In this final episode of The Big River Podcast, host Andy speaks with newly elected mayor Kim McGuinness about her first six months in office and plans for the Northeast’s future. They discuss recent transport improvements—like youth fare caps—and the launch of a child poverty reduction unit, highlighting a more collaborative, place-based approach to regional development. Using the humble stottie as a metaphor for community resilience and innovation, they explore how social enterprises, high street regeneration, and better links between universities, business, and local people can drive inclusive growth. Kim shares her vision for a unified Northeast that embraces its heritage while focusing on pragmatic, ground-up solutions for the challenges ahead.

In this episode, Andy Haddon hosts Professor David Charles from Newcastle Business School to discuss economic development, innovation, and the role of social enterprises in addressing local and regional challenges. The conversation focuses on:

The Evolution of Economic Development Models:

Professor Charles shares insights from his 40-year career, exploring trends like foreign direct investment, cluster theories, and the shift towards entrepreneurship. A recurring issue is the lack of consistent, long-term strategies in regional policy, leading to cycles of trial and error.The Role of Social Enterprises:

The potential for social enterprises to address both social and economic challenges is highlighted. They serve as sustainable models that prioritize community needs, local job creation, and values-driven operations.

Andy emphasizes Big River Bakery’s approach as an example of a scalable, values-driven social enterprise rooted in local culture and needs.Regional Innovation and Community-Based Solutions:

The Northeast’s potential lies in leveraging its unique strengths and resources rather than replicating external models. Examples like the cooperative network in Mondragon, Spain, illustrate how locally driven, values-based models can transform regional economies over time.

The importance of experimentation, collaboration, and learning from failures is emphasized as the foundation for creating innovative, sustainable solutions.Support Local Social Enterprises: Explore and invest in businesses like Big River Bakery that focus on sustainable, community-centered growth. Your support helps create jobs, address social challenges, and promote local culture.

Champion Local Innovation: Advocate for policies and initiatives that empower communities to develop their own solutions. Encourage collaboration between local governments, universities, and businesses to drive long-term, place-based economic development.

Be Part of the Experiment: Whether through volunteering, launching a project, or supporting a local initiative, get involved in efforts to create values-driven enterprises in your community. Small actions can contribute to building a more sustainable, inclusive future.

If you enjoyed this podcast you can donate to our community projects hereYou can find out more about Big River Bakery here

In this episode, Andy Haddon hosts John Goddard, Emeritus Professor of Regional Development Studies at Newcastle University, for a deep dive into place-based innovation, social entrepreneurship, and the role of universities as enablers of community change. John shares his journey of breaking silos in academia, government, and business to champion interdisciplinary collaboration. Key topics include:

The Power of the Quadruple Helix: Integrating government, business, academia, and the community to create sustainable, inclusive development.

Learning Through Doing: The importance of resilience, adaptation, and collaborative learning in entrepreneurial and social innovation.

The Role of Universities: Universities as hubs for civic engagement, knowledge-sharing, and partnerships, with a focus on Newcastle's Science City project and its evolution into the Helix site.

Challenges of Place-Based Entrepreneurship: Balancing local and global efforts, securing resources, and building frameworks to scale community impact sustainably.The conversation concludes with insights on storytelling, perseverance, and the need to document and share entrepreneurial journeys to inspire systemic change.

Champion Community-Centric Innovation: Advocate for and support initiatives that prioritize local impact and collaboration among community, government, businesses, and academia.

Invest in Long-Term Partnerships: Encourage universities, businesses, and public agencies to work together to develop sustainable, place-based solutions to complex challenges.

Share Your Story: Entrepreneurs and innovators are urged to document and share their journeys, lessons, and challenges to inspire others and foster systemic change.

If you enjoyed listening to this podcast episode you can donate to our community projects here

If you want to know more about Big River Bakery you can find out here

In this episode of the Big River Bakery Podcast, host Andy Haddon speaks with Pablo Munoz, a professor at Durham University Business School specializing in sustainable entrepreneurship and social enterprise. The discussion delves into the challenges and potential of entrepreneurship, particularly within social enterprises, exploring the intersection of purpose, values, and sustainable community impact.

Key themes include:

The Struggles of Entrepreneurs: Pablo highlights the mental health challenges tied to self-worth, unrealistic expectations, and the misalignment between goals and achievements.Scaling Deep vs. Scaling Up: A focus on staying rooted in communities to address complex social issues, rather than pursuing traditional growth models.

