Stacey Raine

In January 2024 i decided to set up a food business with a business partner. We bought an empty 40ft shipping container and converted it ourselves into a fully functioning commercial kitchen and opened 'FOOD ENVY'.

We'd built a good reputation, serving top quality food from a well organised, immaculately clean kitchen with a 5* food hygiene rating.

Unfortunately, the part of the site where the business is located has been sold so we've had no choice but to close the business prematurely.

Skills and qualities gained whilst running this business include:

• Exceptional organisation skills
• Excellent customer service skills
• Determination
• Resilience
• Ability to build good relations with suppliers
• Task prioritisation

• Managed queue effectively during peak hours for seamless checkout process.
• Coordinated with team members for smooth shift transitions.
• Greeted each customer warmly, creating a friendly shopping environment.
• Handled high volumes of transactions during holiday seasons efficiently.
• Assisted customers with enquiries to enhance their shopping experience.
• Maintained clean and organised workspace to ensure efficient service.
• Balanced till at end of day, maintaining accurate records.
• Handled returns and exchanges following company policies, resulting in satisfied customers.
• Took initiative in restocking shelves during downtime, enhancing product availability.
• Completed opening and closing procedures each day.
• Handled cash and card payments with precision, maintaining customer confidentiality and discretion throughout.

• Worked as part of a team to ensure the smooth running of the cafe.
• Managed cash register accurately for smooth transactions.
• Maintained safe food handling standards at all times.
• Helped train new staff.
• Opening up on a morning and closing down at the end of shifts.
• Delivered exceptional, friendly service.
• Assisted in inventory management tasks for efficient stock control in the café.
• Assisted chefs in food preparation to increase kitchen efficiency.

I owned a popular and very busy catering van, just off the A69 in Haltwhistle.

My working day would start at 4:30/5am and finish around 3pm Monday to Friday.

I was a sole trader and responsible for every aspect of running my business. It was a great success, until Covid hit. I reluctantly closed the van - thinking it would be temporary. As time went on, i had less and less money to reopen the van and start again.

Skills and qualities gained;

• Exceptional organisation skills.
• Ability to work under a great deal of pressure.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Professional attitude.
• Problem solving and improvisation skills.
• Resilience

I started this small cleaning business so that i could work and take care of my young children in equal measure.

I started by helping a friend with her housework and it soon snowballed into me cleaning and looking after three busy holiday cottages, regular weekly clients, end of tenancy cleans for a housing agency and id also get show homes ready for viewings.

It was fun and exciting meeting so many new clients and being able to help with their various needs.

I stopped cleaning to buy the burger van.