A GRANDMOTHER with a love of cooking has set up her own cafe after getting help by a Yate support service.

Yvonne Lonsdale was an unemployed grandmother who was referred to firm Cool Ventures to get business advice.

She has now set up Little Nanny’s Kitchen in Weston, Bath, offering homemade British dishes including cottage pie alongside delicious Jamaican jerk chicken and patties.

Miss Lonsdale is a former professional singer who contacted Bath and North east Somerset Council’s Business Support Service for help.

She was referred to Cool Ventures who deliver the service on behalf of the council, and was helped to put together a business plan and secure a £2,500 loan from the government’s New Entreprise Allowance scheme.

Miss Lonsdale said: “The team at Cool Ventures were absolutely brilliant,” said Yvonne. “Whenever I needed advice they were always there for me and if they didn’t have the answers they would point me in the right direction.

“I can’t thank them enough for the help they have given me. I now have something to sing about once again.”

Cool Ventures advises owner-managed businesses on growth strategies and preparing for external investment.

Miss Lonsdale used the loan money to refurbish her cafe’s premises and buy second-hand equipment for the kitchen.

Roger Wilkins, a director of Cool Ventures, said: "We are delighted to have helped Yvonne realise her dream of running her own cafe.

“Having a professional business plan that covers all the necessary legal and financial aspects, can help budding entrepreneurs like Yvonne secure the funding they need to succeed.”