A SUCCESSFUL cake-making business has been forced to expand and open a second shop.

After opening her teashop Kteas in Leyburn four years ago along with husband Barrie, Katie Harker saw that the cake-creating side of the business needed to expand.

She explained: “When we opened Kteas four years ago it was intended as a base for my cake-making business. However both have been so successful that we need to separate the two as I could not extend at the tea shop.”

Now Ms Harker has opened-up Tiers and Sprinkles round the corner from her teashop in the High Street. This will allow her bespoke cake making business to expand and customers may call and consult on their requirements in person. However she does conduct much of her business online.

Largely self-taught with some tuition from her mother Alison Rhodes, Mrs Harker is at the creative helm of the company. Together with her talented team of bakers, baristas and sugar craft artists they create bespoke cakes for birthdays, weddings and other celebrations.

Tiers and Sprinkles was officially opened by Cllr Karin Sedgwick who said: “It is a pleasure to see a young couple successful run two businesses and expand within Leyburn. I hope this will encourage others to do likewise.”

The shop held an open house for friends, family and customers, who needed little encouragement to call in the wish them well and sample some of the cakes.