Apprentice star Sabrina Stocker launches online home shopping delivery finder

A former candidate on BBC series The Apprentice has launched a new service to help shoppers find home delivery slots during the coronavirus pandemic.

Sabrina Stocker, who competed to win Lord Sugar’s investment in the 2018 edition of the show, and co-founder Jason Moore are running ShoppingSlot.co.uk in a bid to help out people who are self-isolating.

With finding delivery slots proving to be a struggle amid increased demand, the pair hope to make the process easier for those who are unable to head to their local stores.

Sabrina said: “I think the service is really important now. If you can go to the shops go, and try to leave the delivery slots for people who are self-isolating.

“Just now it’s really hard to get a slot and it takes a lot of time to go through the different sites. If we just have one site, at least it takes away a lot of stress.”

Shopping Slot instantly searches major supermarket sites for home delivery and click and collect slots, and is soon set to branch out to local businesses too.

The searches are free for users, and are completed by entering their postcode.

Consumers can also sign up to a paid subscription service to be emailed when a delivery slot becomes available in their area.

Since launching, the site has had over 17,0oo searches and over 11,000 unique visitors.

The company is investing to create software which will allow them to offer their service free of charge to the elderly and most vulnerable.

They have also pledged to give 20% of profits to support NHS charities.

Sabrina adds: “When you’re starting up a business it’s always a little bit nerve-wracking. I posted it on social media and everything was positive.

“We were contacted by people who wanted to work with us and the feedback has been overwhelming.

“We want to provide opportunities for everyone. It’s a service that was needed yesterday, and it’s definitely interesting seeing how it’s developed so quickly.”

As the site grows, Sabrina and Jason hope to expand their services beyond just the major supermarkets and include smaller businesses from around the country, many of which have developed delivery services throughout the coronavirus crisis.

Sabrina says: “We’re trying to include all of those as well, because if there’s not a supermarket with an available slot, people can also go local. It’s a great option and a good way to support local businesses.”

Sabrina, who reached the semi-finals of The Apprentice, also runs a tennis events business which has been put on hold due to the lockdown.

“I’ve had all of this spare time so I thought why not develop something that can do good for society,” she says.

“It’s really tricky for many businesses right now. I understand the government are doing what they can, but hopefully this can show other business owners or entrepreneurs that you can start something new from being inside and staying on your sofa!

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“If you are struggling with cashflow as a business owner, then be creative. If that’s adapting a business model or even creating a new idea, there’s so much you can do if you put the energy in.”

On what advice she’d give those looking to explore their entrepreneurial side during the lockdown, she adds: “I’d definitely say look after yourself, that’s number one before you do anything else. Reaching out to family and friends is so important.

“As soon as you feel you have that positive backing behind you emotionally, then you’re able to channel that energy elsewhere.”