A COUPLE have set up their own board game and puzzle company after being made redundant during the coronavirus pandemic.

Lotte Steiniche, 42 and Simon Sweeney 41, set up Game Jar Games and Puzzles after they both lost their jobs during the first lockdown.

Steiniche used to work as a nursery manager in Ealing until May, while her partner, Sweeney, worked in accounts until August.

That's when they decided to start their new business, something they'd wanted to do for many years but never had enough free time.

Steiniche told Nub News: "We were at home looking for things to do and thought, why not, let's do it.

"Due to the pandemic, people are spending most of their time at home and tend to play video games, which we feel takes away from that precious family time.

"There's a big adult board game community and it's a great way to meet people – when not in lockdown – but can also help teach your kids valuable lessons like patience and good decision making."

People can either buy individual board games and puzzles or they can buy game and snack boxes – similar to hampers – that can be gifted to someone on birthdays or Christmas.

The mum-of-two who first moved to Ealing 20 years ago said: "We don't sell your classic games such as Monopoly and Cluedo that you can find at places like Argos, we sell games that you'll find in specialist toy stores that are more exclusive.

"We've also introduced game and snack boxes where someone can order a hamper as a gift and that would include small party games, along with snacks such as popcorn and chocolates, snacks that you can indulge in while playing.

"The boxes are personalised too, you choose what games you want and you can write a message on a card as well."

Prices for snack boxes range from £24.99 for the children's versions, to £29.99 for the adult ones.

If you place your order before 2pm, you'll receive it on the same day, including free local delivery to over 15 postcodes.