From experimenting with recipes at home to preparing for her very own fudge shop, Carley Richards is turning a love of handmade treats into a growing independent business. And she’s bringing it to Common Ground in North Shields.
There’s something about a proper piece of homemade fudge that’s difficult to resist. Especially when it comes in flavours like Salted Caramel, Biscoff, Mint Chocolate and Oreo.
And if you’ve got a sweet tooth, there’s another reason to look forward to visiting Common Ground at the Beacon Centre.
Fenwick’s Family Fudge, the independent business founded by Carley Richards, is joining the new indoor market in the former Wilko building, bringing a delicious selection of handmade fudge, treat bags and gift boxes to the heart of North Shields.
But behind the colourful selection of sweet treats is a lovely little story about turning something you enjoy into a business of your own.
IT ALL STARTED WITH A LOVE OF FUDGE
There was no grand business plan when Carley first started making fudge.
She simply loved eating it and wondered whether she could make her own, exactly how she liked it.
“I’ve always loved fudge, so one day I decided to have a go at making my own, exactly how I like it!”
What followed was plenty of experimenting with recipes, ingredients and flavours.
One batch became another, new combinations were tried, and before long, something that had started as a hobby at home had grown into Fenwick’s Family Fudge.
“What started as something I enjoyed making at home has now turned into my own little business, which I never really expected!”
Today, Carley makes and packages everything herself, taking care of the process from creating the fudge to preparing it for customers.
And now she’s preparing for an exciting new chapter: having a dedicated space where people can discover her creations in person.
FROM TRADITIONAL FAVOURITES TO SOMETHING A LITTLE DIFFERENT
Anyone visiting Fenwick’s Family Fudge at Common Ground can expect plenty of choice.
Carley enjoys experimenting with flavours, combining the familiar comfort of traditional fudge with some rather tempting modern favourites.
Her planned range includes Traditional, Salted Caramel, Oreo, Biscoff and Mint Chocolate, alongside plenty of other varieties.
There will also be smaller treat bags and beautifully presented gift boxes, whether you’re looking for a little present or simply fancy treating yourself.
And there’s one flavour Carley is particularly fond of.
Oreo fudge.
“It’s been really popular with customers and is packed full of Oreo biscuits. It’s definitely one of my favourites to make, and it always seems to go down really well.”
It’s exactly the sort of thing that could turn a quick visit to Common Ground into an unexpected sweet treat.
A NEW FLAVOUR EVERY WEEK?
Carley also has a rather fun idea for her new shop.
She’s hoping to introduce a Flavour of the Week, giving customers the chance to discover something different each time they visit.
Rather than simply sticking to the same selection, she wants to continue experimenting with new recipes and unusual combinations.
“I love experimenting with new flavours, so it’ll be a chance to offer customers something new to try!”
It’s a small idea with plenty of potential, especially for anyone who enjoys discovering new flavours or likes having an excuse to pop back.
And we’re rather curious to see what Carley comes up with.
THE DREAM OF HAVING HER OWN LITTLE SHOP
For Carley, joining Common Ground is about more than finding somewhere to sell fudge.
It’s the opportunity to take a business that began at home and give it a physical presence.
A place of her own, with shelves full of handmade treats, where customers can browse, ask questions and get to know the person who makes everything.
“I thought Common Ground sounded like a fantastic opportunity for small independent businesses. Having my own little shop is something I’m really excited about, and I love the idea of being surrounded by other local traders.”
It’s a sentiment shared by many of the independent businesses joining the project.
Opening a traditional high street shop can feel like a significant commitment, especially for smaller businesses that have grown through markets, online selling or working from home.
Common Ground offers another route, bringing different independent traders together within one larger retail space.
For Carley, it means the chance to develop Fenwick’s Family Fudge while becoming part of a community of other business owners.
“I’m looking forward to meeting new customers, getting to know everyone and hopefully growing my business.”
SOMETHING SWEET FOR THE FESTIVE SEASON
With Carley working towards joining Common Ground in December, the timing could be particularly lovely.
Her handmade fudge gift boxes and smaller treat bags could make an appealing option for Christmas presents, stocking fillers or a little indulgence during the festive shopping season.
Carley has already been thinking about how she would like her space to look, exploring ideas for vintage-style furniture, shelving, signage and displays.
It’s another example of the individuality that Common Ground hopes to encourage, giving traders the opportunity to create spaces that reflect their own businesses and personalities.
And there’s something rather appealing about the thought of a little fudge shop nestled among independent retailers, artists, vintage traders and makers.
A SWEETER ADDITION TO NORTH SHIELDS
As more businesses prepare to join Common Ground, the range of independent traders continues to grow.
From specialist retailers and vintage collectors to artists, craftspeople and independent food producers, the aim is to create a destination where visitors can discover a variety of businesses under one roof.
Fenwick’s Family Fudge adds another flavour to that mix.
It’s a business that began with a simple idea, grew through curiosity and experimentation, and is now preparing to take its next step.
And sometimes those are the most enjoyable business stories to tell.
Someone starts making something because they love it, discovers that other people love it too, and gradually finds themselves running a business they never quite expected to create.
For Carley, that journey is now leading to North Shields.
WELCOME TO COMMON GROUND, FENWICK’S FAMILY FUDGE!
We’re delighted to introduce Carley Richards and Fenwick’s Family Fudge as part of the growing Common Ground community.
We look forward to seeing her handmade creations on display, discovering her latest flavours and watching her little business grow.
And if she does introduce that Flavour of the Week idea, we suspect there’ll be plenty of people keen to see what’s next.
Discover Fenwick’s Family Fudge
Instagram: @fenwicksfamilyfudge
ABOUT COMMON GROUND
Common Ground is a new independent indoor market being developed by the owners of the Beacon Centre in the former Wilko premises in North Shields.
The project brings together independent retailers, makers, artists, food businesses and specialist traders, creating new opportunities for small businesses to establish a presence in the town centre.
Trader recruitment and curation are coordinated independently by Simone (Simmie) Harper on behalf of the Beacon Centre, with I Love North Shields sharing the stories of participating businesses as a media partner.
Location: Former Wilko, Beacon Centre, North Shields.
Interested in joining Common Ground?
Applications and enquiries for future trading opportunities can be sent to simmie@ilovenorthshields.com.
