Alice Rendle - Just our Cup of Tea!
Alice Rendle stepped up to take over the leadership of Edgcumbe Tea and Coffee merchants in 1996 from her father- in-law and grew the fifteen year old company to become a leader in its market. Like many small businesses, it was literally started on the kitchen table and has grown to offer a huge range of coffees and teas along with associated products. It celebrates 30 years of trading in 2011.
Brewing Business Globally
Edgcumbes supplies many different businesses, including hotels, restaurants, leisure attractions, hospitals, offices, schools and universities, and relies on a network of local and international suppliers for its wide range of products and services. Importing ingredients and coffee-making equipment from all over the world, Alice has always felt strongly about choosing ethical suppliers, including products supported by Fairtrade, The Rainforest Alliance and the ‘Cup of Excellence’ certifications. “Sourcing fair trade tea and coffee really translates into product value, not least because of my customers’ increased awareness of it over the past couple of years,” says Alice. “Whole towns and councils are now sourcing exclusively fair trade products because it clearly demonstrates corporate social responsibility- and the products are high quality”.
From strength to strength
Having run a business for 20 years, Alice worked through the last recession and has learnt a lot from that experience. “I recognised the onset of this current downturn a couple of years ago, giving me a chance to put my affairs in order,” she admits. “For me, this recession holds huge opportunities to grow my business as well as continuous challenges - people will continue to drink coffee and tea as an affordable luxury. “
Edgcumbes has grown by over 40% since 2009 and Alice is looking forward to further expansion. “With the constant changes in how people can now access information and communicate with each other, including about their favourite products, you must keep abreast of all the changes in technology and, in particular, Social Media”, says Alice. “This will ensure that your customer is always at the centre of everything you do and, for Edgcumbes , it helps to ensure that we keep delivering exemplary customer service.”
