Former nurse launches bookshop venture

A former nurse has turned the page on a 16-year healthcare career to open an independent bookshop and tearoom in Sunderland city centre.

Hayley Beckinsale launched Chapter 13 on Frederick Street in July, transforming a long-held ambition into a new business with support from the North East BIC.

The shop combines new and pre-loved books with a tearoom, creating a relaxed space where visitors can browse, meet friends or settle down with a book and a coffee.

Its shelves focus particularly on romance, fantasy, thrillers and contemporary fiction, alongside children’s titles, book-related gifts and accessories.

Hayley said: “I’d always joked about having a little bookshop and coffee shop when we were on holiday, but I never thought it would actually happen. 

“I’d been in nursing for 16 years and then there were so many changes in my job that I became unhappy and knew I needed a change.

“My husband said, ‘Why don't you just try?’ So, I started looking into how I could make it happen and it just grew from there.”

Hayley moved into entrepreneurship with no previous business experience after spending her working life in nursing.

Following a Government start-up loan, she was introduced to the BIC while securing premises and preparing Chapter 13 for launch.

Business adviser Hina Joshi supported the venture through its start-up journey, with Hayley also accessing specialist help to develop the shop's social media presence.

Hina added: “Hayley had a clear passion for what she wanted Chapter 13 to become, but she was completely new to running a business. 

“It has been fantastic to see her take that idea and turn it into a real space that has already received such a positive response from the local community.

“Our role was to help Hayley understand what support was available and connect her with the right people and services. 

“From funding and business planning through to social media support, we’ve been able to help her build her confidence and develop the skills she needs to take Chapter 13 forward.”

Hayley added: “The social media side of it was big for me because I'd never had to do anything like that before.

“Hina put me in contact with other people and gave me a bit of direction about where I could get extra help. 

“Having that support has taken a big weight off my shoulders.

“The BIC has been a massive help because I’ve never done anything like this before. 

“I didn't know there was help out there for new businesses, so having people reach out and say, ‘Have you thought about this?’ or ‘Did you know you could get support with that?’ has been amazing.

“I honestly don't think I would have known where to start without their help. 

“It’s made the whole process feel much more manageable.”

The business has received a positive response since opening, and Hayley is now looking to establish Chapter 13 as a community hub for Sunderland's book lovers.

Plans include author signings, book clubs and creative book-themed activities, alongside a queer art market and collaborations with local authors.

Hayley added: “I can't believe people keep coming in. 

“It’s been really busy. 

“When I had the idea of opening a bookshop, I had a vision of myself sitting reading my book with people popping in, but it's literally been non-stop.

“People keep saying they’ve been waiting for something like this to open in Sunderland and the reception has just been incredible.”

The support was delivered through Enterprising Sunderland, which has secured funding to continue until the end of 2026 as part of Sunderland’s Business Support Programme.

The programme is funded by the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority through its Integrated Settlement, having previously been supported through the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Councillor James Jackson, portfolio holder for housing, business and regeneration at Sunderland City Council, added: “It’s great to see local entrepreneurs like Hayley turning their ideas into reality and creating new businesses that add something special to Sunderland’s communities.

“Independent businesses play an important role in our local economy, creating new opportunities and helping our city’s high streets and neighbourhoods thrive. 

“Providing the right support to people taking that first step into business is vital, and it’s encouraging to see Hayley making the most of the support available to build her new venture.”

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