Leanne Parkin.
A County Durham mum-to-be is hoping her new business venture will be a welcome treat for people in the Tow Law area.
Leanne Parkin, 29 is opening the Pantry with help and support from Be Enterprising, County Durham’s Local Enterprise Growth Initiative (LEGI).
Leanne, from Tow Law, County Durham has taken over the premises of Barclays Bank in the High Street, said: “Running my own business is something that I have always wanted to do, having worked in the catering business for quite some time.”
The Pantry will seat around 30 people and will provide a takeaway service. Customers will be able to enjoy traditional hot English food, such as steak pie and toad-in-the-hole as well as serving scones, cakes, sandwiches and salad bowls – all of which will be made fresh on the premises.
Prior to starting her own business, Leanne worked as a chef at the Wear View Diner in Bishop Auckland for six years.
“After I left school I attended New College Durham and gained an advanced GNVQ in catering and hospitality. I then went on to work as a chef at a hotel in Crook for four years before I moved to the Wear View Diner.
“Then three years ago, I decided to go back to college part-time. I attended Bishop Auckland College on my days off from work and gained an NVQ level 3 in patisserie. It was at college that I first heard about Be Enterprising.”
Michael Smith, Leanne’s Be Enterprising coach said: “Be Enterprising is committed to helping people in County Durham to start their own business and encouraging enterprise. There are so many benefits to running your own business; it can be a great way into flexible working, especially for parents with young children or those caring for family members.
“Leanne came to us with her business idea and we were more than happy to put her on the right track. Right from the start Leanne was committed and motivated, she has a great work ethic and I’m sure that her business will be a success.”
Elliott Patterson, Be Enterprising programme manager said: “In any community closed and disused buildings can often be a sore reminder of the recession. It’s great to see an empty premise on the high street re-open with a new business that will service the local community.”
Leanne added: “I just live next door to the cafe, so it’s really going to make things a lot easier when the baby comes, because I won’t have to travel far to and from work.”
Leanne received funding, support and advice from Be Enterprising including a grant to help cover her start-up costs and a detailed business plan.
“Be Enterprising has been fantastic, I have been working toward this for so long now. It is nice to see everything come together, and I couldn’t have done it without the help and support from Michael.”
Anyone living in County Durham who would like support making their business idea a reality may be eligible for support from Be Enterprising. For more information call 0800 030 4134 or visit www.be-enterprising.biz.