A Norwich baker who set up her small business two years ago has had to make the "horrible decision" to put her business on pause.

Beth's Sweet Treats was born from a love of baking and supplied independent cafes in Norwich, as well as individual orders.

But after having not paid herself a wage for a long time, the rise in the cost of living became too much for the small business to cope with, even though orders were increasing.

Norwich Evening News: Beth Jackson, of Beth's Sweet TreatsBeth Jackson, of Beth's Sweet Treats (Image: Beth Jackson)

Beth Jackson, 27, had already raised prices once, and the businesses she supplied would not have been able to keep up supply if they rose again, as they are also struggling.

While customers were growing in numbers, Mrs Jackson feared the rise in prices would deter many and could not risk giving up her stable part-time work at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital. 

Norwich Evening News: Beth's Sweet TreatsBeth's Sweet Treats (Image: Beth Jackson)

Mrs Jackson said: "Everyone is feeling it, and having a beautiful cake is a luxury which a lot of people are cutting out.

"We slogged it though for a long time, but the lows were hitting more and more."

The NR2-based business demanded the young mum to stay up into the early hours of the morning to fit in making all the orders.

Norwich Evening News: Beth Jackson with her son AlfieBeth Jackson with her son Alfie (Image: Beth Jackson)

Mrs Jackson's decision was also influenced by her son Alfie, four, starting school soon and wanting to spend more time with him, feeling like "it was eating into family time and felt like the right time to put the business on hold".

Moving forward, Beth will be focusing on blogs, sharing her tips and tricks to her followers, while she "enjoys some time with my little one".

Norwich Evening News: Beth's Sweet TreatsBeth's Sweet Treats (Image: Beth Jackson)