In this eScalate case study, Katie at No Vice Ice shares the vision and mission behind the social enterprise, and how the eScalate programme has supported the team in the first three years of trading. >>
How did No Vice Ice come about?
No Vice Ice CIC was born in 2020 when our founding director began to explore the ways in which food might be able to help her manage her long term health conditions – epilepsy and anxiety. She wanted to find a way to balance healthy eating, sustainable ingredients, affordable price points, and create opportunities to connect with other people struggling with the same challenges. Our starting group of directors and associates came together due to our shared experience of, and interest in these issues.
What is the vision of No Vice Ice?
We make ice lollies and other products to support people with invisible health conditions and reduce stigma within our community.
We believe all communities should have the right to access affordable, sustainable and healthy foods, that are suitable for their individual health needs.
Join us on our mission to “Lick the planet into Shape”
What support did you receive from eScalate and how has it helped you?
I have joined a number of networking events by the eScalate programme. They gave me the opportunity to form connections with other like-minded business and grow in confidence to spread our message more widely across Oxfordshire.
I also attended one of the Business Bootcamps which enabled me to focus some time on the business to map out more clearly our; business model, marketing map, delve into more in depth financial planning, and learn more about how we can measure the impact we have on our community.
What are the most rewarding moments you’ve had with No Vice Ice in Oxfordshire?
1. Compiling and sharing our Trainee Programme Report and Production Report following our second season – we have accomplished so much in a short space of time and it has really energised the team to want to grow our social impact agenda further in 2023 and beyond.
2. Landing my first grant application to secure us funding to grow our business in 2023 and finally realise the dream of pedalling around Oxford on a branded No Vice Ice freezer bike!
What are your plans for the future?
- New flavours
- New revenue streams – events with the freezer bike
- Expanding into new stockists across the city (particularly in tourist hot spots)
If we manage to grow our sales as expected this year, then we will also be looking to secure a new larger production premises to cope with the increased volumes and look to invest in a flow wrapper to pack our lollies more efficiently with a more premium appearance.
