AN Inverclyde entrepreneur has risen to the challenge of building up a successful business in the face of tragedy.

Margaret Thornton-Black set up micro bakery Making That Breid last September.

Just a few months later, in February this year, her husband Stephen sadly passed away at the age of just 53, leaving the family devastated.

Stephen was a popular Cardwell Garden Centre employee for 20 years before leaving in 2004 to pursue his own gardening career.

Since his passing, Margaret has been determined to do her husband proud and pay tribute to him by making a success of her business.

Margaret said: "Stephen was the driving force behind the business and really pushed me to get into it.

"He was a great support to me.

"Developing the business has really given me a focus and has challenged me."

Margaret had been making sourdough bread for years before deciding to strike out on her own.

In the autumn of last year, she got in touch with local businessman Tony Bonatti from Tonino's about her baking and took him a loaf down to try.

Tony was bowled over by the bread and to this day, the restaurant receives regular deliveries from Margaret.

When Margaret registered Making That Breid she was put in touch with the team at Business Gateway Inverclyde.

She says they've been a great help to her throughout.

Margaret added: "Business Gateway have been brilliant.

"They helped me get a business plan together and advised me where to apply to for funding and I managed to get funding for promotional materials."

Margaret is now making about 100 loaves a week.

She delivers to Wildfire Deli in Gourock and to Tonino's and also has regular individual customers.

The talented baker makes loaves to order and is planning to invest in a bigger oven to keep up with demand.

Margaret said: "The hardest part of the business journey has been building it up in very difficult circumstances.

"I'm getting news out there through word of mouth and that's really helped me stay connected in the community."

*Business Gateway Inverclyde offers a range of start-up and growth services, including one-to-one consultations, surgeries and training webinars and helps people access grants from Inverclyde Council. For more details call 01475 778039.