A mobile Ruddington coffee retailer – who has been trading for just two years – has been named among the UK’s top one hundred small businesses to be celebrated in a forthcoming campaign!
“The Split Screen Coffee Company“, owned and run by Jen Walker, is to be highlighted as part of the lead-up to “Small Business Saturday” on the 2nd of December. It’s the fifth annual UK event – which aims to raise the profile of the country’s 5.5 million small businesses.
One firm from the “Small Biz 100” list will be featured each day ahead of the celebration – including the quirky Ruddington company – whose “big day” will be Saturday September the 30th. The firm trades out of a distinctive, converted 1965 VW campervan which has become a familiar sight in and around Ruddington as well as at events much further afield.
Jen told RUDDINGTON.info she is “chuffed” by the accolade:
“I have been trading as The Split Screen Coffee Company for two years after making the decision to leave teaching. We attend events, weddings, parties, university open days and festivals all around the East Midlands but do travel to London quite a few times a year for a corporate client and the wonderful “Kings Cross Classic Car Boot” (happening this weekend by coincidence). 
Our head-turning campervan May puts a smile on the faces of our customers and we have always prided ourselves on the quality of our coffee and seasonal baked goods (often inspired by our very own Ruddington allotment!). We serve the award-winning, locally roasted 200 Degrees Coffee and have done right from the start. They have been very supportive and it has helped me in my efforts to keep my suppliers as local as possible. We have a strong ethos of using local small businesses for all aspects of our company. From the creative Tom, from the Nottingham-based 3wn, who designed our logo to the lovely Emma at Paper Straw Party, we have sought out small independents. I believe this community ideal has helped us to win our place”.
Originally started in the US by American Express in 2010 “Small Business Saturday” has been seen as the antithesis of Black Friday and Cyber Monday where most money will go to big corporations. Small, independent traders across the country will be offering deals and savings as a way of tempting consumers back into their local high streets and markets to spend their pennies in a way that will directly impact their communities.
Jen concludes: “I am honoured to be part of such an event and can’t wait to see The Split Screen Coffee Co make the headlines on September 30th (our day to shine). I have already made contacts with the other two Nottingham businesses to have been awarded – Made in Nottingham and Next Step HR – and can’t wait to make contact with others at the “Blue Tie” event in London this October. I have always embraced Small Business Saturday and offered deals on the day but it wasn’t until I met another winner at an event in Derby where she encouraged me to make the application – and I’m so glad I did.”