The Role of Collaboration: Both speakers emphasize the importance of partnerships, community engagement, and collective action over heroic, individual-driven entrepreneurship.Rethinking Business Support: The need for more flexible, values-based support structures to aid entrepreneurs, particularly those tackling local social problems.Examples of Place-Based Enterprises: Discussions on local and global initiatives, like Big River Bakery and Mondragon in Spain, that successfully create meaningful community impact.

The episode closes with a vision for the North East becoming a global leader in sustainable, healthy, and affordable local food systems, driven by collaborative, place-based enterprises.

Engage Locally: Support local social enterprises, like Big River Bakery, that focus on building sustainable, community-driven solutions.

Reimagine Business Support: Advocate for and participate in conversations about reshaping entrepreneurship support systems to prioritize values, mental health, and long-term impact.

Collaborate for Impact: Join networks or initiatives that connect enterprises, universities, and communities to tackle complex social problems collaboratively.

If you enjoyed listening to this episode you can donate to our community projects here

You can find out more about Big River Bakery here

In this episode, Andy Haddon speaks with Graham Thrower, Head of the Institute for Economic and Social Inclusion at Sunderland University. They discuss the critical role of social enterprises and place-based approaches in rebuilding “left behind” communities. Key topics include:

The Importance of Social Infrastructure:

Social enterprises like Big River Bakery provide crucial “social infrastructure,” serving as community hubs that foster learning, connection, and empowerment.

The decline of community spaces has left many areas struggling, making the rebuilding of social infrastructure essential for creating healthier, more resilient communities.Building Confidence and Agency:

Graham emphasizes the importance of giving communities agency to create their own solutions, rather than relying on top-down, short-term interventions that often fail to address long-term needs.

Success comes from empowering people to take ownership of projects that reflect their needs and values, whether through bakeries, community gardening, or other initiatives.Collaboration and Long-Term Thinking:

Both speakers highlight the need for collaboration across universities, businesses, and social enterprises to foster innovation and drive sustainable change.

They call for a shift away from short-term, “bungee” funding cycles toward robust, long-term support models that allow organizations to grow strategically.Support Social Enterprises: Invest in businesses like Big River Bakery that create vital community spaces and opportunities for growth. Your support helps address social challenges while driving local economic development.

Advocate for Long-Term Funding: Push for funding models that prioritize sustained, place-based approaches to community and economic development, enabling deeper, lasting impacts.

Get Involved Locally: Whether through volunteering, collaboration, or launching your own initiative, take action to help rebuild social infrastructure in your community. Small, local efforts can lead to big changes over time.

If you enjoyed this podcast episode you can donate to our community projects here

You can find out more about Big River bakery here

In this episode of the Big River Bakery podcast, hosted by Andy Haddon and Gail Lawler, focuses on "The Power of the Stottie and Kindness." They explore how the stottie—a traditional North East bread—has become a symbol of resilience, innovation, and community pride, and how the bakery has harnessed kindness to create a ripple effect of positivity and impact. Key highlights include:

The Origins and History of the Stottie:

The stottie originated from necessity during times of poverty, serving as a resourceful and quick way to feed large families. It embodies the resilience and innovation of North East communities, serving as a symbol of overcoming hardship through innovation and collaboration.Creative Initiatives Featuring the Stottie:

The creation of Scotty the Stottie as a character in children’s books, a mascot, and even a video game (Scotty’s Kindness Quest) to engage young audiences and teach values like kindness and sustainability.

National Stottie Cake Week was introduced to celebrate the heritage of the stottie while engaging businesses, schools, and bakeries to reconnect communities with their roots.Kindness as a Driving Force:

The bakery implements initiatives like the Kindness Cookie (a giant cookie given weekly to someone nominated for an act of kindness) and partnerships with organizations like Feeding Families to provide food for those in need.The stottie’s resurgence has created community pride and international recognition, highlighting the bakery’s commitment to spreading kindness and sustainability.Celebrate National Stottie Cake Week: Get involved in this annual celebration by supporting your local bakery, participating in events, or hosting your own stottie-themed gatherings to honour the region's rich food heritage. Find out more here

Spread Kindness with Big River Bakery: Nominate someone deserving for a Kindness Cookie through the bakery’s website here or even purchase a cookie reward scheme for your employees, or support their community initiatives by purchasing products like Scotty the Stottie books and toys here

Try Something New—Stottie Style: Order stotties online to experience this iconic North East bread wherever you are, or experiment with innovative recipes like the "Stottini" (a stottie panini). Share your creations online with the hashtag #ShowYourStottie to join the movement!

