The Ceramic Experience, Blaydon
A great opportunity to purchase an established and profitable business but with definite potential to develop the concept and brand in the North East. Recently featured on NORTH EAST TONIGHT, the owner is reluctantly selling due to family circumstances.
Ceramic Experience, based in Blaydon, is the flagship branch of the award winning Ceramic Experience franchise which has outlets in Scotland and the north of England. Ideally located with loads of parking, this business has established itself with local schools, nurseries and families in the region and is a popular visitor attraction. However, significant opportunities exist to expand the brand along with turnover and profitability as personal circumstances have prevented the existing owner from fully capitalising on a proven and successful concept.
Ideal business for someone who could build on what the existing owner has achieved and develop the business. Free promotional DVD available with sales particulars and given owner's situation, PRICED AT LESS THAN IT WOULD COST TO PURCHASE A NEW FRANCHISE OF THIS SIZE!!!
BUSINESS INFORMATION A successful outlet of an award winning franchise. This business was set up in 2003 and has established itself in the area as a popular visitor attraction for families schools and nurseries from across the North East. So, how does the business work? Well, visitors to the business choose an item of pottery and using paints and materials supplied can decorate the pottery and either have it glazed on the premises (for later collection) or take it home if acrylic paints are used. The range of pottery and materials is extensive ranging from simple items to large plates, small animals, teapots, ornaments and objects etc. Whilst it is fun for children the business is popular with adults who can take babies / small children to have their hand or feet imprinted onto plates or plaques. A facility recently introduced is clay imprints / outprints. The Ceramic Experience is now established as one of the forefront venues for children's parties in Tyne & Wear, whilst the business also hosts parties for adults, celebrations and even hen nights!
BUSINESS INFORMATION cont'd In addition to the facilities for painting / art, the business also provides an attractive refreshment area where food and drink is available, a relaxing lounge for parents to sit in relative peace and quiet (!), whilst a soft play area with ball pit is also available. Parent and toddler sessions are available during term times whilst visits to schools, nurseries and fairs are also undertaken
PREMISES The business trades from first floor leasehold premises above Regency Reproductions. A large single roomed open space of approximately 4,000 sq ft that comprises a carpeted lounge with sofas and chairs (sitting for 24), WC with baby changing and disabled facilities, kiln room with store room and offices, cafe offering hot & cold snacks and drinks, an extensive painting studio area with tables and chairs for both adults and children (sitting up to 80), a soft play area with ball pit, climbing frames and matted toddler area, a separate party area and vinyl flooring for easy cleaning. High chairs are available.
TENURE Leasehold. There are 5.5 years remaining of the original 10 year lease with a rent review due in 2008. Current rent is quoted at ?24,696 per annum.
LOCATION The business is located on the first floor of Dutton Court above Regency Reproductions. The premises are highly visible alongside the main Chainbridge Road that links Blaydon and the West end of Newcastle / Gateshead, whilst also providing easy access to the main A1 trunk road making it readily accessible from all parts of the North East. Currently customers come from as far as Hexham in the west, Morpeth in the North and Durham and Sunderland in the South and East. It is also within 5 minutes drive of the Metro Centre.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION Accurate and up to date financial information is readily available. Last formal accounts to 31st August 2007 are held that details turnover of ?92,500 and full details can be made available to serious enquirers against the signing of a confidentiality agreement. A good gross profit margin is being achieved BUT CLEAR OPPORTUNITIES EXIST TO SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASE TURNOVER AND PROFITABILITY! The existing owner's circumstances have impacted on his ability to fully capitalise on this successful and established franchise.
OPENING HOURS The business is open 7 days a week, 10 am - 5pm (Mon - Sat) and 10am - 4pm on Sunday.
STAFF The business is currently run by the existing owner with assistance of his family and two weekend / holiday students.
WEBSITE & FRANCHISE INFORMATION The 'Ceramic Experience' franchise is an award winning franchise based in Scotland. The business owner speaks very highly of the franchisor, citing the support and advice available and the very approachable manner in which the franchise is operated. For more information on the franchise, please visit www.theceramicexperience.co.uk which not only details the franchise, it also has sub-pages detailing all the outlets including this business. The franchise is expanding nationwide and this business has exclusive franchise rights within a specified area across the North East of England, but as an indication, to start a new franchise of this size would cost ?90k + VAT. This business has the advantage of 4 years successful trading, established links with schools, nurseries and the like and is well known and respected in the area, SO MUCH OF THE HARD WORK HAS BEEN DONE FOR YOU!
BUSINESS SALE SUMMARY It is unfortunate that personal circumstances dictate that the existing owner cannot devote sufficient time to develop and progress the business. That said, the business has established a strong reputation and brand in the area and now offers significant potential to develop the concept. THIS BUSINESS WOULD IDEALLY SUIT SOMEONE WITH ARTISTIC FLAIR AND VISION WHO COULD REALISE THIS POTENTIAL BY EXPANDING THE RANGE OF SERVICES AND IDEAS THE BUSINESS CAN OFFER WITHIN THE SPIRIT OF THE FRANCHISE. The franchise strap line is 'Fun is our business'. For the right person, 'fun could be your business!'
VIEWINGS As this business is being confidentially marketed, all viewings to be made via Renown Commercial Ltd. No direct approaches to the business owner should be made.
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