After 40 years at the helm, Neil Boustead is retiring as owner of The Toffee Shop in Penrith.
Under his charge, this small business has gained an impressive array of clients including Fortnum and Mason and the royal palaces, and ones closer to home including Cranston’s and J&J Graham, as well as continuing the commitment to delight patrons locally and further afield.
Over the years the shop has even enjoyed a visit from Prince Charles.
From this month, The Toffee Shop will be under the new ownership of Kathryn Graves.
Born and bred in Penrith, Kathryn has had a long-standing love affair with the shop since childhood, when she would pass by on the way to school.
Neil said: “After having been involved with the Penrith Toffee Shop for the last 40 years, the time is right for me to retire. I am delighted that the business has been bought by someone from Penrith, who I know will put as much passion into it as I have.
“I wish Kathryn all the best and will give her as much support and help as she needs. And, finally, a very big thank you to all our customers who have supported us over the years.”
Kathryn is the daughter of John and Jan Ryder who both lived and worked in Penrith for many years. She has enjoyed a long and successful career in HR, with roles at Marks and Spencer, as well as senior roles in the professional services sector.
This has meant that she values a commitment to people and the delivery of excellent customer service. She is dedicated to nurturing a quality brand and reputation.
Kathryn said: “To be honest, The Toffee Shop was an integral part of my childhood.
“It was the best fudge and toffee I’d ever tasted and, in truth, still is. I have an enduring fascination for this artisan confectioner with their secret recipe.
“It gives me great pride to join such a long-standing local business, with a talented and committed team.
“To be part of the local community, providing employment for others in the town and indirectly to local vendors is a real privilege.”
The Toffee Shop has been dedicated to producing the world’s finest handmade fudge and toffee since 1910, with the secret recipe being passed down carefully through six generations.
In addition to visitors to its Brunswick Road premises, The Toffee Shop supplies prestigious clients across the Lake District and the entire UK, including Fortnum and Mason in London, the Highgrove Shop in Gloucestershire, Holyrood House in Edinburgh, Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle.
