1st June 2008  

Business challenge winner seals it with Diverse approach

A new innovative approach to the UK's Hamper industry gave Nicki Stewart of Diverse Hampers Limited, all the elements to produce a winning pitch in a new entrepreneurial competition.  The Bridgwater based company was awarded first prize in the prestigious business competition held in Bristol.

The competition, run by BusinessZone.co.uk, involved seven short listed individuals, who presented their original ideas and business models to a panel of experts.  They then answered questions on their ideas, future plans and business strategy.

Diverse Hampers was formed after a fruitless search for a modern, trendy food gift.  Director Ms Stewart who had run her own Office Products Company since the age of 19, realised the potential for a fresh approach into the Hamper Industry.

The packaging offered by Diverse is a striking, amazing alternative to traditional wicker.  The products contained are indulgent and often unique, from small artisan producers in the UK.  The inventive company have introduced an amazing ‘Hamper Tower' into the market, individual boxes are filled with gourmet products and stacked to form a pyramid and completed with hand tied ribbons to secure.  The panel were particularly interested in the bespoke colour schemes available in the Towers, for corporate customers.

Evaluating the pitches were Ben Heald, chief executive of Sift plc, Jonny Allatt, investment director at Zeus Private Equity, Samantha Fountain, founder of Shewee and Modwenna Rees-Mogg, editor of  angelnews.co.uk. A number of elements were discussed before reaching their decision.

Jonny Allat was impressed by Ms Stewart's entry, "All of them performed well but Nicki impressed in particular with her creative approach to a traditional product and drive to succeed. I hope the prizes she has won will inspire her further to make Diverse Hampers a success."  The prize package won is £1200 of business tools to further grow the business.

Speaking to BusinessZone.co.uk, Nicki Stewart said: "Pitching my company to four extremely successful business people was a formidable task but very rewarding."  She also added "The Pitch is a fantastic idea for SME's.  Not only to increase awareness for their venture, but to gain personal experience and learn from successful individuals".  

The Diverse Hamper range can be viewed online:  http://www.diversehampers.co.uk/

Details of The Pitch can be viewed online: www.businesszone.co.uk/item/184956