YOU would have to be mad to set up a business in the middle of the deepest recession for more than 50 years. Either that, or you're exceptionally talented, driven and ambitious.

Claire Phillips probably has a little bit of all three about her!

She gave up a 22-year career in nursing in Neath Port Talbot to launch her own catering business last year. But already she is steaming ahead.

Now mum-of-two Claire will be one of the exhibitors at this year's Get Welsh! event in Swansea's Castle Square on February 27.

It is the fourth year the show has been held, helping boost the number of people in the city by as much as 50 per cent on the day.

Claire, of Clos Gors Fawr in Grovesend, runs Little Welsh Deli from her home and supplies various outlets throughout the Swansea area including The Junction at Blackpill, the Gower Wildflower Centre in Blackhills and Swansea Market.

She says: "I am a cook rather than a chef but I do know what people enjoy eating. I have been at the stove for years preparing dinner parties and food for the family. People have always seemed to enjoy it so eventually I took that step of giving up my job and going it alone."

Entrepreneur Claire makes pasties and pies, novelty cakes and traditional ready meals such as chicken and coriander curry, chicken stroganoff and faggots.

She adds: "You do not have to invest a lot of money, but if you have an idea and product then it is an ideal opportunity to do some market research and see if your idea works."

She says the Get Welsh event will be the perfect opportunity not only to strengthen her client base but, more importantly, give her the chance to meet customers and get their views.

"Farmers' markets are great for that — allowing people to actually speak to the cooks who are preparing food for their plates. It is very much a two-way thing which is great.

"The Castle Square event will showcase the best of what is available on our own doorsteps. I am really looking forward to it. I do miss the banter of working in a busy hospital with lots of people around me. But with the help of my family things are now going really well and I am looking forward to what lies ahead."

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