Half the Story, a Nottingham-based bakery and social enterprise which employs people who have experienced homelessness, has announced that 200 Degrees coffee shops in the city will be its first retail partner.
The organisation, which makes shortbread biscuits from its bakery on Castle Boulevard, was launched earlier this year as part of a mission to help reduce long-term unemployment and poverty in Nottingham and beyond.
Matt Parfitt, Managing Director of Half the Story, said “There couldn’t be a better partner for our first retail locations than 200 Degrees. They’re a company that also started in Nottingham and is growing nationally; they care about people and are active in the community. This is what Half the Story wants to do – and partnering together is a sustainable way to create jobs that change lives. Our employees are so proud to see the biscuits they made for sale in store. 200 Degrees are known for great coffee – and they now have a great tasting, locally made, life-changing biscuit to enjoy with it.”
By creating supportive jobs for people who have experienced barriers to work, and by paying their staff a Real Living Wage, Half the Story has created an environment that seeks to make the UK job market more accessible. But they have also succeeded in producing delicious biscuits that are a perfect complement to a 200 Degrees speciality coffee, which is roasted to perfection at their roastery on Meadow Lane.
Marc Viver, Head of Operations at 200 Degrees, said “When we heard about Half the Story, we felt it was a no-brainer to support their work and stock their products. A biscuit is the perfect small treat that our customers like to enjoy with their hot drink, and we love to support a local independent food business. But the impact that Matt and the team are making with their social enterprise is the real draw for us, and matches our own values of seeking to do the right thing in all areas of our business and caring for our community. We’re proud to give these life-changing biscuits a spot on our food counter.”
The biscuits are now available to buy in all four Nottingham 200 Degrees shops, with the brand looking to expand into more locations in 2024.
