August 2011 - WBC Blog

A Boxing History (part 1)

Business Matters 22 Aug 2011 Andrew Wilson (WBC Managing Director)

Liquid iD - Surviving in a Small Way, Telegraph 1992

Despite initial rebuffs by banks and financial services, WBC’s managing Director along with business partner Tim Wilkinson, turned a simple idea and a small Prince’s Trust loan into one of the UK’s best known B2B packaging brands and a multi-million pound annual turnover. With over 21 years experience, Andrew is a mine of inspiration with a business acumen that has seen him advising many young entrepreneurs, mentoring for The Princes’ Trust, and providing key input into several start–up businesses. In A Boxing History, Andrew chronicles the humble beginnings of Winebox, from inception to success. Maybe you’re just starting your own business, or maybe you’ve been running one for some time, set your RSS feed for regular updates – this is his story, his thoughts and experiences, hopefully you’ll find them interesting too.

WBC at Speciality & Fine Food Fair 2011

Out & About / Product Launches 19 Aug 2011 Bobby Stearns

They call it the ‘UK’s quintessential trade event for local and regional fine food and drink’. Bit of a mouthful. No pun intended.

WBC Stand @ Speciality & Fine Food Show 2010

‘They’ being the media of course, as well any self respecting foodie, trade buyer and pretty much anyone with their finger on the pulse of quality artisan food sourcing. But ‘they’ are probably right. With over 600 small producers and suppliers exhibiting at Speciality & Fine Food Fair; with a plethora of visitors including delis, farm shops, independent retailers, cafes, restaurants, hotels, caterers, wholesalers and distributors, it’s no wonder that all and sundry flock to London each year to see what’s on offer. It’s the place to be. It’s the place to see what’s trending and it’s the place to meet with many of the suppliers and customers that keep your business ticking over throughout the year. And that’s why we will be there.

Get a lorry load of that!

Out & About 19 Aug 2011 Bobby Stearns

Look what just turned up at WBC HQ.

“101” uses for an antique fruit crate

How to / Retail Display 19 Aug 2011 Bobby Stearns

WBC’s vintage fruit and chitting crates

When we introduced our line of Antique French fruit crates earlier this year, we knew they would be popular for specialist food and drink retailers looking for unique ways to ‘retail’ display their products. What we weren’t prepared for, was the level of demand for them. Or the variety of uses that our customers find for them. These range from cleverness to the downright weird and bizarre. It takes all sorts, but here are some of the ideas we’ve come across on our travels.

Make Tea Not War

Product Launches 10 Aug 2011 Bobby Stearns

As the great British clear up gets underway today, scores of community volunteers, men, women, teens, whole families and children grab the nearest bin bag or dust pan and brush to set about cleaning up the streets of the neighbourhood after several days of unrest. It wasn’t long before in true British defiance, #operationcupoftea began trending on twitter world wide. When we designed and ordered our new season Mark Ho shoppers we had no idea the slogan ‘Make Tea Not War’ would take on such significant meaning.

Life’s a game! WBC sponsors local Surrey U9’s cricket team

Out & About 3 Aug 2011 Bobby Stearns

We often look for ways to support our local community. Recently we sponsored the Surrey Under 9’s Squad 2011, by kitting them out in a snazzy new uniform. Based over at the Oval, south London, here Lucas models his all in white outfit before taking to the field to christen it with grass stains!

What do you think, reckon we should start our own clothing line?