Lauren’s passion and enthusiasm is an ‘inspiration’

Lauren Roffey, owner of new café Baked, in Rowlands Road, Worthing, has been nominated by Web Shot Company head Julie Dennison,

Lauren, 29, set up her business as a social enterprise, opening in August.

She met Julie while taking part in Worthing and Adur Chamber of Commerce’s peer to peer mentoring event, where both learned valuable business skills.

Julie said: “Lauren’s entrepreneurial enthusiasm and passion for social enterprise have been an inspiration.

“She has a professional mindset beyond her years and listening to her plan and apply this to her cause has been humbling.”

Lauren raised the last £2,500 to open her social enterprise via a public appeal – crowdfunding – offering rewards in exchange for donations.

It was another cunning plan which impressed her nominator.

Julie added: “Her recent successes in attracting funding illustrates her astute business skills and her potential to make a success of Baked.

“With Lauren at the helm, exuding her adorable passion and smile, Baked will inject a burst of sunshine into the growing vibrant community of Worthing’s West End.”

Lauren said she was delighted to be nominated.

“It feels very good and it’s nice to be recognised,” she said.

“It’s been really busy and we have had some excellent feedback so far. My assistant manager, Jess, has been amazing and is already confident enough to run the café on her own, which has been a big help.

“I’m looking forward to Christmas and the new year, when I hope to do more on the social enterprise side of the business.”

To enter the awards, visit www.jpsouthevents.co.uk/events/event/adur-worthing-business-awards/

The deadline for entries has been extended until Friday, October 3.