Simply Graze
Case Study - Simply Graze
Coventry mum creates graze craze from her love of cheese
When Sharan decided to create something special during a lockdown celebration for her family she didn’t realise it would develop into a successful business.
A little help from the Chamber Start-up team.
At that time Sharan Dhadda had no idea that the surprise for her child would grow and develop in the business it is today. She said “I have always enjoyed charcuterie, however during lockdown I was keen to create something for my child’s birthday that the kids could enjoy too, so I created a special version. The display I put together was a big hit and within weeks I started receiving requests to cater for other celebrations”.
Fast forward to now and currently into its first year of trading Simply Graze has an ever-growing social media platform where Sharan combines her love of food with puns and shares the delicious and inventive grazing tables that she offers for any occasion.
The business is doing great and has gone from strength to strength with support from the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce.
It has allowed me to share my love of food with others
Simply Graze is a grazing company which creates boxes, platters and table set ups for any occasion. Sharan said “Grazing introduces a dining experience that is suitable for all ages and encourages families to try new foods together whether they are sitting around the table or on a picnic mat. We are Coventry based but happily travel across the country. Our ethos is to create communal dining experiences and help loved ones connect as they sit around one of our boards.”
Sharan has been given a helping hand by the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce through its free Start Up Business Support Programme, and has attended workshops and benefitted from one-to-one sessions with a business coach. The service is part of the Coventry & Warwickshire Business Support Programme, which is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
The Chamber reached out to me.
She said: “The Chamber actually reached out to me when they saw my business over social media. Although I had already started my business prior to receiving support, knowing I will be speaking to my business coach at specific times has definitely helped me review and grow, it also allows for accountability and this is useful.” Sharan continued “Regular conversations with my business coach have been extremely valuable, she has encouraged me to improve the foundations to ensure the longevity of the business. I look forward to the meetings and have gained valuable insight from each one!”
She concluded “This is a fantastic initiative and I am extremely grateful for the support over the last few months. I would urge any business within their infancy to come and seek support from Sarah and the wider team – it would be vital for the growth of your business.”
Already led to a successful start to the business.
Hardeep Sandhu, of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “Establishing a business based on something you are passionate about is a great starting point, but there is so much more to running a company and it’s been great to see Sharan’s new business grow.”
“As a Chamber, we are proud to be supporting creative businesses, particularly as Coventry is all set to start its year at UK City of Culture and we really want the year to leave a positive legacy of more businesses being established in the sector.”
“This really is an amazing moment for the city and is a time for creative businesses to shine and an opportunity of wider investment in creativity and culture to leave a legacy of optimism and opportunity.”
Martin Sutherland, Chief Executive of the Coventry City of Culture Trust, said: “It is clear that City of Culture can inspire new start-up businesses across Coventry & Warwickshire, and for those businesses to be part of the economic legacy of 2021. If individuals have an idea that they want to explore, it is great that there is support available to them, from the Chamber and others, to turn it into a reality.”
Are you eligible for StartUp Business Support?
The Chamber has a range of start-up workshops to support people to build sustainable businesses. For more information or to book click here.
