Multi-Vendor Website Supports Local Food Businesses

The independently-run site, Hello And…, has been designed to provide consumers with access to retailers and producers who they may not otherwise be aware of.

Launched by a former criminal law barrister, Hello And… raises the profile of vendors and allows consumers to purchase goods from local, artisan producers.

Jenny Yeo, company director of Hello And… said, “The company was the result of various businesses that developed due to demand and trends. Initially, I was dealing with local bakers but wanted to expand to include all local food producers and retailers, giving them the opportunity to enter the online market place.

“My goal is to give small businesses options for food distributions to overcome problems and costs they may face. From research, I understand that there are three main barriers to selling online; lack of resources to develop a website, concerns about receiving payments, and courier issues. With Hello And… I hope to overcome these issue to help small, local businesses have an online presence.

“To me, it is important to support and nurture our local businesses and encourage consumers to shop local more often. It is great to already see that shopping local is something being talked about but some local businesses can be hard to find. Hello And… will give vendors an online presence, and connect consumers with a range of artisan and deli foods across Wales and the UK.

“Launching a pilot company was great as I was able to see what worked and what didn’t work. Acting as a middle man was something that didn’t work and proved to be a bit challenging, which is why with Hello And… vendors will have direct contact with customers and have complete control.

“Hello And… gives local vendors a chance to grow their business and expand digitally. There is no sign up fee for the vendors and I have worked with SagePay and couriers who have lowered their prices to pass on to our members. Consumers will also have access to local produce and have a hand in saving our high streets. It’s a win-win situation!”