Artisan bakery and coffee chain Deep North has opened a new production facility and head office in Ouseburn, Newcastle. The team has also opened a new store in Ouseburn – its fourth in the North East.
The move will significantly increase the business’ production capacity while transforming the working environment for the 29-strong team – providing a modern, purpose-built space designed to improve productivity and employee wellbeing. The facility also includes a dedicated office space.
Phil King, owner and director of Deep North, said: “We are thrilled to officially unveil our new headquarters and central production kitchen, which marks another major milestone for the business.
“It will provide us with the space required to not only increase our production capacity and headcount, but also provide our team with a far better working environment as we continue to innovate and grow.
“It is central to ensuring we can achieve our goal of continuing to open more stores across the region as we continue to expand over the coming months and years. The new shop adjoins the kitchen, and customers can sit and have a coffee as they watch our team make the doughnuts. We wanted to create an experiential environment which would open the doors on how we do things.”
In addition to production and office space, the new facility will also provide Deep North with space to host a programme of events – including doughnut decorating and barista masterclasses – as it seeks to continue diversifying.
Phil added: “We set up Deep North to bring something new to the North East and the launch of a dedicated events programme is another example of how we’re continuing to do just that.
“We have already delivered our first doughnut decorating masterclasses from the facility and have had bookings for our first barista masterclasses at Ouseburn. We have more plans to use the space in a creative way, which we are excited to roll out this year.”
UMi provided a £40,000 grant to Deep North through the Business Growth Fund, which it managed on behalf of Gateshead Metropolitan Borough Council, the North East Combined Authority, and Sunderland City Council.
Phil Sly, specialist adviser at UMi, said: “Deep North is a fantastic example of how the right finance and support can help ambitious businesses realise their goals and scale sustainably.
“The new facility will provide Deep North with the space and infrastructure it needs to grow its workforce, increase output and expand its presence across the region, and we’re delighted to have been able to support Phil and the team on this remarkable journey.”
