ONE man and his van is hoping to bring the town of Knutsford together over its love of coffee, wine, treats and fine meats.

Liam Bergin, of Albert Street, recently launched a new mobile catering company Little Man Catering and has built his business around using and supporting Knutsford suppliers wherever possible.

The father-of-three took a gamble setting up the business solo but his leap of faith has paid off with his barista van fast becoming a familiar sight around the town.

Liam said: “People’s response has been brilliant. I should have done it ages ago. I have a job now that makes people smile, who wouldn’t want that?”

The 42-year-old, who has worked as a coffee and wine merchant in the past, hopes his enterprise will comprise of four different areas. Firstly, Liam will be continuing to cater for events at Toft Cricket Club and Knutsford Rugby Club, something he has being doing for some months.

Secondly, his signature three wheeled piaggio van will be making more appearances around Knutsford, dispensing espresso based drinks, such as cappuccino, latte and espresso. Liam is licensed to park up at places coffee may be in demand, such as the Knutsford entrance to Tatton, the station and the playground on the Moor and the van is also available to hire for parties.

Thirdly, Liam hopes to cater at homes, ensuring the hosts can make the most of their party and last but not least, wine tasting parties.

With 10 years wine trade experience, Liam will use his knowledge to deliver an educational experience using wine and food sourced from the town.

Supporting independent Knutsford and Cheshire based business is a passion of Liam’s and he believes that Knutsford has the capacity to become self-sufficient with if businesses joined in partnership.

As well as catering at some of Knutsford’s older institutions, Liam buys his meat, fruit and vegetables, ice-cream and coffee from suppliers within a 20 mile radius.

“As a town we’d all be horrified if the independent butcher and greengrocers disappeared,” Liam said.

“This is a real driving force when I decided to start and name my business and I feel it’s important for all of us within the local community to support our local producers in any way we can.”

For more information on Little Man Catering call Liam on 0754071922 or visit littlemancatering.co.uk.