A new independent coffee shop has opened in Llandaff North, bringing an exciting new offering to the Cardiff suburb.
Hospitality operator and consultant Pasquale Manganiello has spent the past six months working to secure and renovate the property on Bridge Road and, after turning to community lender BCRS Business Loans, Roundabout Café has opened its doors.
The funding, which has been made available via the British Business Bank’s £130m Investment Fund for Wales, enabled Pasquale to complete the transformation of the Bridge Road premises, whilst also supporting the business with initial cashflow to get the venture off the ground.
Pasquale explains:
“With more than 20 years’ experience in hospitality, I wanted to create an independent concept with its own personality, built around quality coffee, simplicity and speed for people on the go.”
Pasquale has developed Roundabout Café into a coffee shop concept designed around the needs of the local community, with a focus on quality coffee, quick service and convenient food options for customers on the go. The roadside location has been designed to provide a highly visible and accessible destination for local residents, commuters and those passing through, serving specialty coffee alongside a selection of breakfast items, pastries, sandwiches, toasties, cakes and sweet treats.
Pasquale contacted BCRS Business Loans Business Development Manager, Niki Haggerty-James and, working together, they were able to agree a finance package to get the coffee shop over the finish line.
Pasquale continued:
“Niki has been fantastic and so has the support from BCRS Business Loans. BCRS really got to understand my vision, and receiving the finance promptly provided security at such a pivotal time.
“I’m thrilled that we’ve now opened the doors. I’ve put my heart and soul into creating something that is proudly independent, and which focusses on local Welsh brands and produce. Roundabout Café has something for everyone in the community, whether they’re commuters, students or just fancy a coffee as they wander the nearby Taff Trail.”
BCRS Business Development Manager, Niki Haggerty-James, added:
“Pasquale has a strong vision, and we are proud to provide the support to turn his dream into reality.
“Roundabout Café is in a prominent position in Llandaff North and, with a strong takeaway focus, I’m sure the café will become part of the daily routine for customers. We wish him and the team the very best of luck.”
Bethan Bannister, Senior Investment Manager, Nations and Regions Investment Funds at the British Business Bank, said:
“We are pleased to see the Investment Fund for Wales supporting businesses like Roundabout Café to start, grow and contribute to local communities and economies across Wales. Pasquale has brought extensive hospitality experience and a clear vision to this venture, and we wish him well.”
The British Business Bank backed Investment Fund for Wales operates across the whole of Wales and includes a range of finance options with loans from £25,000 to £2 million and equity investments up to £5 million to help small and medium-sized businesses start up, scale up or stay ahead. BCRS Business Loans is managing the smaller loans part of the fund (£25,000 to £100,000). FW Capital is responsible for larger loans (£100,000 to £2 million) and Foresight manage equity deals (up to £5 million).
Having worked with SMEs unable to access finance from traditional sources in the West Midlands since 2002, BCRS Business Loans has expanded into Wales to help smaller businesses there prosper and thrive under the fund, which was officially launched in Cardiff in November 2023.
Since BCRS was founded as a community development financial institution in 2002, it has provided loans worth more than £100 million to businesses across the West Midlands and Wales. A social impact report for the last financial year showed BCRS lent £10.2m to 112 businesses, safeguarding 895 jobs and creating 260 roles, adding £53m in value to the economy of the West Midlands, surrounding regions and Wales.
To find out more and apply for funding, visit: www.bcrs.org.uk