THE OWNER of a candy delivery business endorsed by pop star Olly Murs says the pandemic has changed his career.

Andy Scowen, from Chichester, was running a printing and leaflet distribution service when Covid-19 halted operations.

After putting his company on hold, Andy swapped leaflets for lollipops as he and his wife Katie put their time into a candy-selling website which they had been running as a hobby for six months.

Suddenly, the Posted Sweets website went from 500 visits to 7,000 visits a day.

Their Facebook page now has over 40,000 followers and even pop star Olly Murs posted on Instagram that somebody had sent him a Posted Sweet hamper.

The online shop offers pick ‘n’ mix, retro sweets, American candy and traditional sweets – all delivered to your door.

The business now employs four staff members and sells three tonnes of sweets and chocolates a month.

Andy said the increase in business has been so step that he had invested £70,000 in a new automated weighing and packaging line, which he believes will help bring bring more success.

The 38-year-old turned to Lincolnshire-based Iris Packaging Ltd to install and train his staff at his Chichester base three months ago and says he has not looked back since.

“I started Posted Sweets from the spare room, and it was really just a part-time venture but then Covid came along, and it went crazy,” said the father of one.

“As my existing business faltered, the online venture grew to such an extent we were struggling to cope with the level of orders. There were days when we simply had to close for orders to keep up with demand.”

The newly purchased machines can process what it took one member of staff all day to complete in a single hour.

“I am delighted with the decision. The guys gave us a competitive price, excellent customer service and training and with their help I have taken the business to the next level.

“The machinery has made order processing so efficient that I estimate we will have paid back the initial investment within a year.”

Iris’ director Craig Knight said the company had helped dozens of fledging businesses move their venture onto the next stage.

“It’s fantastic to work with these new and exciting artisan businesses and see them grow stronger. We are always confident that our machinery and support can help build success and it’s satisfying to see Posted Sweets do just that.”