Aude Dupont Dudley, managing director of Blossoms Syrup, explains why the business should win the home business category of the Guardian Small Business Showcase competition.
I launched the business from my kitchen back in 2010. Blossoms Syrup now produces 10 flavours and I still use a network of platforms to run my business from my home.
I subcontract a co-packer who produces my syrups and deals with the storage of my raw materials and packaging. After production I send the products to several distributors who supply the on-trade, food service companies and retail.
We are on M&S shelves under Blossoms’ own label and under the retailer’s ‘Best of UK’ category. I have managed to stay at home and have grown the business 200% each year since the start.
At times our home is used for storage but I have sourced companies that take the load from me. I have outsourced sales agents that help me develop business with other sectors of the industry without having an office for them.
My biggest challenge this year is being able to tackle the international business opportunities without having to set up an outside office.
All entries which meet the competition criteria are published and our judging panel select a shortlist of the top three for each category. Winners are announced at an awards ceremony in summer 2016.
