The winning business, which develops and markets a range of novel ‘free-from’ healthy foods, was recognised for its continuous product innovation, inventive marketing, strong export model, and rapid growth. It was also awarded the FSB Scale-up Business of the Year Award.
‘Innovation is the key’
Commenting on Creative Nature’s win, owner and chief executive Julianne Ponan said: “I’m thrilled to be recognised as the FSB Small Business of the Year 2018. As a small business, innovation is the key to the sustainability of our successful business performance.
“We constantly focus on developing new and exciting products. Our products will constantly push the boundaries of free-from and will introduce new taste and eating experiences for consumers.”
Ponan, a sufferer of the medical condition anaphylaxis, created the company after facing challenges in finding nut-free, additive-free healthy snacks to help her cope, before deciding to make her own.
Best-selling healthy snacks
Creative Nature launched its first product in more than 2,000 Co-op stores in 2017, quickly becoming one of the three best-selling healthy snacks.
It now exports to markets in Switzerland, Iceland, Jordan, Malta and Brunei and has a range of more than 25 baking mix, green powder, healthy flapjack bar, superfood powder, wholefood and breakfast topping products.
FSB national chairman Mike Cherry added: “My congratulations to Creative Nature. The awards clearly demonstrate how small businesses are embracing and driving innovation, technology and ecology to drive the UK’s export economy, inspire the next generation and, in many cases, help to look after our planet.
“Small businesses make for a strong economy, and it is through supporting small businesses such as Creative Nature that we’ll continue to lead the world in entrepreneurialism.”