How Ann beat rat-race
Feb 7 2008 by Chris Knox, The Journal
A BUSINESSWOMAN who dispensed with the stresses and strains of pub management to run a rural tearoom, has seen her venture become an important part of her local economy.
Ann Maddison quit her job as pub manager for Punch Taverns in 2005, where she looked after 55 North East pubs, after developing shingles – a disorder which she attributes directly to the pressures of the job.
After recovering, Ann realised she needed a less stressful change of direction and happened upon Simonburn Tea Rooms in the Tyne Valley, 10 miles north of Hexham, while out visiting the area with a friend.
After realising it was up for sale, Ann bought it, now employs five staff and has seen her turnover grow by over 200% over three years.
To help support her local economy, Ann sources her produce locally, getting her meat from nearby Ellingham Farm and her salad from a local allotment.
The entrepreneur is in the middle of developing bed and breakfast facilities at the tea rooms and has just completed an executive bedroom and plans to complete a double room and a family room this year.
Ann lives above the tea rooms and is visited at weekends by her husband Trevor, who runs a learner driver business, Driving’s Coo l in Sunderland and lives in their family home in Seaburn.
She said: “I am delighted with the success of my tea rooms and it is an important part of my local community. It has been a blessing for me and my husband.”
