Amee Thomas’s future looked bleak last February when the Shakeaway chain went into administration and the Oxford branch of which she was manager was forced to close.

But the 27-year-old decided she would take the plunge and relaunch the business with brother James, 22, and the help of her family and friends.

Backed by a £30,000 loan from parents Angela and Malcolm, the duo have rebuilt the company and are now looking to set up franchises further afield.

Ms Thomas said: “We have learned along the way and I do everything in the business from serving in the shop to handling the VAT.

“I work a 70-hour week but it’s worth it because the business is our baby.”

Shakespeare’s is predicting an annual turnover of £200,000 in its first year but Ms Thomas says winning the competition will give it a major boost.

She added: “Mike will be a big help with decision-making and boosting our confidence. He’s been there and done it and we have not done this before.

“Also, we have never advertised,so that will be very beneficial.

“I am very excited.”