By Jo Sinclair, marketing assistant:
Jo Sinclair enjoying breakfast at Cottage Green
Here at the BIC no two days are the same when you are in the marketing team and on a cold day in October I had the pleasure of leaving my desk behind and venturing out to a fabulous venue.
Stewart Austin opened the Cottage Green, Southwick, after receiving help from the BIC and securing a £15,000 start-up loan from Virgin. I took the opportunity to go and see his business venture…and sample the breakfast delights!
What is your business?
Cottage Green is a new café based in Southwick and is open seven days a week. Serving all day breakfast, lunches and Sunday lunches. The café can seat up to 32 people.
Where did the idea come from?
I have worked as a chef at the Stadium of Light for 18 years and I have wanted to open my own café for about five years. For one reason or another I kept putting it on hold, but then decided to just go for it. That’s when I visited the BIC to enquire about funding and I began to look for premises.
How did you choose the location of the business?
I spotted the property on the Green in Southwick which has been empty for a long time, it used to be a police station. When I rang Michael Hodgson Estate Agents they told me it had already been sold. After further discussions they told me who had purchased the premises and that they also wanted to open a café.
I contacted the buyer Colin Hodgson and asked him if he would consider leasing the property and allow me to run my café from there. After reading my business plan he agreed and the rest is history.
What help did you receive from the BIC?
My business adviser Chris Hylton was a massive help. Chris ensured the business plan and cash flow was at a high standard which helped me secure a £15,000 start up loan from Virgin. He helped me understand what funders look for in a business plan and there were things I had underestimated. Not only that but Chris rang me nearly every other day to check how I was doing and I could always get advice when I needed it. I would definitely recommend the BIC to anyone who is thinking of starting a business.
What is your unique selling point?
I buy everything in fresh, daily. I use the local produce including Churchill’s Butchers in Southwick who was also a previous client of the BIC.
How has your first month gone?
Business has been brilliant and the café is very busy and I am already in talks with the landlord to extend the kitchen.
It feels like it was meant to be and I have a great relationship with the landlord which has been vital to the business. Also the Stadium of Light have been flexible which I very much appreciate.
On 25th October I am opening the café early for the supporters who are going to the derby match, and all of my colleagues have been to sample the food.
How many employees do you have?
As well as myself I employ one other chef and three front of house staff.
How do you advertise?
The majority of advertising has been on Facebook and Instagram, and then just word of mouth. I am currently preparing a leaflet drop, as I have already amended the menu based on the feedback I’ve received from customers and on sales. The new leaflet will also include an offer for match days. For the derby match I will be playing old matches on the TV for fans heading to the Stadium.
What does your family think about you running your own business?
They love it. My youngest son is 15 years old and he loves to cook. He sometimes helps out on a weekend.
Do you have any advice for someone starting a business?
Visit the BIC for advice before starting. I wish I had started the business sooner. I have also been able to save costs by designing and printing my own leaflets, I built my own till and counter and also installed my own security system. Although I received a loan to help with start-up costs, this was just enough. Saving costs is vital for a new business.
So if you are a business based near Southwick you can find more information and a menu here:
For information on becoming self-employed like Stewart please contact the BIC on 0191 516 6149
If you are passing Southwick why not pop into the Cottage Green, I can definitely recommend the bacon buttie!
