Snack-loving Milton Keynes businesswoman sets up company to make chin chin in astonishing range of flavours

Hannah Jolaoso learned how to make the fried or baked dough snacks as a child in her mother's kitchen.

She's now added her own twist to the recipe with a range of flavours including Nutella, ginger and peanut butter.

And her company Chicsnacks is fast becoming a thriving enterprise, thanks to funding from the Food Enterprise Advisory Support Team, FEAST2

Hannah, who lives in MK, founded Chicsnacks in December 2017 and admits she was nervous at first. But now her confidence is growing as quickly as her product range:

“When I was little I would help my mum in the kitchen, kneading the dough and cutting it into the small squares while she did the frying. The smell would always bring everyone running, desperate to tuck into the first batch while it was still fresh and warm," she said.

“So, while I knew how to make perfect chin chin, I was also aware that I had a lot to learn about all the other elements of running a food business – everything from getting the packaging and labelling right to ensuring the correct shelf life of the products."

Technical support from FEAST2 helped with all of these unknowns, as well offers of access to funding.

"It’s also great to know that my advisor is on the end of the ‘phone or email whenever I need them so not only have they been a fountain of knowledge but also a wonderful safety net whenever I’ve had a wobble!” said Hannah.

Chicsnacks now produces a range of almost thirty products, including the various flavours of chin chin as well as meat pies, sausage rolls and other savoury pastries.

Hannah now plans to move to designated premises, and may be turning to FEAST2 for financial support.

“If my growth rate continues at its current level, I will soon be needing to invest in some more equipment, which is where FEAST2 may also be able to help with a grant” she said.

For more information about Chicsnacks, including online ordering, visit www.chicsnacks.co.uk.