Business is the Icing on the Cake for Lesley

Young mum Lesley Booth has all the right ingredients to make her new cake and coffee-shop business grow.

When her young son started school, single mum Lesley was determined not to live a life on benefits and looked into turning her cake-making hobby into a business.

Lesley, 32, from New York, North Tyneside, turned for help to The Business Factory, based on High Street West in Wallsend, which is North Tyneside Council’s one-stop-shop for budding entrepreneurs to get all the advice and support they need.

Now she has seen her dream come true with the launch of her cake and coffee shop, Cake-a-Licious, on Farringdon Road in Cullercoats.

Lesley said: “When the shop came up it was too good to be true.  It needed some work but the location is perfect with parking in front and lots of passing trade.

“I was determined to go into business and make my son proud of me. He’s only five, but already he tells all his friends about his mam’s cake shop.

“As well as selling tea, coffee and cakes, I also make celebration cakes for all occasions.  This is something I have always done for family and friends and it is this core skill that drove me on to launch the business.

“We’ve only been open a few weeks and already I have built up a steady group of loyal customers.”

Lesley is also helping to raise funds for her son’s school Cullercoats Primary through the shop’s innovative book lending scheme.

She said: “Customers can pick up a book while they are relaxing with a drink and if they like it make a £1 donation to loan it.”

Lesley was put in touch with The Business Factory through her local Job Centre. She received help in putting together a business plan and setting up a simple accounting system, as well as tips on marketing her business.

Business adviser George Wafer from the Business Factory said: “Young mums can often struggle to make that return to work once their children start school but Lesley has proved to be both creative and determined in using her skills to bridge this gap and build a new working life for herself.”
The Business Factory, which is delivered by TEDCO on behalf of North Tyneside Council, is aimed at potential entrepreneurs in the North Tyneside area and offers free advice and support.
If you are thinking about starting your own business drop into The Business Factory at 86 High Street West, Wallsend NE28 8HY, call (0191) 263 6092 or email info@businessfactorynt.co.uk.

If you want to be your own boss but don’t have a business idea, there are hundreds listed on The Business Factory website www.businessfactorynt.co.uk.

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