Staiths Café, North Yorkshire

Following a life long ambition Suzanne Hutton and Mark Hodgson sold their home and opened a continental style cafe with support from NatWest. Staiths Café Bar was funded with support from NatWest and will create three new jobs for the local community over the next 12 months. 

Living the Dream, St Albans

25 year old dance entrepreneur Zoe Jackson has expanded her performing arts business to set up a talent agency. Representing children, teenagers and professional dancers, actors and choreographers, the agency will champion young talent for work in West End shows, TV, film and music videos. The expansion was made possible thanks to a 5 figure finance package from NatWest.

Dressplace Bridal, Nottingham

Helen Dickson who started her own bridal business just five years ago following redundancy, received funding to relocate to city-centre premises. Working with NatWest relationship manager Helen successfully secured a five-figure loan in order to relocate to and renovate a large premises over three floors. Helen has also increased staff numbers, with nine employees now working at the store, and introduced new product lines and dress designers.

Northwood, Colchester

Former serviceman Mark Bembrick from Colchester has turned entrepreneur after 22 years' service in the forces.

Having served in both the Parachute Regiment and Royal Military Police, Mark Bembrick recently opened the doors of specialist letting and estate agency, Northwood (Colchester) Ltd − with support from NatWest.  

Strands Hair, Exmouth

Nicola Askew, an Exmouth hairdresser bought the salon she has worked in since leaving school 16 years ago. Nicola, who started at Strands Hair as a trainee stylist and has managed it for the past eight years, is now the owner thanks to help from NatWest after securing a loan of £43,000 to purchase the business.  

The Doghouse, Aylesbury

Gary and Teri Moult, landlord and landlady at The Doghouse for eight years have now bought the freehold of the Aylesbury pub they were running. In purchasing the pub Gary and Teri, who also runs The Royal Oak in Aston Abbotts, have safeguarded the jobs of The Doghouse's 10 staff. 

Andi Pandi's, Ammanford

Andrea Halpin-Jones was struggling with childcare she when she decided to set up a nursery. 11 years later, Andrea is now expanding the business by adding an out-of-school club with help from NatWest. The expansion has created five new jobs, bringing the number of staff at the business to 20.

Jacqui Cavill who runs a bar which was refurbished using entirely salvaged materials was able to unveil a major extension funded by a loan from NatWest. The extension doubled the venue's dining capacity from 60 to 120. Jacqui worked with NatWest relationship manager Lynette Thomas to secure a loan of £100,000 under the Government's Funding for Lending scheme to refurbish the bar.

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