From initial concern to consistent work, how one small Northampton catering business has coped during the pandemic

A Northampton woman who runs a catering firm has spoken out about how her business has coped during the pandemic.

Victoria Austin, who runs Homemade by Victoria, caters for corporate buffets and weddings and also makes celebration cakes, afternoon teas and treat boxes.

The 23-year-old, from Duston was initially concerned when bookings were cancelled at the beginning of lockdown, but is now busy every week and is looking positively towards the future.

Victoria said: “It was steady to start with, but after VE Day it really took off and it has been consistent ever since.

“My afternoon teas have never been as popular as they have been recently, although they have started to die down now.

“I’ve also had a lot of new customers who have not used me before but have said they will do in the future.

“I think a lot of people have wanted to support small businesses during this time and I hope that will continue.

“I’ve even had quite a lot of people in contact from outside of Northampton like London and Essex, buying a present for someone in Northampton.”

During the period of lockdown, Victoria created a special VE Day afternoon tea, which she delivered to customers, that was extremely popular.

She has also managed to adapt her business to meet the demand of what local people want right now and her Facebook page, Homemade by Victoria, has gained an extra 1,500 likes.

Victoria added: “Buffets and celebration cakes are slowly starting to come back and treat boxes and cupcakes are popular at the moment too.

“A lot of people wouldn’t order a birthday cake if they were a family of just two or three, but now they can have a bubble or see family and friends more, it has given them an excuse to have a cake, even if they can’t have a party.

“And a lot of weddings and big birthday parties have just been moved a year, so I will still get that business, just in the future.”

Although she appreciates that the pandemic is not yet over and it could still have an impact on business, Victoria is remaining positive about how well her company has coped.

“Booking weeks and months in advance isn’t really happening as we don’t really know what will happen, so I’m working week to week,” she continued.

“The following week might look sparse but it gets better.

“I’ve been busy considering how some other small businesses have struggled. I don’t know what is round the corner, but I’m trying to be positive.”

To find out more, search Homemade by Victoria on Facebook or email Victoria on [email protected].

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