An enterprising pair of coffee entrepreneurs are enjoying success at a new location thanks to help from a local finance provider.

Bruce Brown and Luke Jackson opened Bruce and Luke's coffee shop on Carlisle's Abbey Street back in 2014.

It proved so successful the pair developed ambitious plans to open more locations and began exploring a second site in Keswick.

However, in order to get the necessary funding, the pair had to approach Grahame Latus, chief executive of not-for-profit finance lender Enterprise Answers, in Penrith.

Luke said: “The location was perfect.

“Our bank, The Cumberland, didn’t have the right product for us.

“We were recommended to speak to Grahame at Enterprise Answers, who was able to come up with a good solution."

With the funding provided by Enterprise Answers, they were able to soft launch the new venture in July.

Luke said: "Covid was terrifying.

"Obviously, we had worries and there were new issues to contend with but there’s always something that changes the game you’re playing; you just have to roll with it.

“There was a fantastic reception to the new shop.

"The support from our social media following has been amazing and during the first few weeks, we had queues outside.”

Grahame said: “Bruce and Luke have demonstrated an incredible entrepreneurial flair and have channelled their energy and passion through their team to deliver a refreshing customer experience.

"Coffee and doughnuts is a simple concept, but it works particularly well because of the style with which it is delivered.

"These guys will go far and their offering has shown an incredible resilience during these challenging months by serving products which put a smile on people’s faces.”

Bruce and Luke began by running the Foxes Cafe, in Carlisle, before opening their first branded coffee lounge.

As well as operating the cafes, the business is a wholesale speciality coffee roaster and also supplies directly to the public.