Four months on from opening its doors, Pippatopia is already becoming a popular community space in Smethwick, offering children a dedicated roleplay café experience made possible with support from our Start-Up programme.
Pippatopia is a purpose-built roleplay café created by former science teacher Rachel Butler and named after her daughter, Pippa. The space has been designed to spark imagination, build confidence and support early social development through play. Inspired by challenges she experienced during the pandemic, Rachel set out to develop an inclusive, welcoming environment for local families.
Support from Sandwell Business Growth
Rachel worked closely with our team during the early stages of setting up the business. Through the Start-Up Programme, she secured a £3,000 grant to support branding and took part in a business enterprise course to build essential skills. She was also a member of our Sandwell Start-Up Hub, where she had access to peer support and specialist workshops to shape her idea.
She also received tailored guidance from Helen Peach, our Business Development Coordinatior, who helped her navigate planning processes, environmental health requirements and the search for a suitable venue. This support played a key role in helping Rachel turn her idea into a fully operational business.
A growing community hub
Since opening on Fenton Street, Pippatopia has quickly established itself as a warm and inclusive space for families. Children can explore imaginative roleplay areas, while parents and carers enjoy the opportunity to meet, connect and take part in wellbeing sessions including mindfulness, yoga, crafts and creative workshops.
The business has already created new jobs, with both full-time and part-time staff in place, and Rachel is continuing to explore further opportunities for development.
Rachel says “The support I received from Helen and the Business Growth West Midlands (BGWM) Sandwell team has been truly transformational. From planning applications to meeting environmental health requirements and securing a venue, they supported me every step of the way.
“Pippatopia is more than a roleplay café. It is a joyful, inspiring community space where children can immerse themselves in imaginative play and adults can take a moment to relax. Seeing families enjoy what we have created has been incredibly rewarding.”
Helen Peach added:
“Rachel’s determination and passion have been evident from day one. It has been a privilege to support her journey and we encourage aspiring entrepreneurs to reach out to the BGWM in Sandwell team for guidance.”
Sandwell Business Growth and BGWM Sandwell continue to work with Pippatopia as the business looks at future funding and expansion opportunities.
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