Port Talbot, Men of Steel: Cassius Walker Hunt and small businesses

This video is one of several interviews about the end of primary steel making in Port Talbot, Wales, UK.

Blast furnace operator Cassius has taken a unit in Aberafon Shopping Centre, and with help from local artist Hassan Kamil, transformed it into a stylish coffee shop.

The change has come about with support from Tata Steel subsidiary UKSE, who provided Cassius with a £7,500 Regeneration Loan and Grant.

The 28-year-old has a strong arty side himself having gained a Degree in Illustration followed by an MA in Print Making. “The town has a fantastic tradition of street art thanks to Banksy and Hassan and many others and I wanted Portablo to reflect this, and I am really pleased with the results,” he said.

He will be taking redundancy from the works in December after two years working for Tata Steel and eight years with a contractor at the site.

He feels his new career will make a contribution to the life of the town. “Portablo offers a high level, professional coffee experience which people expect these days. I am getting very good feedback and our regular clientele is growing.”

The Regeneration Loan enabled Cassius to buy a commercial refrigerator, coffee blenders and other equipment. “It has been very useful indeed and has helped me get the business off the ground.”

Text courtesy of TATA Steel uk