​A Stafford cafe owner who transformed a town centre unit into a thriving community hub has been named the British Business Bank’s 2026 Start Up Loans Ambassador for the West Midlands.
​Natasha Duncan, who founded Monk & Smuggler in St Mary’s Mews alongside her partner Nathan, was chosen from hundreds of business owners across the region. The prestigious national programme showcases inspiring entrepreneurs from across the UK who have successfully built independent businesses with the support of government-backed funding.
​The national recognition comes just weeks after Monk & Smuggler topped a community vote run by The Stafford Spotter, where local residents nominated the venue as their favourite spot for a hot drink.
​From corporate work to high street success
​Natasha launched Monk & Smuggler two years ago after leaving her corporate hospitality job to start her own business.
​To turn her vision into reality, she secured an initial £12,280 Start Up Loan in 2024 followed by a second loan of £2,720, using the funding to purchase kitchen equipment, commercial fridges, and cafe furniture.
​Since opening its doors in St Mary’s Mews, the coffee shop has grown to employ eight staff members, with Natasha actively supporting team members in pursuing further education alongside their roles.
​Beyond speciality coffee and food, the cafe has established itself as an active community gathering space, hosting two oversubscribed book clubs, a running club, and creative craft workshops. The business also regularly supports local organisations and charities, including Stafford Women’s Aid, local food banks, and homelessness charities such as House of Bread.
​Natasha said: “I am privileged to meet wonderful local people daily. I have laughed with couples about to get married and cried with people who have lost someone they loved. Our cafe exists to be a place of peace.
​”My advice to anyone starting out would be to go for it. Starting a business is challenging but it is also incredibly rewarding. It is completely normal to have doubts about whether everything will work out as planned, but you learn so much along the way. You have just got to give it everything you have got from day one, keep learning, and keep going.”
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​Celebrating Punjabi heritage on the menu
​Although born in Derby, Natasha’s Punjabi heritage plays a central role in the cafe’s seasonal menus, which celebrate the traditional chai served by her grandmother during her childhood.
​Named “Bibi’s Chai”, the drink is freshly prepared using traditional ground whole spices. The flavours also inspire seasonal dishes across the autumn menu, including Bibi’s chai spiced apple granola and a spiced apple and parsnip soup.
​Supporting the next generation of founders
​As part of her ambassador role, Natasha will take part in a year-long programme sharing practical guidance, lessons, and encouragement with prospective business owners taking their first steps into trading.
​Louise McCoy, Managing Director of Start Up Loans at the British Business Bank, said: “As the government seeks to improve high streets, Monk & Smuggler is an example of a Start Up Loans-supported business that is occupying physical premises, supporting its local community, and creating jobs.
​”Starting a business is never easy, but founders like Natasha and Nathan prove that with practical support, belief and access to finance, great ideas can become successful businesses.”
​Since launching in 2012, the Start Up Loans initiative has delivered over £1.4 billion in funding across the UK, including £120 million to founders across the West Midlands.
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