Children’s roleplay café opens with backing from business support programme

A new children’s roleplay café and community space has opened its doors in Smethwick after being backed by a business support fund that is helping to drive Mayor Richard Parker’s plan to grow the economy. 

Pippatopia is a vibrant, purpose-designed, inclusive space founded by former science teacher Rachel Butler and named after her daughter Pippa. 

Driven by her own experiences and the challenges she faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, Rachel was determined to create a space that was accessible, inclusive and designed to spark imagination, build confidence and social skills through play. 

Rachel’s vision for Pippatopia, which offers a warm and inclusive welcome to families, has been shaped and realised with support from Business Growth West Midlands (BGWM) Sandwell.  

She received a £3,000 start-up grant through the BGWM Start-Up Programme to help with branding and she also took a business enterprise course to learn key skills. 

Advice and guidance from BGWM account manager Helen Peach helped Rachel overcome key early-stage business hurdles — including planning and grant applications. 

Rachel said: “The support I received from Helen and BGWM Sandwell has been truly transformational, helping me to make my vision a reality.  

“From supporting me with planning applications and meeting environmental health requirements, to securing a suitable venue, the team has helped me every step of the way to bring my vision for Pippatopia to life.  

““Pippatopia is more than just a role play café. It’s a vibrant community hub. A place where parents and carers can meet, connect, share stories, and enjoy dedicated moments for themselves. From floristry and mindfulness to crafts and yoga, we believe parents deserve as much inspiration and joy as the little ones they bring through our doors.  

“I wanted to create a joyful, inspiring space where kids can just be kids — and adults can enjoy a break with great coffee. There’s something special about watching your child fully immersed in imaginative play, and that’s what Pippatopia is all about.” 

Pippatopia, which is located on Fenton Street, has also created jobs, with Rachel taking on a full-time and part-time staff member - and has plans for further growth.  

BGWM was set up by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) and is run in partnership with its seven local authority members. 

The service is helping to drive the Mayor’s plans to reignite the regional economy by providing thousands of SMEs every year with tailored packages to help them grow, adopt digital technologies, transition to new supply chains, and access funding.  

The Mayor said: “It’s fantastic that Rachel, with the support of our business growth teams, has realised her dream of setting up her own business and created a wonderful resource for local families in the process. 

“Our business community is the lifeblood of our economy, and its success is key to making the West Midlands a great place to live, work, and do business.   

“That’s why my forthcoming West Midlands Growth Plan will include a focus on giving businesses the funding and support they need to develop, create jobs, and drive our economy forward.” 

Sandwell Cabinet Member for Business and Skills, Coun Khatun added: “We know that Sandwell’s story has always been one of making things and people making it. This year you will see lots of stories shared by the council about our local success stories -people who have made it in Sandwell. 

“It was a real pleasure to be at the opening and to watch Rachel’s business plans come to fruition. We hope that other Sandwell people with a business idea look at this and see that there is support and help available for you to make it as well.”  

Helen said: “Rachel’s passion and determination have been inspirational. It’s been a privilege to help her navigate this journey.

“There is a lot to think about when starting up a business and I encourage all budding entrepreneurs to get support from the BGWM team so they too can realise their dream.” 

The venue offers immersive roleplay areas for young children, a dedicated sensory room, and regular inclusive sessions designed to support families, including young people with Special Educational Needs or Disabilities (SEND). 

Rachel also received support through the Skills Work Enterprise and Development Agency (SWEDA) that help run a business focused community hub funded though the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA). 

The official launch of Pippatopia was attended by supporters and partners, including Coun Khatun the council’s chief executive Shokat Lal. 

BGWM Sandwell continues to work with Rachel as the business explores further funding and growth opportunities, building on a strong foundation for long-term sustainable growth. 

For more information and opening times see: www.pippatopia.co.uk