Lifelong friends set up new business in North Shields

Two lifelong friends are hoping their new business can become a well oiled machine.
Brian Partridge and Brian Denley, who have created City Vending Ltd, in North Shields. Picture by John Millard.Brian Partridge and Brian Denley, who have created City Vending Ltd, in North Shields. Picture by John Millard.
Brian Partridge and Brian Denley, who have created City Vending Ltd, in North Shields. Picture by John Millard.

Brian Partridge and Brian Denley, friends of 30 years, have created City Vending Ltd, in North Shields, to provide and manage vending machines across the North East.

After working in the industry for two decades, Brian Partridge asked his friend about buying a small existing vending business.

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And within a few months of launching, following help from North Tyneside Council’s The Business Factory, the duo have more than doubled the size of their business.

Brian said: “The industry is dominated by large national vending businesses and having worked in the sector for such a long time I could see that there was a huge opportunity for a regional business who can respond quickly to customers’ needs.

“As a local service provider we are on the doorstep and can respond to any maintenance issues within a couple of hours as opposed to waiting days, which is so important when vending machines are often an income generator or more importantly the only source of refreshment in some workplaces.

“Vending machines can now offer customers quality fresh ground coffees and because of built in refrigeration now vend fresh and health products too.”

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The Business Factory has provided the pair with sales and marketing advice to help the business grow and Brian is confident they will soon be in a position to take on staff and is committed to providing opportunities to apprentices.

He added: “Having worked in the industry for such a long time there is little I don’t know about vending but running your own business and taking responsibility for your own sales and marketing is a different ball game and is a huge challenge when it is new to you.

“The Business Factory has provided us with great support and with the help of their professional consultants we are confident that we will continue with our current development and are looking forward to growing our workforce.”