A new travel business in Newport city centre has got off to a flying start after receiving financial assistance from the city council.

Last year, a business development fund was established and one of the initiatives was a shop subsidy grant scheme towards the first year of rent for a new venture.

Jayde Nassa is one of the businesses that have so far successfully applied for a grant and she recently opened Nassa Travel in the National Buildings, Commercial Street.

She has opened her new business in the city where she was born and bred.

The young mum has worked in the travel industry since she was 16 when she began an apprenticeship with Thomas Cook and became one of the top local salespeople by the time she was 19.

She said: "In 2015, I started my own online business and as it grew it gave me more confidence. The shop subsidy grant from Newport City Council is brilliant and it will definitely make a difference, especially in the first year.”

Jayde also praised Andrew Jacob, a trustee of the National Buildings, describing him as a 'lovely landlord'.

The National Buildings was one of the projects which benefitted from the council-led Vibrant and Viable Places programme and her business now occupies one of the smart new retail units.

Cllr John Richards, Newport City Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Investment, said: “Jayde has become the latest business to benefit from the grant which is designed to give some support during that important first year.

“Given her ambition and drive, I’m sure her travel agency will fly high and I would like to wish her all the best for the future.

“Other new businesses who want to follow in Jayde’s footsteps should get in touch with our business services team but be quick as this fund comes to an end in March.”

Originally aimed at new ventures setting up in High Street and Commercial Street, the discretionary shop rent subsidy grant being extended to a wider area in the city centre.

Individuals and franchises planning to locate a business in the defined Viable and Vibrant Places area have until March 17, 2017, to apply for a grant of up to 50 per cent (a maximum of £6,000).

To discuss a project or request an application form, email business.services@newport.gov.uk or telephone 01633 656656.