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Alnwick-based retailer fears Scottish referendum result

Alnwick-based tea brewery and online tea retailer, Bari, is anxiously awaiting the result of the Scottish Referendum, as the vote could have condemning implications on the tourism-reliant retailer.

Tourism makes up 11.8% of Northumberland’s economy, 2.7% higher than the national average, generating £665 million to the economy.

The North East receives 13% of its domestic overnight visitors from Scotland; with Alnwick, specifically its commercial castle quarter where Bari is based, being one of the region’s most popular frequented hotspots for Scottish tourists to visit.

Like many small businesses in the region, Bari cannot survive on the restrictions of local trade alone and is heavily reliant on this custom from Scottish tourists.

The company are launching their new Bari Breakfast Blend this weekend, a new tea which has taken two years of refinement to perfect, although it seems that the new product launch comes at an unfortunate time.

The new blend has been specifically designed to include the lighter smokiness of Scottish breakfast tea mixed with the traditional darkness of the English breakfast tea to create an authentic Northumbrian blend.

Owner of Bari, Caroline Stewart, said: “Our Northumbrian heritage is a core feature of the business.

“Whilst we sell our teas online, our Tea Brewery in Alnwick is a key foundation of our business.

“Whichever way the vote goes, its going to affect our business in the short and long term.

“If the Scots vote yes there’s the huge question over currency and we get lots of day trippers from north of the border, so how will that work?

“We have been exploring further outlets in Scotland so if new regulations or restrictions come into force, they may take years to sort out and are likely to stifle a significant growth in the area for small businesses.

“Lots of people living in North Northumberland and the Borders don’t consider themselves Scottish or English, they consider themselves Northumbrian or Border folk.”