On The Eighth Day Of Business: The businesswoman keeping the nation in Rude Health with dairy-free milk alternatives

On the eighth day of Bdaily’s 12 Days Of Business, we found the perfect ‘maid-a-milking’ - dairy-free milk alternatives, that is.

In 2005, Camilla Barnard set out to create enjoyable healthy food options. With husband Nick she set up Rude Health, specialising in dairy-free milk alternatives, cereals and snacks.

Working with retailers such as Sainsbury’s, Waitrose, Ocado and Holland & Barrett, Rude Health has made a name for itself as a manufacturer, as well as operating a cafe in Fulham.

Camilla took the time to chat with me about the year Rude Health has had, her vision for the future and her festive plans.

Can you give us an introduction on who you are and what your company does?

“I’m Camilla and I started Rude Health 14 years ago with my husband Nick.

“I look after everything to do with the Rude Health brand, which for me, means how Rude Health is seen and heard by the wider world.

“So that includes everything from the food and drinks themselves, to the people who work for us, to the packaging.

“We make healthy breakfast cereals, dairy-free drinks and snacks, that are a joy to eat.”

What has been your biggest achievement of 2019?

“Finding Georgie Thomas to head up the marketing team.

“I knew it would make a big positive difference to both me and the team but didn’t realise just how big or how positive for all of us.”

If you could go back to the start of 2019 and tell yourself what you know now about your business, what would you say?

“‘Don’t worry, it’s all going exactly as it’s meant to go.’ To be honest I could give myself the same message at any time.

“I’m always thinking about or mulling over something that’s going on. I suspect it’s in the nature of owning and running a business.

“Switching off completely isn’t easy, especially when you are in it as a couple. Our meals out and holidays tend to work like away-days where we step back and look at the bigger picture of the business - rather than step back and think about something else!”

What are your company’s plans for the new year (and decade) ahead?

“The marketing and sales teams are working as a totally joint force, more coordinated than ever before, and more focused.

“Our plans for 2020 are to build on this, and by the end of the year, make sure that a whole lot more people know about Rude Health and what we have to offer.

“What happens after that depends on the direction the growth takes.”

How are you going to celebrate Christmas this year?

“At home with the family, quietly, then on Boxing Day we are going to the Lake District for a short break to relax, revive and eat the best food that the lakes have to offer.

“Then we’ll come back to London for New Year’s Eve with friends and food.”

Stay up to date with our festive feature on Twitter @Bdaily and #12DaysOfBusiness