Supporting local businesses during COVID-19: Interview with Davidson Otobo, founder of Ordrs
What inspired you to set up Ordrs?
I came up with the idea for Ordrs after graduating university, where my friends and I relied on the big online delivery firms for pretty much everything, from books and stationery supplies to takeaways. However I started to feel there had to be a more ethical way to shop online.
When I got home I spotted a gap in the market for local, independent shops here in Lewisham – especially ethnic food businesses - to get their products out to customers. I set Ordrs up in 2019. It’s always been about connecting local business owners with the community but doing it in a way that is sustainable, that’s good for the environment, our partners and our delivery drivers who we pay the London Living Wage.
What is Ordrs?
Ordrs is an ethical online platform that allows you to shop local from a range of much-loved local grocery stores in an ethical manner. We have a range of specialist stores which include ethnic stores, fishmongers and vegan grocers. If you leave us a note at checkout, our personal shoppers will take on board any special requests as they prepare you order. The groceries are delivered to your doorstep within a few hours.
How has the pandemic affected your business?
It was really tough at the beginning. We closed for a month while we tried to get our heads around the new rules and regulations. But we put strict Covid-secure measures in place to keep our workers and customers safe. This includes wearing face coverings, regularly sanitising hands especially between deliveries and social distancing when delivering the groceries.
Any tips on how to adapt your business during COVID-19?
I think in the past year or so, sharing and collaboration and giving back to the local community has become far more important for businesses. We partnered with Lewisham Local earlier this year to help fund a project for the Rastafari Movement UK making and delivering soups to vulnerable members of the community who might not otherwise be able to access ethnic foods.
How has the Council supported you during the pandemic?
It was fantastic to be nominated for a Mayor’s Business Awards this year. It felt like all our efforts and hard work were being recognised. The ceremony itself was great for networking with other Lewisham businesses with a similar outlook to ours. It was also where I was introduced to Cllr Kim Powell who is the Cabinet Member for Business. I recently met with her and Karen Fiagbe, a Council officer. They are helping me expand my network and ensure I access any support that is available to me.
What are your plans in the run-up to Christmas and for the New Year?
We just launched a festive range on our website which we’re really excited about. At the moment, we are focussed on getting through Christmas. This is always a busy time of year for delivery services so we’re ensuring all the moving parts are in place to facilitate demand. We’re taking orders right up until 2pm on Christmas Eve.
We currently have ten local partners with a great range of products that we feel are really representative of Lewisham. Looking ahead to the New Year, our goal is to get more local businesses on board.
Visit the Ordrs website for more information or to book your local grocery delivery.