Family-run restaurant and wedding venue embarks on expansion programme

Lois Kirtlan

Hetty & Betty, a restaurant in Whitby, has received a business loan of £25,000 from NatWest.

Lois Kirtlan, founder and director, dreamt of running a business and after accumulating 17 years of hospitality experience, took the leap and established Hetty & Betty in 2019, naming it after her daughter Harriett.

Known for its Fish and Chip Afternoon Tea, family-run Hetty & Betty is both a restaurant and wedding venue.

The £25,000 business loan has enabled significant investment in the 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 local employment, with roles ranging from managerial to junior positions as the business continues to grow.

The business aims to expand its presence across Yorkshire, with ambitions to scale the brand to build a regional restaurant chain.

It has also benefitted from Kirtlan’s involvement in the NatWest Accelerator, a programme which supports and empowers UK entrepreneurs to scale their business to the next level through coaching and support.

The Accelerator programme has provided an opportunity to upskill Hetty & Betty’s management staff, network with a host of local businesses and bolster business connections within the area.

Kirtlan said: “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.”

Jack Sadler relationship manager at NatWest, added: “The business loan for Hetty & Betty builds on a long-standing relationship, at a time that is very exciting for the business’ trajectory within the region.

“We admire the team’s continued commitment to the local community, through endorsing Yorkshire heritage and sourcing from local suppliers, as well as their involvement in the wider community.

“This funding serves to enable continued growth within the region as Hetty & Betty move from strength-to-strength – we’re excited to see what’s next for the business.”

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