Businesses sample a taste of Bedford Street at TVBC’s event

June 2nd 2017

What better on a glorious, Summer’s evening than to gather with other Tees Valley businesses for a taste of the best Bedford Street has to offer? Nothing in our opinion!

The event, which was held on May 25^th in partnership with Sanlam Private Wealth, saw 82 members head to Middlesbrough’s marvellous Grade 1 listed building, Acklam Hall, for a fabulous evening of networking and delicious nibbles.

Eager business people, intrigued by an array of aromas (which got all our tummies rumbling), entered the beautiful Drawing Room to discover a mini Bedford Street with representatives from Bedford Street Coffee House and The Curing House ready to show members their passion for Middlesbrough and their businesses.

After a delightful light supper of everybody’s favourites, mini fish and chips, chilli and pasta, and a touch of networking, guests took to their seats and prepared to learn about the progress of some of the businesses on Bedford Street.

To start the presentations John Pearson, senior portfolio manager of Sanlam Private Wealth, gave an insightful talk for new businesses. He provided members with top 10 tips for budding entrepreneurs to consider when thinking about launching a business.

Following John’s talk, Chair of Tees Valley Business Club, Jane Reynolds, asked Dave Beattie, founder of Rounton Coffee, which owns Bedford Street Coffee House, Peter Walker, owner of The Curing House and Nicky Peacock, creative director of Orange Pip Market, to join her in a discussion about their business’ progression over the last 12 months. 

At last year’s event members were introduced to Bedford Street Coffee, The Curing House and Songbird Bakery, who unfortunately were unable to make this year’s event due to a business commitment, and they unveiled to guests their unique journeys, from the company’s launch to what they hope to achieve.

It was incredibly interesting to hear how these business’ have developed a year on from our initial encounter and see how successful they have become in just 12 months.

Peter said: “I’ve found that I’ve had to become more business-like and as the months have passed by, I’ve found that there is more work to do but I’m really enjoying it.

“We’ve seen a steady growth month-on-month, which is fantastic.

“We even work in collaboration with Bedford Street Coffee House which is brilliant! We cook fresh sourdough bread for them and they give us coffee, it’s a great working relationship!”

Talking about the launch of Bedford Street Coffee House, Dave said: “We have an amazing set of staff who have been with us since the start of the business and because they believe in our vision, we have been able to grow this brilliant shop in Bedford Street!”

Speaking about her inspiration behind the Orange Pip Market, Nicky said: “I wanted to create an authentic market which cherry-picked the best of markets globally and then make our offer bespoke to Middlesbrough.

“It was important to me that the market included both local and not so local traders and creatives, so there’s as much diversity and variety as possible.”

It’s clear to see just how much impact Bedford Street has had on Middlesbrough and the local economy and we truly wish all the businesses on the street the best of luck for the future.

We can’t wait to see where the companies will be this time next year!

Don’t forget, the next Orange Pip Market will be held on Saturday 24^th June.

We’re looking forward to seeing you at our next event, which will be held at The National Museum of the Royal Navy in Hartlepool on 22^nd June.

For more information about Acklam Hall, please visit www.acklamhall.co.uk, to discover more about Sanlam Private Wealth, please visit www.sanlam.co.uk, to find out more about Bedford Street Coffee House, please visit www.facebook.com/BedfordStCoffee/, for more information about The Curing House, please visit www.thecuring.house/ and to find out more about the Orange Pip Market, please visit www.facebook.com/OrangePipMarket/.