Bonfire Weekend with the Bensleys
Waltham lights up the end of 2024 with an unforgettable fireworks display at its very own Windmill!
Families, friends and the like gathered from all over for a jam-packed night of shimmers and sparkles.
Visitors could choose from a number of delicious nibbles and refreshments, alongside the Windmill’s child-friendly opportunities for bungee jumping and even theme park rides.
How lucky!
However, the night wasn’t just a hit for the guests.
Various businesses got to promote and sell their wonderful products and services.
More specifically, Bensley’s Homemade Ice Cream!
8 years of blood, sweat and tears from inspiring entrepreneurs Sarah and Mark Bensley brought them to that day, preparing for over 4000 visitors!
But this was no match for them.
“Preparation started for this days before the event. With an anticipated footfall of between 3 and 7 thousand people on the site, you have to plan meticulously”, stated Mark Bensley, co-owner of Bensley’s Homemade Ice Cream.
Effective planning and strategy meant they didn’t run out of a single one of 14 flavours for sale!
Cue a round of applause.
But the big question is, where did this all begin?
Whilst juggling the birth of their first child, the corporate world and much more, the Bensleys took the plunge in 2016.
Bensley’s Homemade Ice Cream was born.
Their classic “vanilla” is to die for, maintaining its star status in their sales.
Although, to this day the Bensleys have made an impressive total spanning upwards of 80 flavours.
Can you even think of that many?
However, success isn’t handed to businesses on a plate, especially ones as motivational as the Bensley’s.
When the Covid-19 pandemic struck, they relied solely on mobile sales.
Without revenue to rely on, it was crucial they took action.
Perseverance and determination got the Bensleys through these harrowing years, where they began wholesaling to local shops and cafes to maintain their strong brand image and continue growing.
They only went and did it, surviving some of Britain’s toughest financial years and coming out the other side with a whole new sales channel!
It’s important to remember the bad times are only temporary, as the family have shared their fair share of laughs.
“It’s freezing cold, raining, with a queue of people bizarrely, and then looking up to see Guy Martin stood there”, stated Mark Bensley, reminiscing on one of his most memorable and humorous shifts.
“It’s a happy one, who’s ever miserable buying ice cream?”
So, what’s in store for Bensley’s Homemade Ice Cream?
With their shop at Waltham Windmill itself performing beyond expectation, the locally and regionally established business is committed to building their wholesale channel.
Whether it’s more cafes, cinemas, hotels or even schools, the Bensleys are dedicated to the growth of their already outstanding ice cream business.
Perhaps you, the reader, are an aspiring entrepreneur.
Maybe a family member or friend is considering launching their own business.
What’s in store for them?
“Planning is absolutely critical to any project” stated Mark Bensley.
“Do not give up when something doesn’t quite go right. Just adjust what you’re doing to do it differently”.
The Bensleys take pride in their innovative attitude.
They began with a single ice cream van and look where they are now.
“Ask yourself 3 things periodically. What has been working well? What hasn’t been working so well? What can I do differently to further better how I’m currently doing it?”
You’ve heard it from the experts.
Take it away!
