Bristol Lives: James Purslow

Local entrepreneur James Purslow chatted to TGtB about Bristol's thriving food scene and why his 'Moreish Harissa Dip' is going to make him millions.

Where is home and why?

I grew up in Oswestry – North Shropshire – I guess I still refer to that as home quite a bit. However, Redland, Bristol is my home now and I love it there.

What inspired you to set up your business in Bristol?

Bristol has a fabulous food scene. From the amazing variety of restaurants to local shops and a huge market and pop up scene. I’ve always been a mad keen cook but, after being coerced by my friends, I decided that I should try selling one of my best offerings at a local market. I had a bucket to collect sample pots – one said yes and one no. I asked every customer should I quite my job and sell dips. By the end of the market I had 92 to 2 in favour!

What are your professional goals?

I would like to sell James’ Moroccan Dips to Bristol, the South West and eventually the UK. But I don’t want to stop there. I’m interested in loads of flavours and international cuisine that haven’t yet become popular to the UK pallet. I want James’ Food to popularise these in a similar fashion to my Moroccan Dip range, by taking the flavours and textures and ‘anglicising’ them slightly to our tastes.

Did anyone try to discourage you from setting up your own business?

Not really, most people are really encouraging. A few will offer advice and some will offer a reality check but this is all useful stuff to acquire on the journey.

What advice would you give anyone looking to do the same?

Don’t be scared to ask for advice – start ups always think they have an idea worth stealing and are very worried about IP. My experience is that unless you have some serious new technology or software you can usually approach people in your industry for advice. Most are too busy with their day jobs to think about ‘stealing’ your fantastic idea. They’ll usually help all they can and even advise on the pitfalls I mentioned earlier.

What do you think attracts business people to Bristol?

Bristol is a great place to live and has many attributes that help a business achieve; Good support and advice from the local Government, lots of networking opportunities and start up communities and a population of like minded people who are really keen to support local businesses and ideas.

If you could do it all again, would you do anything differently?

Not do trade shows at the early stage. They cost a fortune and are rarely cost effective for start ups.

How do you like to spend your time off?

What time off? Between starting James’ Food and being a Media lecturer at the City of Bath College I’m pretty full on. I had my first ‘day off’ on Sunday in four weeks and went to a friends Birthday party in Victoria park for cake and Frisbee.

Your phone book must be full of business contacts, but who is the most famous person in there?

None yet I’m afraid!

What has been your biggest achievement to date?

Bronze award in the Good Taste South West awards for my Moreish Harissa dip & being featured in the Rare Brand cookery book