“When the site came up it was too good an opportunity to miss. Fortunately, our stronghold in the area locally meant that with NatWest, we had the resources to develop this, close to the opening of Milton Keynes.”

Ben SmithsonOperations Manager

The Aqua team had been looking at opening a Portishead venue for a while. The opportunity to take on a great site – close to the marina and with an outdoor space – came up very soon after the major investment of their Milton Keynes site.

Working with Mark Spooner, Senior Relationship Manager at NatWest’s Bristol office, the Smithsons accessed the funding to open this fifth site. Mark‘s experience as an accredited leisure and hospitality sector specialist ensured that the best deal for the business was secured. The deal ensured that the impact on the business’ cash flow was minimised and the business had the freedom and flexibility to invest in the site to ensure it meets the brand’s high standards.

Aqua’s core values of quality, customer care and attention to detail will be key to this neighbourhood restaurant.

When the Aqua Italia restaurant chain had the opportunity to buy a fifth site in Portishead, Bristol, they needed support to ensure that the new venue was launched in line with their established high standards. A recent acquisition in Milton Keynes had left the owners, the Smithson family, with a cash flow problem. Fortunately, NatWest was there to help.

NatWest helps Aqua Italia restaurant cook up something special

Bristol-based premium restaurant group, Aqua Italia, has opened a new Portishead venture following funding from NatWest. The fifth restaurant in the chain, Aqua Portishead will create 40 local jobs. The funding supported the family run group’s cash flow, allowing them to focus on style and service.

For further information, please contact your Relationship Manager www.business.natwest.com

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