Liz from Refills by Beez, shares the story behind her Oxfordshire businesses, why she’s passionate about zero waste solutions, and how the eScalate programme has helped her business grow. >>
How did Refills by Beez start?
In 2021 I felt I needed to take action, even if on a small scale, in response to the climate crisis and as a family we tried to reduce the amount of single use plastic we were using.
It was hard.
Refills by Beez was founded to make it a bit easier and more convenient for people (including my family) to shop plastic free, reuse containers and reduce plastic waste.
What is the purpose and vision of Refills by Beez?
Refills by Beez is an online low impact/zero waste shop offering doorstep deliveries, including refills, of cleaning products and toiletries to households in Bicester and the surrounding villages.
Refills by Beez also supplies cleaning product refill stations to a range of businesses across Oxfordshire including offices, cafes/bars/restaurants and airbnb properties.
Every time a container is reused that is one less piece of plastic that will end up in landfill!
What support did you receive from eScalate and how has it helped you?
I have received a wide range of support from eScalate since setting up Refills by Beez.
I have had a number of 121 sessions that have focused specifically on my business needs at that time and have led to some invaluable advice as well as numerous beneficial introductions to others that have helped Refills by Beez to grow as a business.
I have joined a range of eScalate workshops that have always been informative, inspiring and a hugely beneficial opportunity for networking with other local small business owners.
In May 2022 I attended the two day Business Bootcamp. This was an amazing opportunity to hear from a range of speakers with a wealth of expertise and gave me the time I needed to focus on what my business needed in order to grow.
What are the most rewarding moments you’ve had with Refills by Beez in Oxfordshire?
Everytime a new customer orders refills from Refills by Beez I do a little happy dance as that is one more person taking that step to resuing containers. Every time a container is reused the amount of plastic going to landfill will be reduced. It all counts.
Supplying refills for the airbnb properties at Bicester Motion was a great moment for Refills by Beez. If businesses start reusing and reducing their plastic waste this has the potential to greatly impact the problem of plastic pollution.
What are your plans for the future?
I have so many ideas for Refills by Beez.
Refills by Beez will continue to grow in the Bicester area and then beyond.
I am exploring the option of having a physical space for people to come and get their refills and expanding to refills of dried foods.
I am hugely passionate about providing education around the impact of plastic pollution and the importance of reusing and will be developing a range of workshops around this.
Raising awareness of the climate crisis but also encouraging action as a response is my ultimate aim.
The eScalate programme provides support for purposeful businesses, social enterprises and trading charities in Oxfordshire. You can access remote 1:1 support for your business through the programme. If you would like to book a 1:1 with Grant Hayward, Enterprise Support Manager, please email escalate@oxfordshirelep.com. The next eScalate 2 Day Business Bootcamp for Early Stage Businesses is on Thursday 20th & Friday 21st October at the Ark T Centre in east Oxford. You can find out more about the support provided and apply for a space here.
