A FAMILY-run business in Ashburton, set up during the first coronavirus lockdown, has been named the Business of the Year in Food Drink Devon’s virtual awards.

Clare Brayshaw said: ‘We’re so thrilled to be named top business. We’ve worked so hard as a team to establish ourselves.’

The family started during lockdown in an effort to support local businesses. 

They set up an online delivery service of pantry essentials and local, fresh produce with an emphasis on stocking products which are packaged in recyclable or biodegradable packaging.

They also encouraged elderly and vulnerable people to telephone for support and a chat.

‘We’re a small team who are all hands on in every single aspect of the business, but all have our main strengths,’ says Clare.

‘The younger members include; Cal (20) who created and manages our website, Lydia (18) who helps with our Instagram page as well as creating recipes using our products and Jake (26) who is responsible for our Facebook and other marketing activities.

‘We deliver locally across South Devon seven days a week and nationally via courier, providing quality food, drink and eco-friendly household products that minimise the impact on the planet.

‘We offer our customers all their usual pantry essentials, including a great range of organic, vegan, veggie and gluten free.

‘This allows our customers to shop locally for their fresh produce such as fruit, vegetables, eggs and milk. We stock more than 800 products, including well-known brands.’

The judging panel said: ‘This outstanding family run business started during the first lockdown.

‘The owners realised it was an especially challenging time for local businesses and they recognised the vital need to keep them thriving.

‘We were impressed by their online delivery service which ensured their local community was able to get hold of pantry essentials and local, fresh produce.

‘We also admired their commitment to stocking products which were packaged in recyclable or biodegradable packaging.

‘The icing on the cake was the level of support that The Postal Pantry gave to elderly and vulnerable customers.

‘They were encouraged to telephone for help and a chat so that they did not feel so isolated in the challenging lockdown situation.’

Stuart Elford, chief executive of Devon & Plymouth Chamber of Commerce said: ‘I am amazed and humbled by the lengths people have gone to, how they have adapted so impressively and how passionate they are to deliver a quality and dependable service in these unprecedented times, I commend all the entrants.’

Clare stressed: ‘We also allow any customer to order by phone, so this allows the less technically minded individuals, such as the elderly (who are especially vulnerable during these times), to benefit from our service.

‘Furthermore, we provide customer support seven days a week via email, phone and live chat, allowing our customers to easily get in touch with us.

The team was delighted to be able to contribute a box of food to the Ashburton Food Larder, made up of contributions from the firm and its customers. They are in the process of adding this facility to their website so people can contribute to the foobank online.

‘Our customers can easily order via our website, at postalpantry.co.uk or over the phone, by calling 01364 700201,’ added Clare.