Big River Bakery is a social enterprise with the purpose of making good food accessible to all—regardless of age, gender, religion, disability, or socio-economic status. It provides a welcoming place in the community where everyone is included. Its model is complex for a small business, but it strives to be as inclusive as possible. The bakery enjoys a wide following in the North East, across the UK, and globally.
Big River Bakery employs 15 people, with a quarter of its workforce being neuro-diverse or having mental health issues and requiring additional support. The bakery provides daily free food and hot drinks to those in need, including free weekly lunches for everyone. It offers free daily breakfasts for local schoolchildren who cannot access breakfasts or breakfast clubs, and runs free baking sessions for schools during and outside of term time. It also organises free baking sessions for the wider community and for organisations supporting ex-army veterans and those working with people suffering from dementia and their carers.
The bakery also promotes kindness through its Kindness Cookie scheme, which rewards acts of kindness across the UK. Each week, a Kindness Cookie is sent out for free as part of its mission to spread kindness.
Big River Bakery operates a commercial model, with 90% of its income generated through sales from its shop, catering services, wholesale, and online sales. It also offers paid baking courses for the public.
Businesses can support Big River Bakery’s mission through various business-to-business transactions, including:
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Corporate baking team-building days
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Catering services for breakfast, lunch, and events
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Corporate hampers and gifts, with bakery products shipped nationwide
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Sponsorship of the Kindness Cookie scheme, which includes promotional opportunities and contributes to spreading kindness across the UK
Additionally, Big River Bakery offers “Scotty the Stottie Cake” products, including books, soft toys, and a giant Scotty for events. Profits support the bakery’s children’s projects and CHUF (Children’s Heart Unit Fund) at the Freeman Hospital.