Worthing hand-crafted food business conquers lockdown challenges to win the Sussex Chambers Problem Solver Award
After ten years of directly supplying the match-day half-time pies and sausage rolls for Brighton and Hove Albion and for other top football clubs, Worthing-based cakes and bakes supplier Piglet’s Pantry were hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Founder Jo Hunter and her team have since been recognised by Sussex Chamber of Commerce for their determination in the face of adversity and have been awarded the Problem Solver Award for their success.
With furloughed workforces and large event spaces closed, like many other businesses, Piglet’s Pantry found itself in a sink or swim situation in March 2020.
Faced with an uncertain future, the team vowed that they would paddle as hard as they could to stay afloat.
Within three days of the first national lockdown, a website build was completed to support a new online shop, focused on an afternoon tea delivery service, which delivered to doorsteps, rather than being served behind counters at large events.
The word quickly spread through Instagram and Facebook and soon enough, orders from hungry customers in lockdown came flooding in.
Alongside their pies and sausage rolls, Piglet’s Pantry expanded to also deliver afternoon teas and decadent cakes, which were a hit with those stuck indoors, looking to brighten up their lockdown days.
With this new found success, however, came growing pains.
As the world slowly opened up again and the demand for half-time sausage rolls returned, it became clear to Jo that more change was needed, if the growing doorstep delivery business was going to be maintained alongside Piglet’s Pantry’s original clients.
As such, another big decision was made to move premises, to create more space to serve a growing and varying client base.
The Piglet’s Pantry staff count quickly grew from 25, to 67 to meet the new business demands and they now occupy a space four times the size of our previous premises.
Now, Jo and her team successfully balance a thriving bakery-to-doorstep service for their loyal customers, including a roster of celebrity fans, whilst still serving hungry football fans across the country.
Founder of Piglet’s Pantry, Jo Hunter said: “We are delighted to have received the Sussex Chambers Problem Solver Award and feel very proud of our achievements over the past 18 months.
Without the passion and determination of our brilliant workforce, we absolutely would not be where we are today.
We’re excited for the next chapter and the next challenge!”
The full range of Piglet’s Pantry cakes and bakes, including their award-winning afternoon tea can be purchased for next day delivery via: https://www.pigletspantry.co.uk/
About Piglet’s Pantry
Piglet’s Pantry’s hand-crafted cakes and bakes are dropped off on doorsteps across the country, brightening the days of loved-ones and turning gatherings into memorable occasions. The award winning pies and sausage rolls are also served at large event spaces and football stadiums across the country, including at the American Express Community Stadium, Brighton and Hove Albion’s home ground, where Piglet’s Pantry are official match-day pie sponsor.
The Piglet’s Pantry team are a dedicated bunch of food-lovers, who design, knead, mix and decorate each treat that makes up our selection of award-winning afternoon teas, savoury pastries and cakes. Every ingredient is sourced responsibly in the UK, so there’s peace of mind with every bite.
https://www.pigletspantry.co.uk/
About Sussex Chambers
Sussex Chamber of Commerce is one of only 53 Chambers in the UK to be accredited by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC). The BCC was established 150 years ago in 1860 and is the national body for a powerful and influential Network of Accredited Chambers of Commerce across the UK - a network that directly serves not only its member businesses but the wider business community.
Accredited Chambers of Commerce exist to make a difference to businesses, through ensuring views are heard within the Government, opening new business opportunities in local, national and international markets, or providing critical business advice, services and skills development. High on the BCC's agenda is helping British business thrive, so the BCC works with the Government to shape policy affecting businesses. It also focuses on key areas of activity including International Trade, Skills Development and Business Services.
https://www.sussexchamberofcommerce.co.uk/
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