Nottingham independent bakery and cafe goes for growth
The owner of a fast-growing Nottingham bakery, cafe and deli says that the city should be proud of its range of independent traders – and that the buzz around the city will help grow her brand further over the coming years.
Jade Vendone, the owner of the Ugly Bread Bakery which has two venues in Nottingham which employ 20 people, says she will look to open a third in two to three years – this time outside of Nottingham.
Vendone told TheBusinessDesk.com: “There is power in numbers in the Nottingham independents scene, and I don’t think it’s an overcrowded market at all. I think the great range of independent traders actually brings people into the city, and we all work together to push the city’s economy forward.
“However, I do think that the Council could be doing more to encourage people into the city centre. Parking charges in Nottingham are very high, and the Council need to be creative to bring people in; if that means people coming on by bus – why not free bus rides one day of the week?”
Vendone told us she would like to replicate the success of native Nottingham brands such as 200 Degrees, which she thinks is a “fantastic brand”. She also has plans to opening a third outlet in the next few years: “My dream would be to open in the East End of London, but that’s not feasible at the moment. However, I do like Leicester – it has a certain feel to it, and the local authorities seem to do a lot to help businesses, so that’s a possibility.”
For now, Vendone has plans to open Ugly Bread Bakery’s second venue in Market Street up to the local community. She is holding pop-up shop days in the upstairs room and is encouraging local artists to show their work in the space. Children’s parties and corporate events are also being marketed.
“I’ve been working in the industry since I was 16,” she said. “Nothing’s been given to me on a plate, but now I’d like to try and give something back to Nottingham community and invite them to come and use and enjoy the space and work with us to create something special.”
Box Property acts for Ugly Bread. Frankie Labbate from the agency said: “Ugly Bread are a great operator and we are delighted to be acting for them. We are searching for new opportunities in major cities around the UK.”
