Member Article

Newcastle children’s activity startup to create further jobs to meet increasing demand

Newcastle-based startup Weekend Box are planning to expand their production team and recruit at least 5 more staff as the company continue to experience exponential growth and demand for their services.

Weekend Box create and deliver activity boxes for children aged 4-6, containing activities to make, bake, explore and more together with the bits you need.

Boxes come addressed to children through the post via subscription (fortnightly or monthly) and are designed to pop right through customer letterboxes.

Founder Andy Stephenson began the business in April 2013, building up the business to deliver 1,000 boxes in six months, which quickly grew to 10,000 boxes in 12 months and again doubling production to 20,000 boxes in 18 months.

In July 2013 he applied to the Start Up Loans Company for a £7,500 loan to help grow the business.

Weekend Box currently employs 13 staff across two locations in Newcastle and one in Scarborough, North Yorkshire and is now aiming to recruit more bodies to meet the the growing demand that his come with the company’s growth and success.

Weekend Box have also been recognised for their success recently, winning the Big Start Up Loans Competition winner 2014.

The company won both the regional North-East prize as well as the overall national prize at a glitzy ceremony at City Hall in London.

The award was presented by ex-Dragon and business magnate James Caan as well as Matthew Hancock MP, Minister for Business, Enterprise and Energy in the Chamber at City Hall in London (the Lord Mayor’s Office).

Founder, Andy Stephenson, said: “It’s absolutely amazing to win this competition, we’ve come an incredible way since I started Weekend Box in April 2013 and the speed of our success is testimony to the hard work and dedication that our team put it.

“I genuinely believe there’s not been a better time to start a business and there isn’t a better place than in the North East.

“When you’re competing against national and international companies - the North East stands out immediately because of its low-cost base and the can-do attitude of the people here.”

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