Leeds Beckett graduate launches bakery venture thanks to scholarship

Leeds Beckett University graduate Natalie Hall has turned her dream of opening a shabby-chic inspired Sheffield bakery into reality, after being awarded the University’s Vice Chancellor’s Enterprise Scholarship worth £3,000.

The Vice Chancellor’s Enterprise Scholarships provide the University’s graduates with £3,000 of funding, including support through the University’s business incubator, QU2; dedicated business advisors and mentors; membership of the Leeds Chamber of Commerce; and a city centre business address, for 12 months.

Promising to serve up a wide selection of pastries, sweet treats and hearty baked, savoury goods, Poppies Bakehouse, of 906 Ecclesall Road, Banner Cross, will open its doors to the public on Saturday 11 October.

Natalie, who graduated from Leeds Beckett University in 2012 with a BA (Hons) degree in International Hospitality Business Management, said: “I could not be more thrilled to be opening my very own bakehouse in Sheffield, my home city.

“It has been a long-standing dream of mine to open a food-based business and thanks to this University scholarship and support it has assisted me in the process of making this happen.

“I cannot wait to welcome customers to Poppies Bakehouse on Saturday. The bakery is both a sit-in eaterie and a take-away. The venue is vintage with a modern twist and has a real home from home vibe and atmosphere.

“The menu is a range of savoury dishes including homemade quiches and tarts, warming soups, succulent sandwiches and freshly-baked cakes ranging from traditional Victoria Sponges to more adventurous flavoured cupcakes. We also cater for children with our Little Munchkins Menu.

“In an afternoon from Monday to Satruday we will be serving up Afternoon Tea consisting of finger sandwiches, mini cake bites and scones.”

Leeds Beckett University Vice Chancellor, Professor Price commented: “Our 2014 student and graduate scholarship finalists were of an extremely high standard and Natalie’s determination and commitment to achieving her goals, coupled with her innovative and exciting business plan, made her an exceptional and worthy recipient.

“This scholarship will be a real lifeline to help establish Poppies Bakehouse and I wish Natalie every success with her business.

“Our students are the professionals of the future, making important and valued contributions to society. In these tough economic times with high levels of job uncertainty, research is finding that more of our students and graduates are considering starting their own business; and leading economists are reporting that the best way for us to stimulate our economy is to encourage small business growth to increase job creation.

“Being housed in our business incubator increases companies’ chances of trading after year one from 50% to 95%.”