Solving important environmental issues through vegan solutions 2.0, Heather Mills, VBites

Interesting interview with Heather Mills, Philanthropist Charity Campaigner / Owner of plant-based company VBites. VBites Foods are a leading manufacturer of meat-free, vegan meat substitutes and dairy-free alternatives to cheese

Heather Mills interview

What is your background briefly?

My background unfortunately is not brief but to summarise: 4 businesses before the age of 20. I worked in the war in former Yugoslavia and created, with my team, the largest landmine-clearing and prosthetic assistance charity in the world – clearing 21,000,000 m² of mine-feel land and assisting 400,000 people. After a few years on the front line of the war, ironically I came back to the UK to have my leg chopped off, pelvis crushed and lung punctured in a police motorcycle crash.

I healed myself on a vegan diet my friend introduced me to and then created the largest meat-, fish- and dairy-free range of products in the world. We now have 600,000 ft.² of 100% plant-based manufacturing facilities, where we also work to incubate small start-ups in the same sector. It is called plant-based Valley and it is the largest of its kind in the world.

Does it seem like a logical background to what you do now?

It is logical purely because my life is about solving problems related to situations that happen to me. What some people find difficult, my brain finds simple – precisely because I have a simple, common-sense brain.

We are creating a plant-based valley! @VBitesFoods VBites Foods https://t.co/OnGXtwA554

— Heather Mills (@heatherofficial) April 2, 2019

1 min pitch for what you are doing now?

V Bites (as above ) is 26 years old and the largest, most-awarded, best-tasting vegan alternative food company in the world. It will change the future of health, animals and climate change by replicating like-for-like products to make eating simple for the busy consumer, ultimately creating a huge reduction in the over consumption of meat, fish and dairy by giving them great tasting food…

Visitors to the IFE could not believe our food were 100% vegan! ?

It was an inspiring few days at the International Food and Drink event in London with a great panel with our founder, Heather Mills about the future of plant-based foods! @OnePlanetPizza @LoveSeitanUK pic.twitter.com/wZKVQ5GjhS

— VBites Foods (@VBitesFoods) April 4, 2019

Why did you get involved with this project / book / the Fast forward Forum?

I was asked to speak with a small group of innovators in the various fields of work in the south of France. Whilst there, we forged a bond. We are very like-minded people and all wanted to make a difference by doing something, not just talking about it.

Why do you think it is such a powerful idea?

Fast Forward Forum brought experts in very different fields together and ultimately led to what would have been presumed to be unlikely synergies. However, each one of us who spoke and attended has had a positive effect on each other within our own industries.

You attended the Fast forward Forum last year, how important is it to also work with people face to face as well as remotely?

In my world, face-to-face is key. I spend three days a week in the factory and the other four remotely, so much can be lost in email and text and mis-communication can have a domino effect. So, for me, face-to-face meetings are vital. However, in this fast-paced life the reality is it’s not easy to make this happen and keep up with your goals.
So balancing both is essential.

How easy do you find it to be innovative?

Because I have a simple brain, I find it very easy to solve problems which lead to innovation naturally. The important thing is finding the right team, that believes in your thought process and shares your ability to analyse the bigger picture and see no hurdles. Ultimately, the wrong team can become a hurdle.

What are your sources of inspiration?

My friends and family. Those I love and care about and those I work with, who have been dedicated to the mission, most of whom for 25+ years.

How can people find out more about you & your work?

V Bites.com.
V Bites ventures.com.
Heather Mills.org

Anything else you’d like to add / we should have asked?

Now the world has been made aware of the serious impact not only on one’s health but on animals and the planet, it is our duty of care to reduce our consumption of animals if we are going to leave the world in a better state for our children. If truth be told we have been terrible caretakers.

Heather Mills is the co-author of Fast Forward Files: Opening Up, published by Molden Verlag, which is available now, priced at £28 and a speaker at the Fast Forward Forum. For details of this year’s event visit https://fastforwardforum.eu/

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