|
Local company
makes a storm at the Post Office
AS many small businesses
are aware, it is hard to make a splash, let alone make a ripple
online, but once in a blue moon a small business succeeds. This is
the case for one small Liverpool based company, who has just
recently bombarded a local Post Office with hundreds of parcels,
caused by an unexpected surge in sales.
The Teabox Company, a predominantly online based store, attributed
the recent success to crowd funding website Kickstarter. The company
raised £3,440 in just 50 days through the platform, selling tea to
over 150 people from countries as far flung as Singapore, New
Zealand and Canada.
Hundreds of parcels were taken to Leece Street Post
Office in Liverpool for send out, causing delays in service for many
using the local Post Office. As a result, the inconvenienced
customers were treated to free samples of tea - a small token of
gratitude from the tea company to say:- "thanks for waiting"
and hopefully defusing any storms in the tea cup that might have
resulted.
Colin, manager at the Leece Street Post Office, comments:-
"It's great to see a local independent generating so much business
and giving back to the community at the same time. We were more than
happy to work with them to send off their orders and appreciate
their consideration towards our other customers."
Philip Perera, one of the company's directors comments:- "We
started as a university project, with the support of LJMU, and now
we're sending loose leaf tea all around the world. It's exciting to
see how big the reach of an independent company in Liverpool can
become."
The Teabox Company has become the latest start-up to
take on the City's corporate giants and to fly the flag of
independent trade. The specialist tea company has launched a range
of over 20 loose leaf flavours and is taking over the City One Café,
Bar and Restaurant at a time.
Philip said:- "It was a shock for us to have such a massive
amount of orders come through and it shows Liverpool's small
businesses can and do make headway in what is a highly competitive
world online. We have had fantastic support from groups in
Liverpool, like JCI Liverpool, LJMU, Independent Liverpool, PBT
Media Relations Ltd. and many others since we started. If small
businesses work together, we can be successful online and we are now
looking to build on our success. Merseyside is a fantastic place to
run a business and we are so pleased to be based here!"
To find out more about the Teabox's latest news and offers follow
them on Twitter @teaboxco and give them a like on
Facebook. Keep an eye on:-
teaboxcompany.co.uk for their
much-anticipated website launch next week.
|
 |
MERSEYSIDE
DRESSAGE RIDER WINS PETPLAN EQUINE AREA FESTIVALS CHAMPIONSHIP
AFTER gaining a wildcard
entry by coming 3rd and qualifying at Aintree Equestrian Centre in
Liverpool, 28 year old Zoe Ball from Billinge in Merseyside has won
the Petplan Equine Novice Restricted Championship of the Petplan
Equine Area Festival Finals on Garvery Boy. These prestigious
amateur championships were held alongside the NAF Winter Dressage
Championships at Hartpury College, Gloucestershire from 9 April to
13 April 2014.
Riding Garvery Boy, a 7 year old gelding, owned by Zoe herself,
Garvery Boy impressed the judges and received a score of 71.37% to
win the Novice Restricted Championship from among 52 horse and rider
combinations.
Garvery Boy at 14.2hh proved that size doesn't matter. He may have
been one of the most 'vertically challenged' on the starting list,
but this proved no barrier to him posting a great performance.
"I can't believe it!" beamed Zoe. "When I saw someone was leading
on 70% I never thought we stood a chance. He was tired in the second
test too, but in a way I think it helped as I had to ride him more."
Not your typical dressage horse but capable nonetheless, 'Beau' was
found through a dealer, from a field in Ireland. "The dealer
said he thought Beau might make a good working hunter. I bought him,
the plan being to sell him on, backed him, but it turned out he
hated jumping. So, I thought I'd better do something with him if I'm
going to sell him." That's where the dressage came in:-
"He was placed first time out and we never looked back. Needless
to say, I kepthim."
Zoe, who works as an Equine and Animal Care Lecturer at Salford City
College, described her pony's qualities:- "He has an ability
to 'sit' and engage his hindquarters in all paces plus he has an
amazing walk. It's very natural for him."
Now in their 15th year, the Petplan Equine Area Festivals give
riders of all levels the opportunity to experience the thrill of
competing in true championship conditions, in a relaxed and friendly
environment. More than 2,779 amateur dressage riders from all over
the UK competed at 18 Petplan Equine Area Festivals across the
country from August to November 2013, for a chance to qualify and
compete for 1 of these coveted amateur titles.
British Dressage's Chief Executive Amanda Bond said:- "British
Dressage is extremely grateful for Petplan Equine's on-going support
of these popular championships. Having such a loyal sponsor on board
has really helped the Petplan Equine Area Festivals to grow
exponentially over the last 15 years."
Charlotte Collyer, Senior Marketing Executive at Petplan Equine,
added:- "With more than 2,779 dressage riders now able to
compete on the 'big stage' it is pleasing to see how the Area
Festival finals have become important destinations for grass roots
combinations across the country. Not only have the numbers grown,
but the standard has also improved enormously as can be seen at
these finals, whichprovide the perfect showcase of the talent that
is out there. We would especially like to congratulate Zoe Ball on
her fantastic win and wish her the very best of luck for the
future."
Further information about the Petplan Area Festivals and how to
qualify is available from the Petplan Equine
website.
Northern Rail celebrates more
sustainability success
THE UK's largest train
operator, Northern Rail; owned by joint venture Serco and Abellio
are celebrating adding yet more green credentials to its name thanks
to its efforts in sustainability. Northern has increased the amount
of waste it recycles in various areas of the business as well as
scoring a fantastic three stars in the Corporate Responsibility
Index. To encourage recycling by customers and employees at its
stations and depots, Northern has developed greener initiatives,
resulting in a 50% increase in the amount of waste it recycled last
year, compared to 2011. By installing 'Dry Mix Recycling' methods,
allowing 'clean' recyclable waste to be added to the bins, the
amount of waste recycled at stations increased from 25% to 40% in
the last 12 months. By introducing the same system at its
engineering depots, recycling rates have increased from 50% in 2011
to 72% in 2013. Increasing recycling rates has contributed to
Northern's latest environmental success in achieving a high and
above average BITC Corporate Responsibility (CR) Index score of 91%
and a Star Rating of 3 (average 2.5 stars and 85%). Alex Hynes,
Managing Director of Northern Rail, comments:- "We're
delighted to keep our commitment strong to going green. As our
recycling rates rise, so does our recognition on the Business in the
Community's Corporate Responsibility Index which is a valuable
benchmark for any business." |
