Philippa Askham, co-founder and director of Sweetpea Pantry, explains why the business should win the Startup of the Year category of the Guardian Small Business Showcase competition:
It has been a brilliant beginning for Sweetpea Pantry. From a home-based part-time business started by two parents while on maternity leave to being stocked in major retailers and getting the nod from Richard Branson.
We began our business because we felt strongly about the lack of nutritious food available for children on the shelves. We designed a range of healthy mixes for foods children love to make and eat, pancakes, pizza dough, biscuits, all with natural, wholegrain ingredients like chai, flax and quinoa. We found a niche and have gained a passionate following who care about what their family eats.
In the last year we have been awarded ‘Best Loved Kids Food Brand’ by Richard Branson, won in the Great Taste Food Awards, been named one of Defra’s ‘UK 50 Food Stars’. We’ve gained listings in over 200 stores, including Marks and Spencer Food Halls, Ocado, Selfridges, Revital and Daylesford. In the last three months we have found angel investors to support our growth, moved into a shared office, hired our first employee and developed our second range of on-the-go healthy snacks for children, soon to be launched in a major retailer.
We’ve used our limited startup resources in creative ways to gain press attention, get attention from consumers and gain important listings that will help us develop our brand over the next 18 months.
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.
