We can't quite believe Colleague Box is one year old already but yes one year ago this month, in the midst of a pandemic, we sent out our first ever gift boxes. Here's a little round up of our first year.
(A throwback pic! Our 'Treat Box' designed to welcome colleagues back from furlough or back to office. This was only our second ever box with the first being 'The Original Colleague Box'. We've since gone on to create over 60 gift boxes for our website.)
Milestones in Numbers
£1million in sales in five months
100,000 gift boxes sent to date (we didn't even know if we'd send 100 when we first set up!)
65 colleagues at Christmas
21,500 real life fresh pumpkins packed and shipped
45,000 Christmas boxes sent
350 companies have used our services
5 permanent colleagues
We're up for Awards
We've been shortlisted for three awards which we are absolutely delighted about and as cliche as it sounds, we don't mind if we don't win because to be picked as a finalist after just one year of trading is a real honour for us and we are over the moon about each one!
University of Derby Employability Awards - Employer Engagement Awards
This is very special to us as 1) it was a total surprise! and 2) without the support of the University of Derby Student Employment Agency. The fantastic students that they sent our way became the first people to work with us at Colleague Box in our new warehouse and we couldn't have fulfilled the huge pumpkin order or Christmas orders without them.
We Are The City Rising Stars 2021 Awards - Entrepreneurs and Start Ups
We Are The City received over 1,000 nominations from across the UK and Northern Ireland and said "the calibre of entries for this year’s awards was exceptional."
The 200-strong shortlist showcases remarkable women within the UK from over 20 categories representing different industries/professions and our very own Creative Director Natalie made the shortlist for her part in creating Colleague Box into a brand and managing our messaging, image and brand voice.
Enterprising Women Awards - Business Woman of The Year
She's done it again, Natalie has made the finalists for Business Woman of The Year which she said "I can't actually believe it - the other finalists in that list are business woman that I'm completely in awe of and look up to like Claire Twells of Smith Partnership and Helen Wathall MBE of Wathall's. I'm absolutely honoured to be listed as a finalist alongside these inspiritational ladies just like the Rising Stars Awards."
What's Next for Colleague Box?
We plan to sit back and relax for the next 12 months....JUST KIDDING! We have no plans to slow down, in fact we are looking at new ways we can adapt and continue to grow Colleague Box and give our wonderful customers new and exciting options. Here's some of the things we have been working on...
New Beers and Business Subscription Box
This one is brand new as we have never done a subscription model before but with the promise of 3 awesome beers paired with 3 awesome snacks, PLUS some business chat with a different business leader each month, this is a subscription with a difference.
It starts on 24th June and if you can find out more and sign up here.
Experience Boxes
Our usual boxes of treats, snacks and drinks are great but when we were looking at expanding our collection we wanted to add something which gave a bit extra. For this we have collaborated with some amazing partners...
Box42 - We've teamed up with our friends at Box42 to bring you amazing boxes designed for couples to have an amazing night in. Choose from Zen Revival and Funfair champions.
Puzzle Post - Another great collaboration - bringing you an exciting Escape Room Box with two exciting puzzles to choose from to do in groups of 1-5 for around an hour of pure investigative joy! Complete with snacks and drinks to keep you going!
Crafty You Crafty Me ... Look out for our Crafty Night In and Mindfulness Boxes coming soon!
Cocktail Masterclasses ... In association with the fab team behind CocktailDelivery, these masterclasses are not to be missed! More details coming soon.
How You Have Used Our Boxes
We've been blown away by the innovative ways in which Colleague Boxes have been used. We initially set out for them to be sent to colleagues individual home addresses whilst working from home or on furlough so put a smile on their face. And whilst they have been used in this way... a lot!! They've also been used for...
Thank Yous
Miss Yous
Well Dones
Retirements
New Starters
Awards Nights
Online Events
Birthdays
Company Milestone Celebrations
Rebranding Launches
Marketing Campaigns
Recruitment Drives
Webinar Sign Up Gifts
Get Well Soon
Goody Bags
Plus loads more ways which we absolutely love to see and hear about.
Big Thank You
We just want to say a huge heartfelt thank you to every single one of you for your support, advice, custom, and loyalty over the last 12 months. Yes it's been hard work, we've learnt a lot and continue to learn. It's taken a lot of perseverance and determination but ultimately we wouldn't be where we are today without you, so thank you.
Here's to the next 12 months! 🍾
Natalie, Adam and The Colleague Box Team.
Please Note:
Gift boxes mentioned in this blog at the time of publishing may not be available at a later date.