Middlesbrough’s Dundas Indoor Market is the home of the first business in the North East to sell sweet shawarmas and chocolate kebabs, thanks to a new enterprise set up by two former SSI workers.
AnnMarie Vickers, a cleaner, and her safety officer husband Charlie, who were both made redundant from SSI Redcar in September last year (2015), have launched Auntie Ambas Treats and Sweets in a prominent location in the town-centre covered market, part of the Dundas Shopping Centre.
Auntie Ambas Treats and Sweets, which has been featured on BBC One’s Look North, is an emporium of sugar-filled delights which has some very different offerings on the menu, including a full size chocolate kebab. Business has got off to a brisk start with customers making special trips to the indoor market to sample the sweet treats.
AnnMarie Vickers said: “We are delighted that our business has taken off so well and we are already seeing many repeat customers. Our regulars are also bringing us ideas for new chocolates and sweets which we are eager to try out, such as adding fresh waffles and fruit to the menu and making more use of our chocolate marshmallow machine.
“The Dundas Indoor Market is really proving to be the perfect location for our business. We have been overwhelmed by the support we have had from the other tenants and Dundas Centre Manager David Harris.”
Mr Harris worked closely with the Vickers, who were also helped by Enterprise Revolution and the SSI Taskforce to start their new venture.
Mr Harris said: “I have worked closely with AnnMarie and Charlie for the last two months. The reaction to their new venture has been very positive and they have started trading strongly in a busy mall. I am eager to hear more about new business ideas and discuss what more the market can offer them to ensure their future success.”
Dundas Market is the only indoor market in Middlesbrough town centre and is home to over 20 local independent businesses, some of which have being trading in the market for more than 20 years. Situated within the Dundas Shopping Centre, it benefits from a weekly footfall of more than 60,000 and a supportive market community, manager and landlord.
Units are available to rent in the Dundas Indoor Market. Further information is available from David Harris on tel. 01642 232552 or by email. david.harris@dundasindoormarket.co.uk or from the Centre’s website at http://www.dundasshoppingcentre.co.uk/units-let/.