Duo quit jobs to launch vegan venture
A couple who quit their jobs for a new challenge are pursuing their dream of running a vegan health food shop.
Beth and Dan O’Toole have taken over The Peak of Health in Glossop and have revamped the business.
They have changed its name back to its original title, Glossop Wholefoods, and have transformed it into a vegan-only enterprise.
The shop is based in The Old Co-op Building in Norfolk Square.
Before embarking on their venture Beth was a stylist for events such as weddings, hen parties, baby showers and corporate launches, while Dan was an insurance fraud investigator.
Beth said: “We wanted a new challenge and, after going travelling to New Zealand for two months, we came back and saw the opportunity to buy The Peak of Health.
“We are both vegan and are passionate about that lifestyle, and we thought we could make a real go of it.
“We won’t stock anything that we would not eat ourselves, and we can see there is demand for the products we are selling. We’re offering a whole new shopping experience for the area.
“The vegan community of Glossop and surrounding areas is growing, as people become more aware of the health benefits of the lifestyle. Personally it helped me to overcome chronic fatigue and other conditions through vegan food and supplements.”
The couple have refurbished the shop and introduced a range of ‘grab and go’ snacks, vegan baby foods, toiletries, sun creams and make-up, as well as biodegradable household products.
They have also reduced the amount of plastic used in store, offering paper and organic cotton tote bags, stainless steel straws and bottles, and reusable coffee cups and sandwich wrap.
A podiatrist has taken space on the shop’s mezzanine level, and the couple’s future plans include selling vegan wines, beers and ales.
Martin Blaylock, a solicitor in the corporate and commercial department at Tameside law firm Bromleys, advised Beth and Dan on their purchase of the business and lease arrangements.
He said: “The shop is in a great location near the centre of Glossop and looks fantastic following the refurbishment.
“We are delighted to have advised Beth and Dan with their acquisition of Glossop Wholefoods and wish them well as they push the business on to greater success.”