If you enjoyed this podcast you can donate to our community projects here

You can find out more about Big River Bakery here

In this episode of the Big River Bakery podcast, Andy Haddon reflects on the last five years of the bakery's journey, with a focus on its expansion in Shieldfield in Newcastle and its collaboration with the Hairy Bikers. Key highlights include:

The Choice of Shieldfield:

The bakery’s location in Shieldfield, an underinvested area in Newcastle, was chosen for its historical significance and potential to rebuild community connections. Andy emphasizes the importance of fostering a sense of belonging through shared food and spaces, inspired by communal ovens from the past.

The Hairy Bikers’ Impact:

A chance encounter with Si King of the Hairy Bikers led to the bakery’s appearance on their Go North series on BBC1, where the team baked stotties, ham, and pease pudding together. The show provided significant exposure, attracting customers locally and globally, and helped raise funds for essential baking equipment.

The Hairy Bikers’ support not only boosted the bakery’s visibility but also showcased its core values, inspiring connections and growth worldwide.Community, Values, and Innovation:

Andy discusses the bakery’s commitment to accessibility, selling affordable baked goods like stotties while preserving the essence of community pride, resilience, and resourcefulness.

He highlights the bakery’s role in creating an equitable food system and inspiring positive action on local and global challenges, such as climate change and food security, through approachable and empathetic solutions.The episode underscores how collaborations, chance opportunities, and a focus on shared values have enabled the bakery to grow and thrive while making a positive impact on the community.

Visit Big River Bakery: Experience the bakery’s inclusive atmosphere and taste their iconic stotties and other baked goods. Every purchase supports their mission of creating healthy, affordable food while fostering community connections. We are 40-42 Wretham Place Shieldfield. Newcastle NE2 1XU Google Maps

Support Local Food Initiatives: Follow the Hairy Bikers’ lead by championing local, socially conscious businesses. By buying from or collaborating with enterprises like Big River Bakery, you contribute to building resilient and sustainable communities.

You can contact us [email protected] to find out ways to collaborate.

Engage in Community Building: Take inspiration from Big River Bakery’s approach to rebuilding a sense of belonging in Shield Field. Participate in or support projects in your area that bring people together through shared activities like baking, gardening, or community events.

If you enjoyed this episode you can donate to our community projects here

To find out more about Big River Bakery - you can visit our website here

In this episode, Andy Haddon of Big River Bakery shares the story of the bakery's first five years, highlighting its evolution from a small community initiative to a social enterprise with a mission to promote sustainability, health, and affordability in food production. Key points include:

The Start of Big River Bakery:

Originally an offshoot of the Wylam Green Street climate change action group and Earth Doctors, Andy explored several food-related projects before focusing on baking. The bakery started with humble beginnings, selling bread at summer fairs and local markets. The initiative benefited from community support, volunteer efforts, and partnerships, including using the local library as a space for storage and sales, which boosted footfall and strengthened community ties.

Challenges and Growth:

Andy and the team faced numerous challenges, such as sourcing equipment, moving locations multiple times, and operating with limited funds. Despite setbacks, the bakery secured grants and held creative fundraisers, such as the “Dawn of the Bread” video, to finance its operations. Social impact remained central, with initiatives like baking workshops for isolated or underprivileged groups, emphasizing the therapeutic and community-building aspects of bread-making. Identity and Brand Transformation:

The bakery evolved from being known as Wylam Community Bakery to Big River Bakery, accompanied by a meaningful rebranding with a star-shaped logo representing core values (earth, water, fire, air, and spirit).This rebranding reflected the bakery's broader vision of being a hub for sustainable food production and social impact.

Collaborative Efforts and Vision:

Partnerships with local and international projects, such as Erasmus exchanges, inspired the bakery to embrace innovative ideas and expand its social impact. The bakery emphasized the importance of teamwork, adaptability, and building win-win collaborations for long-term success.Support Sustainable and Socially Conscious Businesses: Choose to buy from enterprises like Big River Bakery that focus on creating high-quality, healthy, and environmentally friendly products while giving back to the community.

