Yorkshire’s independents cook up recipe for success

A SELECTION of Yorkshire’s independent retailers are celebrating this month following trading success across Britain. From securing big names as stockists to prestigious award nominations, independents across the region are flourishing as more and more UK retailers look to offer a piece of Yorkshire’s pie…literally.

Doncaster-based family bakery, Topping Pie Company is just one success story from Yorkshire’s thriving independent scene.

Having secured a contract with The Channel Islands’ The Co-operative Society, the bakery’s handcrafted pork pies and Dinky Topped pork pies will soon be rolled out into stores in Jersey and Guernsey as an extension of the Co-operative Society’s delicatessen range.

The pies will also be stocked in many of the islands’ shops, pubs, cafés, airports and leisure centres.

Chief Executive of Welcome to Yorkshire Sir Gary Verity said: “It’s no surprise that the rest of the UK, and indeed the world, is so keen to get its hands on a little piece of Yorkshire.

“The success of these small independent businesses showcases the immense talent we have here in the county, in both the food and drink and creative industries.”

After leading the way with 3D jewellery lines and expanding its premises to meet demands this year, alternative jewellery brand The Rogue + The Wolf was shortlisted for the Amazon Growing Business Awards.

The Huddersfield brand competed against businesses across the UK for the title of Micro Business of the Year, hoping to be as prestigious as previous winners of the award, including Innocent drinks, Lovefilm and Betfair.

Little Valley Brewery – which is based in Hebden Bridge – also strengthened its retail presence with the launch of limited edition LVB X gift boxes into 11 Booths stores in time for Christmas. As of last month, stockists of the beer include the Booths in Clitheroe, Ikley and Media City in Manchester.

Gary added: “Recent events like the Grand Départ and the Tour De Yorkshire, which have put the county on the international stage, have merely enhanced Yorkshire’s natural self-belief.

“Combine that confidence with a healthy dose of innovation and a measure of good old fashioned Yorkshire grit and it’s a recipe for success.”

Brown and Blond artisan bakery is also baking up a batch of new business in the UK, bringing its 50 recipes of handcrafted brownies and blondies to the capital city.

The brand – which sells various flavours from lemon meringue to pecan and amaretto – will be selling its brownies and blondies at Kings College in London and will be attending several outdoor events including the Christmas Markets at Chatsworth and the York Christmas Market for a second year.