Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Coffee chain cups for £2m Bob&bert’s plan to double number of outlets
ANORTHERN Ireland coffee chain has received £2million of funding to double its presence here. Bob&berts already has 16 shops and plans to open an additional 30.
Once opened, the new stores will create up to 600 new full time jobs.
BGF, a specialist investor in small and medium-sized companies, is behind the funding, its third in Northern Ireland so far.
Colin Mcclean, co-owner of Bob &Berts, said: “We have successfully opened 10 new stores in the last two years and are looking to open a further 30 in the next four years.
“Working with BGF will enable us to accelerate our growth and we are now actively looking at sites in Northern Ireland, Scotland and the Republic.
“Fundamental to our growth plans will be maintaining the culture and the ethos which has mad Bob& Berts a hit with our customers.”
The chain was founded in Portstewart, Co Derry, by Colin, his father Arnold and brother-in- law David Ferguson.
They recognised the market opportunity to create a differentiated offering, with a focus on satisfying demand for quality coffee and fresh food, including breakfast, lunch and dinner.
BGF makes long-term investments and holds non-controlling stakes in the companies it supports.
As part of its investment, Mohan Mansigani will be joining the board of Bob&berts as non-executive chair.
He was instrumental in establishing the growth model for Costa Coffee in the UK.
Patrick Graham, Head of BGF’S Northern Ireland and Central Scotland team, said: “We are excited to begin working with Colin and David who, in a short period, have successfully developed a strong brand with significant growth potential.
“This investment, along with the introduction of Mohan, who brings a wealth of experience to the company, will help unlock their desire and drive to expand significantly in the coming years and we look forward to partnering with the business.”