A light relief from doom and gloom
Updated on 13 March 2009
Despite the downturn, some entrepreneurs are still making a success of their new businesses, writes Felicity Spector.
Proof that every cloud has a silver lining: even the recession. Amid the constant talk of doom and gloom and economic catastrophe, some people are actually starting up their own businesses, and doing well.
And it's not just the likes of Subway and Kentucky Fried Chicken either.
At this week's Country Living Fair, held in the unlikely surroundings of Islington, North London, the feisty Lynn Boulton is exhibiting for the first time. She founded her own company, www.headintheclouds.uk.com, last autumn.
With some top investors on board and the support of Kent's local business authorities she is well on the way to success with her range of exotic meringues.
Lynn, whose background is marketing and conference organising, tells me the idea came to her when she ordered a piece of lemon meringue pie and thought 'I could do something with that'.
Based on her grandmother's (highly secret) recipe, her flavours range from whiskey and marmalade to cardamom and orange blossom, with a special seasonal range alongside. There are plans to branch out into macaroons and chocolate brownies.
On the board are some highly experienced executives, even a professional stylist. And they've recruited some out-of-work youngsters who are often the keenest to put forward new ideas.
At fifteen pounds for a little box of nine mini meringues, albeit beautifully packaged, all this might seem like an unnecessary indulgence in these cash-stretched times. But Lynn says she can offer people a relatively cheap treat - something to take to a friend's dinner party, or have with a glass of wine. She has even negotiated a tie-in deal with a local wine merchant.
There is an altruistic element too: the farm which produces the free range eggs works with students from the Royal School for Deaf children.
Another food business, Auberge du Chocolate, who have won industry awards for their confectionary, seem confident enough to open more outlets beyond their Gerrard's Cross shop.
Their hand-crafted chocolates aren't cheap either, but, like the fancy meringues, a more affordable way of cheering up a wet Sunday than a posh meal out or a new pair of shoes.
No one is saying it is easy to survive the depths of the current economic turmoil. So in South Devon, traders and council leaders in Totnes have got together to try to beat the recession.
Last year the farmers market closed down through lack of interest and other shops and businesses were also forced to close their doors including the area's biggest employer, Dairy Crest. But local residents are determined not to give up, promoting festivals, shopping events and a 'buy local' campaign.
So if you are depressed by the depression or crunched by the credit crunch, crack open a box of mini meringues and toast the courage of entrepreneurs who still believe in their ideas and are prepared to give it a go.
