Newcastle’s Small Business Champion 2016 has been announced as Hatch Coffee, ahead of Small Business Saturday on 3 December.
The winning independent retailer, Hatch Coffee, is quirky takeaway coffee outlet in the city centre, selling a selection of hot drinks and sweet treats from a converted parking attendant’s cabin.
Newcastle City Council had been asking city shoppers to nominate their local high street heroes, as part of a joint campaign with the Federation of Small Businesses, to raise awareness in the importance of shopping locally.
The public put forward their favourite indie retailers in November, which were then shortlisted to the top seven – varying from pet stores and gyms to patisseries and pubs. The shortlist included winners Hatch Coffee; and finalists Robinson’s Pet Store, Les Petits Choux, F.I.T Club, Electrical Repair Agency, Rehills of Jesmond and The Brandling Villa.
Cabinet Member for Investment and Development, Councillor Ged Bell, said:
“We had a brilliant response to our campaign, which saw seven of Newcastle’s favourite small businesses receive a huge amount of support from local shoppers and business owners.”
“This is exactly the kind of response we hoped to receive, as Newcastle is home to many quirky and innovative independent retailers – all of which can offer their customers a unique and personalised shopping experience.”
“I would like to say a big well done to Hatch Coffee who have achieved so much already in such a short space of time.”
Federation of Small Businesses’ Newcastle Branch Chairman, Allen Creedy, said:
“Congratulations to Hatch Coffee on being voted Newcastle’s favourite small business.
“The city is widely recognised as having one of the best independent coffee scenes in the U.K. and Hatch are a key part in this.
“With Small Business Saturday on 3 December, we’re encouraging everyone to shop local and support small businesses in their local community.”
Mark Briston, owner at Hatch Coffee, first fell in love with coffee during his travels around Australia and New Zealand. Upon returning to the UK, it quickly became evident to him that there was a distinct gap in the market for this style of coffee business.
He promises customers the finest, locally sourced products and cheerful, friendly service.
Mark Briston, entrepreneur and owner of Hatch Coffee, said:
“Winning the title of small business Saturday champion is a great achievement for my business.
“Hatch Coffee as it stands today has been six years in the making even though we have only been open for six months.
“Seeing the support from my customers has given me reassurance that starting my own business was the right thing to do.”
Small Business Saturday takes place this weekend on 3 December – the busiest shopping day on the year – when people are encouraged to shop local and use small independent traders as part of a nationwide awareness campaign.
Read more information about the national campaign here.