Power of 10: Our impact in the East of England

Finnegan's Whiskers

East of England

Start Up Loans

In 2023 Shelley Smith, founder of Finnegan’s Whiskers, has opened Suffolk’s only cat café and feline foster home based in Sudbury. Shelley has partnered with local cat rescue centre, Mel’s Rescue, to home cats at the café and alleviate pressure on animal rescue centres.

Shelley Smith, founder of Finnegan's Whiskers

Visitors to the café also have the option to participate in animal therapy sessions and adopt cats they interact with. These are arranged by the café on an ongoing basis, along with events such as crafting and a book club.

In a bid to support other small businesses, founder, Shelley Smith, is also be working with local suppliers to offer cakes, brownies, savoury pastries and a range of hot and cold drinks for customers.

Download The Power of 10:10 Year Impact Report

The Power of 10:10 Year Impact Report sets out how the British Business Bank has supported more than 200,000 businesses to prosper and grow over the last decade.

Download report (.PDF, 2.81 MB) Power of 10 impact report (opens in new window)

18,000

businesses supported

215,000

jobs supported

£9bn

additional turnover expected to be created

£4bn

additional GVA expected to be created

23,000

new jobs expected to be created