Inspired by his family’s trattoria in Milan, Massimo started his business in April this year, and saw immediate success with a long queue of hungry customers from day one. He makes all the pizzas by hand and runs the food business with his 22-year-old son Michael.

Up until this point, he has been using a small, rented, vintage-style food truck to bake and sell pizzas, but Massimo quickly realised that there was an opportunity to develop his business further. With £25,000 funding from the British Business Bank’s Start Up Loans programme and DSL Business Finance, he has recently been able to buy his own truck, and he is now looking to expand his menu and add additional staff.

Don Basilico is one of 476 businesses in Fife to receive support since the Start Up Loans programme started in 2012. Its founder was the recipient of the four millionth pound of funding provided to entrepreneurs in the region.

Massimo Panarella said: “Cooking is one of my biggest passions, and I’ve always wanted to run my own business. When I found a fully equipped van for hire, I jumped at the opportunity. I managed to hit the ground running this year, and it’s been a fantastic journey so far.

“In the beginning, we were only open during evenings, because I had another full-time job at the time. Business quickly took off, and we noticed there was a demand for lunch as the food truck is situated in a busy area on Dunniker Estate so, after five months, I decided to leave my other job and focus on Don Basilico.

“The truck I’ve been renting is very small, and I didn’t know how to finance the expansion I needed to grow my business. The funding and support from DSL Business Finance was an essential stepping stone in Don Basilico’s next phase and I’m very grateful for all the help I’ve received from my business adviser and the British Business Bank.

“I’m hoping to employ an additional member of staff now that we have a bigger space. We have been really busy but, as the weather gets colder, I would like to be able to offer a delivery service as well to keep the business going over the winter months.”

Barry McCulloch, senior manager of UK Network, Scotland, at the British Business Bank, said: “With a challenging market to break into, Don Basilico is a shining example of how determination and the proper support can transform dreams into a thriving reality.

“Reaching £4 million of funding to business in Fife is testament to the success of the Start Up Loans programme and also demonstrates the wide range of entrepreneurialism across the region.”

Rekha Welsh, loan officer, DSL Business Finance, said: “We are delighted to have been a part of Don Basilico’s journey.

“Massimo’s passion and dedication to his business is truly inspiring, and we’re pleased to have played a role in helping him achieve his vision. We look forward to continuing our support as he expands and grows his venture.”