Mum turns sweet tooth into business success during pandemic

A mum is helping lift spirits during the lockdown by creating a sweet feast for her customers.
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Amy Speckman, from Murton, has set up Sweetie Treats to offer services to make weddings, birthday party or christening extra special.

As the business launched, and the pandemic put a stop to gatherings, the 28-year-old has focused on sweetie boxes, which come in three sizes and are proving popular as gifts.

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Amy, who is married to Sean and is mum to Amelia, six, and Marnie, three, said: “Obviously because of the circumstances, people can’t have proper parties, so the sweetie boxes are a nice little touch to make birthdays, anniversaries and other celebratory events special.

Amy Speckman, of Sweetie Treats, with Hina Joshi from EDBS.Amy Speckman, of Sweetie Treats, with Hina Joshi from EDBS.
Amy Speckman, of Sweetie Treats, with Hina Joshi from EDBS.

"They are fun and who doesn’t love a box of sweets and chocolates?”

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Her business also offers chair covers and sashes, post box hire, balloons, buffets, and other touches, with her venture launched with the help of East Durham Business Service (EDBS).

Amy said: “I was out of work after having my youngest daughter and began thinking about starting my own business.

Sweet boxes are on offer as part of Amy Speckman's new venture.Sweet boxes are on offer as part of Amy Speckman's new venture.
Sweet boxes are on offer as part of Amy Speckman's new venture.
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“I came in to see Hina Joshi who worked with me to write a business plan.

“She was great and made me believe that I could make my ideas work, despite being in a national lockdown.

“Party planning was something I really enjoyed and knew there were things I could do that helped bring those party elements to special occasions, even if parties weren’t possible because of the coronavirus restrictions.

"My husband is helping me spread the word and is also going to be taking some photography for me, and Hina also continues to support me as I work towards establishing the business.

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"I would recommend self-employment to anyone with a business idea.

"I turned unemployment into an opportunity and wouldn’t change a thing.”

Hina added: “It’s fantastic to see people like Amy coming to us with an idea, and with our help turning that idea into a viable business opportunity.

"She’s managed to launch her business, Sweetie Treats, in the toughest economic conditions we’ve ever faced so fair play to her, she’s doing really well and I will continue to help her however I can.”

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The support offered by EDBS is through the Enterprise Support in the North East programme through the European Regional Development Fund.

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