How Cornerstone Commercial Finance Supports Hospitality Start-Ups in South Wales

The hospitality sector in South Wales has faced its fair share of challenges in recent years, particularly following COVID-19 pandemic. Despite this, the industry is showing strong signs of recovery, with more experienced professionals launching their own ventures. While the appetite for entrepreneurship is high, access to funding remains one of the biggest barriers for start-ups, especially in hospitality, where lenders often consider new businesses high-risk.

At Cornerstone Commercial Finance, we pride ourselves on our ability to support clients through every stage of the funding journey. Recently, our team supported two hospitality professionals in South Wales secure the finance they needed to turn their business plans into a reality. Both clients were experienced in the industry but required expert guidance to navigate the complex start-up finance landscape and gain support from a Tier 1 lender.

Case 1: Launching a New Restaurant Concept

One client, an accomplished chef with a strong background in high-end dining, approached us with a clear vision: to open a refined, ingredient-led restaurant in Cardiff. Trading under a newly formed company, the client needed £50,000 in start-up capital to cover key set-up costs, including kitchen equipment, initial staffing, and marketing.

Working closely with one of our commercial finance experts, Loui O’Brien, we built a compelling case for funding by highlighting the client’s track record and the strength of the business plan. We successfully secured the full amount via a business loan from a high street lender on competitive terms. The restaurant has since opened to excellent reviews from both customers and critics.

Case 2: Taking Over a Village Pub

The second client had years of managerial experience within a national restaurant group and was ready to embark on an independent venture. They identified a much-loved village pub with significant potential and set out to acquire it.

To fund the purchase, we helped the client prepare detailed financial projections, a robust business plan, and evidence of relevant experience. This led to the successful arrangement of a £266,500 commercial mortgage through NatWest, enabling the client to complete the purchase and begin their journey as a business owner.

Why the Right Finance Broker Makes All the Difference

Both of these cases demonstrate the value of expert advice and tailored funding support. Start-up lending in the hospitality sector is rarely straightforward and often involves a high degree of complexity – but with the right partner, it is absolutely achievable. By taking the time to understand each client’s business plan and personal experience, and by leveraging our strong relationships with major lenders, we deliver solutions that help businesses thrive.

We are proud to have supported these ventures and remain committed to empowering entrepreneurs across South Wales.