Ex-Banker caters for Sussex with help of Start Up Loan

A disillusioned city banker unhappy about where his chosen career path was taking him, broke away from the big smoke to follow his passion for cooking and launched Bird In Eye Catering.
Bird-in-Eye Catering SUS-140211-104927001Bird-in-Eye Catering SUS-140211-104927001
Bird-in-Eye Catering SUS-140211-104927001

Martin Winter, 40 from Uckfield started the family-run catering Company in May this year, his first marquee stall ‘Sausage Fest’ serves the finest German bratwurst and frankfurters, as well as locally sourced gourmet sausages at local festivals and events.

Martin said; “Setting up my own catering business felt like the natural step to make. Cooking and music festivals are both real passions of mine, combining the two was a great opportunity to do what I enjoy, whilst meeting and working with lots of great people.”

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Unable to secure the finance required to launch his new venture, Martin turned to the Let’s Do Business Group (LDBG) and applied for a Start Up Loan (SUL) of £7,500. The government-initiative aims to give fledgling businessmen and women the opportunity to access a low-cost loan and mentor support to help kick-start new enterprises.

Martin explained; “The Start Up Loan scheme has been invaluable. It’s almost impossible to obtain a bank loan in the first year of trading. It’s great that the Lets Do Business Group can give you the financial support and confidence you need to start up your own business. Getting advice from my mentor, a seasoned business owner, asking questions and sharing ideas was really helpful too.”

After proving popular on the outdoor event and festival circuit this summer, Martin intends to attend even more festivals in 2015 with “Sausage Fest” and plans to purchase another catering trailer for smaller events. Martin also employs several staff on a casual basis.

Since the scheme came into effect in September 2012, the LDBG have helped more than 1300 businesses to start-up through investing more than £5 million in new enterprises across the South of England.

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You can find out more about Bird In Eye Catering at www.birdineyecatering.co.uk. Email Martin at [email protected] and follow @SausageFestBIEC.

Get in touch with LDBG to find out how they could help you start your business at www.LetsStartUp.co.uk. Speak to the team on 0844 943 2988 or email [email protected]. Follow @ldbstartup.