Perthshire food business serves up success with support from Business Gateway
A home-based food business in Perthshire is carving out a name in the local takeaway sector after receiving support from Business Gateway.
Tuktuk Thai Taste was founded by Lanya Sermsuktawee in November 2024. The business offers authentic Thai cuisine to local customers, blending traditional flavours with modern takeaway convenience. From the beginning, the business has focused on delivering quality, while responding to growing demand in the area.
Lanya’s husband was the one who encouraged her to start the business because he always loved her cooking. She created a menu of her favourite dishes and launched the business through a Facebook page. She has had a fantastic response from customers, with many praising the restaurant-quality standard of her food.
Lanya, who moved to Scotland from Thailand in 2022, runs the takeaway from her two-bedroom home using only basic kitchen tools, but this does not affect the quality of her authentic Thai dishes. She is planning to expand operations with a commercial kitchen to help the business grow.
Since launching, Tuktuk Thai Taste has continued to refine its kitchen processes to meet rising customer demand without extending hours.
To help spread the word about Tuktuk Thai Taste, Lanya has received tailored guidance from Business Gateway adviser Michelle Maddox, including support with developing a business plan, cash flow projections and marketing strategies to raise the business’s local profile. This work has been supported by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Lanya received advice on the food and drink sector, including seasonal trends, takeaway operations and strategies to expand into local events and festivals.
Business Gateway also helped Lanya explore opportunities for sustainable growth, including digital development such as social media and website engagement.
Additional guidance and financial support were provided via Perth and Kinross Council, helping the business make informed decisions about its expansion plans and providing essential support.
Lanya Sermsuktawee, founder of Tuktuk Thai Taste, said: “I’ve had an incredible start to my business journey. Business Gateway has been invaluable – Michelle’s support has helped me turn my ideas into a real, growing business. With the advice and guidance I’ve received, I’m planning to expand into a commercial kitchen and I’m excited to see what the future holds.”
Michelle Maddox, Business Gateway adviser, said: “Lanya has shown real dedication and creativity in growing Tuktuk Thai Taste. It’s been a pleasure to provide support on everything from planning and finances to marketing and sector insight. I’m looking forward to seeing the business thrive as it expands its presence in Perth and Kinross.”