The company has also opened a new shop in Ouseburn marking its fourth in the region
Phil Sly, specialist adviser at UMi, with Phil King, owner of Deep North.(Image: CREO COMMS)
A popular bakery business is stepping up its expansion plans as it opens a new production facility and head office in Newcastle. Artisan bakery and coffee company Deep North already draws in the crowds at its three shops in Tynemouth, Ouseburn and Sheepfolds Stables in Sunderland, thanks to its mouth-watering doughnuts all made from scratch in fresh batches every day.
The independent food firm, launched by Phil King and Tom Clark in 2022, produces a fresh batch of its doughnuts each day following a 24 to 36-hour process of making and proving dough, rolling, frying and decorating, with its homemade jams, fillings and glazes. Alongside its shops Deep North also frequently pops up at a number of events and markets.
Now the chain has opened a new store in Ouseburn, marking the company’s fourth in the North East and a major milestone in its ambition to expand its presence across the region. Phil King, owner and director of Deep North, said the expansion will significantly boost its production capacity, while transforming the working environment for its 29-strong team, providing a modern space designed to improve productivity and employee wellbeing.
The new facility also includes office space as well as room to grow as it continues to expand its workforce and its portfolio of stores.
Mr King said: “We are thrilled to officially unveil our new headquarters and central production kitchen which marks yet another major milestone for the business. It will provide us with the space required to not only increase our production capacity and headcount, but also provide our team with a far better working environment as we continue to innovate and grow.
“It is central to ensuring we can achieve our goal of continuing to open more stores across the region as we continue to expand over the coming months and years. The new shop is adjoined to the kitchen, and customers can sit and have a coffee as they watch our team make the doughnuts. We wanted to create an experiential environment which would open the doors on how we do things.”
Phil King, owner of Deep North (left) with Phil Sly, specialist adviser at UMi.(Image: CREO COMMS)
The new facility also gives Deep North space to host a programme of events, including doughnut decorating masterclasses and barista masterclasses, as it looks to continue diversifying its offer.
Mr King added: “We set up Deep North to bring something new to the North East and the launch of a dedicated events programme is another example of how we’re continuing to do just that.
“We have already delivered our first doughnut decorating masterclasses from the facility and have had bookings for our first barista masterclasses at Ouseburn. We have more plans to use the space in a creative way, which we are excited to roll out this year.”
UMi provided a £40,000 grant to Deep North through the Business Growth Fund, which it managed on behalf of Gateshead Metropolitan Borough Council, North East Combined Authority, and Sunderland City Council.
Phil Sly, specialist adviser at UMi, said: “Deep North is a fantastic example of how the right finance and support can help ambitious businesses realise their goals and scale sustainably.
“The new facility will provide Deep North with the space and infrastructure it needs to grow its workforce, increase output and expand its presence across the region, and we’re delighted to have been able to support Phil and the team on this remarkable journey.”