Could you start by telling us how the last few weeks have been for you?
It’s been a crazy few weeks and a bit of an emotional rollercoaster. I was really concerned when all the cafés and offices we supplied closed, but it was quite humbling to see the response to nearly moving our entire business online.
What positive steps have you taken to get through the lockdown?
Business-wise, we’ve had to adapt and pivot really quickly. We were predominantly a wholesale business but quickly had to move to e-commerce. This has meant ripping up any existing business plans and making quick decisions about how we get coffee out to people at home. It’s been really rewarding spending a lot of time communicating with our customers through newsletters, email and social media.
Are there any innovations of which you are particularly proud?
We launched our new Chimney Fire Discovery Coffees at the beginning of June, to give our customers a new and interesting coffee to try every month. Also, we will be donating 25p for every 250g bag or £1 for every 1kg bag of all Discovery Coffee sales to the organisation ‘Re-Cycle’. This small charity recycles bikes from the UK and ships them to rural communities in Africa, changing people’s lives for the better and saving the environment at the same time.
How have your customers been supporting you during this time?
Our customers have been incredible. The have bought our coffee directly through our website or via one of the cafés we supply. But, most importantly, customers have really helped spread the word through sharing their coffee making 'at home' adventures on social media.
Are there any special measures you’ll be bringing in once you get back to more normality?
We have adopted the 2m-rule within the roastery and the four of us are using masks and gloves when roasting, packaging and despatching the coffee.
Why is it so important that people ‘Stay Loyal To Local’ going forward?
There has been a lot of talk around lessons learnt from COVID-19 and I think a key one is that it’s a lot more sustainable and rewarding to support your local community. Aside from the social impacts, there will be many environmental benefits with a reduced carbon footprint and more transparency on where your bread, milk and coffee(!) come from. A personal touch makes a big difference.
What’s the best way our community can do that for now?
Supporting local businesses, even if it’s in a different way from how you usually would. So if you usually buy from a local market, try buying online instead. Most people these days will have good websites and will answer any questions you have. In some cases, people will offer free delivery so it shouldn’t cost you any more than usual.
Tags: Stay Loyal to Local campaign