Experience the Power of Baking: Attend or host a bread-making workshop in your community to experience its therapeutic and social benefits. Big River Bakery’s workshops have proven to bring people together and foster creativity—why not give it a try?

You can find out more here Bakery Courses

Invest in Your Community’s Growth: Whether through direct purchases, donations, or partnerships, support initiatives that aim to transform local challenges into opportunities, just as Big River Bakery turned humble beginnings into a thriving social enterprise.

If you enjoyed this podcast episode you can donate to Big River Bakery Community Projects here Donate

You can find out more about Big River Bakery here

Episode Summary

In this episode, Andy Haddon, founder of Big River Bakery, reflects on the 10 years following his return from Shanghai to the village of Wylam. He recounts his professional, personal, and volunteering journeys, sharing lessons learned from various ventures. Highlights include:

Professional Journey: Andy worked in consultancy, renewable energy, and social enterprises, eventually focusing on startups, including the first gin brand in Northern England in 200 years. Despite setbacks, these experiences shaped his understanding of creating sustainable ventures. Volunteering & Community Impact: Andy’s passion for community projects led to initiatives like Green Street, which brought innovations such as Northumberland’s first car club and electric vehicle charging points. He turned waste into resources, including a project that transformed discarded apples into a thriving orchard and award-winning wildflower meadow. Personal Growth & Inspiration: Beekeeping, sea kayaking, and a romantic connection on the island of Iona enriched his spiritual and personal life. Lessons from the bees, island community, and kayaking adventures taught him about interdependence, resilience, and self-discovery. Creative Thinking for Social Change: Andy emphasized the value of creativity and persistence in addressing climate change and community needs. This culminated in the decision to establish a sustainable trading entity, eventually leading to the creation of Big River Bakery.The episode ends with Andy teasing the next installment, focusing on the establishment and evolution of the bakery.

Calls to Action

Explore Your Own Community Projects: Be inspired by Andy’s story to identify opportunities in your community where waste can be turned into valuable resources. Start small and invite others to join in your efforts.

Embrace Creative Problem-Solving: Whether launching a business, volunteering, or addressing a challenge, let Andy’s innovative approach encourage you to think outside the box. Take action on ideas you’ve been hesitant to pursue.

Learn from the Past, Focus on Growth: Apply Andy’s lessons of treating successes and failures as learning opportunities. Reflect on your own experiences, identify your passions, and consider how they align with creating a sustainable impact in your life or community.

If you have enjoyed this episode and would like to support Big River Bakery projects - you can make a donation here.

You can learn more about Big River Bakery here

Title: Big River Bakery – The Backstory

In this episode, Andy Haddon and Gail Lawler share the origins of Big River Bakery and its mission as a community-driven social enterprise. Andy reflects on his journey, from growing up in the North East with values of community and creativity to navigating a corporate career that left him unfulfilled. Key moments include:

Childhood Influences: Andy discusses his grandparents’ and parents legacy, his adventurous upbringing, and his early entrepreneurial ventures like the Robin Hood Gang, which charity which raised funds for community projects in India.

Corporate Career and Realizations: Andy recounts his experiences in high-pressure corporate logistics across the UK, Germany, and China. Feeling disconnected from corporate values, he reached a turning point in Shanghai, realizing the need for work aligned with his purpose.

Transition to Purposeful Work: Andy shares how near-death experiences and personal tragedies prompted him to prioritize action over fear of failure. He returned to the North East, pursuing his vision of community-oriented work, ultimately leading to the creation of Big River Bakery.

Community and Social Impact: Highlighting the importance of creativity and collaboration, Andy emphasizes the bakery's focus on employing neurodiverse individuals, fostering inclusivity, and addressing climate change through sustainable practices.

The episode concludes with a preview of the next podcast, which will explore Andy's journey to rebuilding his sense of purpose and the trials leading to the bakery's creation.

Support Local Communities: Visit Big River Bakery or similar community-driven initiatives to contribute to local social enterprises and sustainable practices.

Engage with the Podcast: Subscribe and tune in to the next episode to hear about Andy’s journey to finding fulfillment and how Big River Bakery came to life.

Embrace Action: Take inspiration from Andy’s story to pursue your own purpose-driven goals, no matter the obstacles. Start small, take action, and learn by doing!

If you have enjoyed this podcast and would like to donate to Big River Bakery project here

Find out more about us at www.bigriverbakery.com