When Laura Donaldson opened Big Mugs Coffee Shop in Crewe, she set out to create more than just a place to grab a drink. She envisioned a welcoming, community-focused café where people could gather, relax and connect. Like many independent business owners, however, she’s faced the realities of fluctuating footfall, seasonal trade challenges and the constant balancing act of managing costs while investing in growth.
In 2025, Laura was awarded a £1,350 SWEF Business Grant from Cheshire Community Foundation. The funding provided a vital boost at a pivotal stage in her journey, enabling her to invest in equipment, training and improvements that have strengthened both her offer and her resilience as a business.
The grant has helped my business as it’s allowed me to get newer equipment quicker to add a very professional finish to each job.
The grant allowed Laura to purchase a new panini maker, significantly improving the speed of lunchtime service and reducing waiting times during busy periods. A new food mixer has not only enhanced the quality and consistency of the cakes she makes, but has also become a talking point among customers, who enjoy watching the baking process unfold in the café.
Recognising the importance of maintaining high standards, Laura also completed a food hygiene qualification using part of the funding - reinforcing her commitment to quality and professionalism.
Like many hospitality businesses, Laura has experienced peaks and troughs in sales. Cold weather can deter passing trade, while summer brings its own challenges - including high temperatures inside the café. To address this, she invested part of the grant in an air conditioning unit, ensuring a more comfortable environment for both customers and staff as the warmer months approach.
Growth for Laura is about more than equipment - it’s about creativity and connection. She actively promotes the café through social media campaigns, loyalty cards and seasonal offers, including plans for free iced drinks during hot weather. She also collaborates with other local businesses, displaying their promotions on a screen and providing leaflets near the entrance, with reciprocal arrangements in place. These partnerships help strengthen the wider local economy while bringing new customers through her doors.
Big Mugs is a beautifully furnished and thoughtfully styled using second-hand finds from charity shops - a reflection of Laura’s values and commitment to sustainability. There’s also a private room for hire at the back of the café and the café space is regularly used to host arts and crafts workshops, including recently a handmade Valentine’s card making session, as well as book clubs and charity activities.
Since opening 18 months ago, Laura has worked tirelessly to build a café that is both commercially viable and community-centred. The impact has been clear: growing customer loyalty, a stronger local presence and even notable visitors, including BBC broadcaster Naga Munchetty.
For Laura, the SWEF grant hasn’t just provided support - it has been an investment in stability, quality and community impact. By equipping her with the tools and confidence to strengthen her offer, the grant has helped her navigate challenges, enhance customer experience and position Big Mugs Coffee Shop for continued growth.
Her story is a powerful example of how targeted early-stage funding can help local entrepreneurs create vibrant spaces that enrich their communities while building sustainable businesses for the future.
