Tasty Bites
Bernice Robinson, is the owner of Tasty Bites, a popular catering provider, located at Horsley Hill in South Shields. As well as take away sandwiches and snacks, the business provides specialist buffets for all occasions.
When did you start up?
December 2006
How many people do you employ?
Four
Why did you want to start your own business?
Cooking was my hobby and friends and family often asked me to cater for them on occasions. This spurred me on to thinking about starting a catering business, and making a living from it.
Best points about owning a business?
I have grown personally since starting up Tasty Bites and am also providing employment for local people, which gives me a great deal of satisfaction.
Where do you see yourself in two years time?
I would like to grow the business and expand and hopefully buy another business.
A highlight from your experiences?
Receiving feedback from satisfied customers - we take a lot of pride in our buffets and it's something that our customers regularly praise us for.
If you had one piece of advice for people starting a business what would it be?
If IT was easy everybody would do it - just persevere!
I would also say don't be frightened to ask for help and go through the support networks. And just go for it! You have to be motivated and prepared to put in 100% but if you are committed then you'll have a good chance of being successful.
What is the best thing about doing business in South Tyneside?
I enjoy putting something back into the local community - I am very passionate about South Tyneside.
I'm also very passionate about businesses in the borough and I sit on the committee for South Tyneside Business Network and the South Tyneside Business Forum - this also provides a great way of meeting and networking with other business people from the borough.
How did you finance your business when you started out?
Through self funding, and I also received financial assistance from the Council to help me to start-up.
What support have you received for your business in South Tyneside?
As well as the financial assistance, I also received sound business advice from South Tyneside Council - they have been amazing
Did you have any training or learn new skills before you set up your business?
I have completed a variety of cookery courses to enhance my existing skills. I did some of these before I set up the business, and some once the business was established, and have completed approximately 10 courses in total.
