Member Article

Enterprising pair shake it up after call centre

Two entrepreneurs who met while working in a County Durham call centre are set to open the North East’s first milkshake bar. The 26-year-old pair, Ian Philpot and Leanne Fenwick from Peterlee, overcame a double redundancy, and will launch Shakeaholic on 88 Clayton Street, Newcastle upon Tyne this Saturday.

Leanne and Ian first met whilst working for the Orange call-centre in Peterlee. On 31 December Ian was made redundant, shortly followed by Leanne late February. After working in a call centre for a combined total of ten years, the two decided their futures lay elsewhere and sought out self employment.

Before launching Shakeaholic, The pair received start up advice and guidance. They were successful in gaining a place on the New Entrepreneur Scholarship course at Durham University Business School. They also received a grant from the Prince’s Trust, and funding towards their marketing strategy from Business Link Tyne & Wear. Over £25,000 pounds was spent on the refurbishment, with no expense spared on the granite counters and the restoration of the original wooden floor.

Ian said: “Our research showed us that the idea will not only appeal to the general public wanting an alternative to coffee or soft drinks, but also students and local offices. “We have catered for just about everyone’s pallets including; children, healthy shakes and a choice of shakes for vegans. “We take scoops of ice cream, combine them with your favourite chocolate bar or sweet, and then add the chilled milk. Once blended you then have your very own Shakeaholic milkshake.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .