A new sustainable retail outlet in Telford is set to hit two important milestones - The Little Green Pantry will become the first zero waste shop in Wellington and the 100th to ‘graduate’ from a business support programme in the county.
Keli King decided to launch the venture in a bid to reduce plastic and help people become more environmentally friendly.
“I started The Little Green Pantry while on maternity leave from my job in waste management after watching the BBC documentary 'War on Plastic,” said Keli, who lives in Madeley.
“I realised I wasn't doing enough by sorting and recycling my household waste so started looking for a more sustainable way to shop.
“When I started looking into it, the nearest zero waste store was in Shrewsbury so I came up with the plan to start my own refill pop up stall where people could fill their own containers with food and cleaning liquids rather than taking home a load of plastic waste.”
She built the business up by 'popping up' at various events and local markets, diversified into deliveries and then completed the Marches Step Up business support programme overseen by Bridgnorth consultancy Good2Great.
“I have had a great response from the public and also received a Telford and Wrekin Council’s Pride in Our High Street grant, helping me to secure a permanent shop in Wellington.
“The support from Good2Great has been brilliant - they explained everything in an easy way and the chance to speak to other start-up businesses was excellent, allowing us to bounce ideas off each other and tap into different expertise and contacts.
“With the help of Good2Great and community groups like Love Wellington, I feel The Little Green Pantry has a bright future in Wellington and I'm very excited to be able to provide a sustainable shopping experience to the town and beyond. I would definitely recommend the Step up Programme and have already mentioned it to new business people.”
The Marches Step Up programme is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund, Shropshire Council and Telford & Wrekin Council. It is managed by Telford & Wrekin Council on behalf of partners.
