Why are we here?

I think I am meant to write something about 'the journey' of Utility, explain our 'business model' and incorporate 'persuasive content'.....

It's simple, really - lots of us are looking for the same thing: Plain, mid-priced, indispensable household things. And we really, really enjoy finding them for you.

Here at Utility, we were chatting about that thing when you wonder what a radio presenter looks like after hearing them read the news for so many years.  So here follows the inevitable disappointment that is seeing what the person you spoke to on the phone about your online order looks like (look away now if you’re happy as you are):

The Bananas

  • Jonathan Le Roy

    • Top banana: Retail genius, does the VAT stuff.  Should be a ‘Dragon’ on Dragon’s Den. Runs rings round 'em. No Jonathan? No Utility.

  • Adam Le Roy

    • Second banana: Makes the only decent cuppa you'll get (Jane's teas are a close second, but anyone else, forget it). Favourite film? Frozen. Favourite colour? Blue. Favourite animal? Unicorn.  Hobbies: being married to Martha.

  • Martha Tiffin (Le Roy)

    • Third banana: Finds some of the least suitable stock for Utility. Hobbies: cleaning the loo and bullying Jonathan.

And now the people that really do the do -

  • Sally D'Abreo-Black 

    Sally works Mondays, Fridays and alternating Thursdays and Saturdays - Heavenly postal Angel. Unnecessarily modest about her multiple talents: Textile wizard, knitwear designer, yoga-meister and good egg. Quietly solves all problems before you've noticed. Could fix the NHS on her day off. Has an excellent giggle.

  • Jane Frances Deans ApIvor

    Jane works on Wednesdays - Artist, maker and North Laine regular. Can be found at the excellent Blackout.  DO NOT approach if you are not in a buying mood. When Jane's not here, she'll either be painting, goose-throwing (do ask) or waiting for Richard Dreyfuss (also ask). Favourite colour: Red AND blue, preferably together. 

  • Nikki Ward

    Nikki works on Tuesdays -

    Maker extraordinaire! Sculptor of paper - take a look at her marvellous Instagram... Nikki's also a pretty darn good baker (we get to try the fruits of her labours), a cultural hoover (like a walking Time Out magazine). And she's a mine of fascinating and funny information, probably has a cape and can fly.