FANCY yourself a new challenge? Because a number of businesses in the North-East and North Yorkshire, including in Darlington and County Durham, are currently on the market.
Cafes, post offices and newsagents are amongst the commercial properties up for grabs in the North-East and North Yorkshire.
While many businesses have taken a hit during the coronavirus pandemic, many have also started up or adapted to offer new services.
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And while high streets have seen a steady decline due to the rise of online shopping, the pandemic has pushed shop local initiatives back onto the agenda.
This makes it a good time to seek a new challenge or adventure. Taking on one of these businesses could bring a new lease of life to an old favourite or allow you to offer something new to Darlington, County Durham, Teesside or North Yorkshire communities.
1. Jumping Bean, Durham City
Currently a vegan eatery, Jumping Bean sits in the heart of Durham on a popular side street and is currently on the market for £25,000.
The ground floor cafe, which has a five-star hygiene rating, turns over circa £1,400 per week and rent is £7,992 per annum.
Its open plan seating area has room for 22 covers inside and 10 outside.
On Tripadvisor, Jumping Bean is rated number five of 19 for coffee and tea in Durham, with a rating of 4.5.
Could you take this business to the next level and grab that number one spot? Click here for more information.
2. Belmont Post Office, Durham
Post offices have proved an essential service during the Covid-19 pandemic, making this one a great next adventure for someone.
Belmont Post Office, in Cheveley Park Shopping Centre, is open to offers over £105,000.
The shopping centre is just three miles from Durham city centre and just off the A1.
It's also within a residential area, with Belmont Junior School in close proximity, which together allows for different uses and high footfall.
The property had a huge £45,000 refurbishment just three years ago and has been successfully established for many years.
It currently has facilities for passports and driving licenses, cash points, lottery and special summer exchange rates.
For more information, click here.
3. Tea in The Gardens, Middlesbrough
Described as "a truly wonderful opportunity", Tea in The Gardens, located close to James Cook Hospital, is up for sale for just £15,000.
The cafe has been in the same hands for over eight years and is only on sale now as the owner is taking on a new career.
With cheap rent and low overheads, Tea in The Gardens is perfect for first-time entrepreneurs and has a lot of scope to develop.
Enterprising and ambitious new owners can benefit hugely by taking advantage of sides of the business that are currently under-utilised, such as effective marketing and promotion, outside catering, delivery service, Just Eat/Deliveroo/UberEats online ordering as well as specifically catering to the large elderly community at nearby sheltered housing accommodation and care home.
The spacious open plan cafe currently sites 28 diners and has a 3.5 rating on Trip Advisor.
For more information, click here.
4. Towlers Newsagents, Thirsk
The owner of this "hugely profitable" newsagents in North Yorkshire is retiring after 12 years, giving someone else the chance to snap up Towlers, which sits in the town centre of Thirsk.
While it is mostly staff-run and has a weekly turnover of circa £13,000, plus Lottery, someone who can work full time and be more hands-on could boost this further.
The store, which has a guide price of £575,000, has loyal trade from large newspaper deliveries and is well-known in the area. It also sells toys and gifts, including LEGO, all with high-profit margins.
There is a car park opposite the store, bringing a lot of footfall from Thirsk residents and visitors.
If you're looking to take on a new business and move house, a freehold option is also available with two flats included.
For more information, click here.
5. Skinnergate Newsagents, Darlington
Skinnergate Newsagents, in the popular Skinnergate area of Darlington town centre, is on sale for £35,000.
Recently refurbished, there is scope to change its use or open up for night-time trading. The property is three-storey, with just one being used as the newsagents.
The two further floors could be converted if the new owner sees fit and gets planning consent, meaning you could also build yourself a new flat.
And with a good mix of commercial properties around it, including The Keys restaurant, bar and nightclub, there is plenty of footfall and scope to do more with the store and increase profits.
As a family-run business, there are no staff members to transfer.
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