Leeds Beckett University graduate to launch mobile cocktail bar business in London

A Leeds Beckett University graduate has launched his Leeds-based mobile cocktail bar business, Mix & Twist, in London.

James Abbott graduated from Leeds Beckett University in 2011 with a BA (Hons) degree in Business Studies. After writing a business plan as part of his final year of study, James set up Mix & Twist less than a year after graduating.

Mix & Twist was established through the use of virtual office space within Leeds Beckett’s University Business Centres.

James was then able to secure a startup loan of £4,500 which he used to buy mobile bars, equipment, glassware and to pay for rent. His first event was a store opening for a designer kitchen company based in Leeds.

After working alone for the first two years, James now has more than 30 team members across the country.

James is now setting up a base for Mix & Twist in London, as well as launching a new product – cocktail masterclass in a box.

James explained: “The masterclass in a box is launching at the end of May. It delivers everything you need to have fun making cocktails at home – including a virtual bartender to run through the class for you.”

The news follows on from James winning the Independent Business of the Year at the Yorkshire Choice Awards earlier this month.

James continued: “Whilst studying business at Leeds Beckett, one of the modules required a business plan to be created. I had to think hard and come up with something based around my current skills that would be financially viable.

“As I worked part-time in a high-end, city centre cocktail bar with excellent training, this was one of my most unique talents. So I looked into hiring myself out as a cocktail bartender with a mobile bar for parties and events.

“Throughout developing the plan, which started as something I had to do for part of my course, I became extremely excited and realised this was something I wanted for real.

He added: “Alongside this, I was completing my personal and professional development module, which turned out to be one of the most valuable from my whole time at University. It made me evaluate which career I wanted to go into after graduating, of which I found the answer was entrepreneur.”

“To win the Independent Business of the Year Award is testament to the hard work the team have been putting into our growth planning that has seen the company reach 300 per cent growth over the past couple of years.”