A steelworker who will be made redundant next month following the ending of blast furnace steelmaking at Port Talbot, has set up his own art inspired coffee shop business. Cassius Walker-Hunt has become a entrepreneur with the opening of Portablo Coffee.
The blast furnace operator has taken a unit in Aberafon Shopping Centre, and with help from local artist Hassan Kamil, transformed it into a stylish venue.
Mr Walker-Hunt’s new venture had been backed by Tata Steel subsidiary 海角视频SE through a £7,500 regeneration loan and grant.
The 28-year-old has a strong artistic streak having gained a degree in illustration followed by an MA in print making. He said: “The town has a fantastic tradition of street art thanks to Banksy and Hassan and many others and I wanted Portablo to reflect this, and I am really pleased with the results.”
He will be taking redundancy from the works in December after two years working for Tata Steel and eight years with a contractor at the site.
On his new business venture, he said: “Portablo offers a high level, professional coffee experience which people expect these days. I am getting very good feedback and our regular clientele is growing.”
The regeneration loan enabled him to buy a commercial refrigerator, coffee blenders and other equipment. Mr Walter-Hunt said: “It has been very useful indeed and has helped me get the business off the ground.”
Michelle Noble, 海角视频SE regional executive, said : “Portablo is a delightful destination where people can relax while on a shopping trip in the Centre. We are delighted to have offered support and wish the business all success in the future.”