Member Article

Brinkburn, Northumberland's Ambitous Expansion Plans

NEW CHAPTER STARTS IN BRINKBURN’S HISTORY

One of the North East’s most unique and historic wedding venues Brinkburn, Northumberland, on the banks of the River Coquet, has now expanded its accommodation, with the help of a start up loan from Transmit Start-Ups.

Brinkburn, Northumberland, has been in its owner Mark Fenwick’s family for over 200 years, but parts of it needed a new lease of life. Sitting at the bottom of a deep wooded dene surrounded by a loop of the river, a few miles from Rothbury, is the 12th century Brinkburn Priory and its 19th century Manor House, both under the guardianship of English Heritage. A few metres away are the Stables and coach house which supported the Manor House.

In 2007 these building were dilapidated and structurally unsound, having been abandoned in the 1950s. They are now refurbished and the centre of a thriving wedding events and holiday business set up by Mark. Started in 2013 the business provides a room for civil ceremonies, a lawn for two tipis which can host 120 people and accommodation for the groom, bride, bridesmaids and immediate family.

The development of further accommodation was made possible by support from Transmit Start-Ups, part of the Government’s start up initiative which aims to help create more entrepreneurs. Through the loan Brinkburn is now able to offer a wedding venue with three buildings - converted Stables, Priory Cottage and the Bel House.

Mark, who had is own interior design business in London before redeveloping the venue and grounds said: “Transmit Start-Ups’ loan has been a tremendous support to us as, despite my background, we were classed as a new business with no trading history and therefore a high risk business. We needed to create extra accommodation to maximise what we can offer here at Brink burn. The refurbished property is looking stunning and I am pleased to say we have 5* Gold rating from the English Tourist Board, which is fantastic for us. The whole place is now transformed.”

Damian Baetens, director, Transmit Start-Ups said: “Brink burn is a perfect mix of idyllic location and first class service so we are delighted to help them exploit their potential. I can’t think of any other wedding venue which has so many unique features.”

The Brinkburn, Northumberland business has also created three full time and four seasonal jobs to cope with the demand for weddings and in the long term there are plans to expand. Mark has also been granted planning permission for more accommodation and a new building in woods within the grounds. He said: “It is going to be the greatest dance hall in Northumberland, a cross between a treehouse and a barn. It will be a collision between the best in modern design crossed with the aesthetics of a Texan honky tonk. Hold onto your Stetsons, building work will start in 2015.”

Further information is available on www.brinkburnnorthumberland.com and on start up loans for entrepreneurs, www.transmitstartups.co.uk.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Transmit Start Ups .