The time has come to go big or go home...
After attracting significant interest from various industries, the opportunity to scale Veg Life for rapid growth is now within reach. Over the past three years, I’ve navigated a rollercoaster journey, learning valuable lessons that have equipped me to bring our products to wider audiences. Operating on a bootstrap budget, I’ve raised extra revenue through thrifting ventures such as 3 course meals on wheels during lockdown, catering weddings, and hosting supper clubs. However, scaling requires substantial capital, accessing funds has been challenging due to no credit score and a lack of debt history and as a result of years working abroad for a social enterprise. Faced with high-interest loans or giving away equity, I’m turning to this community for support, hoping to thrift one last time!
The Journey to Scotchees...
My role at the social enterprise was leading expeditions across Kenya, Tanzania, Ecuador, Borneo, Cambodia, the Galapagos, and Uganda, I’ve been deeply involved in sustainable projects ranging from wildlife conservation and reforestation to building classrooms and community centres. These experiences have taught me invaluable lessons about diverse cultures, biodiversity, and the profound impact our actions have on the planet. I've witnessed first-hand how individual efforts can lead to lasting, positive change.
During the pandemic, I was made redundant, but I wanted to continue my passion for sustainability and combine it with my love for food. Inspired by the lockdown rule that required a “substantial meal ” for a pint at the pub—which reignited the nation's love for scotch eggs—I created a plant-based alternative that has the same appearance, taste and texture, of the traditional version. A scotch egg that has the same amount of protein, a fifth fewer calories, 7g less fat, and no cholesterol compared to not just any scotch egg but an M&S scotch egg.
After taking my creation to markets and selling to independent delis, cafes, pubs, and restaurants, the response has been overwhelming. Not only have customers loved it, but Veg Life has also gained industry recognition, winning awards like 'Micro Business of the Year' in the Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber Awards 2024, a Silver Product Award at the Farm Shop & Deli Show, and the Dragon's Pantry title at the Food & Drink Expo 2024.
In June 2023, Veg Life moved into our first privately rented commercial premises, a blank canvas to set up production ready to scale and affectionately earning its name, Cluckingham Palace— Scotchee factory. It’s an unconventional setting where you’ll often find the team dancing as we cook, but it is an unconventional product after all! After making 10,000 scotch eggs and catering five weddings from my parents’ kitchen, the extra space is worth celebrating.
The business has opened up a wealth of opportunities, from speaking and doing cooking demonstrations at schools and festivals on the importance of sustainability to showing how delicious plants can taste! Veg Life has also started our own community fridge and offer work placements, all while championing the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. From our home compostable packaging to promoting equal opportunities and reducing hunger in the community, sustainability is at the core of everything we do. As the business grows, Veg Life is excited to support and facilitate even more community projects, making a positive impact both locally and globally.
Hopefully with funds raised through this crowdfunder we will be able to access local authority and council funding that is match-funded to further the opportunities available for growth.
Veg Life is offering a variety of rewards in exchange for your support.
For full transparency, here is a outline of what we aim to do with the funds;
- SALSA Accreditation £800 - this will allow us to supply bigger clients
- Retest shelf life of Scotchees £800 - we are aiming have a longer shelf life in the new packaging making the product more attractive to retailers
- Shelf life testing and nutritional testing to enable the launch of two new products - £1400
- Stock to enable us to rapidly grow with new orders on long pay terms - £3000
- Rent and utilities support to enable growth - £1944
- Packaging for products - £6600 including New Product Development
- Packaging for postal boxes, ice packs and insulation - £400
- Website update and marketing support - £1000
- Moulds - £6000
- Additional equipment in kitchen such as thermomixer, scales etc - £3000
The dream would also be to upgrade our dedicated Veg Life delivery vehicle from Karen the Micra to a refrigerated vehicle or a van.
Many thanks for any support you can provide,
Rhian