What makes Cleethorpes and Grimsby ‘great’? Some people don’t think we are. Well, we think those people are wrong and here’s why.
These humble towns by the Humber are experiencing a renaissance; a passionate revival which is powered by the businesses that wear their Northern roots as a badge of honour.
That’s how we do it at CMA and we really appreciate other businesses that do likewise. So, here are six of the many local businesses we’re inspired by, working hard to help Grimsby and Cleethorpes reach their full potential.
Original Emporium
In the heart of Cleethorpes, the Original Emporium is the home of local makers. Founded by Chelsy Hutton, owner of lifestyle brand Northerner On The Run, the OE is a collaborative store and host to Makers Markets. With products from over 30 small businesses, including gifts, homewares, children’s clothing and more, the OE is run solely by the creators who sell their products within it.
As a result, you’ll be greeted not only with a warm welcome, but pride and passion. If you’re looking for a unique product which celebrates hometown heritage – from local landmark prints to unconventional playing cards – the Original Emporium is a must-visit.
Docks Beers
Recently rated Lincolnshire’s number one brewery, Docks Beers is based in a converted church in Grimsby’s historic Central Market district. From traditional ales and lagers to hoppy brews, these high-quality, craft beers are inspired by the fortitude of dockworkers, with names such as Hard Graft, Low Tide and Overtime.
With a vibrant taproom, popular brewery tours and multi-purpose venue, Docks Beers goes from strength to strength. The brewery also has a resident food vendor, Mockingbird Street Food, which serves up delicious chicken and vegan-chicken fast food.
Ebb & Flo
It’s impossible to not think of the seaside when Cleethorpes comes to mind. Toni Buckle-Weaver’s business bottles this free, fresh air feeling. Ebb & Flo inspires local adventures through Stand Up Paddleboarding. Nurturing a water-loving culture within the seaside town, the watersports business offers rentals and lessons, including sunrise and sunset sessions.
With a mission to breathe life into the local patch of water, promote wellbeing and connect people with nature, sustainability is standard at Ebb & Flo. The business donates a portion of profits to Surfers Against Sewage, education programmes, beach cleans and tree planting. And, in 2023, they announced opening a second location at Alexandra Dock, Grimsby.
myenergi
With a passion for people and planet, myenergi is a green, great Grimsby business founded by Lee Sutton and Jordan Brompton. The local company is leading the way for British renewable smart technology, with its flagship product – zappi – the world’s first solar and wind compatible electric car charger.
Based at a new and growing site in the Humber Freeport, myenergi has evolved from a small team of six to a workforce of over 350. As the principal sponsor for Grimsby Town Football Club, you may have spotted myenergi signs lining the main drive into the town. This energetic young company has certainly earned their space here, as one of the fastest growing companies in the UK.
ALLpaQ
Grimsby born and bred, ALLpaQ empowers scientists around the world to manufacture, store, ship and protect valuable liquids – such as the COVID-19 vaccines. With three facilities, the pharmaceutical giant ensures vaccines can be produced and distributed efficiently.
A market leader in fluid management solutions, the business also manufactures a range of laboratory accessories to support the industry. ALLpaQ grew from humble beginnings in Grimsby in 2004. The business has since set sail from the famous trawler town and thrown its net around the whole bioprocessing world.
Although their offices have now relocated to the north west, ALLpaQ’s heart still belongs to Grimsby.
The Content Marketing Agency
You’ll have to forgive us for blowing our own trumpet but, unlike a typical global marketing agency, CMA was born in Cleethorpes. Today our headquarters are at the famous Telegraph House in Grimsby, which was the home of the town’s flagship daily newspaper from 1976 to 2015.
This is fitting for a content-first business. The Content Marketing Agency was founded to foster creativity and elevate small, local businesses. Catching the eyes of global brands such as GoDaddy, Twinkies and BEBA, we fulfil many marketing needs, from content and design to videography to paid search. We’re proud to drop our pin in North East Lincolnshire and contribute to the area.
Who did we miss?
So there you have it – six local businesses to watch out for. They are only a handful of the many brilliant businesses which take pride in their heritage and put Grimsby and Cleethorpes firmly on the map. If you too want to cheer them on, give them a follow on social media, subscribe to their newsletters and tell friends and family about them. And, if you can, go buy their products / services!
Then, if you know of another inspiring local business, one that we haven’t mentioned here, a business that does things differently, that makes a unique mark and should be better known – let us know!
We’ve got a wake-up call for you. If you’re craving a good coffee (as we always are), you don’t have to rely on big names and restaurant chains. Check out these seven superb coffee shops in Grimsby and Cleethorpes, to support small business with every sip.
