October is Small Business Month! And to celebrate, we’re highlighting some of the great small businesses we have throughout the New England and North Coast. See all the stories here.
Today for Small Business Month, we’re celebrating three businesses bringing their own kind of personal touch to the region: a Deepwater family business specialising in distinctive cowhide and leather goods, a Coffs Harbour brewery pairing craft beer with European-inspired food and a welcoming community atmosphere, and a finance consultant helping New England clients navigate borrowing with confidence and clear advice.
King Tide Brewing
Craft beer, European flavours and a place for everyone
Coffs Harbour, NSW
Great beer might bring people through the door, but at King Tide Brewing in Coffs Harbour, there’s plenty more to keep them coming back.
Owners Josh and Lucyna King set out to create a craft brewery that felt welcoming to everyone, launching the business during the challenging period following COVID lockdowns. Five years on, their family-owned brewpub has grown into a lively gathering place for locals, visitors, families and even four-legged friends.
The rotating line-up of craft beers is a major drawcard, but the kitchen has developed its own following with a menu that brings European influences to the North Coast.
Guests can tuck into Polish pierogi dumplings, Bavarian platters and the venue’s signature crispy crackling pork knuckle – a generous dish best shared around the table.
There’s always something happening beyond the food and drinks, too, with weekly trivia, live music and special interest group meetups adding to the atmosphere.
Josh grew up on the Coffs Coast, while Lucyna brings her Polish heritage and hospitality flair to the business. Together, they’ve created a venue built around good food, genuine hospitality and bringing people together.
With no poker machines, gambling or smoking, King Tide offers a considered space where friends and families can relax, enjoy a meal and spend time together.
HIDE
Genuine, rustic and timeless – with a little bit wild
Deepwater, NSW
For those who love natural textures, timeless style and pieces with their own character, HIDE in Deepwater offers something a little different.
The family-run business specialises in genuine cowhide and leather goods, including handbags, wallets, clutches and accessories. The collection also features earrings, gifts and distinctive pieces chosen for their individuality and lasting appeal.
Natural hides and leather mean no two pieces are exactly alike, giving each item its own character. Whether you’re looking for an everyday accessory, a special gift or something that adds a little country style to your wardrobe, there’s plenty to explore.
Behind HIDE is a local family with a passion for their community and for supporting fellow small businesses. That philosophy flows through the carefully selected range, which includes unique products and locally made pieces you won’t find just anywhere.
The team aims to make every customer feel welcome, offering a personal shopping experience built around finding something that feels just right.
With its blend of rustic charm, natural materials and individual style, HIDE celebrates the beauty of choosing something distinctive – and supporting a local business along the way.
Visit the store at 75 Tenterfield Street, Deepwater, to browse the collection.
Smooth Sailing Finance Consulting
Making finance simpler, one client at a time
Servicing clients throughout the North Coast area
Finance can feel complicated, but Fiona Erquiaga believes it doesn’t have to be. Through Smooth Sailing Finance Consulting, she helps clients navigate their borrowing options with clear communication, honest advice and a friendly, down-to-earth approach.
Fiona brings more than 24 years of experience across residential lending, commercial finance, equipment finance and self-managed superannuation fund (SMSF) lending. Her business supports clients with home loans, investment lending, business and equipment finance, SMSF loans and personal lending.
As a business owner and property investor herself, Fiona understands the opportunities and challenges that can come with borrowing, building a property portfolio and running a business. She draws on that experience, alongside her industry knowledge, to help clients explore options suited to their circumstances and goals.
For Fiona, the difference is in the personal service. Rather than treating every application the same way, she takes time to understand each client’s situation and considers solutions for both straightforward and more complex lending needs.
And the relationship doesn’t end when a loan settles. Fiona values long-term connections and staying in touch as clients’ lives, businesses and financial goals evolve.
With a practical approach and a little humour along the way, Smooth Sailing Finance Consulting aims to make the finance journey feel more manageable.
Throughout October, we’ll run stories highlighting the great local businesses we have right here in our communities. This is a free service – the businesses highlighted have not paid for this story.
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Please share this story to help support New England businesses! See all our Small Business Month profiles here.