Julie Le Peltier and husband Marc, established property developers have decided to diversify into the takeaway coffee, smoothie and milkshake business after opening a new outlet under the name of Beveridge & Co at the Old Bell Chambers, Chepstow, supported by Barclays.

The investment aided by Barclays to acquire the Old Bell Chambers and 13 Bank Street has created seven residential flats and seven commercial units and the new coffee shop business, bringing back to life two listed buildings which have been vacant for a number of years.

Julie Le Peltier, company director of Beveridge & Co, said: “We are local to the area and had been aware that these two historical and beautiful buildings in Chepstow town centre had been vacant for a number of years and decided to acquire the two properties as part of our property investment portfolio.

"We debated the use of the old toilet block as part of the planning process and kept coming back to the idea of it becoming a take away kiosk for rental. I started to research the market and during this time established relationships with really passionate suppliers.

"At that point I decided that I would launch our own business which I would run creating the brand and securing a really good supply chain predominately artisan in nature."

Moira Wearing, Barclays Business Banking manager, said: “As champions of local business, it is essential that we support local entrepreneurs such as Julie. Julie is a great example of an entrepreneur using their contacts, skills and experience to diversify into another business area. By really understanding the business, the property sector and issues they have faced, Barclays has been able to support the business throughout the development. The properties have been vacant for a number of years so it is fantastic to see a large scale investment supported by Barclays bringing the buildings back into use, creating residential and commercial units which will support the economic regeneration of the area.”

Julie Le Peltier said: “Beveridge and Co is a diversification from the property development business and an exciting new opportunity. Our coffee, milkshake and smoothie bar is a local independent operator offering something a little different such as bubble tea, drinking fudge, American waffles and 'Mighty Matcha' green tea which you cannot find within the national operators.

"We have already set up a website, facebook and twitter account to reflect the importance of social media. We have completed the refurbishment of The Old Bell Chambers and all the flats and commercial units bar one have already been let and we are now focused on the Beveridge & Co business and the refurbishment of 13 Bank Street, which will hopefully be completed within the next 12 months.”