Coffee chain brews up jobs

Firm to create 600 posts at new cafes

NORTHERN Ireland coffee chain Bob & Berts has revealed expansion plans to open 30 new stores and create 600 jobs.

The company intends to launch more cafes here and in Scotland and the Republic following a £2million boost from investment firm BGF.

The business has 16 stores across Northern Ireland in locations including Belfast, Coleraine, Lisburn, Omagh and Dungannon.

Co-owner Colin Mcclean, who founded the firm in Portstewart along with his dad Arnold and brother-in-law David Ferguson, said: “The business is growing quickly and we are ambitious to take the next step.

“We have successfully opened 10 new stores in the past two years and are looking to open a further 30 over the next four years. “Working with BGF will enable us to accelerate our growth plans and we are now actively looking at sites in Northern Ireland, Scotland and the Republic.” David added: “When we first set up Bob & Berts we wanted to offer something different to large multinational coffee chains.

“Our branding, food selection and interior design sets us apart from our competition and we believe we have created an environment which encourages people to relax. All of our new cafes will be created with this culture in mind.”

Bob & Berts is the third firm here to secure funding from BGF following its investments in housebuilder Braidwater and waste management experts Riverridge.