Since opening in Liverpool’s Castle Street in March 2016 Pasta Cosa has proved a hit, particularly with workers in the city’s central business district at lunchtimes. Tony McDonough reports

Family-run Liverpool  Italian ‘take out’, Pasta Cosa, is looking to expand to new sites after securing a fresh funding injection.

Since opening in Castle Street in March 2016 and offering freshly cooked pastas and salads, the outlet has proved a hit, particularly with workers in the city’s central business district at lunchtimes.

The business was launched by sisters Talia and Kayleigh Baccino who have invested around £100,000 in the company including loans from Liverpool equity and loan provider, MSIF, through the Start Up Loans Fund and the Regional Growth Fund.

Now they have secured another £20,000 after approaching George Wright from the MSIF Finance Hub to help align their views of what was wanted for the future of Pasta Cosa, and how they were going to achieve it.

Buying power

By working closely with the Baccino’s, George was able to support their vision by detailing business plans and providing two years’ worth of financial forecasts; creating visibility to scope all business needs, allowing Kayleigh and Talia to map the goals and direction of the business.

Pasta Cosa now has greater buying power, has grown and safeguarded employee headcount, and further established the business into a better position for additional funding.

It will use the additional funding to grow the business further, not just as an independent retailer, but through expansion to new sites and the development of a potential Pasta Cosa franchise in the coming years.

Daunting experience

Kayleigh Baccino said; “Applying for business funding can be such a daunting experience – preparing cash flows, detailing future business plans and ticking off the dreaded paper work.

“However, the MSIF Finance Hub took all the stress and complication out of the whole experience. George is extremely knowledgeable and very easy to work with. He has a great attitude and really helped us to understand exactly what would fit best with our borrowing requirements.” 

George Wright added: “It has been a delight to work with the Baccino family at Pasta Cosa. They have a keen ambition to continue to grow and develop the business, which has been evident throughout our time working together.”