond.”
Richard Bearman, the managing director of Start Up Loans, said: “We recognise that in the current environment small businesses across the UK are facing significant challenges. However, it’s brilliant to see that some businesses are finding ways to make the disruption work for them and are thriving as a result. We urge everyone to continue supporting small businesses, which will play a large part in our economic recovery, as they adapt to ever-changing demands without the financial insulation that many larger firms have access to.”
Start Up Loans – part of the British Business Bank – is continuing to provide support to business owners like Sara through its network of delivery partners.
It has also published a series of guides on important areas of business including social media, marketing and SEO. The guides are designed to ensure business owners, existing and new, have all the resources they need to build and grow a successful business.
