Chester catering duo cook up new venture with support from Start Up Loans
A chef from Chester has teamed up with a close friend to launch a growing independent catering venture after securing £20,000 through the British Business Bank’s Start Up Loans programme, delivered by GC Business Finance.
Connor Drew and Amy Freeman founded Little Padron after meeting while working in production catering. With a combined 20 years’ experience in hospitality, the pair decided to strike out on their own and build something that worked for their lives as well as their careers.
Connor, who has worked as a chef for more than a decade, including as a sous chef at Delia Smith’s restaurant at Norwich City Football Club, said the move was about taking ownership of his future.
“I’d spent years working for other people and wanted to build something of my own,” he explained. “Amy already had experience running independent catering, and we knew we worked well together, so it just made sense to give it a shot.”
The pair spotted an opportunity to expand Little Padron’s existing catering offer by launching a mobile street food arm, operating from a converted horse box trailer.
However, turning the idea into reality required upfront investment – from purchasing and refurbishing the trailer to securing a preparation unit and covering the cost of market pitch fees.
With both founders lacking access to traditional financial backing, they each secured £10,000 from GC Business Finance through the Start Up Loans programme in December 2024.
The funding enabled them to purchase and refurbish their food trailer, secure a unit near Malpas outside Chester, invest in equipment for their private catering services, and cover pitch fees and initial operating costs.
Connor said: “Without the loan, we really wouldn’t have been able to do a lot. The interest rates were far better than anything we could find elsewhere, and it allowed us to actually get started rather than just talk about it.”
Since launching their first event at a local market in March 2025, Little Padron has grown steadily.
The business now operates across festivals, markets, private events and weddings across the North West, supported by a small network of additional staff for larger bookings.
In its first full year of trading, the venture generated £38,000 in turnover – an important milestone for a business built from the ground up by two founders managing operations themselves.
Connor said one of the biggest early challenges was navigating the seasonal nature of the industry.
“The winter was tough. It’s quieter and there are lots of hidden costs you don’t anticipate. But going through that together has helped us learn quickly and prepare better for the future.”
Beyond funding, Connor also benefited from mentorship through the programme, gaining insight from experienced business professionals.
Looking ahead, the founders hope to grow the Little Padron brand, expand their team and eventually move into a more agency-led model supporting events and catering delivery at scale.
Connor added: “As long as you believe in your vision, the support is there to help you take that first step. It’s not easy, but having access to funding makes the journey possible.”
Alex Mearns, head of Startup Lending at GC Business Finance, said:“Starting up a business can be an empowering but daunting move for any founder. Connor and Amy have taken this in their stride, using their industry experience to build Little Padron and serve a growing customer base in Chester. It’s also great to see Daniel, the underwriter on this deal, supporting them on their journey. We’re always proud to see how our support through Start Up Loans helps businesses like this, giving them the backing and confidence they need to start and grow.”