A HALSTEAD couple have been chosen as business ambassadors after successfully starting their own firm.

Kellie Bath and her husband Kevin came up with the concept of their business, JimJams, after they struggled to find a healthy alternative to their children’s chocolate spread.

JimJams is one of six startups selected as a top success stories which is being used to inspire other businesses by the Start Up Loans Company.

With the help of a £25,000 start-up loan, Mr Bath made the decision to quit his job in London and run the business.

He said: “Quitting my job in the City was the best decision I’ve ever made.

“I have the flexibility to spend more time with my family and I get a real buzz out of watching our family business grow.

“It’s a real honour to be hailed as an ambassador and I really hope my story inspires others to follow in my footsteps.”

Two and a half years since its inception, JimJams has an annual turnover of £300,000 and their products are retailed by major supermarkets, including Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Morrisons.

The business has now expanded to sell low-sugar jams and marmalade. The couple want to grow their product range, staff numbers and sales.