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Leeds TikTok famous sweet store Candy Works turns over £1.4 million in first year
Viral TikTok pick 'n' mix videos launched the success of Candy Works, but one year on, the company have had more orders than they could have possibly imagined.
Candy Works, a pick 'n' mix store in Leeds, have just announced a turnover of £1,400,000 during their first year of sales.
Husband and wife duo, Ryan and Sophie Taylor came up with the idea of building their own business whilst out of work over the pandemic period.
Starting with just £400 work of sweets, the couple used TikTok, a relatively new platform at the time, to share their new business venture. It didn't take long for their videos to pick up traction and their pick 'n' mix videos went viral, landing them over 1000 orders overnight.
Working out of their spare bedroom, the couple worked tirelessly to find suppliers and meet the unprecedented demand.
There were what felt like hundreds of pop up sweet shops that started online over lockdown but it was the array of international sweets that Candy Works offers that helped their success.
The company import holiday favourites like Lays crisps and American classics such as Mike & Ike and Chips Ahoy! and sell them as standalone products or as part of their pick 'n' mix selection.
Orders are then packaged up and shipped across the world to their customers. Candy Works post addictive '#PackAnOrderWithMe' videos where viewers can see exactly what others are buying.
This series, along with Q&As and 'Sweet of the Day' videos make up their daily TikTok content. Due to the incredible following of 1.2 million users, the couple have accumulated 35.4 million likes since the launch of their business, an undeniable factor in their success.
Since their November 2020 launch, they have officially turned over £1,400,000 and employ twelve members of staff to help run Candy Works.
To recognise their efforts, Sophie and Ryan Taylor have won the Lloyds Bank Small Business Award for 2021 and were ranked the third business on TikTok, just behind Tango Ice Blast who have a cult following of 137,700 followers.
Moving forwards, the company plan to expand across the UK and increase the number of staff to keep up with orders.
To check out the latest sweets available from Candy Works, check their TikTok and use their website to place an order.
Today is National Doughnut Day, and to celebrate, Morrisons is on the look-out for one sweet treat fan to take on a new role.
That’s right – today (5 June) is National Doughnut Day, and Morrisons is officially on the hunt for the nation’s ultimate doughnut devotee with the launch of its brand-new (and delicious) role, The Chief Doughnut Tester – with all glaze enthusiasts, sprinkle connoisseurs, and jam-filled aficionados urged to get applying.
The search is on to crown one lucky fan who’ll take on the dream job of taste-testing their way through the supermarket‘s range of doughnuts.
The Chief Doughnut Tester is more than just a title, Morrisons says it’s ‘serious business’.
Morrisons has launched a nationwide search for its first-ever Chief Doughnut Tester / Credit: Morrisons
The new hire will be tasked with taste-testing doughnuts before they hit the shelves, giving verdicts on new flavours and textures, all in the name of research.
The role will also involve teaming up with Morrisons’ internal doughnut-expert team to develop new and limited-edition treats that’ll be in stores next year.
Crowned as the nation’s definitive doughnut authority, the selected winner won’t just earn the title of Chief Doughnut Tester, they’ll also receive the ultimate of sweet perks – a year’s free supply of Morrisons fresh doughnuts, which the retailer sells more than 1.1 million of weekly.
Fancy it then? Does this sound like you?
Aspiring Chief Doughnut Testers can apply on the Morrisons website here, by filling in a short 200-words about why’re the ideal candidate.
Applications close at midnight tonight (Friday 5 June), so you’ll need to be quick.
Popular New York-style pizza pop-up confirms opening date for first takeaway in Leeds
Clementine Hall
New York-style pizza pop-up, Edges Pizza, is set to open in Leeds.
Last summer you may have had the privilege to enjoy a slice of Edges Pizza at one of their many pop-up residences across the city.
Their longest stint was at the sun-drenched roof terrace of Green Room, and it's safe to say their pizza went down an absolute treat.
Since then they've been a little quiet, but all for good reason it seems.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Edges will be opening their doors in Leeds city centre on Thursday 18 June in a vacant railway arch at Fourth Court on Bridge Road in Leeds' Holbeck area.
It won't be your average pizza shop though, you'll have to preorder for now but trust us - it's worth it.
Announcing the very exciting news to Instagram, Edges said: "WE FINALLY HAVE an opening date, Thursday 18th June! All pizzas are pre-ordered like we have always done, and are slightly limited for now (still looking for helping hands!!!). The pre-orders will open the day before at 12pm via our Storekit link.
"We’ll be then opening Wednesday to Friday, 4-9pm and Saturday & Sunday 3-9pm. If there are still remaining slots left on the day, you can order up to an hour before the collection time. We have limited seating, for those who travel and would like to eat in. There is plenty of car parking space, to pick up your pizza, too.
"We can’t wait to see you all soon & more importantly, we can’t wait to start making some good food for you again."
We can't wait to get our hands on a coveted Edges pizza slice again, so you best believe we'll be there at the opening with bells on.
Sophie Smith -
18th October 2021 
