Savouring business on the move with improved economy

Alan Hamilton from Carrickfergus Enterprise and Daryl Crothers from Flipping Crepes. INCT 27-161-GR

We are a French crepe catering company that specialises in weddings, birthdays and private parties as well as taking part in large and small scale events all over Northern Ireland.

Tell us a little about yourself and how you ended up doing what you are doing now?

I previously had a stationary crepe stall in a few shopping centres but due to high rental costs I decided to shut these and during this time I became a bar manager in Belfast. Once the economy started to improve I decided to open a on the move portable crepe bar as well as purchasing a catering trailer for outdoor events.

Did you always want to run your own enterprise?

Since the age of 16 I wanted to run my own business, I always thought crepes could make an excellent business model and the whole way through school and my first year of university I adapted what I was learning to creating a business plan for my company. After the first year of university I decided to give it go.

What skills/qualifications do you require for the role?

Outgoing, friendly, hard working, determined and stubborn

Has your business been affected by the current recession?

The recession caused my first crepe company to close down but now it has very little effect.

What were the biggest challenges you faced when setting up and what support did you get?

The main challenge was monetary as my credit rating was very low, the Prince’s Trust and Invest NI gave me the confidence, information and support needed to get back on my feet and give it another go.

What three tips could you offer those considering starting their own business?

Never give up.

Don’t rush into anything and don’t expect to be a millionaire overnight.

Be prepared for some really hard work and a roller coaster of ups and downs on a weekly basis.

What are your plans for the next 12 months?

Plans for a new stall opening seven days a week in Belfast at the end of September.

A possible new easy pour crepe mix hopefully hitting the shelves for you to buy next year.

What do you get up to in your free time?

Got a two-year-old daughter so a lot of my free time is doing with her. Also like playing rugby but due to a knee injury unfortunately won’t be playing for a while.