Derbyshire-based horse box café secures £9,000 in funding to cover initial setup costs
A café in a converted horse box based in Derbyshire has secured £9,000 in funding with support from First Enterprise under the British Business Bank’s Start Up Loans programme. The funding helped with initial setup costs and securing stock.
Replenish operates from a permanent location with a focus on creating a warm, welcoming space for the community and local sourcing. Their coffee beans are roasted just 20 miles from Derby by Cartwheel Coffee Roasters, with food items and alternative coffee flavours all being locally- sourced.
Coffee has long been founder Lucy Judson’s personal passion. Her first ever job was as a barista.
The funding from First Enterprise has been essential in supporting initial setup costs and securing stock for the café, helping Lucy invest in a wide range of practical needs, from servicing a second-hand coffee machine and installing a safe electrical connection, to sourcing high-quality, locally sourced ingredients.
Lucy Judson, founder of Replenish, comments: “The funding has given me breathing room to make inevitable early-stage mistakes and test different ways of working as I figure out what running a business really looks like in practice. As a first-time founder, that flexibility has been invaluable. Without it, Replenish wouldn’t exist, as it wouldn’t have been accessible for me to start my own business.
“First Enterprise has been great at highlighting the continued support available to me beyond the loan itself, which is hugely reassuring as a first-time business owner. Knowing that I’m not alone and have people to turn to makes a real difference.”
Lottie Naylor, investment manager at First Enterprise, comments: “Lucy’s passion for creating a warm and welcoming space in her local area really stood out to me. It’s been a real pleasure working with her through the loan application process, and I can see Replenish being a thriving café business, bringing comfort and a relaxing atmosphere to the local community.”
Louise McCoy, managing director, Start Up Loans Products, British Business Bank, added: “Start Up Loans aims to support early-stage businesses like Replenish to start because without the funding the business wouldn’t exist. The funding the programme provides is vital for many small businesses to set up initially, and the Bank is always proud to support enthusiastic entrepreneurs on their business journey.”