Whitby's Hetty & Betty embarks on expansion thanks to £25,000 bank loan
Whitby’s Hetty & Betty restaurant has received a business loan of £25,000 from NatWest to help it expand across Yorkshire.
Lois Kirtlan, Founder and Director of Hetty & Betty, dreamt of running a business, and after accumulating 17 years of hospitality experience, took the leap and established the Baxtergate business, named after her daughter Harriett, in 2018.
Known for its unique fish and chip afternoon tea, the £25,000 business loan has enabled significant investment in Hetty & Betty’s wedding venue, with renovations to maintain the Georgian Ballroom, which has hosted weddings and functions since 1928.
Extending the business’s wedding offering will also increase employment, with roles ranging from managerial to junior positions as the business continues to grow.
The business is eager to expand its presence across Yorkshire, with ambitions to scale the brand to build a regional restaurant chain.
It has also benefitted hugely from Lois’ involvement in the NatWest Accelerator, a programme which supports and empowers UK entrepreneurs to scale their business to the next level through coaching and bespoke support.
The programme has provided opportunity to upskill Hetty & Betty’s management staff, network with a host of businesses and bolster business connections within the area.
Lois said: “Having been a personal banking customer for more than 20 years and a business customer since 2018, the support from NatWest has been invaluable.
“The business loan we have received is critical to the continued growth of Hetty & Betty, as it’s ultimately growing the business that has allowed us to continue offsetting the inflationary pressures within the hospitality industry.”
The next cohort into Accelerator programme starts in March – visit https://www.natwest.com/business/business-services/entrepreneur-accelerator.html to register your interest.
Lois also encouraged others businesses to apply for the Accelerator and said: “You’ll get out of it whatever you’re prepared to put in.
"The sessions are hugely motivating, you gain practical advice that can be easily implemented day to day, as well as bigger inspiration for business growth.”
Jack Sadler Relationship Manager at NatWest said: “The business loan for Hetty & Betty builds on a long-standing relationship, at a time that is very exciting for the business’s trajectory within the region.
“We admire the team’s continued commitment to the community, through endorsing Yorkshire heritage and sourcing from local suppliers, as well as their involvement in the wider community.”