Business challenge winner seals it with Diverse approach

A new innovative approach to the UK hamper industry gave south west entrepreneur Nicki Stewart all the elements to produce a winning pitch in a new business competition.

Miss Stewart, who runs Bridgwater based Diverse Hampers, was awarded first prize in The Pitch, a prestigious competition organised by leading small business advice website BusinessZone.co.uk.

Diverse Hampers was formed after a fruitless search for modern, trendy food gifts. Director Ms Stewart, who had run her own office products company since the age of 19, realised the potential for a fresh approach in the hamper sector.

The packaging offered by Diverse is a striking alternative to traditional wicker. The products contained are indulgent and unique and sourced from small artisan producers in the UK including many in the south west.

The company’s flagship product is the ‘Hamper Tower’, individual boxes filled with gourmet items, stacked to form a pyramid and secured with hand tied ribbons. The panel were particularly interested in the bespoke colour schemes available for corporate customers.

The Pitch, held at the Bristol Design Festival, involved seven short listed entrepreneurs presenting their original ideas and business models to four experts. Following each pitch, they were questioned on their future plans and business strategy.

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 www.angelnews.co.uk.

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,” he comments. “I hope the prizes she has won will inspire her further to make Diverse Hampers a success.”

The prize package awarded to Ms Stewart was a package of business tools including mentoring, coaching, software and books worth over £1,200

She adds, "Pitching my company to four extremely successful business people was a formidable task but very rewarding. The Pitch is a fantastic idea for SMEs; not only to increase awareness for their venture, but also to gain personal experience and learn from successful individuals.”