Steve Ashman first came into Five Lamps in May 2015 asking for help in setting up a Licensed Coffee House on Yarm High Street, called Mint Hobo
Opening in December 2015, the coffee shop is now situated between Jules B ladies clothes shop and Osbourne’s Bar; Mint Hobo has a prime spot on the High Street.
It has late opening hours and a drinks licence, so it has a genuine difference to regular coffee shops. It serves high quality wines, spirits and beers plus locally sourced fresh light food (Paninis, sandwiches and cakes etc., some made in house).
Steve is a self-confessed coffee enthusiast and he has carried out extensive trials to perfect his blends of coffees and teas. The core values of this business are high quality products and a friendly and welcoming environment.
Having been employed as a Store Manager for a large supermarket for 20 years, Steve is very experienced in food retail, store management and customer service which would stand him in good stead for running his own business. Nevertheless, he had never run a business of his own and signing a High Street lease is a big commitment. Understandably then, he wanted to discuss options and ideas with someone, so went to see Five Lamps Business Advisor Ian Garforth for some one-to-one help.
He also had the support of his wife Claire, who worked tirelessly with him on this considerable project from idea to opening.
Steve was placed on the New Enterprise Allowance programme, which provides qualifying Business start-ups with some financial assistance and they discussed all aspects of business development including market research, staffing, refitting the premises, options around product range, advertising, and business plan compilation.
Five Lamps Business Advisor Ian Garforth said:
“Steve was a pleasure to work with. His management experience and local knowledge stood him in good stead, but a lot of hard work has gone into this Business. Steve looks at the detail and insists on the products being of the highest quality to cater for the discerning customer but without silly prices. This, plus the friendly atmosphere has resulted in Mint Hobo being a fantastic Coffee House. He was fortunate to be able to ask for help from his wife Claire, who has worked with Steve on this project from the start. Their attention to detail and passion shine through, especially when you taste the coffee!”
Steve said of the service he had from Five Lamps:
“Being unemployed for the first time after a fortunate 30 years work is daunting enough, couple with opening a business is scary. At a time when your confidence may be at its lowest you need to be at your most confident. I found Alison at the Job Centre helpful and Ian and his colleagues at Five Lamps priceless! I did a couple of courses which were helpful and then had 1 on 1 time with Ian to help get the business from idea to plan to opening. At a challenging time Five Lamps were in a position to what no one else could, listen, advise, steer and build confidence. Thanks from Claire and me. And if your passing please put us to the test”
The New Enterprise Allowance is a DWP contract for people on Job Seekers Allowance, Employment Support Allowance or lone parent income support.