26 April 2021|Latest Posts, Meet the Successful Founder
In 2014, Julian Campbell, the founder of Funky Nut Co, was a little bored of the straight ‘smooth’ and ‘crunchy’ options for peanut butter. Nut butter can – no, SHOULD be more fun. The same year Funky Nut Co was born. The mission was simple. The peanut and nut butters we made would be different. Of course, we offer the healthier nut butters, but there had to be more… Funky Nut Co is here to spread a delicious sense of fun across your everyday snacking moments. There are no limits in creating our pots. Like M&M’s? Like Snickers? Our range includes flavours inspired by these iconic tasty treats.
From those early days of buying a few cases of nuts to roast, grind, mix and sell at local markets, Funky Nut has grown into a small factory. Our small team do it all – we source the nuts, batch blend before making sure they are ready for you to dig into – we hope you have as much fun dipping into them as we do making them! Check out our full range of Nut Butters and Nut butter-based snacks at https://funkynutco.com
Can you tell us a little about your background and the company?
My background is the same as many business people really, started off as a 11 year old buying cleaning products from the wholesaler and annoying the neighbours until they bought it from me. Various job and making a few bob along the way with what the kids call these days a hustle. Off to Liverpool Uni as the oldest student in town at the age of 43 and studied International Business. After that set up Funky Nut.
How did the idea come to you for the company?
Always loved peanut butter, but why in a spreads section with 50 flavours of jams was there only the smooth and crunchy offerings that had been around for years. I decided to fix that.
How did you achieve awareness?
All on my lonesome at first and limited knowledge of social media. My biggest business came from Linkedin.
How have you been able to gain funding and grow?
Mostly self-financed (Bootstrapped if being trendy) at least for the first few year. Made every penny count. Couple of small loans to help along the way and now. Having a stable & growing business we are looking to take on investment (watch this space)
What are the key successes?
Establishing a strong business that is growing year on year. Having a good reputation among other companies we manufacture butters for. Having a team of people in the business that love what they do.
What were/are the challenges and how have you overcome these?
As a new business we met the same challenges that any business does. Finance. We managed this by taking care of every penny. We started renting kitchen space by the hour, we moved up to a new premises.
Covid has been a challenge to everyone. We have managed the risks within the business and continued to grow.
Brexit has caused issues with the import and export of goods. But we are doing ok.
What are your plans now/for the future?
Growth growth growth. I feel like the hidden gem. Not enough people have heard of Funky Nut as we don’t have huge budget spends. But now, with a solid base of customers it’s time to take on a little equity investment and let the world know that we are here
What would you like to share with others to encourage them to start their own entrepreneurship journey?
The worst thing I see is untapped potential. I would encourage anyone that wants to set up to do it. With the internet, It has never been easier to set up a business. There really are no limits
Can you share you top tips for entrepreneurial success?
1. Just get on with it. Don’t stagnate
2. Watch the pennies (Do you really need a new Range Rover before you have sold a jar?)
3. Take advice but then make your own decisions
4. Watch the pennies
5. Look after your staff
6. Don’t be afraid of making mistakes. YOU WILL MAKE MISTAKES
7. Help others. You will meet many new start-ups, some of these will become friends but you will also help each other out with contact as you both grow.
8. Did I say watch the pennies?!
Who are the 5 people who inspire you the most?
I don’t have five but I like Sir Gerry Robinson. He turned around some of the biggest UK companies – he knows the value of people and how to get the best from them. He isn’t flash and just gets on with it.
What are your social handles and website links so our readers can connect with you?
Instagram @funkynutcompany
Facebook @funkynutcompany
Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliancampbell1?originalSubdomain=uk
