New cookie business starts up in Gateshead

Jennie McVicar, a primary school teacher from Birtley, has just started her new business "The Cookie Fairy". After getting some great reviews from friends and family on her cookies and baking for fundraising events, Jennie decided she wanted to start selling them both online and to local coffee shops.

After contacting Business Gateshead in February 2020, Jennie was signed up to our start-up programme, where she was able to work 1-2-1 with a start-up advisor on the team. "After being a primary school teacher for 20 years, this was completely out of my comfort zone. However, with Lauren's support and encouragement, she has helped me to create a business plan and organised online workshops for me to attend. She has also kept in regular contact with me and directed me towards the right people to speak to at every stage of the process."

With support, Jennie has been able to write her business plan which has allowed her to get her business idea off the ground. She has been able to access other services at the council, such as Environmental Health, to get her food safety inspection. They have supported Jennie throughout the process to understand what she needs to do to trade responsibly.

In December 2020, despite another national lockdown, Jennie was able to start trading online. Jennie has utilised Facebook for selling her products and she has already sold out her Christmas Cookie gift boxes. "Nine months after contacting Business Gateshead, I am thrilled to say that I am now officially The Cookie Fairy! I cannot thank Lauren enough for helping me to fulfil my dream."

If you would like to access start-up support, please get in touch with us today. Jennie was supported by 'Enterprise Support in the North East 2' which is part funded by the European Development fund 2020'.