A PROFESSIONAL health carer has turned her attention to looking after the needs of hungry workers by opening a cafe on a busy industrial estate in Northumberland.
Over more than 20 years working in North East hospitals looking after patients as a care assistant, Margaret Mowbray nurtured ambitions of running her own business serving up hearty fare to diners.
And she was able to realise them after discovering a rundown cafe premises on the Barrington Industrial Estate in Bedlington with help from her joiner husband Michael and advice from Go Wansbeck Enterprise Coaches.
In just three weeks, Margaret, from Newbiggin-on-Sea, gutted the old buildings, refitted them with new equipment and redecorated to op up Margy’s Kitchen.
“The change in such a short time was amazing,” she said. “We have even installed an outside dining area so that our customers can eat outside in the warm weather.”
She has quickly built up a large clientele from passing truckers, workers from nearby factories and offices and is proud that in a matter of weeks, the cafe has come to be regarded as an unofficial works canteen for the industrial estate.
She opens early six days a week to catch workers before they clock in and serves up traditional, hearty dishes such as liver and onions and mince and dumplings as well as her speciality curry to keep them going. She has even introduced a dial-a-meal service so workers can order in advance to make sure their dinner is on the table in their lunch hour.
She has seen business come in quickly and recruited her old friend Sandra Brown to help with the cooking and running of the business.
She was given guidance to set up the business by Graeme Trotter of Go Wansbeck, a European-funded project which aims to stimulate entrepreneurship in the Wansbeck area. He was keen to encourage Margaret in her venture, which he was confident would have a strong market among the hundreds of workers on the industrial estate.
He said: “With her talent for food and her caring community spirit, the business can only continue to grow in an upward direction.”
Margaret added: “Graeme has really been instrumental in helping us to set up the business. He has helped with our business plan, marketing strategy and pricing structure. I am so grateful for his help.”
