#edinurgh

About

The Hamper The hamper has been compiled in mind for someone visiting the city. Upon arriving at their temporary abode and opening the hamper guests will be presented with regional flora, Scottish botanical soap, naturally caffeine-free herbal tea, fair trade single origin coffee ground for cafetières and chunky Italian olives.

An accompanying map and guide are included. It contains information on the products inside the hamper.

What Wheelpowered is focused on providing some of the best goods in Edinburgh and Scotland that can be appreciated at home. A great way to get the best out of a holiday is often to ask a local for recommendations, where to drink coffee, where to eat, what to do if the weather isn't so great. For this reason, Wheelpowered champions its suppliers actively encouraging guests of our city to visit their stores, in person or online. Some of our suppliers are included under place of interest in our map. This is of benefit to both vendors and visitors, it helps guests make the most of their time in Edinburgh and it helps drive local businesses by directing new customers their way. These new customers may well visit these businesses a couple of times during their stay, post photos online and recommend friends and family to visit these businesses should they find themselves in Edinburgh.

When The idea was conceived in August 2017. With the help of a web developer, the website was designed in autumn. The website has been designed to be user-friendly and informative, taking minutes to select a delivery day, place an order and complete payment transaction.

Why Upon returning to Edinburgh having worked in sales and business development in London I was frustrated by the lack of opportunity to work in a job that allows me to build on these skills. I decided the best way forward would be to create my own role in my own company. Having spent most of my life in Edinburgh and longer than I would have imagined working in hospitality I believe I am well positioned to steer visitors towards the Edinburgh's many charms. Creating hampers is a way to showcase these businesses.

Who My primary focus local independent and artisan boutiques. The end user of the hampers in most cases will be a guest to the city (that's not to say it wouldn't be appreciated by a resident in need cheering up or gifted as a reward or treat!). Independent businesses tend to focus on a smaller product range, placing greater emphasis on quality and customer experience than their multi-chain competitors. The Wheelpowered vision is to champion these like-minded businesses and help them reach this unique market of visitors to the city who are eager to check out its charms.

How I thought carefully about how I could build on my own knowledge, interests, and experience to create a scalable business. As I love cycling a service that could be delivered by bike was the first step.  Edinburgh also has a thriving tourism industry so that was the obvious choice for allocating a market to work within. From my time spent in hospitality, I was aware that city-guests often inquire about places to eat, drink or spaces that are good for meeting with people.

Developments in technology have changed consumer habits and in some cases been revolutionary within our economy Uber and Air Bnb being obvious examples. This is something I'm conscious of, given my anticipation of how the hampers will be used (ready waiting to be opened by their end user) store premises are unnecessary.  Instead, they will be made to order and sold online.