A growing artisan drinks business in Sawbridgeworth which supports local suppliers has been named one of the nation’s 100 most inspiring small firms by a national campaign.
Stort Valley Spirits (SVS), which was formed by Emma and Rob Robson in 2020, has expanded rapidly since moving into the newly-constructed Weston House, part of the Allen House Business Centre in The Maltings, in May 2021.
And it is celebrating being listed in this year’s SmallBiz100 line-up by the Small Business Saturday UK campaign.
The company, which began life operating at Safestore in Harlow, initially offered a range of handmade artisan spirits for wholesale and retail.
After being approached by several producers, it widened its range to include local beer, cider, sparkling wine, coffee and, most recently, soft drinks.
And, in October 2021, SVS realised there was a gap in the corporate market for fully customised, sustainable, ethically sourced gift hampers and began researching what ambient food products were available locally.
In the run up to last Christmas it sent out more than 200 hampers and aims to triple that this festive season.
“Supporting local is something we have always been passionate about,” said SVS director Emma Robson. “Supporting small businesses is not only beneficial to them but also to the local economy.
“We are fortunate to have some wonderful local producers in Herts and Essex, and being recognised as a SmallBiz100 is a great honour. It allows us to reach more people and shout about how great local really is.
“We believe that we offer a unique service, allowing businesses to customise their gifts based on budget, dietary requirements and tastes.
“So many of the bigger companies don’t offer that flexibility, but we want to show people that you don’t have to spend a fortune to get a unique and memorable gift.
“Our goals for the coming year are to get more Herts and Essex businesses supporting local for their corporate gifting and to develop our wholesale arm.”
Small Business Saturday UK, which took place at the weekend (December 3), is now in its 10th year. The campaign’s mission is to support and celebrate the UK’s 5.5 million small businesses, particularly as they face mounting economic challenges over the winter.
“It’s fantastic to celebrate small firms just like Stort Valley Spirits as part of our 10-year anniversary of the campaign,” said Michelle Ovens CBE, director of Small Business Saturday UK.
“Over the past decade we have been able to spotlight dynamic businesses from across the nation, who remind us of the incredible tenacity and determination of small firms in this country.
“It’s brilliant to have Stort Valley Spirits in this year’s SmallBiz100 line-up.”
