By, Ben Weich
1 min read
ByBen Weich, Ben Weich
A 27-year-old Jewish man who has won an award for young entrepreneurs says his “family values” inspired him to establish an ethically-sound company.
Daniel Morris, a 27-year-old former JFS pupil, is preparing to open a third store under the Camden Tea Company brand, after starting with a single market stall in November 2013.
Mr Morris told the JC that the prize — awarded by the Borough of Camden — was primarily in recognition of the “modern model” of his business and his willingness to help others adopt it.
Mr Morris, whose company currently has six full-time members of staff, said: “I think this award isn’t so much to do with the tea that we sell — it’s more to do with the company’s infrastructure.
“We work with local charities, we have a sustainable environmental policy and we put an emphasis on creating a culture where we treat employees properly. The employees are the biggest asset we have.
He added: “The main aim was to grow a successful company and create employment — not just to make loads of money. Wealth creation isn’t just creating wealth for yourself.
“I think that ethic comes from my family, definitely. We try to do things right.”
Mr Morris said his “business morals” had been heavily influenced by his two grandfathers. “One was a tailor, the other an upholsterer. Both were in business for many years and I watched their examples of working hard with integrity.
“They both passed away recently. When I received the reward I wished I could have shared the achievement with them.”
Mr Morris was working towards his degree in medical sciences at the University of Birmingham when he came up with the idea of selling different blends of loose herbal teas.
With two current sitesunder the Camden Tea Shop name, Mr Morris is preparing to open a third, the Camden Tea Club, in Old Street underground station, and his website exports tea all over the world.
He said: “I really didn’t expect to win this award — I took a photo of the list of nominees just so I could tell people I’d been nominated.
“When we started up I just had a stall in Camden Market and I’d made up a few concoctions and I’d sourced some packaging and a table cloth. I sold £19.50 worth of products that first day. It’s gone from strength to strength since.”