“I can dispel the myth that it’s very difficult for a start-up to get onto the shelves of a big retailer,” declared ready meals tycoon Charlie Bigham at the Evening Standard’s SME XPO today.
Speaking on the opening day of the event, where thousands of founders and executives are meeting to embrace the power of entrepreneurship, networking and innovation, Bigham added: “Innovation is key to all business - even the biggest retailer where you dream of seeing your product listed, or the largest potential client, will be open to new ideas: they have to be, or they wither and die.
“When I rang up Waitrose all those years ago” - Bigham’s meals have grown to a £150 million turnover in 28 years - “I persuaded them that they would be missing out if they didn’t make half an hour of time to see me. And then I persuaded them to stock our food.
“They gave me time because I had a new idea. Remind yourself of that: even when you look up at a huge company and think wouldn’t it be great if we got listed there, or had them as a client - they want you if you’re innovative. Be obsessive about making what you’re doing better and better - that’s what will help you grow.”
London’s Excel was buzzing with networking entrepreneurs at the two-day event, now in its third year. “SMEs are the engine room of this city – powering our communities, providing jobs and opportunities, bringing Londoners together,” said Jack Lefley, the managing editor of the Evening Standard.
That was in evidence in a lively panel debate where Kathryn Bricken, founder of Doughlicious, Cheesegeek’s Edward Hancock and Dhruvin Patel of Ocushield fielded a wide array of questions on writing a business plan and pitchdeck, where questions came flying in.
“We all know the many challenges that have tested their resilience in London and beyond in recent years. But despite those hurdles, we've witnessed the remarkable spirit of renewal and determination that defines the SME community.”
Join us today - 23 April and tomorrow, 24 April - at SME XPO, the UK’s leading event for ambitious founders and decision-makers looking to scale. FREE tickets at smexpo.co.uk
