Creative Nature: Making every bite count

Julianne Ponan MBE was two when she discovered she suffered from anaphylaxis, after eating a cookie in nursery and stopping breathing. Years later, that life-changing experience inspired her to start Creative Nature, a food brand focused on helping more people eat with confidence.

“I’m severely allergic to all nuts, some seeds and certain additives,” explains Julianne, “and every time I ate food that said ‘may contain’ in the ingredients list, I was taking a huge risk. So I wanted to create products that everyone could enjoy around the same table without compromising on taste.”

Julianne is certainly not alone in her experience. Around 2 million people in the UK are estimated to live with a food allergy. "We offer a range of plant-based snacks and baking mixes designed for people managing food allergies,” says Julianne, “so more people can enjoy delicious food with confidence.”

How HSBC helped

As a small team, including her husband, Julianne needed a banking partner who could support the business as demand grew.

Today, Creative Nature products are stocked by major retailers, and sold in many countries worldwide. Beyond the supermarket shelves, Julianne has also helped promote nut-free policies on flights, with Creative Nature products now available on several airlines.

What began with one person’s search for safe food at her kitchen table, has grown into a business making eating easier for thousands of others. From school lunchboxes to family baking and even air travel, Creative Nature is making everyday life easier for allergy sufferers, proving that a personal challenge can create a positive impact for so many others.

With no monthly account fee and free UK digital banking¹, see how the Small Business Banking Account could give businesses like yours more room to grow.

Account is subject to application, eligibility, credit check and T&Cs. Fees and charges apply. See Price List.

1. Free UK digital banking means day-to-day standard electronic transfers made through Business Internet Banking and the HSBC UK Business Banking app are free. Other charges apply e.g. cheques and CHAPS. See Business Price List for details.

This article is based on the experiences of Creative Nature Ltd (company number 06739250) and reflects their views at the time of publication. HSBC UK does not endorse or guarantee the safety, quality or allergen status of any products mentioned. Business banking products and services are subject to status, eligibility, and terms and conditions. The experiences described may not be representative of all customers.

2. Borrowing is subject to application, eligibility, affordability and credit check. T&Cs, fees, charges and rates apply.