SINGLE mum Joanne Harris is refusing to sit back and wait for the recession to end.

IPSWICH: Single mum Joanne Harris is refusing to sit back and wait for the recession to end.

Instead she is launching her own business, a new sandwich shop and bakery in Nacton Road, Ipswich, on Monday.

The 28-year-old, who has two children, Josh, nine, and Sophie, seven, will be opening Elevenses five days a week.

She said: “I've always wanted to run my own business, and I have worked in several bakers before.

“With the help of family and friends I am getting it together. My mum and dad, and uncle Garry, are helping me with investment. We have spent weeks cleaning and decorating it, and fitting it out.”

The premises are part of a parade of local shops and have been a bakers for many years. It had been closed for several months when Jo took over.

And she will also be competing with a new Tesco Extra store situated less than 100 yards away.

She added: “It is very exciting and scary too. It is quite frightening going out on your own. There is a lot to find out about, such as hiring people and all the food safety legislation, which is very important.”

Her mum Julie, who runs a hairdressers in Nacton Road, and her dad Gerald Holmes have done a lot of work to help her get started.

“We will be starting with sandwiches and sandwich-making and snacks and introduce baking as soon as we can.

“We want this to be a real community business, serving the local community. One local Italian man has already asked us to bake Italian style bread, and brought a recipe book in.

“And an Indian lady has offered to provide snacks and cakes. We will look at any ideas that customers suggest.”

To contact Elevenses, telephone 01473 400288.