With premises on Palk Street next to Torquay’s Harbourside, Sharon Nelson has the vision to grow Heart of Torbay and provide more opportunities to local people in Torbay.

With a TDA Business Advisor for guidance, and funding support through the Start and Grow programme, Heart of Torbay is expanding its premises to help realise its business dreams.

Torbay Council’s Elected Mayor and Executive Lead for Finance and Regeneration, Gordon Oliver, said: “Our efforts to support local businesses and see growth in Torbay continues. The work with Heart of Torbay is an example of how we assist businesses with their development, leading to growth, job creation and further investment into the area. There are many businesses in the region that are growing and the opportunities for businesses here are great.

“We utilise funded programmes to provide businesses with financial support to help them realise their potential and aspirations, which goes hand in hand with our Love Your High Street and Pop Up the High Street regeneration campaigns.”

Through the Love Your High Street project, Heart of Torbay received marketing and promotional material to promote their shop and help drive local people to shop locally.

Sharon Nelson, who set up Heart of Torbay, said: “The TDA have provided support and funding advice to help me achieve the next steps for the business. The shop currently runs as a gift shop and the vision is to turn it into a therapy space and then provide tea and cakes to complement this.”

Kim Thornton, Business Advisor at TDA, said: “We look forward to continuing to work with Heart of Torbay and help the business grow further. Our ongoing support will help Sharon, where and when it’s needed, to help them expand further and achieve their goals.”

If you’re interested in learning more about how TDA can support your business to start up or grow visit www.tda-business.com/business-support