Sunderland job losses spark race to become own boss

Business property experts Ernest Wilson say they are expecting a surge in interest among Sunderland workers who find themselves out of work and looking for a change of lifestyle

Paul Williamson from from Leeds-based specialists Ernest Wilson, which markets hundreds of businesses for sale around the country, said: “We often find that people who go through redundancy come out the other end looking for a complete career change.

“That might be because there’s a lack of employment opportunities that fit their existing skills, or they just want to avoid having to go through applications, interviews and finally get a job only for the same thing to happen again in a few years’ time.

“Many see leaving a job they’ve had for a while as an ideal time to switch focus, and run their own business doing something they love and which can fit better around their own lives.”

There is a good number of local businesses now on the market which could suit someone ready to move into being their own boss. They include:

A busy Post Office at the heart of the Metro Centre which has been a feature of the mall for over 25 years.

It is one of a number of Post Offices currently available to buy across the north east, some in lovely tourist spots which offer a combination of great lifestyle with healthy business.

Max News, a fully licensed convenience store in Dovedale Road, Sunderland, is currently on the market and offers lots of potential for new owners to introduce new lines. The business brings in a healthy £8000 a week turnover.

Castle View Stores in Castle View, Sunderland, is also for sale and comes with the added benefits of a delightful five or six-bedroom family home attached.

The licensed store has operated for nearly 40 years, making it a well-established business with loyal customers and a comfortable £7000 weekly turnover. Meanwhile, the property includes a lounge, dining room and five bedrooms along with an additional study/extra bedroom.

Pizza King at Holmeside in Sunderland is in a prime location for nightclubs and shops – and offers the new owner a chance to extend the current opening hours to take advantage of all-day long trade.

Or swap the call centre or factory floor for pretty Seaham, and a fruit, greengrocers and confectionary shop just yards from the beach. Elves has been a feature of the town for over 60 years and is a favourite among locals and visitors.

There’s currently every kind of outlet imaginable on the market - from a wood-burning stove business to fish and chip shops, bridalwear shops to tearooms, beauty salons to restaurants.

While many are within striking distance of Sunderland, there are others located across the country, often in tourist hubs, countryside settings or up and coming towns for people who feel like a complete change of scenery and some with accommodation attached.

Taking over an existing business is less challenging than it sounds because businesses come with the option to buy existing stock, details of suppliers, business email, website, social media presence and often staff already in place.

New owners can hit the ground running and begin earning money from their business right away.

Plus, there’s the support of Ernest Wilson’s expert team, who can guide them through the takeover process.

To find out more and to browse countless business opportunities, visit https://www.ernest-wilson.co.uk/advanced-search