First Texas, then Northumberland, next THE WORLD!
The daughter of the Northumberland based oil tycoon Ken Hodcroft has successfully launched her own alternative condiment business and has revealed ambitious plans for growth.
Spearheaded by the Texas-born young entrepreneur Lizzy Hodcroft, The Sweet Beet earlier this month unveiled its new website and re-branded products as it looks to transform and disrupt the nation's food industry this summer.
Lizzy - a former chef who was awarded Young Entrepreneur of the Year by the North East Business Woman of the Year Awards in 2017 - has overseen massive demand for her company's unique take on household condiments since soft-launching earlier this year and expects to be turning over £200,000 in the next 12 months.
The Sweet Beet's products are now available in over 60 farm and deli stores nationwide as well as the nation's largest online supermarket, Ocado which signals a busy year ahead for the rising businesswoman.
Reacting to the re-brand of her business and her ties to Northumberland, Lizzy said: “My father has watched me grow into the woman I am today, from an uncertain girl to an empowered entrepreneur with large dreams. He has helped to fund certain aspects of the business and has been a great sounding board. He provides brilliant feedback and also is the man of reason. He lives in Allenheads, so I have a lot of fond memories of this part of the world.
“The Sweet Beet intends on becoming a leader in the food industry for innovation in the condiment sector, showcasing our keen eye for taking risks to discover and utilise my unique palate for new flavour combinations.
“We have gone from strength to strength, inspiring home cooks across the country with the confidence to explore in their own kitchens, whilst bringing to myself the excitement and passion of entrepreneurship. I am quickly being recognised as one of the rising stars of the industry which is a huge honour.”
Despite only trading for less than a year as a Limited company, The Sweet Beet has racked up a number of achievements and national acclaim for its condiment range and fiery young Texan leader.
In early May 2018, The Sweet Beet received national airtime when BBC 2's culinary expert Nigel Barden put the company's Habanero Lime Jelly through its paces on Simon Mayo’s Drivetime show, which regularly attracts 6 million listeners.
It has also appeared on BBC’s Farmer’s Country Showdown this year and was recently selected as Company of the Month by Food and Drink Matters Magazine.
And with an on-going dedication for entrepreneurship and inspiring the next generation of would-be businessmen and women, Lizzy was also invited to speak at Newcastle Start-Up Week earlier this week, where she addressed a full crowd of young entrepreneurs.
Speaking about her long-term vision for The Sweet Beet and her plans for the future, Lizzy Hodcroft added: “Ambition and focus have fuelled me forwards quickly and allowed for rapid growth within the business and the opportunity to mentor and help other start-ups.
“Having found my own beat through entrepreneurship, I am now on a mission to inspire and nurture other creative start-ups, building on the success of being awarded North East Young Entrepreneur of the Year for 2017.
“For the remainder of this year, The Sweet Beet will be working closely with the Department of International Trade to identify and structure a strategy for export.
“We will be looking to attend at least one trade mission with the DIT and will also seek funding and grants to allow for research and development.
“The Sweet Beet is now actively seeking investment to spend on bringing staff into the business. This is only the beginning!”
For more information about The Sweet Beet visit www.thesweetbeet.co.uk.