THE owner of a new shop has praised the Channel Chamber of Commerce for helping her to realise her "dream".

Humbugs of Folkestone is a traditional sweet shop opening on Friday, February 11, and owner Janet Clark started the business after attending a series of workshops for potential entrepreneurs delivered by the Channel Chamber of Commerce.

Janet said: "The shop is intended to be a recreation of the type of sweet shop people remember from days past, with the fittings, decoration and layout in traditional style. We intend to provide the type of personal service long missing in this type of environment, with time for individual customers."

John Earl, the enterprise manager who facilitated the Look Before You Leap workshops on behalf of Business Link Kent said: "Janet told me that the workshops enabled her to turn her dream into a reality and that she could not have come this far without our help."

He also praised Janet for applying her own special, quality principles and vision of her business, which she had researched thoroughly, and she is to be congratulated for taking on board the advice that has been offered through the programme.

To find out more about this programme and how it can help you get started in business call 01303 270022 or visit www.startupkent.net.