A BRAMHOPE business is enjoying a new lease of life after receiving £25,000 of funding.

Bramhope Deli has used a Business Enterprise Fund (BEF) loan to carry out a full revamp and install new equipment.

Owner Wendy Hegarty began working in the deli nine months ago and approached the BEF for funding after buying it in late 2018.

She says the loan has allowed her to fully modernise the ‘foodie hub’ on Tredgold Avenue which has built a reputation for sourcing its food, ingredients, pies and preserves locally.

She said: “I began working at the deli when the owner needed extra support and asked me if I wanted to buy it as she couldn’t keep up with its demands.

“I knew I had to continue the legacy as it is such a foodie hub of the community, which I couldn’t bear to see shut down.

“It’s so important to support the environment and small businesses by buying local produce for our deli.

“Our four-strong team is committed to sourcing and providing locally sourced ingredients, including our well-established baker Sarah who always runs a tight ship. “Thanks to this, we have a very loyal customer base ranging from regular bread buyers, mums and babies, passing trade, and workmen to catering contract.

“Some will come in especially for ‘Sarah’s famous Viennese whirls!’.

Investment manager at BEF, Mark Iley, said: “It’s terrific to see Bramhope Deli have such a great impact in the community.

“Locally sourced produce is at the heart of the company and it’s fantastic to see everyone in the area supporting it.

“Wendy has identified a growing trend within the market and we’re thrilled to see how our loan has helped bring home the bacon.”

Wendy, who has a background in hospitality having previously managed a local pub with her sister, added: “The support from BEF has enabled us to revamp the deli and maintain our outstanding reputation with a new oven, a large fridge freezer and a salad deck.

“The loan has also allowed us to put our customers first by making the property more functional and better equipped to handle its high footfall.

“Mark and the team were so friendly and helped us through the process every step of the way.”

The BEF provides loans of between £500 and £150,000 to businesses across all sectors to help them thrive and grow.