A SMALL business set up to deliver healthy meals to its customers’ workplaces has gone national.

Fr3shbox was started in 2017 by former City investment analyst Billy Simons.

It initially delivered to Poole and Bournemouth customers, but Mr Simons “pivoted” the business to cover the whole country via courier DPD.

He said it had become clear that the firm needed to cover a wider area to meet its market.

“Over the last two years I realised the importance of finding your tribe – the people that care about what you do sand the people that need it the most,” he said.

He added: “Monday is our first day of shipments going out.

“We’re working with personal trailers across the country so I’ve been in touch with a number of fitness instructors, studios, private training studios, gyms and they’re going to be advocating the service to their clients in various towns around the country.

“We’ve got interest in London and the north. Hopefully we’ll use those as hubs to start word of mouth spreading in various localities.”

Mr Simons is also keen to target business travellers. DPD can deliver to hotels, and he hopes to do deals with some hotels to provide Fr3shbox food.

“I know hotel owners that don’t even bother with food because it’s a losing game,” he said.

“At least they can earn a commission and add an interesting offering for the customer.”

The Bournemouth University graduate spent four years in banking, but wanted to start his own business like the clients he advised.

The idea for Fr3shbox arose out of his own experience of trying to maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle while working in a demanding job.

He added: “When I started, there were quite a few companies trying to do the same thing in the fitness market and a lot of them have folded.

“The competitors we once had are no longer with us and I think that creates an opportunity – I can learn from their mistakes.

“There was a bit of a race to the bottom in price. There wasn’t much differentiation in their offer and ultimately I think that killed a lot of them off.”

Fr3shbox customers can put together their choices of proteins, carbs and vegetables online. The chilled meals cost £6.50 and can be ordered as weekly subscriptions, or in individual purchases with a minimum order of £20.