Hetty & Betty embarks on expansion with £25,000 backing from NatWest

Hetty & Betty, a family-run restaurant in the heart of Whitby, North Yorkshire, has received a business loan of £25,000 from NatWest.

Lois Kirtlan, Founder and Director of Hetty & Betty dreamed of running a business, and after accumulating 17 years of hospitality experience, took the leap and established Hetty & Betty, named after her daughter Harriett, in 2018.  

Famous for its Fish and Chip Afternoon Tea, family-run Hetty & Betty is an award-winning local restaurant and wedding venue. The £25,000 business loan has enabled significant investment in the wedding venue, with renovations to maintain the stunning Georgian Ballroom, which has hosted weddings and functions since 1928. Extending the business’ wedding offering will also increase local employment, with roles ranging from managerial to junior positions as the business continues to grow. Building on their Whitby heritage, the business is eager to expand its presence across Yorkshire, with ambitions to scale the brand to build a regional restaurant chain.

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

Lois Kirtlan, Founder and Director of Hetty & Betty 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.”

Find out more about celebrating your big day at Hetty & Betty at https://hettyandbetty.co.uk