Holy Fire Chilli Company

Based in Bexley in London’s southeast, Holy Fire Chilli Company was created by former prison officer and charity founder Ian Moody.

Ian rents a kitchen where he transforms his homegrown and store-bought chili plants into tasty sauces, oils, powders, and flakes. His 'Brimstone Sauce' is super popular, made from 28 different chili types. He also makes chili flake-infused Himalayan pink salt. Ian's becoming the favourite for people who enjoy spicy food that packs a punch.

Ian's Holy Fire Chilli products are so special that he doesn't keep any bottles in storage. Instead, he makes everything fresh to order. If you're a customer, you can even ask for different flavour profiles to match your favourite tastes.

The challenge

Ian faced a problem that will be familiar to many new start-up businesses. As a small enterprise operating within a niche area, he struggled to find an insurer that was willing to take the risk of covering his business.

Ian had about 80,000 chili seeds and worked in a kitchen, with all its risks. He got concerned that he might have to skip getting business insurance.

The solution

Despite facing several knockbacks, Ian didn't let that discourage him. He kept reaching out to insurance companies until he stumbled upon our insurance team.

“What struck me was how friendly and helpful they were. I got the impression from other companies that I wasn’t worth the trouble, but they were completely different. They showed a real interest in my business and a determination to find me the right policy.”

They found a policy that met Holy Fire’s needs and suited the company’s budget.

The outcome

For Ian, discovering them led to more than a robust policy for Holy Fire Chilli Company. "Because they took the time to talk through the various options with me and through the policy I chose, I have a much better understanding of the kinds of risks I need to consider."

"For example, I hadn't really thought of my seeds as a business asset. Many of my seeds are hybrids that I bred myself, and if they got damaged or stolen, it could wipe out a year's worth of work. They made me think in those terms."

Advice From Holy Fire Chilli Company

From Ian’s parting words, the message was clear: businesses need to take insurance seriously.

"Don't operate without it. When you have a professional talk you through a policy, you realise all the types of incidents that wouldn't even have crossed your mind. It makes you realise the importance of a robust policy. I've made a lot of contacts with other small businesses since starting Holy Fire, and I always recommend that they get insured and to get insured through them.”

Ian Moody

Owner of Holy Fire Chilli Company

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