2020: A time for reflection

Challenging would be an understatement, 2020 is a year we would all rather sweep under the carpet and forget even existed.

However where there is struggle and pain there is always an opportunity to learn, and I personally have not stopped reflecting on what has been such a painful year and my key learnings.

So what have I learnt from this?

2020 began with a bang, record sales for Veganuary ’20 and that showing no sign of slowing down, until life hit us with a blow. The uncertainty of what was ahead reminded me of the need to shift focus, pivot and adapt.

The following months required monumental flexibility from us, our team, our business, and our customers in order to keep pushing forward, let’s be honest we were in survival mode.

Overnight restaurants became a scapegoat for the world’s problems and supermarkets hailed the saving grace. We had no way, no energy or time to waste in fighting this narrative.

The Pivot

So, our focus shifted to the question ''how we can help reach a wider customer base when the world is locked down?''. Our meal kits then became the biggest business pivot for us in March’20. Seeing nationwide orders as our website was now transactional, we were suddenly reaching a whole new audience as we packaged up our best selling burger into a box for customers to re-create at home. The reaction was joyous.

We also released our sauces, which were a year in the making, in June primarily on our website before our first few stockists released the news. The importance of our digital strategy became obvious, restaurants can't rely solely on their bricks and mortar business anymore.

It was becoming more evident as the months rolled on how many of our customers were relying on us for their weekly happiness fix through something so simple yet so effective as our meal kits and sauces. This pushed us to re-think many of our in store launches and transform our retail innovation pipeline for 2021.

New site opening in a pandemic? Why oh why?

When the world looked as though there was a glimmer of hope in July, we managed to open our third site in Brighton. As the contract was signed, we were gearing up for the opening in April. However owing to the full shut down, the continuation of this project took everything and more out of Neil and I behind the scenes. We worked to pivot the business as above, but also to manage the build and process through a full country lockdown. At a time when the world kept telling us nobody will eat at a restaurant again, we still had to persevere with our builders, our site visits and all challenges faced through this time (equipment being held in China owing to the virus anyone?) They were overcome eventually through the support and compassion we were shown by those around us. This time really did remind me that you really can create more solutions when you are vulnerable, reach out and connect.

Our team also needed us more than ever this year, the numerous questions, the inbound requests, worries and the support required was non-stop. Nobody truly sees the impact this year has had on business founders because we 'must' always appear to have it all together. Those closest to Neil and I could see how much we were bogged down behind the scenes and we lent on each other more than ever before for support and mental stability.

A restaurant fundraising in 2020, what a journey...

Let’s not overlook the biggest challenge for small businesses like us who did not imagine having to raise investment during a global pandemic. It has been the most pressurised, and frustrating experience that we wouldn’t wish on anyone. My experience is a whole chapter in a future book I’m sure. But I’ll share my biggest learning curve; never underestimate the power of being around the right people. Life is a team effort and, on many occasions, I would be at my lowest with no energy to expel, yet it was my team who were there to keep fighting for us, for that I am eternally grateful.

Connecting with others: the saving grace?

We relished in the chance to connect and speak to others going through a similar journey. I learnt so much from being a part of virtual events through the year such as Vegpreneur and the Vegan Women Summit and being invited to take part in many awesome podcasts to share our pivoting story. We’re extremely grateful for the energy these founders put into creating these events and allowing us all to feel connected and a little more human again.

My biggest learning curves this year are :-

-      Adaptability and vulnerability are superpowers

-      Being around the right people for you is everything

-      You never know what someone is going through, listen and just be kind

-      Be open to learning at every opportunity, even when you didn't set out to learn anything

-      Don’t take anything for granted, gratitude is everything

I’m so proud of our team and the way we have all handled the pressure of 2020. The way our business has adapted and continued to thrive throughout speaks volumes about how our customers really feel a part of our journey, our team are here to serve and we are ready to innovate and adapt in a minutes notice.

The agility of small businesses never ceases to amaze me and should never be taken for granted. They are the trailblazers, the pioneers and the future - we should celebrate them at any given opportunity.

Whilst this year has taught us that we never know what is around the corner, I am grateful to have gotten to the end of 2020 having endured and learnt more than I thought possible.

2021 will see The Vurger Co turning 5 and whatever you have in store for me '21, we have the foundations to handle it, I can assure you of that.

A very personal thank you to everyone who has helped me through the year and taught me so much, I am forever grateful.

Here’s to 2021!