Setting up a brand-new business with your husband at the peak of a global pandemic isn't everyone's cup of tea. Some may say that it's a crazy idea. But then Natalie and Adam Bamford aren't your average couple.

The husband-and-wife from Derby have spent all their married life working together.

And when lockdown meant that most people were forced to gather their thoughts and operate at a gentler pace of life, Natalie and Adam set up an exciting new business venture, letterbox gift company Colleague Box.

Fast-forward six months and Colleague Box have just got the keys to their first commercial property, taken on staff to cope with demand and recently earned praise from entrepreneur Theo Paphitis, one of the UK's most high profile businessmen who is best known for his appearances on BBC1 programme, Dragons' Den.

“The idea of Colleague Box is pretty simple,” said Natalie, founder of the award-winning Derby Days Out; the events listings website for parents and carers which she set up in 2015.
“It became apparent to us that there was a real need for furloughed workers - and those who were working remotely across the UK - to still feel valued and connected by their employer.
“This was how the idea of sending a surprise through the post began, hence the start of Colleague Box.”

Colleague Box is now, though, so much more than a personalised gift box for furloughed workers; the pair have created brownie boxes for business meetings, cocktail boxes for virtual quiz nights and, more recently, they secured a deal with a global delivery company which will see Colleague Box package up 20,000 pumpkins for their workers – complete with carving kit – as part of a seasonal treat for employees.

“That was an interesting request,” smiles Natalie, who has been impressed with the many ways in which businesses are reimagining the Colleague Box.
“We have sourced and will package up the pumpkins in a double-walled box along with a carving kit and insert. It's for a national competition which the delivery company are running in the Autumn for their employees, and I think it's a great idea!
“The way in which people are using the Colleague Box is so innovative. We've had them used at award ceremonies, where everyone opens the box at the same time to find out who has won the award.
“We love it when the phone rings and it's a company that wants to do something completely custom. We also like to be completely flexible when it comes to contents and work with companies to create their own bespoke box, even sourcing them branded merchandise.
“We received one request from a company who usually host a huge party for colleagues in the summer with a barbecue and outdoor bar but, because of the Coronavirus pandemic, the annual get-together was cancelled.
“They still wanted to mark the occasion, though, and a 'secret' page was set up on our website where employees could order their own customised Colleague Box – the Craft Beer and Cocktail Boxes were really popular – and they all had a big virtual gathering in the comfort and safety of their own homes.”

This COVID success story hasn't, though, been without its challenges.

For Natalie, who is mum to Lola (13) and two-year-old Poppy – plus puppy Pixie – there has been a few pangs of 'mum guilt' as she has juggled a fledgling business with homeschooling.
“I think that every parent, especially those who have been homeschooling during lockdown, has felt guilty at some point about maybe letting the kids watch a couple of hours' of TV whilst working, or handing them an electronic device to keep them occupied whilst sending a few emails,” said Natalie.
“It's just natural. I do, though, try to involve the children as much as I can. Lola has been particularly helpful, picking up bits for the boxes and packaging them.”
The challenges which most businesses have faced in recent months have been dealt with admirably by Natalie and Adam, who have turned those difficulties into opportunities for Colleague Box.
“I know that a lot of creative businesses have struggled because there are very few members of staff in the office to bounce ideas off,” added Natalie.
“But, when your business partner also happens to be your husband, you're constantly throwing ideas around; when you're making tea for the kids or when you're doing a spot of weeding in the garden. Adam and I spark off each other.
“It can often be difficult to switch off – but then I love what I do.
“Adam and I had a 'date night' recently and we vowed now to talk about work. That lasted about 10 minutes before we started coming up with new ideas for Colleague Box.”

Initially there was just the one version of the Colleague Box – now named The Original Colleague Box – available.

Now, though, there are 24 gift boxes in the collection – all with free delivery to postcodes in the UK – including the new Christmas Box, which comes festively wrapped and is jam-packed with seasonal delights, including a hand-written Christmas card, Christmas cracker, handmade Hawkens Christmas gingerbread, a bottle of Prosecco and a Christmas Eve Yankee Candle. A £1 from each Christmas Box sold will be donated to Safe and Sound, a Derby-based charity which fights child exploitation and transforms young lives.

Each box – priced from £1 2.99 up to £4 9.99 for the top-priced premium option - comes complete with company branding and a personalised message.

“Although setting up a business during the pandemic was a risky move, we launched at a time when supporting people and employee engagement was, and still is, paramount,” said CEO, Adam.
“The response to Colleague Box – particularly from the people in our home city of Derby - has been amazing. The feeling you get when you receive a surprise gift in the post is brilliant and we've had so much wonderful feedback.
“Good customer service is something which, for us, is so, so important. However fast our business grows, I want to make sure that we continue to excel in this area; in the past, I've received bad customer service and it has tarnished my buying experience.
“We are so excited to see what 2021 brings. We're hoping for further growth and can see Colleague Box doubling in size.”

Colleague Box offer free UK shipping, whilst packages can be sent abroad for an additional cost.
Each box is ordered online and for bulk purchases, Colleague Box offer a secure mass upload option. Packaged using sustainable and recyclable materials, the boxes arrive at the door within a few days.
To find out more, visit www.colleaguebox.co.uk or connect on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.

ENDS

For further information please contact Kerry Ganly at Penguin PR on 07734 723951 or email kerry@penguinpr.co.uk