After completing a PhD in molecular biology, Tim Wilkes found himself baking pies for friends and family and then, eventually, selling them at a Chelsea market stall at the weekends. This was in 2010 – now, his company Timmy’s Pies has been trading for five years, won nine Great Taste Awards in the past four years and has stock in some of the finest stores in London.
As Tim puts it, the growth has come from “three years of slog”. The artisan pie company began in West London, and has a focus on using organic, seasonal produce when making delicious pies, sausage rolls, quiches and scotch eggs. From a small company, it has snowballed into a unique brand and sold in a selection of pubs and shops across the capital – including Fulham Football Club.
“My focus had been on baking the best pie I could bake, but in that six months we’d built a bit of a company, and I really enjoyed what we were doing,” says Tim. “Do I quit or continue?”
The answer was continue. Timmy’s Pies are now crowdfunding through AngelsDen for £100,000, in return for 10% equity.
The company has several little quirks that make it a cut above the rest. Their system of ‘pie-roglyphics’ is a ‘simple solution’ to the problem of knowing which pie is which; and a key to it is included with each large order. Their range of mini pies open the business up to the corporate market, and their unique pie personalisation service “say it in shortcrust” has proven hugely popular, especially on Valentine’s and Father’s Day.
According to statistics from Kantar Worldpanel the UK chilled pie market is having a bit of a moment, up 1.9% to £240m. Sales of “posh pies” were up 13.5% and the penetration of premium brands in the market is only at 5.1%, so as Timmy’s Pies have noticed, there is room to grow the category.
The £100,000 investment will be used for hiring staff, the purchase of a few key pieces of kitchen equipment and to help develop shelf-ready packaging.
For further information on this opportunity, visit Angels Den.
