14-YEAR-OLD STUDENT NAMED AS YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR AT BUSINESSAWARDS
A 14-year-old student who launched an innovative online sweet shop earlier this year has been named as Young Entrepreneur of the Year.
Caitlin Russell beat off stiff competition from more well established businesses to scoop the award at the 2022 Peterborough Small Business Awards on 1st October.
Her business, The Candy King – Retro Sweet Hampers, received votes from the public and recognition from the judging panel in the category that celebrates businesses run by people under 25-years-old.
Receiving the award, Caitlin from Sawtry, near Peterborough, said: “I am so shocked and delighted to have won this award, particularly given the fact that I only launched the business earlier this year.
“I came up with the idea for it as part of my GCSE Business Studies course and with the help of my parents launched it on social media before creating a website.Since then, we have launched a monthly pop-up shop, a free home delivery service, and a monthly subscription service, all of which are doing really well.
“I wasn’t expecting to win this award but I’m so grateful to everyone that voted for me.”
The unprecedented success of the business means Caitlin is now considering moving into dedicated business premises where she can store and sell more of the sweets and treats she offers.
And she is also developing new products and services for her customers.
Dad Dan Russell explained: “As a family, we are all incredibly proud of what Caitlin has achieved so far, but she has more exciting plans in the pipeline.
“These include launching a new monthly subscription service in time for Christmas, so shoppers can gift their favourite sweets on a monthly basis for three, six, or 12 months. In recent months, we have also seen a huge increase in businesses approaching us for her sweets for corporate gifts and events.
“And although Caitlin already stocks more than 125different sweets and treats, she is adding more every month.
“This award is great recognition of what she has created and is growing every day.”
Unlike many other online sweet sellers, The Candy King offers the ability for shoppers to pick and mix their favourite sweets and create unique sweet mixes for themselves or as gifts for other people.
The sweets available include childhood favourites such as Baby Dolphins, Foam Bananas and Shrimps, Chocolate Mice, Cola Bottles, and Coconut Mushrooms.
The business also offers tuck shop favourites, movie night bundles, sweets for special occasions, and even drinks and crisps.
And they are all available in pouches, gift boxes, sweet platters, jars, or even a gift hamper.
In addition, the business has been awarded a five star hygiene rating and has been approved by the Food Standards Agency.
Visit the website at www.the-candy-king.com.
