Case studies - business support
Company: Silverstone Tropical Foods
Owner: Sonja Scantelbury
Website: www.silverstonefoods.com
They were brought up on traditional Caribbean and west African recipes, packed with herbs and spices, many having nutritional and medicinal benefits which match the current mood of healthy alternatives and modern day attitudes. This is something they had personal experience of, could relate to, and therefore offered them the ideal business opportunity.
They started importing the spices dry, but then decided hot beverages would be a more marketable option for the UK’s climate. Packaged in a convenient modern day formula, (tea bags!) Caribbean Sun tea’s ingredients are of the finest quality, imported from leading growers in Africa and the Caribbean. The teas are 100% natural, caffeine free, a rich source of vitamin C and are a healthy alternative to the traditional blends of black teas, fruits infusions and iced tea with the delicious taste of the Caribbean.
They come in six different flavours, each with a different herb to stimulate and strengthen the immune system including combating colds and flu’s, nausea, stomach cramps, menstrual pains, chills, colds and poor circulation.
Starting a business is never easy however. Coming up with the idea is only the beginning. Sonja needed help raising the finance for her venture. “We were working around the clock on two jobs to get the funds together. My family and parents were also able to provide some of the funds, but we needed more.” On the strength of these funds, Sonja prepared a detailed business plan and managed to secure a further 50% of her funding needs from a high street bank. Still short, she began researching her other options.
“I was attending a breakfast meeting at Business Link when I heard about GLE oneLondon Business Loans. I learned they provided loans to people like me who had been turned down from high street lenders. So I contacted them, presented my business plan to the loan panel and the loan was agreed. I now had the funds to start up my business.”
The business is now doing well and they hope to expand their international portfolio. “We presently have representatives in twelve countries, but we hope to breakthrough into the US market.”
“The best advice I can give anyone thinking of starting up would be research your market by speaking to those who have been there themselves. Business advisers have years of experience and are much better than text books. Seek financial advice and most importantly always try to deliver what you say you will deliver - know your strengths and weaknesses!”
For more information on Silverstone Tropical Foods visit www.silverstonefoods.com or call 020 7422 7672.