UK confectionery company celebrates £90k cash boost

Established in 1998 in North-East England, Sweet Dreams is a family-owned chocolate and confectionery maker – led by husband and wife team, Matt and Cath Stephenson – well-known for their best-selling Choc Nibbles treats.

The funding has been secured from the North of Tyne Combined Authority, headed by Metro Mayor Jamie Driscoll, and the European Regional Development Fund. The grant has enabled Sweet Dreams to create jobs; buy new machinery; and increase its product range to include chocolate bars as well as plans for vegan and plant-based products.

Vegan options

Matt Stephenson said: “It’s the first time we ever had any support… Our chocolate bar line wouldn’t have happened without NTCA’s investment. We’ve got an exciting thing here – and the new funding took the pressure off.​

“Adding to our ability to offer chocolate-coated confectionery, we now have a state-of-the-art depositing line, that can produce plain bars, bars with inclusions and even plant-based vegan options.”​

The Stephensons said being a small family company in a space dominated by global brands has helped them to carve out Sweet Dreams’ niche, working with everyone, from big-name high street retailers to small independent brands that are more creative and innovative.