About Us

Stort Valley Gifting (SVG) was founded in 2020 by Emma and Rob Robson. They have always been passionate about supporting small businesses, shopping locally and ethically, and understanding the provenance of products.    

 

After nearly 20 years in the educational travel and international education sector – during which she travelled the US designing customised student programmes – Emma was made redundant because of COVID-19. But Emma has never been one to sit around; the same day, she and Rob decided to pursue a dream of setting up their own small business, initially selling a range of artisan spirits.    

In less than 24 hours, SVG was born, with Emma and Rob embarking on a journey unlike any other. They sold Riverside Spirits – a range of flavoured vodka, gin, rum and whisky – directly to the consumer and independent local businesses on a wholesale basis. Riverside Spirits is a small company based in Cheshire, owned by Emma’s cousins. You can find out more about their story here.  

 

The business grew rapidly; a mere few months after launch, SVG had outgrown its unit and was being approached by other local companies to stock additional products. This led to new premises at Weston House in The Maltings, Sawbridgeworth, which enabled SVG to offer a wider range, including sparkling wine, beer, cider, coffee and handmade chocolates, as well as local produce hampers. In July 2023, SVG relocated to their current premises in West Place, Harlow, known as the Hamper Hub, which is home to their showroom, offices, events space, and warehouse. They now work with in excess of 40 Herts and Essex based artisan producers offering more than 200 different food and drink produce lines. 

SVG believes in supporting the local community and works closely with charities including St Clare Hospice. Please go here for more information.