A YOUNG couple have seen their home lockdown business grow from strength to strength as Leigh discovers the delights of vegan sushi.

Jasper Burrett, 20, and Hannah Temperton, 21, had to look for an alternative way to make money when Jasper was furloughed in March of this year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The Leigh-based pair began selling freshly squeezed juices and selling them around turn before eventually turning their hand to vegan sushi – and Plant Base Leigh-on-Sea was born.

“Jasper was working as a labourer then lockdown hit, leaving him on furlough. At that point, we thought to ourselves ‘why don’t we just try and start our own business’,” explained Hannah.

“Originally we were doing freshly squeezed juices as we both loved them anyway. We got a juicer and worked from his house, delivering them around Leigh.

“However, Jasper had always enjoyed making his own vegan sushi at home, and we one day we decided it would work really well as a product. It blew up quickly and became very popular.”

Hannah and Jasper can now be found on Instagram (@PlantBaseLOS) where they offer delivery and catering services.

The couple say they were inspired to run a vegan business by environmental concerns.

“I have been on a predominantly plant-based diet for over six years,” Hannah said. “Me and Jasper are very concerned about the environment and doing our bit to tackle climate change. Neither of us really like eating meat or dairy any way.

“If we are going to be making money, it feels right to be doing it in a way that isn’t massively contributing to environmental damage or abusing animals.”

The business so far has proven a success, and the pair have big plans for the future.

They have a unit in Ashleigh Drive where they cook and deliver from. Hannah and Jasper has also expanded into providing private vegan dining experiences and also offer sushi rolling workshops.

Hannah added: “It has taken us by surprise how quick this has all happened, it stated off quite small but has grown through word of mouth. Everyone who buys it, even if they aren’t vegan, always comments saying how much they love it.

“Down the road, the end goal for us would be for Jasper to have his own restaurant, a plant-based fine dining establishment.”