IQ-Magazine-Issue-15

IQ business profile
“We spent a lot of time
cuddled up on the sofa,
or round the kitchen
table talking,” Georgia
said. “As the weeks went
by, I could see a positive
change in mum because of
what we were eating. She
was getting stronger and
had more ‘get up and go’ -
and I felt the same.”
my illness and our new business plan,” Amanda explains. “She was
telling her parents about it one night, and her father was touched by
our tale. A self-made businessman in his own right, he remembered
that when he was starting out, someone kindly gave him the injection
he desperately needed – so he and his wife (also business partner) did
the same for us.”
The next few months were a blur as Georgia started developing
the hamper product range, while Amanda saw to setting up the
administrative side of the business. Rather than source everything
from one wholesaler, the pair wanted to support smaller, independent
businesses. “As we grew our knowledge of this growing sector, we
made friends with so many incredible like-minded people and
working with smaller retailers became a natural part of our company
ethos,” explains Georgia.
Both Amanda and Georgia are keen cooks, and it was only natural
that they’d develop recipes for their hampers as they came together.
“We wanted to show people that these ingredients aren’t weird or
intimidating – they’re easy to use and the benefits are readily visible,”
Georgia said. “We have a Boost range and a Revolution range of
hampers and each one is specifically designed to focus on a particular
area, whether it’s your immune system, energy levels or digestive
health. Each hamper includes a recipe card, as well as detailed
explanations as to the benefits of each product.”
With help from branding specialists, photographers, videographers
and other well wishers, the business launched in July this year, from its
new premises in Cambridge. “The response has been overwhelming,”
says Amanda. “Sales grow organically everyday and we’re so touched
by the support we’ve received. We believe that we have an excellent
product range that people are crying out for, as we all look to embrace
a healthier, more balanced lifestyle.”
It wasn’t just the health-conscious that came running, as the national
press were quick to knock on the door too. “Being featured in the
Guardian within our first month of business was unreal,” Georgia
said. “We’d been invited to come up with nutritious and delicious
lunchtime recipes that would do good, as well as taste great.”
With the products now selling on websites alongside Neal’s Yard and
Abel & Cole, in addition to the Noel Road website, there’s no limit
to what the pair are striving for next year. “We have new products
about to hit the virtual shelves for Christmas, as well as our own
book in the works,” Georgia reveals. “We want Noel Road to grow
into a wellbeing brand that has real roots in our local community.
In addition to growing our already popular product range, we’re
planning on becoming nutritionally qualified as well.”
At just 23 years of age, Georgia has focus and a sharp business
acumen that is beyond her years. It’s hard to comprehend the mental
and emotional strength it takes to go through cancer as a family, and
to do that whilst also launching a, now thriving, business is something
to applaud. “It was, without doubt, instrumental to my recovery,”
Amanda explains. “Having something beyond my illness that I could
focus on was a wonderful medicine. It was, and still is, immeasurably
good for my soul.”
More Information
Visit www.noelroaduk.com to learn more about the exciting
brand and its delicious product range.
issue 15 | page 59