Breaking out of the business bubble

This week I’ve been asked to fly to Abu Dhabi to speak at a youth entrepreneurship conference. So, having formerly been a youth and now an entrepreneur, I knew I was the right lady for the job. It might seem a rather tenuous link; after all Wedge works in a hyper local way in London and a few parts of the UK. However, I promise you this isn’t some folly to get some winter sun whilst the team back at Wedge HQ are busy working on The King of Camden Awards to celebrate the best businesses in Camden Town, the launch of a bigger & better London Wedge supplement in the Big Issue and continuing to promote local businesses across the capital.

The reason is this: I was intrigued by the idea of bringing early-stage business folk, and those interested in becoming one, together from across the world. It’s easy to get stuck in a bubble when you’re in business; not only by your company’s limitations and potential but also the way that business is done in your culture. Look at how revolutionary the internet has been in changing the way business is done. Although it doesn’t replace traditional concepts of business, it sharpens, it enhances and it inspires how business is done. And it is these things that I am hoping to get from this conference.

Diana

A Gastronomic Tour with Your Wedge Card

Getting local with your food is the ‘mot du jour’ lately, and with good reason too, since not only is it better for the environment, and has fewer carbon food miles, it also supports your local communities. What better way to do it than with your Wedge Card round all the local independents in London? So whip out your Wedge Card we’re going for a little tour round London town!

Starters - Our little tour begins in the heart of Wedge land; a fantastic cluster of shops located in and around our office and Waterloo Station. Get your meal off to a sumptuous start with salad from Casse-Croute on Lower Marsh; they offer wonderful combinations of beans, pasta, couscous, quiches, and many Middle Eastern inspired delights. And with your Wedge Card you get a free cookie with purchases over £5-bonus! Onto Greensmiths, a stone’s throw away on Lower Marsh, to top up those salads with a whole host of olives; they sell pots of black, purple, bright green and your standard ’olive’ green fare. And why not grate some candy beetroot for the perfect finish on your starting salad? These make a wonderful colourful addition to your salad, and are guaranteed to please. And if you’ve started your shopping a little late in the day why not stop by for a speedy snack which comes with a free tea or coffee when you spend £5 or more in the café after 3pm.

Mains- It’s now time to trek it across to the Nutritious Food Gallery in East London, Broadway Market. This shop does what it says on the tin, and is worth a visit just for the conversation with the owner. But yes, we know you’re here to stock up for your dinner…And fish is the dish of the day! You’ll get a fantastic 15% off fish when using your Wedge Card and you can then pick up your accompanying veg whilst here. Now that you have got the starters and mains sorted, it’s time to head down to Bedales in Market Street at Spitalfields Market for the perfect wine accompaniment. The expert noses of Bedales will help you choose the best to bring out the all the different nuances and flavours in your meal. And if you fancy stopping by for a little tipple yourself, late afternoon, Bedales offer half price on corkage after 3pm with your Wedge Card.

Cheese Platter- No meal is complete without the cheese course, and La Fromagerie fulfils all your Wedge needs: 10% off for your favourite wedge of cheese. Find them in Marylebone and Highbury.

Dessert- And all of you with sweet tooth out there, never fear, the gastronomic tour with Wedge is not complete without a visit to a cake shop! Head to The Spence in Stoke Newington Church Street, N1. There is a cake for all tastes: chocolate, heavenly cheesecake, frangipane fruit tarts, and gluten free polenta lemon cake among many.

Coffee- An after dinner espresso is perfectly finished with Rococo Chocolates, located in Avenue Mews, N1, King’s Road, SW3 and Marylebone High Street, W1U. A tantalising 10% off their tempting treats; may we suggest a bittersweet dark chocolate truffle to add that luxurious touch to the end of your meal?

Written by Nadia Bunce