Meet the UK fudge-maker driving innovation with AI

Editor's Note: Our research with Public First reveals AI's potential to boost average SMB productivity by 20% - effectively giving small business leaders an extra day each working week. The newly launched Google Workspace with Gemini campaign spotlights the '10 Stories' of business leaders across Britain using AI to solve business challenges, work more effectively and take their businesses to the next level. Small business leaders keen to uncover how AI can boost their productivity and unlock growth can learn more about these stories or register for one of our AI Works for Business events. We spoke with Matthew Pugh, owner of Roly's Fudge Dartmouth about how he's using Google Workspace with Gemini. Here's what he said:

Blending Tradition with AI-Powered Innovation

For nearly 40 years, the sweet, crumbly aroma of Roly's Fudge has been a fixture on UK high streets. Our thriving business all started in Devon with just a 100-year-old family recipe, an antique copper cauldron, and the simple mission to create authentic, handmade fudge. This commitment to tradition, coupled with a keen eye towards innovation, has always been at the heart of our business, fueling our expansion and helping us to grow. The Roly's Fudge you see today is a testament to this delicate balance.

Scaling tradition, not compromising it

Each of our 40+ shops still use the same methods pioneered by our founders - this dedication to our craft is our unique selling point. For a brand so deeply rooted in tradition, embracing AI might seem unexpected, but it's the ultimate secret ingredient for brainstorming, helping us to think outside the box, get creative and stand out.

Eating habits have evolved significantly in recent years and Google Workspace with Gemini helps us to adapt and innovate faster than ever, enabling us to quickly develop new flavours that tap into exciting new trends. For example, researching ingredients for sugar free handmade fudge would have been incredibly challenging just decades ago. But, now, using the Gemini app, we blend the old with the new - doing research faster and in seconds getting inspiration for alternative recipes that preserve taste, texture and shelf life. The technology has been remarkable for allowing us to cater to a wider variety of customers, while maintaining the authentic, handmade quality that makes us unique.

Adding AI to the ingredients list

As a small business owner, I'll admit that at first the term 'generative AI' initially felt a world away from our traditional craft. For us, there was a slight worry that such a powerful technology might make things impersonal or dilute the human element. But our experience has been the exact opposite. Honouring our brand's heritage and embracing future-facing tools are not mutually exclusive. Gemini is the perfect creative partner, providing a springboard that our own teams can then bring to life by hand, with care, in our copper pans.

Having Gemini at our fingertips has had a profound impact on our way of working. The time saved on initial research and development is time I can now invest directly back into our people, our shops, and my family. Looking to the future, that extra productivity boost is helping to build a stronger legacy, as I'm now able to spend more time with my son, working closely with him to help push this business forward and prepare him to take the reins. This is the modern competitive edge he needs to continue to innovate and lead, ensuring our family business continues to thrive for generations to come.

Powering your business with AI

Discover how Google Workspace with Gemini can help boost your productivity, spark creativity and fuel innovation by watching the '10 Stories' of businesses across Britain that are using AI to unlock growth.

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