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Sausagenius are Bristol Business of the Week

Posted on: 20 Oct 2014

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This week our Bristol Business of the Week is Sausagenius, a local company that sources local meats and ingredients to make artisan sausages. We've been in touch with the founder Johnnie 'Genius' Atkinson to find out more about Sausagenius.

 

When did you set up Sausagenius?

 

Sausagenius began in June this year after a year of fiddling about as “Atkinson and Sons Sausages and Breads” delivering locally in BS4.

 

Are you from Bristol?

 

I'm originally from Newcastle but I've lived and worked in Bristol since 2003. Both my lovely boys were born in St Michael's so I'm an honorary Bristolian now my babber.

 

How's business?

 

Business is booming thanks. We run local stalls, a pop-up restaurant and cafe nights and an online delivery service. Our reputation is building and feedback has been fantastic.

 

Tell us about your business?

 

We are an artisan gourmet sausage business making lovely and innovative sausages using responsibly sourced meats, home grown herbs and home baked organic breads. Sausages have had a bad rep, (deservedly so), but we're on a mission to make crap-free delicious bangers and restore their image to that of king of foods.

 

How do you find running an independent business in Bristol?

 

Running an independent business in Bristol is brilliant. Bristolians are an avant-garde bunch of folks and always on the lookout for quality, locally sourced and ethical products so it's the perfect city for us to be based in. The independent business scene is very strong with things like the Bristol Pound and Make Sundays Special only helping promote local products and services. 99% of other businesses we have worked with have been fantastic and really supportive.

 

Where do you like to eat out in Bristol?

 

I've got eclectic food tastes so this list could be very very long. I love the Souk Kitchen and the Old Book shop in Bedminster. Noa in Bristol is my favourite place for sushi. Bell's Diner in Montpelier never disappoints and I've got a real soft spot for a regular, (I'm actually a bit addicted), Falafel King.

 

What's your favourite place in Bristol?

 

I couldn't pin down my favourite place in Bristol. There are too many cool spots. Stokes Croft in baking summer, views from Brandon Hill in Autumn, Arnos Vale Cemetery for a walk or run or just squirrel hunting with my boys are all highlights. 

 

Where do you see Sausagenius in 5 years time?

 

I'd love to see Sausagenius as a national brand with a Bristol identity in 5 years’ time, a bit like Pie Minister have managed really well. I'd be amazingly proud if we could trailblaze a resurgence in proper sausages and hope to run sausage making courses in the near future to encourage people to make proper bangers, with proper ingredients, at home.

 

What advice would you give to any aspiring Bristol small business owners?

 

I would encourage aspiring small business owners to follow their passion and gut instinct and get out there and do it. There is lots of help and advice out there and I did a great course with Outset Bristol, which was free, and gave me some invaluable pointers in setting up the company. Also, do recognise your limitations. I have to admit I make superb sausages but I'm clueless about all things IT and social media which is why I'm really lucky to have my colleague Matt on board with Sausagenius dealing with all things Facebook, Twitter and online ordering.

 

If you were Mayor of Bristol for a day which one thing would you change?

 

If I was Mayor of Bristol for a day I'd give everyone in the city that day off as a bonus, Bristol-based bank holiday.

 

Contact Sausagenius at :

 

6 Copse Road, Bristol, BS4 2HZ

Tel.  07870 603530

Email. info@sausagenius.uk

Website. www.sausagenius.uk

Or Find them on Facebook and Twitter.

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