Farr Out are way ahead
Looking for good news stories during lockdown we kept bumping into Farr Out Deliveries, the bicycle courier service, whether in the street or online.
Farr Out is worker-owned and run, and they will deliver almost anything for you on their cargo bikes. The business started with three friends, Alex Fitzhowle,
25, David Squire, 30, and Frazer Martin, 31, all looking for something useful to do during the pandemic that would also bring in a wage.
We spoke to Alex who was looking quite energetic even though it was at the end of a long day. He said: "It's good to be busy. Before this I was working in food events and was planning a food festival. Suddenly, I had to let everybody know it wasn't taking place and so running this business has been a really rewarding way of staying in touch with people in that business, but being useful too."
Each rider probably covers between 30 to 60 miles a day, although clearly some of their days are longer than others. (Frazer apparently claims to be in the best physical shape he has ever been in.)
Farr Out have spoken to other cargo bike related businesses in the UK and were given some really useful advice by those already in the know. These businesses are based in cities such as York, Oxford, Bristol, Bath and London. What they all have in common is that they are based in historical cities with small footprints, and condensed city centres, not all of which are easily adapted to vehicular traffic. Of course in Edinburgh the big difference is that we have hills, but bikes have power assist.
Alex explained the business model. He said: "For us the biggest thing is that we are not selling something as such - but we suggest to everyone that they use the small independents who employ us.
"We will also have a directory on our new website showcasing all the businesses who support us by employing us to deliver their goods. We work with breweries, bakers, bookshops, coffee roasters, picklers, gift shops and clothing shops. It is a nice list of independent Edinburgh businesses.
"As well as our business customers however, members of the public are now in touch more and more often to get single items delivered. Two things we are most often asked: "Can we beat Deliveroo? Are we hiring? The answer to both of those is no - not at the moment."
It may not be long till they are however.
farroutdeliveries@gmail.com
Female entrepreneurs are revving up for the AccelerateHER Awards.
Businesswomen who have founded a company are invited to enter the sixth year of the awards which has many benefits for the winners. Deadline for entries is Friday 4 December.
There is a mentoring package delivered by Investing Women Angels on offer, and potentially a place on a trade mission to Europe, North America or the Middle East, depending on travel restrictions.
There are four categories: Medtech and Science, FinTech and Cyber Security, CleanTech and Climate or Disruptive Innovation.
Jackie Waring, CEO and founder of AccelerateHER, said: “While Covid-19 has had a profound impact on the global economy, it has not stopped female founders from continuing to excel across the business community. We are therefore determined this important event will proceed and, after our success in staging last year’s finals as a virtual event, we are confident we can deliver the full 2021 programme on a virtual basis.
“Our awards support Scotlandfocused businesswomen by giving them an ideal platform to promote their companies and attract initial or additional investment to help them grow their business on a global scale. I would urge any ambitious female founder who wants to raise her company’s profile on an international stage to enter the awards. This includes those whose businesses are only at concept stage who could secure recognition through the Rising
Star category.”