Member Article

Gateshead organic food startup set to spring into action

Gateshead-based small business owner Laura Burlison is taking her organic food business to the next level with the opening of a new store in High Spen.

Laura launched the startup three years ago, when she began delivering organic produce boxes with food made, grown and laid on her six-acre smallholding.

After building up her online-ordering business, Laura will open the doors of her organic food store this Spring, located just five minutes away from her smallholding.

Business Advisers from Gateshead Council worked with Laura to help her identify and apply for startup and grant funding, which enabled her to buy a van and set up her business.

Laura said: “Working for myself is very hard work but it is so rewarding to be able to make a living out of doing what I love. I’m delighted to be expanding my business with the shop so customers can pop in whenever they like and collect our lovely produce.

“I’m excited that we will be bringing customers a great range of locally sourced, organic foods from around the North East, including all of the items currently available to buy via the website, alongside a few more exciting additions. The delivery service will continue to run as normal.”

As well as vegetables grown on the small holding and free range eggs from ‘Laura’s Layers’ – her 150 chickens, customers can enjoy free range pork and chicken from local farms, local cheeses, honey and more.

Laura’s Business Advisor, Caroline, said: “Laura has worked very hard to grow her business and stuck with it in tough times, as a result it’s gone from strength to strength.”