AN independent business which has fought off competition from national chains to continue to thrive has celebrated its 20th anniversary.
Brother and sister team Simon and Wendy Baird co-own The Picnic Basket deli cafe in Carrington Street, Nottingham.
They celebrated their landmark anniversary on Tuesday.
Wendy, 51, of Sherwood, said the secret to their enduring success has been flexibility and adapting to changes in the market.
She said: "There has been a lot of competition, particularly in the last four years with the arrival of Tesco and Cafe Nero nearby.
"But when that competition came we reacted by giving away free coffee.
"And when Tesco arrived we applied for a license [to sell alcohol].
"We now plan to introduce a water cooler to enable customers to top up for free and to start serving hot dogs and burgers.
"Another thing we're keen to do is to introduce a customer loyalty card that can be used at all independent businesses – hopefully all independent businesses across the country.
"It's important for independent businesses to support each other to compete against the bigger retailers.
"Each time one of the big businesses has opened nearby it's been a worrying time, but we have kept going.
"We've had tough times but we are still here and we are very proud to have been here for 20 years."
As well as being a popular breakfast and lunch destination, the business caters for buffet lunches.
It's also a venue which prides itself on being more than just a place for a bog-standard takeaway sandwich.
Simon, 42, of West Bridgford, said: "Our customers always say that they are spoilt for choice – we must hear that at least 20 times each day.
"We have 15 different types of bread and around 80 different fillings that we rotate, and everything is made to order."
The business employs six people. Wendy's daughter Abigail, 21, and the duo's mum Ann Farley, 74, also help out on occasion.
Ann said: "Twenty years is quite an achievement. I'm very proud of them both."
Abigail added: "I'm also very proud of them, especially because of how things are in business with independent businesses often closing down."
Customer Bob Ross, 57, of Chilwell, said: "I've been coming here for the last 20 years. It's a great business.
"Everyone is very friendly and the food is good – it's an excellent place."
