Credit crunch

Ten years ago, after running a successful hairdressing business in Chelmsford Peter Gerrard, decided retire from the trade.  He bought a restaurant and bar in Shenfield, which he's run successfully for a number of years.  Then the opportunity to open a deli came up.

Offering a variety of dishes

Three months ago the 'Gourmet Deli' opened.  Business started slow but has been steadily picking up.  It's new concept - everything is made in the shop - with Indian and Thai chefs providing some of the specialists dishes.

When recession fears bite, spending on luxury items can be one of the first things  people cut back on.  So, launching a new business at this time might not be such a good idea? 

Peter agrees:  "We've had to cut our cloth accordingly and introduce other things.   We had a lot of specialised breads, but because of the cost of making them they didn't work out.

"The economic climate is not the best, but we're picking up.  The word is getting out, we're gradually getting better and better," says Peter.

Peter's latest venture is The Shenfield Cookery School above the deli.  He's passionate about cooking and as a hobby goes to a lot of cookery schools.

"I love cookery schools, but found a lot of them very serious," says Peter.  "I think a lot of people who aren't good a cooking would be terrified to go to these places.

Using simple, seasonal ingredients

The Shenfield Cookery School aims to be different.  If you don't enjoy cooking or are afraid of it there's no pressure to take part, you can just sit and watch what's going on. 

The school is designed to be good fun, at the end of the day everyone sits back and enjoys the fruits of their labours with a glass or two of wine.

A key ingredient to the success of the school is the chefs.  Peter has a team who are enthusiastic about their work.

"Everyone I've got is passionate and enjoys doing it," says Peter.