Tatton Perk barista inspires Knutsford Academy business students

Mark Lee-Kilgariff, owner of Tatton Perk, visited Knutsford Academy to share his experience and advice.

The entrepreneur spoke to students aged 14 and 15 who are studying business GCSE.

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Mark, from Knutsford, launched his mobile coffee business five years ago in a distinctive orange van.

Tatton Perk's iconic orange van (Image: Tatton Perk)

The determined dad-of-two battled to keep his vision alive back in 2019 when his trading hours were severely restricted on the Moor.

Since then, Mark has opened two coffee shops, one beside Moorside duck pond and another serving food at Booth Park.

Tatton Perk has won a Tripadvisor Travellers Choice Award three years on the run after being inundated with five-star reviews.

This week, Mark gave up his time to talk to students about the realities of running your own business.

Mark Lee-Kilgariff, centre, owner of Tatton Perk, with Knutsford Academy students Adam Lawn and Molly Denham (Image: Esther Higgs)

Student Xander Malaney said: “I thought it was really beneficial to learn from an entrepreneur about tips, how he started his business and how he dealt with setbacks.”

Mark, who now employs a dedicated team of staff, said: "I'm so pleased to have been invited.

Mark Lee-Kilgariff outside Tatton Perk's coffee shop at Moorside (Image: Tatton Perk)

“It was a great experience and hopefully a useful one for the students.

“Judging by their insightful questions, there already appears to be some keen business minds at Knutsford Academy.

“I would encourage other local entrepreneurs to get involved and share their experiences with the business owners of the future.”

Mark has been overwhelmed with the support he has received from people in Knutsford (Image: Tatton Perk)

Painstaking attention to detail has always been Mark’s top priority and he only serves Atkinson’s speciality coffee beans from Lancaster.

Mark said: “We always serve the best, fresh coffee we possibly can, everything is done to the highest level.

“We also sell freshly roasted beans to customers to brew at home.”

Local producers have been chosen to supply homemade snacks.

“It has been an exciting journey,” said Mark.

Fiona Routs, head of business and economics at Knutsford Academy said: “Students asked some great questions and were amazed at how hard running a business really is.”