To Good To Go

Too Good To Go App: What’s in our mystery bag?

I’m a big fan of doing what you can to cut food waste. Reducing food waste helps to save money, When I learned about the TooGoodToGo app.

I knew I would be a big fan! I downloaded it and gave it a go! The concept of the app is simple; you can purchase a magic bag (mystery bag!) from retailers in your local areas, for a low fee. For as little as £2£3 you can get £8+ worth of produce that are nearing the end of their shelf life and would likely otherwise go to waste, by being thrown in the bin.

One of the first ever magic bags that I reserved was from Marks & Spencers, within a local garage, and the quality was fantastic! Since then I’ve purchased at least 1 magic bag from most retailers in Bristol and I’m going to share a little more about the app, how to use it, how to get a magic bag when they always display sold out and what the best times are to grab a magic bag. The total value was around £13-£14 and I paid just £4. The items were all still fresh and that butter chicken with the potato crush was absolutely delicious! 6

Where can you find the TooGoodToGo app?

You can download this app, for free, from the Apple store and Google Play store, as it is available on both Apple phones and Android devices.

How does TooGoodToGo work?

You download the app, for free, then you set your location (either using location services or a map if you’re wanting to look at other areas you may be travelling to) and you can see all of the retailers in your area.

Select browse and then you can use a variety of filters to find options, things such as ‘Local Deli ’, specific categories of food, diet preferences, collection time frames and more. It’s really easy to use this, especially if you’re going to be in a particular part of a Bristol or any other city at a set time.

What you do in store to collect your magic bag:

When you arrive in store you just let them know you’re there to collect a magic bag, show off your collection code, they’ll ask you to swipe to confirm collection and then hand your magic bag over to you. It’s really simple and usually just takes a couple of minutes.

Man sets up motor home company - while living in caravan

A serial entrepreneur set up an award-winning motor home company after he moved out of the family home – and into a caravan. Matt Sims founded The Motorhome Holiday Company following the breakdown of his marriage and while at a ‘crossroads’ in his life.

Matt, now 49, who has launched nine business and sold several, was spurred on by his desire to provide for his four children and create memories of a lifetime for holidaymakers. He said: “I decided to move into a caravan, which was both brilliant and dire. I was at a crossroads in life at a personal and professional level and looking for a way to move forward.

“I enjoyed lovely sunsets and microwave meals for one. But while trudging across the field to go to the shower in chilly, wet weather, I knew it was a short-term solution.”

Matt then set up The Motorhome Holiday Company now in Hewish, near Weston – focusing on hiring and selling luxury motorhomes with a focus on great custo mer experience. He said: “I saw the motorhome industry as one with huge potential to grow and I wanted to make it as accessible to as many people as possible.” 8

Motorhome growth

The UK motorhome market has continued to enjoy an upward rise in recent years and is at record levels since the pandemic, according to the NCC (National Caravan Council).

It is also increasingly appealing to a younger audience, which has been reflected by the changing client-base at The Motorhome Holiday Company.

Matt, who grew up in Ashton, Bristol, said: “Unlike caravans, anyone with a driving licence can drive a motorhome and it offers both freedom and comfort.

“Our customers were traditionally recent retirees but now it includes people in their early 20s looking for adventure and families with young children who want to travel in style.” With this in mind, the team offers options such as free storage of your car while away, pet-friendly motors, try-before-you-buy and the MotorhomeEarn model- a chance to generate income from your motorhome.

Family business

Matt, who has since moved to a home in Blagdon, said his children have supported the business – from helping to review motorhomes to working in the shop.

The firm, which has won several industry awards, has also launched That Leisure Shop, a camping and accessory shop which has both a store onsite and online.

The team also launched the Staycation Inspiration magazine and weekly campsite availability alerts, with travel guidance and notices of changes in the industry. Matt, a former St Mary Redcliffe and Temple School pupil, said: “My children are the motivator to make this work and it’s great that they can get involved too. We have a great team, who make sure our customers are well- looked after.”

Business bought for £2

Matt has experienced his share of ups and downs in business and learned lessons along the way.

Matt, who studied media and production planning at what is now the City of Bristol College, toured as a sound engineer and technician for live acts such as U2 during the 1990s.

He said he got a lucky break when he had to fill-in for a job last minute and quickly learned the value of strong connections. He went on to work as a corporate events manager for a company which rapidly expanded, giving Matt chance to buy a part of the business.

Matt met with the directors at McDonalds one morning and bought the event management side of the company for £2 – as that was the only spare change he had on him. He said: “It was a cheeky gesture on my part. Event management and production was no longer core to their business and they didn’t have the resources to invest fully in that area. “They were happy to part with it and I was invited to make an offer. The £2 coin had not long been launched and I happened to have one in my pocket, so I slid it across the table. “The financial director smiled and shook my hand saying ‘congratulations, you just bought the business.”

He took the business from start-up to an internationally acclaimed firm, with strong growth in the UK and Abu Dhabi. The role involved frequent international travel and as Matt’s family grew, he sold his share to invest in a new venture in the leisure industry, a move which would mean he could spend more time at home.

He later sold his share in Family Travel Centre business to focus on expansion in the motorhome industry. Matt said: “I learned the need for managing growth and cashflow from the event management venture. “I also learned the importance of having open conversations and to be prepared to change if a business no longer fits with your desired lifestyle or aspirations.” · For more information click an image above.

A Celebration of Father Ted with Joe Roo

FRIDAY, 14 JANUARY

Join us in celebrating one of the greatest sitcoms ever made, as we welcome seasoned stand-up comic Joe Rooney for a night of all things Father Ted. Joe featured as the rebellious Father Damo in the classic second series episode The Old Grey Whistle Theft, leading Father Dougal astray with his earring, cigarette smoking and love of Oasis.

Rooney will be reminiscing about his experiences filming the classic Channel 4 series after a showing of the episode itself, before finally rounding the evening off with a live stand-up gig. Come and meet Joe and immerse yourself in the silly delights of Father Ted. Ah, go on…you will!