A financial adviser has turned from being a bean counter to a bean grinder after starting a new business venture.

Gareth Bertram has opened Hackett’s coffee shop in Summertown after deciding he wanted a new challenge.

So he got together with David Hackett, who set up the Hackett’s restaurant and coffee shop businesses in Witney, to launch the new shop in Banbury Road where he will be competing with outlets of major coffee chains Costa and Starbucks, as well as several other similar businesses nearby.

Mr Bertram said: “I have been in financial services for ten years but I became fed up with all the red tape.

“I had been looking after David’s financial affairs and we became friends and eventually looked at working together. Now I am aiming at the market which I felt was right for his business.”

Hackett’s has 35 covers inside and space for a further 30 outside and nine staff have been taken on, including a manager, while Mr Bertram looks after the finances and administration.

He said: “It is great fun — I am really enjoying it. In financial services you are dictated to as to what you can and can’t do but it is great to see so much enthusiasm for this business.”

And he firmly believes he can create a corner of the market for himself in Summertown’s competitive coffee shop scene.

“We are offering people an alternative to the big boys,” he added.