Newcastle-based social enterprise Big River Bakery has risen to the challenge of Covid-19 with the opening of a new community hub in Middlesbrough.
The project, which specialises in slow ferment, handmade breads, savoury goods and sweet treats made with British flours and local ingredients, has partnered with Teesside University to launch an on-campus bakery to support BAME communities affected by the Covid crisis.
The move comes just a year after the Big River Bakery opened its first outlet in Shieldfield, Newcastle.
The bakery, based in the recently renovated Victoria Building within the Launchpad Incubator space, has been set-up to work closely with BAME communities and BAME-led organisations living and working locally.
It also aims to actively support communities that have been disproportionately affected because of loss, unemployment, and mental health difficulties, by bringing them together and creating opportunities and pathways to education and employment.
A steering group has been established to develop the project with Teesside’s Ubuntu Multicultural Centre, Open Door North East, and others.
Fran Hammill, manager at Teesside Big River Bakery, said: “We believe food is not merely a commodity but can offer real value to a community - employment, inclusivity, prosperity, and health and wellbeing.
“We are thrilled to be working in collaboration with like-minded organisations like Teesside University, allowing us to effect positive change for people that is real and accountable.’’
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Andy Haddon, founder of Big River Bakery, added: “This second bakery is the first roll-out of our business model, which demonstrates practical leadership in the development of social cohesion and wellbeing, including employing autistic staff and employability programmes for long-term unemployed.
“The launch of the bakery is timely as a sense of optimism grows due to the vaccination programme. This will allow more people to be able to access and be involved with the bakery on the Teesside University site.’’
Steve Dougan, Teesside University’s head of enterprise, said the Big River Bakery delivered on Launchpad’s ambition to create social impact in the region.
He said: “Following a £1.5m refurbishment, we have created a mixed-used enterprise hub with co-working, incubation, micro-factories and of course a space for a community impact bakery.
“More than 500 start-ups have been supported in this building over the last 15 years and I am delighted that Big River Bakery is partnering with us to ensure that a percentage of those start-ups are all about creating social value as well as driving economic growth and employment.”