ScaleUp 360

The ScaleUp 360 programme provides tailored support to entrepreneurs and start-ups with the ambition and potential to scale up their business. unLTD spoke to Loro Crisps and Learn to Re-create, two businesses who, with ScaleUp 360 support, are reaching out across the world

Loro Crisps

After meeting in Sheffield while studying, Natalia Welch and Daniela Orrego decided to bring a healthier alternative to traditional potato crisps from their home country Colombia with Loro’s vegan and glutenfree crisps made from the plantain fruit.

Daniela told unLTD: “Since the beginning of our journey we have been working closely with the Department of International Trade (DIT). Early this year, we visited Dubai as part of the Northern Powerhouse Trade Mission and were able to approach international stockists, securing our first export deal. DIT organised meetings for us and we are launching with Spinneys and Choithrams grocery delivery in the UAE in November this year.” Natalia and Daniela have participated in several meet the buyer events organised by DIT and met a Japanese buyer. They will launch their crisps in Japan in April next year.

Daniela added: “It has been challenging as we have had to adapt our product and recipe to be able to comply with these specific market requirements. “We have always been worldly and aware of the size of the market worldwide. Our product is originally from Colombia, we are a British brand, we are very diverse and interested in exploring the opportunities for our products reaching as many markets and people as possible.

“The opportunities in the international market for us are

IN THE LEARN TO RE-CREATE STUDIO THE WIDE RANGE OF LORO CRISP FLAVOURS

essential because the interest for British brands and interesting products is growing. We want to actively explore and make the most of this as an opportunity.”

Learn to Re-create

Learn to Re-create provides fashion and textiles product manufacture training to individuals at home and

overseas. Their training enables participants to set-up a business, to progress to further learning, take up an apprenticeship position or volunteer.

Olusola McKenzie said: “We are delivering a project working in collaboration with partners in Sweden and Portugal.

“We have designed an online course titled ‘Fashion Production and Creative Enterprise (FPCE)’ which trains learners from all project countries in garment and textile production and enterprise development.

“It is important to identify good partners when considering new markets. It is also important that businesses complete a due diligence exercise which involves getting to know the country, the people’s culture and their business approach as this will guide both parties’ expectations.”