The Anonymous Widower

A Gluten-Free Nut-Free Strategy for Business

These days businesses like to show that they are friendly, equal-opportunity employers, who are not-racist, sexist or homophobic and of course carbon neutral.

But do they extend this caring attitude to such things as food allergies, when they do business personally or perhaps entertain clients.
Let’s put a couple of facts in here.  according to Peanut Allergy UK, it is estimated that 1.8% of children have a peanut allergy at school entry.  Also, 4% of the UK ppulation is a coeliac, many of whom are undiagnosed.

So just as you wouldn’t serve meat to a vegetarian, is it not a wise idea to not serve gluten to a coeliac or nuts to someone with that allergy. In fact there is a big difference between veggies and some allergies, in that some allergies are very dangerous and others make you ill.

So why not startt by ensuring that your tea/coffee and biscuits are both gluten and nut free.  Also remember that chocolate isn’t banned, so you can indulge your clients if that is your wish.

I’ve actually heard of  a couple of companies in London, who do this and now only give away GF and nut-free biscuits with their coffee, as they find it avoids any problems and shows them to be a caring company! One was a financial services company dealing with a faddy actress.  They got the business.

At least now corporate events at places like hotels, racecourses and football grounds have got a lot better in recent years.  I know that Newmarket racecourse, Ipswich Town and Tottenham Hotspur can all cater, as can most decent hotels with a trained chef.  But do at least check about allergies when you book. If they can’t cater, it might just be your luck, that your best client is a coeliac.

In these tough times, profits will be harder to grow or even make.  But by applying lots of little details like this to your corporate strategy, you might help your business in the tight direction.

July 15, 2010 - Posted by AnonW | Business, Food, World | Coeliac/Gluten-Free