Business Spotlight

The lifeblood of our town — North Shields’ small businesses. Meet the makers, shopkeepers, creatives, and dreamers behind the places we love to visit. Each spotlight celebrates local pride, resilience, and the power of community.

New sponsor alert: The Chocolate Smiths joins the ILNS Tote Bag Challenge

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The Chocolate Smiths have lent their support to ILNS and join the Tote Bag Challenge

A sweet new partnership is here in North Shields. The Chocolate Smiths have joined the I Love North Shields Tote Bag Challenge, sponsoring our bold Red Tote. Rooted in creativity and community, this cocoa-fuelled collaboration celebrates local pride while supporting independent stories, makers and projects across town — one deliciously vibrant tote at a time.

Business Spotlight: Apex Pro Fitness

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Building Apex Pro Fitness on Standards, Structure and Community There’s a difference between opening a gym and building a culture. When you speak to Danny Ponton,...

Lui’s Café Bar: The Hidden Gem Between North Shields and Tynemouth

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Chloe Reece has recently celebrated one year of owning Lui’s — the bright and cosy café bar nestled across the road from Northumberland Park. From creative workshops and quiz nights to festive soirées, there truly is never a dull moment at Lui’s. The café bar offers a welcoming space for all, whether you’re just popping in for a sweet treat and a cuppa or joining in on one of the many events being hosted.

Made in North Shields: Inside The Chocolate Smiths

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Inside The Chocolate Smiths’ North Shields factory, where skilled local production, sustainability and pride in place come together in award-winning chocolate manufacturing.

New Sponsor Alert: Blue Moon Editions Joins the Tote Bag Challenge

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Limited-edition Navy Tote Bag, proudly sponsored by Blue Moon Editions — a local creative brand turning love stories into keepsakes. Part of the I Love North Shields Tote Bag Challenge, celebrating community, creativity and meaningful moments in style.

New Business Award NUSA STUDIO

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Discover NUSA Studio, the new Bali-inspired makeup and luxury ear piercing studio in The Exchange 1856, North Shields. Founded by local artist Amy Bewick, the serene “Bali Luxe” space offers bridal makeup, editorial looks and curated ear piercing.

North Tyneside Business Awards 2025: North Shields Absolutely Stole the Show

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North Shields businesses dominated the North Tyneside Business Awards 2025, including The Chocolate Smiths, NUSA Studio and Durhamlane. See the full list of winners and finalists, with links and insights into the town’s growing business community.

The Fishnet Tavern: The Beating Heart of Fish Quay’s Community Spirit

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Discover why the Fishnet Tavern has become one of North Shields’ most beloved community pubs. From weekly quiz nights and open-mic sessions to Try Tag Newcastle, drag nights, live music and local sponsorships — here’s how Chris and Calum built a true community hub on the Fish Quay.

Community Care at Pet Fare North Shields | Claire’s Heart for People & Pets

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Nearly 30 years at Pet Fare, Claire Hull has built more than a pet shop — she’s built a lifeline. Discover her incredible acts of kindness in North Shields.

Grease, Waves & the Rave: 30 Years of Tynemouth Surf Co

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Discover the story behind Tynemouth Surf Co — from a greasy café on Grand Parade to the beating heart of North East surf culture. How Mark Ward, Stephen Hudson, and a crew of dreamers built a movement on the waves of Longsands Beach.

MUST READ

Peter Mortimer in his Cullercoats Garden (Image credit: Sue Wilkinson)

The Iron Man: literary legend Peter Mortimer 

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Step inside the Cullercoats home of poet, playwright and Iron Press founder Peter Mortimer and you enter a world of myth, manuscripts and fearless imagination. In this candid interview, he reflects on five decades of radical writing, from “Broke Through Britain” to time spent in Shatila refugee camp, and his deep ties to North Shields. Thoughtful, witty and still chasing new challenges, Mortimer proves creativity has no finishing line.

Q&A Victoria Print Studio

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