Two Cornwall chefs have received a funding package of £67,100 via SIWG Finance to create a speciality deli and takeaway.

The qualified chefs, husband-and-wife team, Francis Pipe and Jennifer Herrera own Helston-based Pica Rico.

Offering its customers a selection of local, organic produce, the new business will also sell artisan deli food from local traders.

Mr Pipe said: “This funding has enabled us to open our Deli and launch our brand with a more professional image. Being able to launch with industry-standard equipment and fittings greatly impacts the growth of our business as we can work more efficiently and to a higher standard. Throughout our application process, we felt Rachel and Mark had a genuine interest in our business and we felt very supported”.

Read more: British Business Bank launches South West Investment Fund

SWIG’s business manager, Rachel Thomson, added: “Francis and Jennifer have considerable experience behind them and have a clear vision of where they want the business to go and how they will get there. Pica Rico is offering its customers something a bit different, and I’m sure it will be a big hit with the locals in Helston and beyond”.

SWIG Finance is a non-profit company that supports South West businesses secure funding. The business, which has offices in Truro, Exeter and Bristol, published its annual Impact Report for 2022/23 last month, where it revealed over £14m funding was provided by SWIG for SMEs across the South West, many of which were not able to source funding from mainstream providers. This represents over £44m of impact value.

Having recently secured new contracts through the British Business Bank, including the £20m smaller loans fund as part of the South West Investment Fund, and the South West regional contract for the Start Up Loans scheme, SWIG said it would continue to support businesses that are unable to source funding through traditional means.

Why not sign up to get the latest South West business news straight to your inbox.