Blackpool Growth Business Academy support community with Come Cook With Us

With support from the Blackpool Growth Business Academy, Rob Parr, founder of Come Cook With Us on Central Drive, is helping people in his community learn how to cook simple, healthy meals.

Rob’s motivation stemmed from his experience of seeing how limited cooking knowledge can affect health and wellbeing, particularly in communities where healthy foods can feel financially or practically out of reach.

“A lot of people ignore the need to eat healthily, or they’ve simply never been shown how to cook,” Rob explains.

“I want to give people confidence and know-how in the kitchen. I want to provide skills they can take home and use for life.”

The new kitchen offers relaxed, hands-on cooking sessions five nights a week, welcoming people of all ages and backgrounds. Alongside Rob, a dedicated team of volunteers supports each session, helping participants develop new skills in a friendly, inclusive environment.

Rob said: “We always need volunteers.

“The volunteers we have are just as passionate as I am, and they love seeing the impact of people gaining essential new skills. It is wonderful to see people willing to give their time to support their community, and we often have volunteers call into the kitchen to see how they can help.”

While Rob has previous experience running a business, he recognised that launching a community-focused venture brought different challenges. To ensure Come Cook With Us was both impactful and sustainable, he sought guidance from the Blackpool Growth Business Academy.

Through the Academy, Rob worked with Growth Specialist John Townsend, who supported him to explore his business strategy and clarify his thinking.

Rob added: “John is very enthusiastic and extremely knowledgeable.

“Listening to him really helped. I already understood some of what he was talking about from my previous management roles, but he explained it in a way that complemented my experience. I wanted reassurance that I was heading in the right direction, and John’s support helped me develop my ideas and my business plan.”

Come Cook With Us is already demonstrating its impact. Many people are taking the opportunity to improve their cooking skills as well as find connection and encouragement. With strong foundations in place, Rob is now planning to expand the to offer additional locations across the Fylde Coast, particularly in deprived areas.  

“The Academy’s support has been invaluable in creating a sustainable business,” he explains. “I know I’ll be able to reach out again as I work towards expansion.”

Rob is clear about the value of the Blackpool Growth Business Academy for businesses at any stage.

“I’d recommend the Blackpool Growth Business Academy to all businesses in Blackpool, whatever point they’re at in their journey. It’s invaluable to listen to someone like John.

"He’s knowledgeable and can quickly identify where your business plan needs refining, or where there are opportunities for growth. John brings an independent, clear-headed way of thinking, stepping back from emotion and familiarity, allows you to see what’s really in front of you, and where your business can go next.”

Read more about how the Blackpool Growth Business Academy has supported other local businesses on their growth journey here.