Abbigail Ellis who is from The Isles of Scilly had an ambition to run her own business in the community she grew up in. Utilising her skills and experience in catering she is now opening a Café and Deli on the main island of St Marys. To realise this dream additional finance was required to pay for the deposit on the lease, purchase equipment and cover initial marketing costs. Abbigail got in touch with SWIG Finance and Business Manager Aaron Hamshire providing guidance and support for her application for a loan through The Start-Up Loans Company for a total of £20,000.
Aaron Hamshire says: “Abbigail was a pleasure to work with having completed a strong business plan and a well thought through cashflow forecast. The work that we did together gave her confidence in her ability to make a success of her business. I’m really looking forward to seeing this business open its doors and become an asset to the islands.”
The Isles of Scilly has a market of locals that will enjoy the deli service and also a large number of tourists looking for mainland standard food options whilst having the opportunity to buy and taste the food and drink manufactured on the islands.Abbigail explains; “`Food is becoming a real selling point of the Isles of Scilly and we have local salt producers, chocolate producers and various alcohol distilleries across the islands. Widening out to the mainland of Cornwall we are at the centre of amazing artisan food and drink. The Hugh Street Cafe will provide a hub for those looking to enjoy taste and quality. We are looking forward to welcoming locals and visitors to Scilly to our new business. We are really excited to have the opportunity to start this business and would like to thank SWIG and Start-Up Loans for all their support”.
The Hugh Street Cafe will result in jobs being created for Abbigail and five local people. The Deli will also add to St Mary’s retail economy and offer.
Hugh Street Cafe Isles of Scilly
