Nov 17, 20223 min read

Leroy Williams aka The PattyMan.

Updated: May 23

From April 2021, The Pattyman products were created in honour of the founder, Leroy William's late father, who was a part of the original Windrush generation. Using Jamaican inspired ingredients to produce baked goods, sauces and marinades from family recipes passed down through the generations makes The Pattyman products unique. Our business aims to promote the rich diversity within Welsh food produce and contribute to the Welsh economy, as the leading Jamaican food manufacturers in Wales. Since the launch of The Pattyman, during lockdown 2021, we have been supplying our loyal, growing customer base in South Wales with weekly orders, delivering baked products and homemade sauces fresh to their door. We did this through leveraging the use of social media. Since then the interest has grown significantly and we are now receiving orders from all parts of the world, as far as Australia. Our growing family business is a firm favourite amongst the Caribbean inspired foodies.

Q&A

When did you start your business?

I started my business really, in October 2021, as a trial with family and friends. Some of the challenges I have met, included, trying to find somewhere that I could work from. Affordable catering or kitchen units are just not available, not even with the council. Another challenge is funding. Trying to find available grants or loans or even just awareness of them, is difficult. I did apply for a Start up Loan with Business in Wales, but months down the line, I still had no concrete answer. Another challenge is to find the right people to help with business plan, advice and the legal things. Thanks to BE.Xcellence for all the support given, it has been immeasurable!

What have you learnt about yourself?

I have learnt that you have the strength to work through things and the ability to question, challenge and act on decisions.

What advice would you give the business support organisation who want to improve access?

I would advise organisations that offer business support, to take on board the different views and strategies that may be different to the standard practises used at the moment. Offer new ways to get new business off the ground by being quicker and easier in accessing funding, information and advice. Be more empathic with reasoning towards different communities and cultures.

What is the next step?

I have now secured a unit, so the next step is to kit it out. This has not been any easy road, as caution has to be made when taking advice from people when buying equipment.

Do you have any tips for people starting out?

My advice to people starting out, is not to be scared. There are a lot of good people about that will give good support and help. Trust your instincts, look around at other businesses, ask questions, don’t be afraid! Go for it. The joy, satisfaction and pleasure of having your own business will override the stress and worry that comes along.

If you won a million pound, what would you do with it?

If I won a million pound, I would sort my family out, invest in my business but also invest in start up units for catering or baking, giving access to new ventures and budding entrepreneurs to affordable kitchens.