Local entrepreneur turns redundancy payout into dream prosecco bar business

A Killingworth-based entrepreneur is ‘popping the cork’ on his new business after being made redundant from a Northumberland perfume factory.

Paul McIntyre, one of hundreds of employees to be made redundant from the Seaton Delaval-based Coty factory, has launched Proseccoflow; a purpose-built mobile prosecco bar serving bubbles on tap alongside a range of draught beers and a fully stocked bar.

Having worked for the former P&G business for the past 20 years, Paul was devastated to discover that the company’s new owners had decided to transfer all production to mainland Europe and close the Northumberland based plant with the loss of hundreds of jobs.

However, the self-confessed prosecco lover decided to try something new and capitalise on the nation’s love for such a drink. He now runs a fully licensed mobile bar, available for corporate and private events, weddings, fairs and festivals.

The new business has already landed him invitations to attend music festivals and garden parties around the region, as well as securing a long-term contract with a local home builder to help launch its show homes.

Paul, whose grandfather hailed from Italy, and dubbed by Paul as the only man in the region of the 1960s to be found drinking prosecco, said: “This has been an incredible journey so far, a real labour of love but now we are up and running we are now hoping that business will, if you excuse the pun, start to flow.

“We have had a great deal of support from North Tyneside Council’s Business Factory who have helped and encouraged us to believe in our business idea and offered us expert advice to make sure we start off on the right foot.

“The service they offer has been amazing and the dedicated staff there are hugely inspirational to startup companies.”

He added: “The Proseccoflow van is already turning lots of heads and we have taken a number of bookings throughout the summer months for a range or corporate and private events.

“People’s love of prosecco is showing no signs of abating so what better way to meet demand than a mobile bar serving quality prosecco on tap!”

Paul also offers a fully stocked bar with crafts gins and beers - the bar has been designed to stock whatever drinks a customer wants; although prosecco on draft has already become a firm favourite.