Something More Productive: Withington Café and Bar Brews Up Success with Start Up Loan
- Tuesday, April 15, 2025
- Posted By The Growth Company
Something More Productive, a speciality coffee shop and bar based in Withington, South Manchester, has secured a £25,000 Start Up Loan from GC Business Finance (GCBF), delivered on behalf of the British Business Bank.
Founded in 2023 by Theo Tobias – and his trusty sidekick, cockapoo Roscoe – the business was launched to bring high-quality, speciality coffee to the heart of Withington. Taking inspiration from European café culture, the venue offers a warm, welcoming space for locals by day and transforms into a buzzing bar by night, complete with jazz nights, barista training, wine tastings and quizzes.
Since launching, the business has gained recognition in the latest edition of the Indy Coffee Guide, grown its team from six to nine employees, and increased turnover by 29% year-on-year.
Theo used the Start Up Loan to kit out the space with vital equipment including coffee roasting machines, furniture and roller shutters. The café now boasts strong local ties, sourcing everything from bread to beans from Manchester-based suppliers. Its shutters and coffee mugs are decorated by local artists, and Theo regularly hosts free community events, including a Christmas carol night.
With the business now at full capacity, Theo is looking to bring baking in-house and expand the café’s outdoor seating area – making it weatherproof for Manchester’s famously rainy days.
Theo Tobias, founder of Something More Productive, said:
“Opening a café in Withington has been a long-standing dream. The support from GC Business Finance made that dream a reality, and the growth we’ve seen so far has been amazing. I’m excited to keep building on our success, support more local suppliers, and give the community even more reasons to visit – rain or shine!”
Alex Mearns, Head of Start Up Lending at GC Business Finance, added:
“Theo’s passion for creating a community hub is clear in every part of the business – from working with local artists to partnering with Manchester-based suppliers. He’s a brilliant example of the entrepreneurial spirit we’re proud to support across the region.”
Delyth Edwards, Senior Manager, UK Network at the British Business Bank, said:
“Theo’s journey shows what’s possible with the right mix of ambition, community focus and support. It’s fantastic to see a Start Up Loan helping turn a great idea into a thriving local business – and we can’t wait to see what’s next for Something More Productive.”