Whitstable business opens during COVID-19 with support from Let’s Do Business Finance. From a start-up to National Award Winners, indulgent pizza eatery, Nomad Pizza is not only surviving the COVID-19 economic crisis but is thriving as they remain on track to exceed their first year of trading.

Husband and wife team, and creative entrepreneurs, Vicki and Jon Crwys-Williams launched Nomad Pizza with the support of a Start Up Loan. The loan enabled the couple to purchase vital equipment for the kitchen.

Jon said, “We would not have been able to start our business without a Start Up Loan - that injection of funds was vital. Our business is now thriving - despite opening in the middle of a pandemic! And we have just won a national award for our pizzas - Best Independent Pizza Delivery at the Pizza & Pasta Industry Awards 2020!

Business Manager at Let’s Do Business Group, Lisa Young was very patient and thorough, examining our plan and financial projections - but what made it easier was that she met us several times personally over a coffee so we could discuss our vision and scrutinise the figures together. We greatly appreciate the faith that Lisa had in the viability of our business during turbulent economic times and it's now paying dividends. We look forward to welcoming Lisa for one of our scrummy pizzas when she’s next in Whitstable!”

Inspired by their love of Italian cuisine and local Kent produce, they decided to take the plunge and set up shop with their pizza eatery in the colourful seaside town of Whitstable on the north coast of Kent.

First beginning their business venture in Cornwall, the couple relocated from London with their young family to the quaint village of St Agnes.

They set up the Cornish Pizza Company in 2012, quickly gaining a reputation in the local area and beyond for their freshly made pizza using local quality ingredients. During this time, they won numerous prestigious awards including Cornwall Food and Drink – Best Food to Go at the Taste of the West Awards and was shortlisted three times for Best Independent Takeaway in the UK, as well as being recognised in two West Country cookbooks for their to-die-for pizza.

Moving their knowledge of pizza-making across the country, Nomad Pizza Whitstable opened in August 2020. Dedicated to supporting the local community, the restaurant employs local staff, uses locally sourced ingredients, suppliers and services as well as supporting charities and events in the area. Choosing to relocate and set up a new restaurant isn’t easy, but their strong work ethic is testament to their success – even during the pandemic, they have been able to achieve their career goals as well as filling a gap in the market for an independent pizza takeaway.

Looking on the menu, you will find the pizza names dedicated to the apple-producing county of Kent – recognised as the Garden of England. Pizzas are named after varieties of apples across the world with names such as Fiesta, Jazz, Flamenco and Scrumptious.

As they head towards the future, the business is significantly ahead of schedule in pizza sales and revenue. Whilst establishing themselves in Whitstable, Jon and Vicki are also investigating opening a second pizzeria in Canterbury and aspire to open more locations across Kent in the future.

Let’s Do Business Finance are pleased to have been able to support Nomad Pizza on their journey.