Less than a month after January’s Food Producers Network event, I caught up with Cafe Allez! to see what had happened since they stepped outside their comfort zone and walked into the room. As it turns out, quite a lot.

A conversation that turned into a new trading opportunity

Via the Food Producers Network, I introduced Mark, a director of Cafe Allez! to Hugh Brown, CEO of Melton Mowbray Market. Just a short chat later, doors began to open.

As a result of attending the Food Producers Network:

• Cafe Allez! has secured a Wednesday trading slot at the Cattle Market with their much‑loved vintage van, Henri.
• They’ve also been invited to trade at three Melton Food Partnership Festivals later this year.
• And they’re in early discussions with a local producer and hospitality venue exploring the potential supply of cakes.

All from one networking event.

Mark admitted the idea of going “terrified him,” but he walked away glad he’d taken the leap and keen to attend again. He has also been speaking to other businesses and recommending that they do the same, offering to be the friendly face that they can reach out and talk to in the room.

A Business Built on Passion, Resilience and… Coffee

Mark’s journey began after a long career at Mars. At a crossroads in 2017, he decided to finally create the business he and his partner Claire had dreamed of: combining his love of coffee, classic cars and cycling into a travelling vintage coffee van.

They first set up at Belvoir Castle, before the Engine Yard existed where they quickly became a favourite stop for walkers and, of course, cyclists. As demand grew, they moved into a larger home on-site and operated through the pandemic, adapting creatively to outdoor-only service and thriving through a tough period for hospitality.

When their lease ended, Mark and Claire reshaped the business into three complementary strands:

1. The Mobile Coffee Van (Henri)
Taking speciality coffee to events and locations around the country- from Melton to locations around the country. They can also provide hot breakfasts and lunches for corporate clients.

2. Coffesultancy (Barista Training)
Mark now trains other businesses in how to make coffee that is, in his words,
“en‑pointe every time, as fast as you can.”

His coffeesultancy business allows the Cafe Allez! quality to reach far and wide, as well as its cakes and bakes…

3. Claire’s Baking Business, Allez! Bakes Limited
Claire supplies cakes wholesale to cafés and coffee shops across the region, allowing her focus to be on fulfilling her own passion for baking.

This structure gives them work–life balance and keeps them focused on what they love most: sharing great coffee and great cake.

Supporting Others and Strengthening Melton’s Food Community

One unexpected benefit of joining the Food Producers Network was the chance to give back. Mark enjoyed offering advice to newer businesses and connecting with other producers facing similar challenges.

He also spoke passionately about Melton’s food scene and sees real potential in the Stockyard vision, even as a potential future base for their business. With their current work split between home and a bakery unit in Scalford (which is itself expanding), new possibilities for collaboration and growth continue to emerge.

A Perfect Example of What the Food Producers Network Can Do

Cafe Allez!’s experience highlights exactly why the Food Producers Network exists: it really shows the power of simply turning up. From trading slots and festival invitations to new partnerships that spark from casual conversations, the opportunities that come from being in the room are huge. It’s also a genuine space to share knowledge, where producers support each other’s growth through practical advice, shared experiences and professional connections. Those relationships strengthen our local supply chains too, helping businesses discover how they can work together, whether that’s coffee, cake, new locations in need of refreshments or anything in between. And above all, the network builds confidence. Even well‑established business owners leave feeling inspired, motivated and reassured by the supportive community around them.

Quick-fire Q&A with Mark

☕ What’s Mark ordering at Cafe Allez?
Flat white + Date and Orange Slice

🍽 Favourite place to eat in Melton?
Soi or Purple Garlic — and he’s keen to try the Noels Arms

🎬 Perfect Melton evening?
A trip to the Regal Cinema and dinner at Bellini’s

🏆 Best coffee in town (aside from his)?
ReFeel Coffee on Leicester Street