Sweet success for Redcar entrepreneurs with launch of vegan treats venture

A North East couple has taken the plunge into entrepreneurship with the launch of a new vegan sweets business.

Redcar duo Kay Tarry and Marc Teasdale have launched vegan food firm Sugar Noms and expanded into a new office in the town’s business park.

Launched after Marc was furloughed and subsequently lost his job as a kitchen designer, Sugar Noms specialises in vegan confectionery such as fudge, meringues, bon-bons, liquorice and cola bottles.

After experiencing growing demand for their products, the couple have expanded into UKSE’s Innovation Centre in Kirkleatham Business Park.

Marc explained: “We started out in lockdown from home but were delighted when we could move into UKSE’s Innovation Centre in Redcar.

“All the facilities, especially the 24 hour access as we can be packing orders until midnight, are ideal and the UKSE team has been so supportive and friendly.

“We have created a Candyland office, been able to take on extra space and can organise Covid-safe collections and tasters.”

UKSE’s Diane Parker added: “It’s been a pleasure to help Sugar Noms settle in at the Innovation Centre during such a challenging time for businesses and to see them do so well. We have also been very happy to help out with any testing requests!”

Following the firm’s move to the new premises, Marc and Kay have plans for wider expansion across the region and beyond.

Co-founder Kay commented: “We have a strong following on Teesside alone and one of our biggest fans is my Nan who is dairy intolerant and owned her own traditional sweet shop in the 1960s.”

“We’re confident Sugar Noms will continue to grow and future ideas, some of them from customers, include sugar-free options and tailored wedding boxes.

“We plan to expand further outside the UK, create a YouTube channel and become the UK’s leading supplier.”