New jobs have been created after a Wollaton takeaway and catering business secured a £40,000 investment to help it bounce back from the Covid pandemic. All Flavaz Limited, which has a takeaway on Middleton Boulevard, has landed funding from First Enterprise – Enterprise Loans through the Midlands Engine Investment Fund (MEIF).
The funding package will be used to create two new jobs, purchase necessary kitchen and bar equipment, and upgrade its modern health and safety resources. All Flavaz Limited offers freshly-prepared traditional Jamaican food through both takeaway and delivery service.
The business also caters for weddings, funerals and corporate events, as well as cooking lessons in authentic Jamaican cuisine which has built a loyal following. Rudolph Roy Howell, owner of All Flavaz Limited, used to own a pub.
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He said: "Having to close my pub was a difficult but necessary decision which had to be made. My favourite part of being a pub owner was interacting with my customers.
"Subsequently, my new business still allows me to be part of the community who in turn order my food, allow me to cater for their events and some are now even learning to prepare the food themselves through the cooking lessons I offer. First Enterprise has been instrumental in my journey.
"In fact, they funded my pub venture through start up loans and supported me now in this food venture. On both occasions, without the funding I simply would have not been able to proceed. I would highly recommend them to any entrepreneur looking to start or grow their business.”
Rudolph was forced to shut down his pub following the effects of lockdown. Now, All Flavaz Limited has started to make profit post-pandemic so funding from the MEIF and First Enterprise – Enterprise Loans is making way for the owner to scale up.
Matthew Wright, investment manager at First Enterprise - Enterprise Loans, said: "This funding is another great example of how the Recovery Loan Scheme helps business owners affected by the pandemic get back on the road to recovery and shift their focus towards entrepreneurial activities. The funding has created more jobs and brings a new food outlet to its local community."
MEIF is a collaboration between the British Business Bank and Local Enterprise Partnerships. Mark Wilcockson, senior investment manager at the British Business Bank, said: "The hospitality industry has faced the impacts of the pandemic, and many businesses are now back on the path to growth.
"In the Midlands, the MEIF continues to support such companies as they enter the expansion stage, and All Flavaz is an example of how MEIF funding can support SMEs looking to grow through investment into new job roles and resources." Will Morlidge, chief executive of the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership, added: "We are delighted to have played a role supporting this innovative enterprise in the heart of Nottingham.
"Rudolph's story is a great example of bringing success out of adversity. We hope it will provide inspiration to others in the industry facing challenging times."
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