Fourteen jobs created at new Tanfield interiors and craft shop

Fourteen jobs have been created with the opening of a new home interiors and crafts shop and cafe in the village of Tanfield, Co Durham, with the support of a six figure loan from Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking.

After several months of extensive renovations, Bayberry Hollow has opened in the period building that was formerly The Pack Horse Inn. It was started by business partners Marie Race and Joanne Connolly, selling a range of fashion accessories, gifts, cards and home furnishings. It also has a large café selling home-made foods and cakes.

Marie Race said: “I had previously run my own home interior store and cafe for 14 years, which I sold in 2011. When we started Bayberry Hollow we were mainly trading online, but opening a shop where people could see and touch the items in themed surroundings was a key part of creating a shop that would be destination in its own right.

“Tanfield is a beautiful village and when we saw the old stone-built pub for sale we realised that it was the perfect spot for us to create a warm and welcoming business where our customers could relax and enjoy their visit.”

Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking provided the funds to purchase and renovate the new premises under the Government-backed Funding for Lending Scheme (FLS) loan, through which SME customers across all sectors receive a one per cent discount for the life of their loans.

Marie added: “We approached our relationship manager from Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking with our business plan, and he just got it straight away. He was able to agree the funding within a few hours and has truly believed in our business and supported us from day one, which has been a huge boost for us.”

Having already proven extremely popular with customers since opening, the business is looking at taking on a new chef in the coming months to help increase the range of food on its menu.

Ian Thompson, relationship manager for Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “Bayberry Hollow is both a well-run business and a great place to visit, and the thought and care that Marie and Joanne have put into it really shines through when you walk through the door.

“Their combined previous experience and well-researched business plan enabled me to put in place the funding required to help them, and the initial results have demonstrated that they have created a business that really resonates with their customers.

“Small businesses like Barberry Hollow play a vital role in driving local economies, and as part of our commitment to supporting SMEs we have supported 65,000 start-ups since January 2013 and we approve eight out of ten loan and overdraft requests.”

Looking to promote your product/service to SME businesses in your region? Find out how Bdaily can help →