Natalie and Graeme Bevan, a couple from West Allotment in North Tyneside, have built Geordie Riffs into one of the North East's most respected guitar businesses, despite launching just one week before the COVID-19 pandemic. The specialist company offers lessons, repairs, maintenance and technical support to musicians ranging from beginners to professionals.
From Redundancy to Guitar Technician
Graeme, who rediscovered guitar in his late teens after a decade away from music, now does session work and creates guitar tones for international companies. Natalie, inspired by Oasis and Noel Gallagher, turned her teenage fascination into a career after voluntary redundancy from project management. She trained under renowned technician Robbie Gladwell, whose clients included Eric Clapton, B.B. King and Elvis Presley.
Within days of completing her course, Gladwell endorsed her readiness. "He basically told Graeme I was ready to start my own business," Natalie said. "Two weeks later, that's exactly what we did."
Surviving the Pandemic Without Support
The couple launched Geordie Riffs one week before the UK entered its first COVID-19 lockdown. Having both recently left secure jobs, they were ineligible for government support because the business had no trading history. "We had to survive on our life savings," Natalie recalled. "It was incredibly difficult. We opened, closed, opened again, and spent months trying to build a customer base through social media."
Despite the adversity, the business grew steadily through word-of-mouth and social media. Today, customers travel hundreds of miles from across Britain and even overseas for Natalie's repair expertise and Graeme's personalised teaching.
Recognition from Industry Giants
One of the couple's proudest achievements came when leading guitar manufacturer Taylor Guitars directly contacted Natalie. "They contacted me because they felt my values aligned with theirs," she said. "When a company like that reaches out to you, especially after everything we've been through, it's one of those moments where you have to pinch yourself."
Natalie believes she may be the only female guitar technician currently operating in the immediate North East area. "There aren't many of us," she said. "The nearest female technician I know of is in Yorkshire."
Tailored Teaching and Community Focus
Graeme's teaching approach is entirely student-centred. He adapted a modified lap-steel technique for a student with cerebral palsy, enabling him to play despite physical challenges. "I adapt everything to the student," Graeme said. "It's about finding a way that works for them and helping them enjoy music."
The business has outgrown its original spare room, and the couple's home is now filled with guitars, amplifiers and equipment. Looking ahead, they aim to expand while maintaining their personal service. "We're just a small business, and we're proud of that," said Natalie. "With so many independent music shops disappearing, it's important to support local businesses and keep those specialist skills alive."
