Africa AI's
Cooking up a storm
Africa Al’s is an award-winning West-African sauces, cooking pastes and chilli dip manufacturer, founded by a husband-and-wife team in the heart of Stockport.
Africa Al’s Challenge
Alex and Lorraine Anyakwo always had a passion and flare for cooking and creating recipes inspired by the cuisine of Africa. Alex had developed his own range of dishes reflecting the food from his West African childhood roots.
The popularity of the couple’s African-inspired pastes and chilli dips had spread through recommendations and word of mouth. They were now supplying to an expanding circle of social contacts.
Realising there was demand, and a gap in the market, Alex decided to turn this labour of love into their own small business.
How we helped Africa Al's take its first steps
Alex and Lorraine spoke with GM Business Growth Hub’s Access to Finance team, who helped the couple to develop a business plan and source funding to get the business up and running. With the help provided, they were able to access a Start-up Loan and a bank overdraft.
increase in production capacity
Employees added to the team
Sauce success
With finance now in place, Africa Al’s was supported by the Hub’s manufacturing specialists to increase production capacity by 400%, enter into discussions with well-known supermarket chains, and create two new jobs.
Not only is Africa Al’s now a successful business, but they’re also flying the flag for greater representation of African food culture across the UK.
If you are looking to be the boss of your own business, speak to one of our specialist finance experts today to see how we could help.
Speak to one of our finance specialists today to find out how you can get started.
Stories
App-y days for Collctiv
When Collctiv, a Manchester fintech, saw demand for its payment app skyrocket, the team knew they needed funding to keep up with its soaring popularity. With our help it secured a £200,000 investment to invest in its app structure and marketing efforts, and has since processed over £3m in payments.
Tasting sweet success
Trafford-based Just Bee originally made fruity water drinks infused with honey. Securing £450,000 with our support, the businesses switched to selling vitamin honey in 2020 due to falling sales during the pandemic. Despite these challenges, we helped the business to grow rapidly – now more than triple its original size.
This is information, not financial advice or recommendations
The content and materials featured or linked to are for your information and education only and are not intended to address your personal or business requirements.
The information does not constitute financial advice or recommendation and should not be considered as such.
Simplifi is not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), its authors are not financial advisors, and it is therefore not authorised to offer financial advice.
Do your own research and seek independent advice when required
Always do your own research and seek independent financial advice when required. Any arrangement made between you and any third party named or linked to or from the site is at your sole risk and responsibility.
Simplifi assumes no liability for your actions.
Speak to one of our finance specialists today to find out how you can get started.
Get Started
