Jay Thorpe - Waffle Time

Which business do you represent?

Waffle Time

How long have you worked in the town centre?

I have owned and operated a business in the food and hospitality sector for over 10 years. As a hands-on business owner, I predominantly work as the head chef, but running a small business means wearing many different hats. From preparing and serving food to managing staff, overseeing day-to-day operations and dealing with the challenges of running a business, no two days are ever the same.

Moving my business from the outskirts of Barrow into the town centre two years ago was a significant step, allowing us to reach more customers and become part of the town’s vibrant business community. Running a small business can be demanding, with long hours and plenty of challenges, but I genuinely love what I do. Nothing is more rewarding than seeing happy customers and knowing that we have provided them with a positive experience.

Why did you get involved with Barrow BID?

I have supported Barrow BID since moving into our current location, and I have seen first-hand the importance of the work they do for local businesses. The team consistently goes above and beyond to support the town centre, its businesses and the wider community.

One of the things people may not realise about running a small business is how isolating it can sometimes be. When things go wrong, it can feel as though you are facing those challenges alone. When my own business was broken into, the support I received from the local business community made a real difference. It reminded me just how important it is for businesses to stand together, support one another and share their experiences.

This is one of the key reasons I have joined the Barrow BID Board of Directors. I want to be a voice for the local food and hospitality sector, representing the wide range of independent businesses that make Barrow special, from restaurants, takeaways and cafés to delis and other food businesses. Each offers something unique to our town and the surrounding communities, and I believe they all deserve to be heard and supported.

I am particularly passionate about encouraging stronger relationships between local businesses, creating opportunities to share ideas, learn from one another and offer support when it is needed most.

As a director, I want to help ensure that the views, questions, concerns and ideas of our local food and hospitality businesses are heard by Barrow BID. I hope to build stronger connections between the BID and our sector, helping to identify opportunities, address challenges and contribute to a thriving town centre where independent businesses can grow and succeed.

Ultimately, I believe that when local businesses work together, our whole town benefits. I am proud to be taking on this role and look forward to helping make a positive difference to Barrow’s business community.

Favourite BID event?

My favourite BID event is Dino day because it brings families into town seeing all the families enjoy the events and the dinosaurs walking around. It brings a buzz into the town Centre.

Tell us something most people wouldn’t know about you?

I am a huge football fan, and have supported Liverpool since I was very young, despite growing up in Tunbridge Wells in Kent. I played football for Charlton youth team as a teenager, and might’ve progressed further had I not shattered my leg by falling off a skateboard!