North East confectioner hopes to expand into Europe

North East confectionery firm Fudge Fancies is heading to Germany in the hope of landing an export contract.

Fudge Fancies – a company supported by the Redcar Enterprise Team - is attending Taste The Future, the world’s leading food fair, which is taking place at Anuga, Cologne, next month (October).

Fudge Fancies is one of eight businesses from the North East heading to the event as part of a UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) contingent.

The fair is the biggest networking event in the world for food and drink retailers and suppliers, and Michael Goodchild, owner of Fudge Fancies, hopes his fudge will go down a treat with national and international buyers.

If his trip goes to plan then Fudge Fancies could soon be flying the UK flag and exporting confectionery to Europe or beyond.

Jeff Bean, UKTI’s International Trade Adviser for the food and drink sector, is accompanying the eight businesses, which include a tea company, an olive oil company and a meat pie maker.

Jeff said: “The potential for the businesses is huge, this is a great opportunity and in previous years our companies have returned home with large orders and a lot of interest in their products.”

Former plasterer Michael launched Fudge Fancies in 2010 with help from the Enterprise Team’s business coaches and thanks to the support he received he’s never looked back.

The company was shortlisted for Best New Business Awards Tees Valley, received a National Business Accelerator Merit Award, was highlighted by Theo Paphitis as part of his Small Business Sunday Twitter campaign, and competed in the final of the If We Can You Can Challenge’ organised by the Entrepreneurs Forum.

The company’s reputation is spreading and a regular stream of orders means turnover has increased steadily year on year.

Michael said: “The event in Cologne is a golden opportunity, and thanks to advisers at UK Trade & Investment I’ve got meetings set up with buyers from across the continent.

“I’m hoping to return with leads for potential new customers and the icing on the cake would be to come back with at least one sizeable contract that would enable me to take the business to the next step.”

Michael is keen to expand Fudge Fancies by moving into larger premises and taking on permanent staff, but to do that he needs to secure a regular order of significant size.

It’s a position many small firms find themselves in, and the Enterprise Team business coaches are experts at helping businesses achieve their goals.

The coaches are fuelling business growth any way they can - from helping companies cut their energy bills to highlighting how they can build on success and increase turnover.

The business coaches provide free advice and support on a range of business topics including business planning, strategic direction, raising finance, tax, payroll and record-keeping, recruitment, staff development, acquiring a business, international trade, and protecting intellectual property.

The team also has a bank of business experts to call upon who provide a free bespoke advisory service on topics including marketing, accounts, recruitment and business funding.

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