"Fuel your adventure. Fuel your fitness. Fuel your soul."

Fuel Kitchen & Coffee started as a dream around two years ago. Shell had long wanted to create something of her own which combined her three passions - food, the outdoors and health & wellbeing, but initially she didn’t have the confidence to take the leap. After spending years working in hospitality, she knew the industry well and had developed the skills and experience needed to run a business.

Launchpad helped provide the confidence and support needed to finally turn that dream into a reality.

"I always had the skills to run a successful business. What I lacked wasn't ability - it was the belief that I could do it for myself."

Starting the Journey

Fuel Kitchen & Coffee officially launched in December 2025. Before opening, Shell already had experience in the sector and a clear understanding of what customers wanted, but Launchpad provided valuable reassurance, networking opportunities and guidance.

The first plan focused on operating from a catering trailer but Shell wanted to try to start and grow the business without taking out any loans. Eventually she decided to convert her VW Transporter, and the finished result is just incredible.

The transporter will initially offer grab & go snacks which will include fuel boxes, energy snacks, porridge pots & much more. Everything is focussed on providing the right fuel for those who are getting active - walkers, runners, cyclists, gym go-ers.

After discussions with advisers and further market research, plus opportunities from organisations in the local area, the business has evolved into something much more unique.

Shell credits Launchpad Barnsley for helping her challenge assumptions, refine her ideas and gain the confidence to pursue a stronger business model.

Finding a Unique Position

Fuel Kitchen & Coffee is and will be more than just a mobile food outlet. The business combines fresh food, quality coffee and wellbeing with the aim of creating a welcoming environment where customers can enjoy nutritious food and drinks, all while feeling part of an active community.

Support Received Through Launchpad

Launchpad support included:
- Business planning guidance
- Confidence building
- Networking opportunities
- Access to advice and expertise
- Help refining and validating the business model

Shell highlighted how useful it was to speak to advisers and challenge ideas before investing significant time and money.

Growth and Diversification

At the time of writing, Fuel Kitchen & Coffee is securing contracts for the transporter to park & trade in a variety of exciting locations. The concept is similar to a pop-up café but Shell’s business focuses on great fuel, with even greater service! Current opportunities include local gyms in the area that do not have café facilities, sporting events and wider community events.

Shell has also secured agreements with other locations that already have their own food outlets but want to stock her produce as part of their more nutritious offering.

Community Impact

Community has become a major part of the business and will continue to be as the business grows. Fuel Kitchen & Coffee has already delivered cookery workshops, community-based sessions, partnerships with local leisure centres, and activities linked to schools and community hubs.

The business has recently delivered workshops at local schools as part of an after school offering and continues to explore new opportunities to engage people through food and wellbeing.

Looking Ahead

Looking ahead, Shell's vision for Fuel extends far beyond great food and coffee. She is developing a programme of cookery workshops and after-school cookery clubs designed to educate, build confidence in the kitchen and encourage healthier food choices. In the long term, she hopes to establish a permanent home for Fuel that serves as a true community hub – a welcoming space for meet-ups, support groups, creative and educational sessions, and a natural meeting point for runners, cyclists and walkers to start and finish their activities together.

Future plans also include expanding further into sporting and endurance events across the region and beyond, growing the mobile catering operation, investing in additional equipment, creating new income streams and continuing to diversify the business.

One key achievement has been growing the business without taking on loans, allowing profits to be reinvested into equipment and future growth opportunities.

What Launchpad Helped Achieve

Reflecting on the journey, Shell believes Launchpad played an important role in helping turn an idea into a sustainable and growing business. The support provided her the confidence to start, the guidance to adapt the business model when needed, and the encouragement to keep moving forward even when times have felt tough.

“Launchpad helped me turn an idea into a business and gave me the confidence to believe I could do it. They helped me realise that success isn't always about sticking rigidly to the original plan. By being open to change, building new connections and embracing new opportunities, I've been able to grow a stronger, more sustainable business that I'm incredibly proud of."

This has enabled Fuel Kitchen & Coffee to develop from a single business idea into a growing brand with multiple income streams, growing community links and ambitious plans for the future.

We can’t wait to see how Shell’s business grows over the coming months, and we will be sure to share her successes with you all.

More information about the comprehensive range of free-to-access business support services can be found at: https://enterprisingbarnsley.co.uk/start