A SMALL catering business in Tadley has shared how they coped and adapted during lockdown.

Business partners of Suzi and Jane Catering, Suzi, 50, and Jane Hoppton, 57, from Tadley returned from a two week holiday in Rome unable to open their cafe in Silchester and had to cancel all of their jobs during March.

Realising they had no income and their bills were still going to remain, they were in a dyer financial situation.

Basingstoke Gazette: The couple's business turned into a fast pace delivery serviceThe couple's business turned into a fast pace delivery service

Speaking to The Gazette about the ordeal, Suzi said: “Before our 14 days was over, Boris announced the lockdown for the whole country and then we really knew we were in trouble.

“Panic set in. “What can we do?” The whole country was in a state of emergency and life, as we had all known it, had changed, some of it forever.”

The savvy businesswomen came up with a plan and asked the Wellers fruit shop if they needed extra help as their business had turned into delivering fruit boxes to people’s homes.

Jane was suddenly working three days a week, packing up hundreds of fruit and vegetable orders in the shop ready for delivery.

The pair decided to offer a meal delivery service which included fruit and vegetables from the fruit shop.

Basingstoke Gazette: The businesswomen even delivered cupcakes to hospitalsThe businesswomen even delivered cupcakes to hospitals

Explaining their sudden business boost, Suzi said: “The orders came flying in and suddenly we were a meal delivery service.

Luckily for us, lockdown had many celebratory dates including Mother’s Day, Easter, VE Day and Father’s Day.”

Flour, icing, sugar and eggs were suddenly in short supply and they begged and borrowed from friends and customers to keep their business afloat.

They employed drivers with ice packs and lots of old fruit boxes, and packed their air-conditioned car with lockdown treats.

After two cash donations from loyal customers, they baked hundreds of brownies and cupcakes.

The businesswomen have also been nominated for a Bigh Basingstoke and Deane Thank you for supporting those shielding in Tadley by providing hot meals and fresh fruit and vegetable box deliveries.