Rishi Sunak praises young man’s entrepreneurial spirit
Mr Sunak first met Nicholas Perks four years ago when he was a star Business Studies A-level student at Richmond School.
After leaving school and training as a chef, the 20-year-old has established his first business in Richmond.
The Easby Loop CafΓ© serves customers using the popular walk along the banks of the River Swale between Easby Abbey and The Station.
Mr Sunak, MP for Richmond and Northallerton, said: “Itβs fantastic to see a young person taking an interest developed in school and applying it successfully in the real world.
“The cafΓ© is in a beautiful spot, ideally placed to catch passing trade on one of the loveliest walks in the area.
“Iβm sure Nicholas is going to continue doing well.”
Mr Perks started the cafΓ© in a catering van unit with an outside seating area overlooking the river six months ago.
Since then it has attracted a high number of positive online reviews.
He said the idea for the cafΓ© came from his late grandmother, who lived in a house adjacent to the Easby Loop walk and often talked about having a cafΓ© business there.
“My grandmother never got round to trying it but the last six months have proved it was a good idea and a good location.”
He added: “It was gratifying for a local lad like me to have my local MP come to see what I have achieved here in this wonderful spot.”