Member Article

Pontefract entrepreneur made redundant from her NHS desk job fulfils gift shop start-up dreams

A Pontefract woman has turned her dream of owning a florist and gift shop into reality with the support of the West Yorkshire Enterprise Agency.

Kay Brenton was made redundant from her desk job with the NHS in 2013 and was placed onto the New Enterprise Allowance (NEA) to help her set up in business for the first time.

Kay said: “It really wasn’t easy setting up my own business and it was a very steep learning curve - and I’m still learning. But I was given good, solid advice and the weekly payments really softened the blow of not having a wage to rely on.”

She took a floristry course to give her the basics of the industry and then decided to open a shop, named Kitty & Rose after her late grandmothers, on Gillygate in the town centre selling hand-tied bouquets for all occasions, as well as doing wedding and funeral flowt for what-ifs.“

“If it is something you are passionate about, and you aren’t afraid of a little hard work, then you have to go for it. Life is too short for what-ifs.”

Andrew Choi, head of Operations at the West Yorkshire Enterprise Agency said: “Making the decision to start your own business can be difficult and lonely so the support offered by the West Yorkshire Enterprise Agency can be crucial.

“Kay had always dreamed of running her own florist and gift shop and the support given by the New Enterprise Allowance, and the time and effort of her mentor, have given her the start she needs to make Kitty & Rose a success.”

A video of Kay talking about her experiences can be see on the West Yorkshire Enterprise Agency YouTube channel atwww.youtube.com/user/wyenterprise.

More information about the West Yorkshire Enterprise Agency can be found on their website at www.wyea.co.uk.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Clare Burnett .