Community cohesion is every bit as important as flavour combinations for restaurant owner Martin ‘Mr Bigz’ Mwale.

Staffordshire University business management alumni, Martin is the owner of Mr Bigz Flavours restaurant and cocktail bar in Alsager.

“What I run here is much more than a business,” said Martin, who is also a DJ and cake baker.

“When people come in they want to know more about the food, the flavours and where it originates from. I give them food for thought and the history behind every dish.

“People always learn something when they eat here. They learn more about different cultures.”

Martin, originally from Etruria, has been running his Alsager business for a year and a half and is now hoping to open a second premises in Crewe.

“We get really good community support from people in Alsager. It’s about community cohesion – we’re bringing different types of backgrounds together,” he said.

“We did a Christmas event in Crewe and a huge crowd of people were saying we should open up there too. I’m hoping we can expand in a few months time.”

Martin completed a foundation degree in business management at Staffordshire University, a course which he says ‘changed his life’.

Martin’s other ventures include a cake business, he has worked in the care services sector and he mentors young people.

Martin Mwale has entered the Alumni Business Person of the Year and Business in the Community categories of the Staffordshire University Business Awards.