Member Article

North East chick-hatching business under new ownership

Aspiring entrepreneur has Jo Pringle has acquired the North East and Cumbria branch of Living Eggs, a programme that brings chick-hatching kits into schools and care homes.

Thanks to a five-figure funding package from Yorkshire Bank, Jo has been able to take on the enterprise which provides an educational programme giving schools, nurseries and care homes with everything they need to hatch and care for chicks.

Jo purchased the franchise in June 2016 from her friend, after working as a sub-contractor of the business.

Living Eggs kits are delivered throughout the North East and in the outlying areas of Cumbria. With the funding support, Jo is planning to expand operations and start distributing kits within the heart of Cumbria.

The initiative reportedly creates lasting positive effects, helping shy children come out of their shell and distracting them from the stress of starting at a new school.

The project can also help decrease exam-related stress for secondary school pupils and stir up nostalgic feelings for older care home residents.

Living Eggs’ peak period runs between February and June, when kits are delivered to 30-40 schools per week, which amounts to 300-400 chicks per week.

Next year, Jo hopes to add further dates in September, October and November to help more children through the stress of starting a new school.

The kits include ten living eggs, an incubator and brooder box complete with heat light, bedding, food and water supply.

The deal for the funding was arranged by Simon Orr, relationship manager in Yorkshire Bank’s Business Direct team.

Jo explained: “I struggled at first to find a suitable lender and found many of the banks I spoke to very unapproachable.

“Yorkshire Bank was recommended to me and Simon has been brilliant. He is personable and has shown a genuine interest in the Living Eggs programme, even offering clever marketing ideas.

“Living Eggs is the first business I have ever purchased and the staff at the Northumberland Street branch were incredibly helpful, easing me through the paperwork, making the entire process very simple.”

Simon Orr added: “The previous owner approached Jo before anyone else, asking her to take the reins of the business.

“For a long time, she has been a huge advocate for the brand and now has the opportunity to expand its reach even further, growing the number of people it positively impacts.

“We are proud to have supported Jo in her first business venture and look forward to helping her reach her growth ambitions in the future.”