A NEWLY-FLEDGED entrepreneur who started her own web-based business after she was made redundant is riding high after a successful move to a bespoke website.

Jacqueline Ryde set up Kidditoona Toys, selling stimulating children’s toys online, 18 months ago.

She decided to realise her dream of setting up her own business, which she named after the Domesday Book name for her village, Keddington, which was known as Kiddituna.

At first, she sold a selection of toys via ebay, but then decided to get her business online with the help of Haverhill-based web specialists Pure Energy Multimedia.

“I was aware of the shift in customer purchasing patterns with consumers, looking to save money, turning more and more to the web,” she said.

“I decided to pursue my interest in children’s toys and launch an online business that could offer competitive prices on a national platform.

“Starting a business from scratch is sheer hard work. It’s been a huge learning curve. I’ve really had to focus on improving my buying, sales, customer service and social networking skills.

“Commissioning a website was the biggest step I took; it was scary. In today’s climate you have to find ways of doing more with less but I knew it would be the cornerstone of my business and critical to its success.”