Specialist Yorkshire-based coffee roaster, Danelaw Coffee, has achieved significant growth following funding from the Start Up Loans programme, delivered by the Business Enterprise Fund (BEF) on behalf of the British Business Bank.

Founded by David Jameson in 2022, Danelaw Coffee offers high-quality coffee products. David has 18 years of experience working across a variety of roles in the coffee industry and has attended coffee events across the world, winning a number of awards for his produce.

Using his skills and contacts, David started his own business. He initially began roasting the coffee from his home, converting his dining room into a roastery, but quickly learnt there was not enough space and used a Start Up Loan to move to premises on Meltham Mills Industrial Estate

Danelaw Coffee takes a personal approach to coffee making and has built relationships with the farmers it sources the raw materials from. The business aims to make speciality coffee more accessible to the general public, taking the time to explain the value of the coffee and how it is made.

Danelaw Coffee secured a GBP £25,000 Start Up Loan from the British Business Bank, delivered by BEF. Besides the larger premises, the finance also allowed it to invest in professional packaging equipment and a six-kilo coffee roaster so it could increase its operations. It has since received another Start Up Loan through BEF to help with working capital and reinvest in packaging.

The business has grown significantly since receiving the loan, with its sales this financial year doubling from the last. The business has also won multiple Great Taste Awards and recently secured a new customer in a high-profile new food hall in Holmfirth.

As the business continues to grow, it plans to diversify its product range, launching cold brews this summer to maintain business year-round. It is also training a new roaster so Jameson can focus on growing the business.

David Jameson, founder of Danelaw Coffee, said: “I am so glad that I have been able to turn my passion for coffee into a full-time business with support from the Start Up Loans programme. I have worked within the coffee industry for many years now, so it’s great that I’m now able to support some of the farmers I have met along the way.

“As a first-time entrepreneur, starting my own business was intimidating, but the BEF team helped with the whole process, giving me the confidence to push forward. It is great what I have been able to achieve so far and I look forward to continuing this growth trajectory.”

Julie Micklethwaite, Start Up Loans manager at Business Enterprise Fund, said: “It’s amazing to see David’s passion for what he does, and this is reflected within his business. The success Danelaw Coffee has achieved demonstrates the importance of supporting businesses by giving them not only the funding they require, but the confidence they need to reach their full potential. I look forward to seeing what’s next for the business.”

Delyth Edwards, senior network manager for the North West at the British Business Bank, said: “Since receiving the Start Up Loan, David has already achieved significant growth at Danelaw Coffee, doubling its sales within one year, and already has plans to expand its offerings.

“This highlights the importance of focused funding like the Start Up Loans programme, which give businesses like Danelaw Coffee the opportunity to grow and make an impact on its local economy.”