How This Couple Built a Restaurant Food Critics Can't Ignore

This episode wraps up our 'Startup to Standout' mini-series, presented in partnership with Lloyds Bank. In this final episode, Jake joins Thomas and Gemma, the passionate duo behind ‘L'Hexagone Bistro Français’, a charming restaurant that celebrates the rich flavours of French cuisine right in the heart of Norwich. The couple chat about the journey that led them to open their doors in Norwich, from their love of French cuisine to the excitement and nerves of launching their own restaurant. They open up about the inspiration behind their brand and the courage it took to break into the restaurant scene together. They also discuss balancing the demands of parenting with running a bustling restaurant, along with the tough times they faced, especially when COVID-19 hit just as they were getting started. Thomas and Gemma share the valuable lessons they’ve learned, from weathering setbacks to finding the resilience to keep going, encouraging anyone with a business idea to take the leap if their vision is clear. Lloyds Bank is here to help businesses like L'Hexagone thrive. With guidance, funding, and personalised support, they empower entrepreneurs to take that leap, whether it's opening a new location or just starting out.

Jake is also joined by Elyn Corfield, CEO of Business and Commercial Banking at Lloyds, to reflect on the conversations he has had during this series and discuss the challenges and opportunities for entrepreneurs in today’s business landscape. Elyn also talks about some of the initiatives Lloyds Bank offers to support founders through those challenging early years of business