Meet the team behind Stort Valley Gifting
Emma
Emma began her career with John Lewis & Partners, before three years with Waitrose & Partners. After graduating with a BA (Hons) in Modern Languages, she moved into international education, supporting American universities in developing their study abroad programmes – a role that took her to all corners of the United States.
About Emma, by Emma:
Interests: My previous career enabled me to fulfil many of my passions: travel, food, baking and shopping locally. I am known for my shortbread – our nephews always ask for a themed shape for their birthday parties. So far, I have baked elephants, cars and the Gruffalo. I struggled with Gizmo more recently, though! My favourite pastime is discovering local restaurants which care about the provenance of their produce and which champion local suppliers.
Favourite food: Ooh, tricky. I have so many happy memories of eating dinner at my Nanny and Granddad’s house. Every Sunday, Nanny put on an afternoon tea with cake, ‘Nanny’s shortbread’, jam tarts and apple puffs. However, to this day, my favourite dish is toad-in-the-hole. We love making it using eggs from our rescue hens, milk from Dawlicious Ice Cream & Raw Milk and Marriages flour, which is from wheat produced on the estate where we tied the knot.
Favourite drink: It is tough to beat Riverside Spirits’ signature Passion Fruit Gin with sparkling wine. I am a big fan of gin and like to try local ones when I’m travelling. We had Riverside Spirits at our wedding, both as favours and as part of our ‘Pimp My Prosecco’ table. I also have a soft spot for Essex Spirits Co Summer Cup.
Favourite local supplier: This is such a hard one! We try to support as many local producers as possible and it is almost impossible to choose my favourite. Great Garnetts will always hold a special place in my heart, as this is where Rob proposed. However, some other favourites include Foxholes Farm Shop & Butchery and Dawlicious Ice Cream & Raw Milk. Honestly, there are so many more; we are extremely fortunate to have such great products locally.
Rob
After more than 15 years within the public, private and government sector, Rob set up Robson Analytics in 2018. He began contracting and has since worked in local government and education, as well as within construction and logistics. In March 2020, the company expanded to include working with small and medium-sized businesses, providing support for HR systems.
About Rob, by Rob:
Interests: I like food, beer, rugby and rum. In no particular order. When Emma travelled to America, I joked that she had to bring back one beer from every state that she visited. On some trips she visited up to five states, so I amassed a great section – all from local suppliers. She then started bringing back rum, and my collection currently stands at around 35. As I get older, I don’t play as much rugby, but I do dust off my boots on occasion.
Favourite food: Probably cheese; there are so many delicious ones out there. To Emma’s annoyance, I much prefer having a cheese course – which means she can’t choose two options from the dessert menu and ‘taste’ mine. Choosing our Christmas cheeseboard is a highlight of the season.
Favourite drink: It’s a toss-up between beer and rum. I spent some time in Nicaragua volunteering at a turtle sanctuary and consumed vast quantities of the local rum, Flor de Caña. To this day it brings back memories of a wonderful trip. From the Riverside Spirits range, I’d recommend Mango & Yuzu rum.
Favourite local supplier: Emma has food covered, so I’d have to say Redchurch Brewery for beer and Four Acres Estate for cider.
Fig
Fig is Stort Valley Gifting’s Chief Happiness Officer. She has been with the company since the beginning and sits at Emma or Rob’s feet as they work, sometimes barking at people she shouldn’t and generally causing mayhem. She is normally forgiven though, as she is quite cute. Amongst our customers, Fig is well-known for her loving nature and taking her role as Security very seriously, making regular patrols of the area and ensuring the ducks are not up to anything suspicious.
About Fig, by Fig
Interests: Food. And walks, especially when I get to explore new places. I also like attention, fuss and cuddles. I might woof a little bit when you first come in, but that's just so you know who's in charge here. Give it five minutes and you'll be my new best friend.
Favourite food: Socks! What do you mean not food? Ok, Sausages! Closely followed by chicken, liver and salmon. Emma and Rob try to feed me free-range, locally sourced products and I certainly don’t complain!
Favourite drink: Pawsecco, of course. Emma recommends adding Riverside Spirits Raspberry Vodka or Passion Fruit Gin – but more so for humans.
The Events Team
We are fortunate to have a great team who assist us with preparing hampers and gifts as well as at events. They are all passionate about our products and love sharing their favourites with you. We couldn't do it without them!