Switching events to eggs cracked income problem

Usually she runs an event company in Lewes, East Sussex.

Following social gathering restrictions, a new income source was needed.

So an organic egg delivery service began three weeks ago and it is thriving.

‘The events industry was the first to feel the effects of the cancellations,’ said Miss Burrows.

‘When you work for yourself, no work means no money, so I had to think creatively. Cancellations coincided with supermarket shortages – no one could get eggs in Lewes.’

Sussex Organic Eggspress started with Miss Burrows selling wholesale eggs from an organic farm to neighbours, before she ‘posted on a local Facebook group and ended up with 60 orders in three hours’.

Egg suppliers could not meet demand, so all organic farms in Sussex were phoned before securing supply with Springles Farm.

‘It was really more of a project to stop myself going absolutely barmy during lockdown. I wanted something to keep me distracted.’

Eggs are delivered weekly with a seasonal egg recipe in each box, which has started a cooking community on the Facebook page.

‘My other passion outside work is cooking, seasonal food and the outdoors. I post the recipe and what it looks like every week. People started posting photos of what they’ve made with their eggs.’

Delivery into Brighton launched after success around Lewes.

Raw unpasteurised South Downs honey is also now being delivered.

On average between 250 and 350 boxes of eggs are delivered weekly.

Event clients wait for when the crisis is over, ‘but the egg business has taken off so quickly and successfully that it would be a shame to abandon it,’ said Miss Burrows.

Switching from events to eggs has ‘been really interesting’.

‘There’s definitely a simplicity about a product-based business different to a service-based business. The offering is much more straightforward with eggs, it’s much easier to market.’

Last week, 1,088 eggs were collected, boxed and delivered within two days.

Business will continue for now to support local organic producers.

‘Farming is a tough industry and supermarkets don’t make life easy for farmers. The more people eat seasonally and organically, the better. The farm I use runs a rehoming programme for hens that no longer lay, so they go on to happy lives after eggs too.’

It is hoped that following the crisis more people will eat seasonal, local organic produce.

’Everyone has got so used to getting things like strawberries in January in supermarkets,’ she said.

Eating all food all-year round is a relatively new phenomenon but has a huge carbon output.

Buying UK products in supermarkets or choosing to buy local means food has travelled less distance, will taste better and supports local industry too.

Advice was offered for prospective entrepreneurs.

‘Look for opportunities – what do people need? What could you provide? What skills can you bring to a new business?

‘Don’t be scared of failure – it’s better to have a go and learn from your mistakes. This situation is only temporary so it’s a perfect time to try something out because you don’t have to commit to it long-term.’