A Preston café with a focus on making Lancashire’s larder accessible to all has been named one of the most exceptional businesses in the UK for its contribution to economic, social and environmental vibrancy.
Brew + Bake, in the heart of Preston’s restored Grade II-listed market building, now employs 6 people and combines founder Julie Fausset’s environmental conscience with a commercial proposition.
A seasonally-changing menu which brings freshly-made, locally-sourced choices to an area dominated by fast-food restaurants helped the business smash its targets, despite the impact on footfall due to the market’s restoration and nearby demolition and construction.
The café, with vegetarian and vegan choices in prime position on its menu, recently moved to a larger, purpose-built space within the market, tripling the number of tables.
It has achieved 5-star review scores on both Facebook and Tripadvisor.
And Julie’s commercial success and support for local economic sustainability through her employment and purchasing practices have so impressed a panel of independent judges that this week Brew + Bake was named one of just 3 UK finalists for an “Environmental Sustainability of the Year” Award.
The Citi Microentrepreneurship Awards, funded by the Citi Foundation, are an annual celebration of Britain’s microentrepreneurs that have accessed “responsible” business finance.
As one of just three finalists, Julie – who used a £10,000 Start Up Loan from Lancashire Community Finance to set up Brew + Bake – is in the running for a £7,500 cash prize.
Julie Fausset said:
“I’m extremely proud to be nominated and recognised for the hard work we’ve put into Brew + Bake over the last two years. We love working closely with sustainable suppliers in the North West showcasing their fantastic produce. It’s great to see Preston supporting local independent businesses.
Elaine Rimmer of Lancashire Community Finance commented:
“I am delighted that Brew + Bake is shortlisted for the Environmental Sustainability Citi Award. Julie approached us for start-up finance in 2017 with a vision to make Lancashire’s larder accessible to all. With our support, she developed a commercial proposition that combined with her environmental conscience. We helped Julie set up her new venture with a Start Up Loan and ongoing business mentoring. In 18 short months, she has established herself in a highly-competitive market, received excellent feedback from local people and already outgrown her first unit! We have no doubt her success will continue well into the future.
“Small businesses are the backbone of Lancashire’s economy, with over 88% of local businesses employing fewer than 10 people. Collectively, they have a great social and economic impact across the county. Small businesses, like Brew + Bake, deserve to be supported and their achievements celebrated.”
The UK’s 5.6 million microenterprises – businesses with 9 or fewer staff – account for 96% of all businesses, and employ over 9 million people. Some would not exist at all without the financial and business support they access from the UK’s ethical “responsible finance” sector, which in 2019 lent £171 million to thousands of credit-worthy businesses and social enterprises rejected by or unable to access finance from mainstream lenders.
“Microenterprises like Brew + Bake play a vital role in strengthening communities throughout the UK by creating jobs, unlocking opportunities, and addressing social and environmental challenges,” said Bob Annibale, Global Director, Citi Inclusive Finance and Community Development.
“The Citi Microentrepreneurship Awards recognise the positive impact they are having on a local and national scale, and these exceptional finalists and the responsible finance providers which supported them all contribute to the economic, social and environmental vibrancy of their communities. We are proud to support the Citi Microentrepreneurship Awards and the eighth cohort of finalists in the UK.”
Brew + Bake must now wait until 9 July 2020 when the winners of the Citi Microentrepreneurship Awards will be announced.
Read about the other finalists here.