Sunderland news
Design – hospitality entrepreneur Colin Myers and manufacturing guru Robert Flunder are exporting their cocktail concept around the world .
HAT-TRICK OF NEW TENANTS
BUBBLE BLAST
Smoking gun creates international business success
A
device adding the wow factor to cocktails that was created in Sunderland has taken the international market by storm , after being inspired by the childhood experience of blowing bubbles .
Flavour Blaster Pro , which creates a smokefilled fragrant bubble on the top of drinks , is now used by many of the world ’ s top bars and at celebrity parties , including at the Playboy Mansion .
And it ' s now exported to more than 40 countries across the world , thanks to its use of innovative vapour technology .
Its success is the result of a collaboration between hospitality entrepreneur Colin Myers and manufacturing guru Robert Flunder , who came up with the initial concept to add some theatricality to the drinks experience .
Australian-born Colin , who previously worked in the bar and leisure industry in the UK , spent four years helping to develop the product which he describes as “ an inner child gadget .”
And the resulting creation was down to his fascination with the concept of edible bubbles which would use authentic aromas rather than synthetic flavours .
“ I ’ d always had a concept in my head about edible bubbles ,” said Colin , who now runs his international company from a former printworks in Sunderland .
“ And it started to develop when the vaping craze started – we could see a way to use that kind of technology to develop something that would give the wow factor to the food and drink industry that it had never had before .”
Once the Flavour Blaster Pro was released on to the market it became a huge hit , being used in some of the world ’ s most prestigious watering holes as well as by top chefs for a garnish with a difference on their dishes .
Clients including top chains such as The Alchemist use the Flavour Blaster , and it is also currently helping to create the immersive experience at Johnny Walker in Edinburgh .
Maybe Sammy in Australia , widely regarded as one of the top bars in the world , was among the first to use the Flavour Blaster since its launch four years ago and still find it a major attraction today .
The company also has a strong foothold in the international market , particularly in the USA where it can be found in venues in California , Florida and Las Vegas to name a few .
A large Sunderland office building that was home to HMRC for a quarterof-a-century has undergone a radical refurbishment to transform it into modern , hybrid offices – and three companies have now signed leases to move in .
North West-based commercial property investors Kingscrown Group snapped up the 36,000 sq ft Waterside House from previous owners Topland Group and has invested significantly to re-model and re-fit the building , which is now ready to occupy .
Fast-growing insurance firm iRevolution Group , Commercial Joinery Specialists and Inspired Care have all signed leases at the building .
Marelli recognised for impact on skills
Game-changing £ 250m investment at university
The University of Sunderland has announced it will be investing £ 250m over the next 10 years to transform the facilities enjoyed by students at its campuses in Sunderland and London .
The investment is a major step-change in the university ’ s ambitions , building on the £ 75m already invested in facilities over the last five years .
The university says it reflects the institution ’ s financial strength and is aligned to Sunderland City Council ’ s bold programme of regeneration across the city .
Global automotive supplier Marelli has received special recognition for its ‘ Positive Impact on Skills ’ from Sunderland College .
The award was presented to plant manager Trevor Metcalf by Sunderland College ’ s chief executive Ellen Thinnesen and Iain Nixon , vice principal for partnerships and commercial , at the manufacturer ’ s Sunderland base .
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